Title 24 · California Energy Code

Which appliances, systems and building components must be certified before installation?

Before installing any manufactured appliance, system or building component covered by Title 24 Part 6, confirm the manufacturer has certified it per Part 6 rules — appliances in Title 20 §1601 must be Energy Commission‑certified, and other Part 6 products require a manufacturer’s declaration or Commission‑approved listing; acceptable proof is limited to the Commission’s directory, an application + acceptance letter, a publisher confirmation, or a Commission label (see **§ 110.0**, **§ 110.1**, and **§ 100.0(h)**).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

In plain terms: any manufactured system, equipment, appliance or building component covered by Part 6 may only be installed if the manufacturer has certified it complies with the applicable Part 6 manufacturing provisions and the product meets the applicable installation requirements. This general rule is stated in § 110.0 and the Appliance‑specific rule is in § 110.1 . Part 6 also limits installations in newly constructed buildings to devices that are certified as specified by § 100.0(h) .

The single most important rule: you cannot install a Part 6-regulated manufactured product in new construction unless the manufacturer has certified it to meet the applicable Part 6 requirements and you can document that certification. § 110.0

Requirements in detail

Who must be certified

  • Appliances that are in the scope of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20 §1601) — these appliances “may be installed only if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer” per § 110.1(a) .
  • Any system, equipment, appliance or building component that Part 6 or the Reference Appendices require to be certified — these must be accompanied by a manufacturer’s declaration executed under penalty of perjury stating compliance, and, where a test procedure exists, that testing used the Part 6 test method — see § 110.0(b)2 .
  • In short: if the product is listed in Sections 110.1–110.12 (or other Part 6 tables/appendices), it is subject to the certification rule in § 110.0 .

What counts as acceptable proof of certification

Acceptable ways to confirm certification status are limited to the items listed in § 110.0(b)3:

  • A Commission (Energy Commission) published or approved directory (for example the Energy Commission appliance database), or
  • A copy of the manufacturer’s application for certification plus the Energy Commission staff’s letter of acceptance, or
  • Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission‑approved directory that the device is certified, or
  • A Commission‑approved label on the device.
    (These are the only authorized confirmation methods in § 110.0(b)3.)

What to do when certification data are not available

If the usual directories/data sources do not provide verification, § 110.1(c) describes fallback procedures: compliance may be demonstrated by default to mandatory efficiency levels, by approved alternative procedures, or by following Commission‑approved field test protocols (or other Commission actions such as DOE waiver situations) — see § 110.1(c) .

Quick decision table

Item type or decision point What must be true Who provides/accepts the evidence Code Reference
Appliance within Title 20 §1601 scope Manufacturer has certified to the Energy Commission Energy Commission certified appliance database (or equivalent directory) § 110.1(a)
Other Part‑6 required systems/equipment/components Manufacturer’s declaration under penalty of perjury that product complies; tested per Part 6 test procedures if applicable Manufacturer declaration + testing records where applicable § 110.0(b)2
Acceptable proof of certification Must be one of: CEC directory; manufacturer application + acceptance letter; written confirmation from directory publisher; or Commission‑approved label Directory listing, application+acceptance letter, publisher confirmation, or label § 110.0(b)3
When data not available or appliance site‑modified Use default mandatory efficiencies or Commission‑approved procedures / field test protocols Follow procedures in § 110.1(c) § 110.1(c)
Scope of application (new construction vs. alterations) Requirements of Sections 110.0–110.12 apply to newly constructed buildings; some apply to additions/alterations per other sections See note to § 110.0 and related alteration sections § 110.0 (Note) and § 100.0(h)

Exceptions & special cases

  • Field‑fabricated products: some product categories (e.g., field‑fabricated fenestration) are treated differently in their specific subsections — check the specific § (for example, § 110.6 for fenestration) for exceptions. The general certification rule in § 110.0 still governs manufactured products listed in Part 6.
  • When verification data are unavailable: § 110.1(c) allows alternate methods (default to mandatory efficiency levels or Commission‑approved procedures) when certified data are unavailable, when field verification protocols are not approved, when appliances are site‑modified, or when DOE waivers create ambiguity. Follow the specific steps in § 110.1(c).
  • New construction focus: Sections 110.0–110.12 are written for newly constructed buildings; different rules may apply for alterations/additions (see the notes in § 110.0 and the referenced alteration sections).

Common mistakes

  • Assuming any manufacturer claim on a spec sheet or private label is sufficient. The code limits acceptable proof to the Commission directory, an application + acceptance letter, publisher confirmation, or a Commission label — see § 110.0(b)3 .
  • Forgetting that appliances covered by Title 20 §1601 must be certified to the Energy Commission (not just claimed) — check the Energy Commission database before installation per § 110.1(a) .
  • Installing a site‑modified appliance without following the alternate demonstration procedures in § 110.1(c) — site modification that affects performance triggers those alternate paths.
  • Treating Part 6 certification as a local owner/installer testing obligation — Part 6 explicitly does not require the builder/designer/enforcing agency to independently test certified devices to confirm minimum specs/efficiencies (note to § 110.0).

Worked example — grocery store rooftop HVAC + commercial reach‑in refrigerator

Scenario: A general contractor for a new grocery store plans to install:

  • A rooftop packaged space‑conditioning unit to serve sales floor (Category A), and
  • A commercial reach‑in refrigeration cabinet (a regulated appliance).

Step 1 — Determine scope:

  • The rooftop packaged unit is a manufactured system likely covered in Sections 110.2 (space‑conditioning) et seq.; § 110.0 requires manufacturer certification for systems listed in Sections 110.1–110.12 before installation. So the unit is subject to certification per § 110.0.
  • The reach‑in refrigeration is an appliance that likely falls under the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20 §1601). If so, § 110.1(a) requires it be certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer.

Step 2 — Verify certification evidence:

  • For the refrigerator: search the Energy Commission certified appliance database for the model. If the database shows the model with a certification ID, that is acceptable proof per § 110.0(b)3.
  • For the rooftop unit: obtain the manufacturer’s declaration stating compliance with the applicable Section (e.g., 110.2 requirements) and, if the equipment is subject to a specific Part 6 test, ensure test method compliance is declared. Keep either the Commission directory entry, the application + acceptance letter, publisher confirmation, or the Commission label. If the manufacturer cannot produce certification and the product is listed in Part 6 as requiring certification, do not install until certification is provided or you follow the alternate procedures in § 110.1(c).

Step 3 — Example numbers (documentation trail):

  • Refrigerator model ABC‑123: manufacturer’s application accepted by the Commission on 06/15/2025 (retain the acceptance letter). Evidence: application + acceptance letter (acceptable per § 110.0(b)3B).
  • Rooftop unit model RTU‑45: manufacturer declaration dated 06/20/2025 stating compliance with Sections 110.2 and tested per Part 6 test procedure XYZ. Evidence: manufacturer declaration plus Commission‑approved directory listing (if listed). If no directory listing exists, follow § 110.1(c) fallback procedures.

If the contractor installs either unit without the proper evidence, the product is not compliant with Part 6 installation limits and may be rejected by the enforcing agency per § 100.0(h) and § 110.0. file

Related provisions

  • § 110.2 — Mandatory requirements (and manufacturer certification) for space‑conditioning equipment.
  • § 110.6 — Certification and testing requirements for fenestration products and exterior doors (manufactured, not field‑fabricated).
  • § 110.5 — Requirements limiting pilot lights on certain gas equipment; example of a mandatory installation restriction in Part 6.
  • § 160.3 / NA7 (Reference Appendices) — Acceptance testing and Certificates of Acceptance for equipment and systems where acceptance testing is required. (See the Reference Nonresidential Appendix and the Certificate of Acceptance requirements.)
  • § 100.0(h) — Part 6 limitation that installation of manufactured products is limited to those certified as specified in §§ 110.0 and 110.1.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • § 100.1 High relevance — show source text

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    FIGURE 100.1-A CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ZONES

    Climate Zones for Residential and Nonresidential Occupancies

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    2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

    MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS

    SECTION 110.0—SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT—GENERAL

    Sections 110.1 through 110.12 specify requirements for manufacturing, construction and installation of certain systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are installed in buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a).

    Note: The requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 141.0 and 150.2 specify which requirements of Sections 110.1 through 110.12 also apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.

    (a) General Requirements. Systems, equipment, appliances and building components shall only be installed in a building within the scope of Section 100.0(a) regulated by Part 6 only if:

    1. The manufacturer has certified that the system, equipment, appliances or building component complies with the applicable manufacturing provisions of Sections 110.1 through 110.12; and
    2. The system, equipment, appliance or building component complies with all applicable installation provisions of Sections 110.1 through 110.12.

    (b) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Systems, Equipment, Appliances and Building Components.

    1. Appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations shall only be installed if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer, pursuant to the provisions of Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1606; or
    2. Systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are required by Part 6 or the Reference Appendices to be certified to the Energy Commission, which are not appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, shall only be installed if they are certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that: A. All the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Part 6; and B. The equipment, product, or device was tested using the test procedure specified in Part 6 if applicable
    3. The certification status of any system, equipment, appliance or building component shall be confirmed only by reference to: A. A directory published or approved by the Commission; or B. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of acceptance from the Commission staff; or C. Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission-approved directory that a device has been certified; or D. A Commission-approved label on the device.

    Note: Part 6 does not require a builder, designer, owner, operator, or enforcing agency to test any certified device to determine its compliance with minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted by the Commission.

  • § 25218.5 High relevance — show source text

    (b) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Systems, Equipment, Appliances and Building Components.

    1. Appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations shall only be installed if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer, pursuant to the provisions of Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1606; or
    2. Systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are required by Part 6 or the Reference Appendices to be certified to the Energy Commission, which are not appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, shall only be installed if they are certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that: A. All the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Part 6; and B. The equipment, product, or device was tested using the test procedure specified in Part 6 if applicable
    3. The certification status of any system, equipment, appliance or building component shall be confirmed only by reference to: A. A directory published or approved by the Commission; or B. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of acceptance from the Commission staff; or C. Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission-approved directory that a device has been certified; or D. A Commission-approved label on the device.

    Note: Part 6 does not require a builder, designer, owner, operator, or enforcing agency to test any certified device to determine its compliance with minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted by the Commission.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5 , 2 5402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    SECTION 110.1—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES

    (a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with Section 1608(a) of those regulations.

    (b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be verified utilizing data from either:

    1. The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ ; or
    2. An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or
    3. An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606(h).

    (c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:

    1. Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to subdivision (b); or
    2. Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol that is applicable to the appliance; or
  • § 17A-18 High relevance — show source text

    Active or energized equipment and components shall be certified exclusively on the basis of approved shake table testing in accor- dance with ICC-ES AC 156 or equivalent shake table testing criteria approved by the building official. Minimum of two equipment/components shall be tested for a product line with similar structural configuration. Where a range of products are tested,

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    the two equipment/components shall be either the largest and a small unit, or approved alternative representative equip- ment/components.

    Exception: When a single product (and not a product line with more than one product with variations) is certified and manufactur- ing process is ISO 9001 certified, one test shall be permitted.

    For a multi-component system, where active or energized components are certified by tests, connecting elements, attachments and supports can be justified by supporting analysis.

    1705A.14.3.1 Special seismic certification. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Special seismic certification shall be required for the following systems, equipment and components: 1. Emergency and standby power systems. 2. Elevator equipment (excluding elevator cabs). 3. Components with hazardous contents.

    4. Exhaust and smoke control fans.

    5. Switchgear and switchboards.

    6. Motor control centers.

    7. Imaging equipment needed for diagnostic services of emergency/trauma patients, a minimum of one such equipment. 8. Air conditioning units excluding Variable/Constant Air Volume (VAV/CAV) boxes up to 75 lbs. 9. Air handling units. 10. Chillers, including associated evaporators, and condensers. 11. Cooling towers.

    12. Transformers.

    13. Electrical substations.

    14. UPS and batteries.

    15. Panelboards as defined in the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 100. 16. Industrial control panels as defined in the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 100. 17. Power isolation and correction systems. 18. Motorized surgical lighting systems. 19. Motorized operating table systems. 20. Internal communication servers, routers and switches failure of which could impair the continued operation of the facility. 21. Medical gas and vacuum systems. 22. Electrical busways as defined in UL 857. 23. Electrical control panels powered by the life safety branch in accordance with the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 517.33 or the critical branch in accordance with the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 517.34.

    Exceptions: 1. Equipment and components weighing not more than 75 lbs. rigidly attached to structures or surface mounted on equipment or components that are not required to have special seismic certification by this section. 2. Mobile equipment/components. 3. Pipes, ducts, conduits and cable trays, excluding in-line equipment and components. 4. Underground tanks. 5. Electric motors, base-mounted horizontal pumps and compressors. 6. Based-mounted vertical pumps up to 20 hp. 7. Substitution of certified active subcomponents up to operating weight of 10 lbs. 8. Components where importance factor, I p _,

  • § 110.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 110.1—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES

    (a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with Section 1608(a) of those regulations.

    (b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be verified utilizing data from either:

    1. The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ ; or
    2. An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or
    3. An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606(h).

    (c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:

    1. Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to subdivision (b); or
    2. Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol that is applicable to the appliance; or
    3. The appliance meets the requirements of Section 110.1(a) but has been site-modified in a way that affects its performance; or

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    1. The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a waiver from federal test procedures, pursuant to 10 CFR Section 430.27 or Section 431.401 and that waiver fails to specify how the efficiency of the system shall be determined.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5 , 2 5402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    SECTION 110.2—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

    Certification by manufacturers. Any space-conditioning equipment listed in this section may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified to the Commission that the equipment complies with all the applicable requirements of this section.

    (a) Efficiency. Equipment shall meet the applicable efficiency requirements in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, subject to the following:

    1. If more than one efficiency standard is listed for any equipment in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall meet all the applicable standards that are listed; and
    2. If more than one test method is listed in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall comply with the applicable efficiency standard when tested with each listed test method; and
  • § 110.5 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 110.5—NATURAL GAS CENTRAL FURNACES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, POOL AND SPA HEATERS, AND FIREPLACES: PILOT LIGHTS PROHIBITED

    Any natural gas system or equipment listed below may be installed only if it does not have a continuously burning pilot light:

    (a) Fan-type central furnaces.

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    (b) Household cooking appliances.

    Exception to Section 110.5(b): Household cooking appliances without an electrical supply voltage connection and in which each pilot consumes less than 150 Btu/hr.

    (c) Pool heaters.

    (d) Spa heaters.

    (e) Indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    SECTION 110.6—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FENESTRATION PRODUCTS AND EXTERIOR DOORS

    (a) Certification of fenestration products and exterior doors other than field-fabricated. Any fenestration product and exterior door, other than field-fabricated fenestration products and field-fabricated exterior doors, may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified to the Commission, or if an independent certifying organization approved by the Commission has certified, that the product complies with all of the applicable requirements of this subsection.

    1. Air leakage. Manufactured fenestration products and exterior doors shall have air infiltration rates not exceeding 0.3 cfm/ft [2] of window area, 0.3 cfm/ft [2] of door area for residential doors, 0.3 cfm/ft [2] of door area for nonresidential single doors (swinging and sliding), and 1.0 cfm/ft [2] for nonresidential double doors (swinging), when tested according to NFRC400 or ASTM E283 at a pressure differential of 75 pascals (or 1.57 pounds/ft [2] ), incorporated herein by reference.

    NOTES TO SECTION 110.6(a)1: Pet doors must meet 0.3 cfm/ft [2] when tested according to ASTM E283 at 75 pascals (or 1.57 pounds per square foot).

    AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-2011 specification is equivalent to ASTM E283 at a pressure differential of 75 pascals (or 1.57 pounds per square foot) and satisfies the air leakage certification requirements of this section.

    Exception to Section 110.6(a)1: Field-fabricated fenestration and field-fabricated exterior doors.

    1. U -factor. The fenestration product and exterior door’s U -factor shall be rated in accordance with NFRC 100, or use the applicable default U -factor set forth in Table 110.6-A.
  • § 160.0 High relevance — show source text
    1. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to install a vented kitchen range hood or other kitchen exhaust fan shall install a replacement fan that meets or exceeds the airflow required by the previous building permit, or 100 cfm, whichever is greater.
    2. Dwellings that were not required to have a kitchen local ventilation exhaust system according to the conditions in either Subsection 1 or 2 above shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 160.0(b)2Avi.

    c. Replacement ventilation fans. New or replacement local mechanical exhaust fans shall be rated for airflow and sound in accordance with the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 Section 7.1 and Title 24, Part 6, Section 160.0(b)2Avif. Additionally, when compliance with a specified exhaust airflow rate is required, the replacement fan shall be rated at no less than the airflow rate required for compliance.

    (c) Performance approach. The altered component(s) and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Subsections 1, 2 and 3 below. The energy budget for alterations is expressed in terms of long-term system cost (LSC) energy.

    1. The altered components shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, 160.0, 160.1, 160.2(c) and (d), 160.3(a) through 160.3(b)5J, 160.3(b)6, 160.3(c), and 160.5. Entirely new or complete replacement mechanical ventilation systems as these terms are used in Section 180.2(b)5A shall comply with the requirements in Section 180.2(b)5A. Altered mechanical ventilation systems shall comply with the requirements of Sections 180.2(b)5B. Entirely new or complete replacement space-conditioning systems, and entirely new or complete replacement duct systems, as these terms are used in Sections 180.2(b)2Ai and 180.2(b)2Aiia, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 160.2(a)1 and 160.3(b)5L.

    2. The standard design for an altered component shall be the higher efficiency of existing conditions or the requirements of Section 180.2(b). For components not being altered, the standard design shall be based on the unaltered existing conditions such that the standard and proposed designs for these components are identical. When the third-party verification option is specified, all components proposed for alteration for which the additional credit is taken must be verified by a certified ECC-Rater.

    3. The proposed design shall be based on the actual values of the altered components. NOTES TO SECTION 180.2(c):

    4. If an existing component must be replaced with a new component, that component is considered an altered component for the purpose of determining the standard design altered component energy budget and must meet the requirements of Section 180.2(c)2.

    5. The standard design shall assume the same geometry and orientation as the proposed design.

    6. The “existing efficiency level” modeling rules, including situations where nameplate data is not available, are described in Section 10-109(c) and Section 10-116.

    EXCEPTION 1 to Section 180.2(c): Any dual-glazed greenhouse or garden window installed as part of an alteration complies with the U- factor requirements in Section 170.2.

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  • § 110.2 High relevance — show source text

    B Ceiling-Mounted Air Conditioners and Condensing Units Serving Computer Rooms–Minimum Efficiency Requirements Table 110.2-M Cellular Foam Insulation 120.4(F), 150.0(M)9,160.3(b)5I, 160.3(c)2G Cement-Based Roof Coatings 110.8(i)4 Central Boiler 140.4(a), 170.2(c)3A Chiller 140.4(a)2 Forced-air 150.0(h)4, 150.0(m)13, 150.0(o), 150.1(c)10, 160.2(b)2A, 160.3(b)4, 160.3(b)5, 170.2(c)3B Furnace 110.5, 110.5(a) Water heating system 110.10(c), 150.1(c)8, 170.2(d)3 Centrifugal Fan Table 110.2-F, 140.4(h), 170.2(C)4F Centrifugal Water Chilling 110.2(a) Certificate of Acceptance 10-103(a)4, 10-103(b)1B, 10-103.1(c)3, 110.6(a)6, 120.5(a), 120.5(b), 120.6(a)7, 120.6(b)6, 120.6(c)8, 120.6(e)6, 120.6(f), 120.6(g), 120.6(i), 130.4(a), 130.4(c),

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    INDEX

    140.9(b)3, 140.9(c), 160.3(d)1, 160.3(d)2, 160.3(d)3, 160.5(e)1, 3 Compliance 10-103(a), 120.8(d), 150.1(b)3, 170.1(d) Installation 10-103(a)3, 150.1(b)3, 150.1(c)7, 150.2(b)1F Verification 10-103(a)5, 150.1(b)3 Certification 110.0(B), 110.2, 110.3(A), 110.4(a), 110.6(a), 110.8(a), 110.8(g), 110.9(c), 110,11, 120.5(b), 130.4(b), 130.4(c), 140.9(a)4, 150.0(n)3, 160.3(d)3, 160.4(c), 160.5(e) Certification Identification Number 10-103(C)3G, 120.5(B), 130.4(c), 160.3(d)3, 160.5(e) Certification Requirements 110.0(B), 110.6(a)1, 110.8(g)1 Certified 110.6(a)6, 110.8(i)1, 120.5(a) Equipment 110.4(a)1, 150.0(h), 150.0(p)1A Lighting Controls Acceptance Test Employer 130.4(c), 160.

  • § 180.2 High relevance — show source text

    Altered mechanical ventilation systems shall comply with the requirements of Sections 180.2(b)5B. Entirely new or complete replacement space-conditioning systems, and entirely new or complete replacement duct systems, as these terms are used in Sections 180.2(b)2Ai and 180.2(b)2Aiia, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 160.2(a)1 and 160.3(b)5L. 2. The standard design for an altered component shall be the higher efficiency of existing conditions or the requirements of Section 180.2(b). For components not being altered, the standard design shall be based on the unaltered existing conditions such that the standard and proposed designs for these components are identical. When the third-party verification option is specified, all components proposed for alteration for which the additional credit is taken must be verified by a certified ECC-Rater.

    1. The proposed design shall be based on the actual values of the altered components. NOTES TO SECTION 180.2(c):

    2. If an existing component must be replaced with a new component, that component is considered an altered component for the purpose of determining the standard design altered component energy budget and must meet the requirements of Section 180.2(c)2.

    3. The standard design shall assume the same geometry and orientation as the proposed design.

    4. The “existing efficiency level” modeling rules, including situations where nameplate data is not available, are described in Section 10-109(c) and Section 10-116.

    EXCEPTION 1 to Section 180.2(c): Any dual-glazed greenhouse or garden window installed as part of an alteration complies with the U- factor requirements in Section 170.2.

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    MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

    EXCEPTION 2 to Section 180.2(c): Where the space in the attic or rafter area is not large enough to accommodate the required R- value, the entire space shall be filled with insulation, provided such installation does not violate Section 1203.2 of Title 24, Part 2.

    NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

    SECTION 180.3—REPAIRS

    Repairs shall not increase the preexisting energy consumption of the repaired component, system or equipment.

    NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

    SECTION 180.4 —WHOLE BUILDING

    Any addition or alteration may comply with the requirements of Title 24, Part 6 by meeting the requirements for the entire building.

  • § 100.2 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 100.2—CALCULATION OF ENERGY BUDGETS

    Energy budgets are adopted by the Commission to establish the maximum energy consumption that a proposed building, or portion of a building, can be designed to consume. A building complies with the performance standards compliance approach if the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by the Alternative Calculation Methods Reference Manual. The energy budget for newly constructed single-family, multifamily, and nonresidential buildings are expressed in terms of Long-Term System Cost (LSC) and Source Energy. The energy budget for additions and alterations for all building types are expressed in terms of LSC.

    Long-term System Cost (LSC) is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use (electricity kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons) for each energy type by the applicable CEC-published LSC hourly factors. LSC hourly factors vary for each hour of the year and by energy type (electricity, natural gas, or propane), by Climate Zone and by building type (residential, nonresidential). LSC hourly factors are summarized in Reference Joint Appendix JA3. LSC hourly factors for propane are used for all energy obtained from depletable sources other than electricity and natural gas.

    Source Energy is calculated by multiplying for each hour of the year the site energy use (electricity kWh, natural gas therms, or fuel oil or LPG gallons) by Btu factors for fossil fuel consumed either directly at the building site or caused to be consumed to meet the electrical demand of the building considering the long-term marginal hourly resources of Commission-projected electric system resource procurement.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code . Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

    36 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS

    FIGURE 100.1-A CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ZONES

    Climate Zones for Residential and Nonresidential Occupancies

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 37

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    38 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

    MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS

    SECTION 110.0—SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT—GENERAL

    Sections 110.1 through 110.12 specify requirements for manufacturing, construction and installation of certain systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are installed in buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a).

    Note: The requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 141.0 and 150.2 specify which requirements of Sections 110.1 through 110.12 also apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.

  • CMC § 2025 High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 7 Combustion Air. Chapter 7 regulates combustion air requirements for ventilation and dilution of flue gases for appliances installed in buildings. Fuel-gas appliances not regulated by chapter include direct vent appliances and Type I clothes dryers. Makeup air requirements for Type I clothes dryers are located in Chapter 5. Chapter 7 provides acceptable methods for supplying satisfactory combustion air to ensure proper combustion. Combustion air can be supplied by using indoor combustion air or by introducing the air from the outdoors.

    Combustion is the rapid oxidation of fuel to release energy. The oxygen required to release the energy from the fuel normally comes from the air. Incomplete combustion of fuel occurs when inadequate oxygen is provided to the appliance. Combustion is needed to provide ventilation cooling for the casing and internal controls. When a lack of oxygen occurs, some of the carbon is not oxidized, and carbon monoxide forms.

    Chapter 8 Chimneys and Vents. Chapter 8 regulates the installation, design, and construction of venting systems for fuel-burning appliances. The provisions addressed within this chapter follow procedures an installer would use to design or evaluate a venting system. Many requirements apply to the design and construction of venting systems, chimneys, installation of gas vents, and the sizing of venting system for a Category I appliance. Sizing venting systems require rigorous engineering calculations. However, the venting sizing requirements and sizing tables in this chapter already perform the calculations for the benefit of the end user.

    Combustion appliances produce products of incomplete combustion, including potentially harmful carbon monoxide (CO). It is desirable to vent these products to the outdoors. Although the gas is clean-burning fuel, the products of combustion must not be allowed to collect within a building.

    Chapter 9 Installation of Specific Appliances. Chapter 9 regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction and installation of specific appliances. The provisions address the minimum requirements for gas-fired appliances, oil-fired appliances, wood-fired appliances, and electric-type appliances. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, appliances are also required to comply with the general requirements of Chapter 3.

    Chapter 10 Boilers and Pressure Vessels. Chapter 10 regulates the construction, installation, operation, repair, and alteration of boilers and pressure vessels. The safety provisions within this chapter address controls and limit devices for automatic boilers, methods of determining expansion tank capacities, discharge piping, relief valves, shutoff valves, gas-pressure and combustion regulators, and inspections and tests. Potable water heaters are free from the requirements of Chapter 10 as they are within the scope of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

    Pressure vessels store large amounts of energy and must comply with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII.1. The stored energy must be contained to prevent disastrous failures. Boilers must comply with ASME BPVC Section I, ASME BPVC Section IV, or NFPA 85. Installing a safety relief valve and expansion tank prevents pressures in the tank from exceeding the design threshold.

    Chapter 11 Refrigeration. Chapter 11 regulates the design, installation, and construction requirements of refrigeration systems and the installation and construction of cooling towers. Refrigeration is a method used for achieving heat transfer to cool spaces. Refrigerants are the most common medium used to transfer the heat energy from the low-temperature level to the high-temperature level. Table

    2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE xv

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    FORMAT OF THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

  • § 506.1 High relevance — show source text

    ENERGY STAR fans ducted to terminate outside the building.
    2. Fans must be controlled by a humidity control (separate or built-
    in); OR functioning as a component of a whole-house ventilation
    system.
    3. Humidity controls with manual or automatic means of
    adjustment, capable of adjustment between a relative humidity
    range of≤ 50 percent to a maximum of 80 percent.||||
    |
    |
    | |A4.506.1 Reserved.||||||| |A4.506.2 [HR] Provide filters on return air openings rated MERV 8 or
    higher during construction when it is necessary to use HVAC
    equipment.||||||| |A4.506.3 Direct-vent appliances shall be used when equipment is
    located in conditioned space; or the equipment must be installed in
    an isolated mechanical room.||||||| |Environmental Comfort||||||| |4.507.2 Duct systems are sized, designed and equipment is selected
    using the following methods:
    1. Establish heat loss and heat gain values according to ANSI/ACCA 2
    Manual J-2016 or equivalent.
    2. Size duct systems according to ANSI/ACCA 1 Manual D-2016
    or equivalent.
    3. Select heating and cooling equipment according to ANSI/ACCA 3
    Manual S-2014 or equivalent.||||||| |Outdoor Air Quality
    Reserved||||||| |Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions|Innovative Concepts and Local Environmental Conditions| |A4.509.1 Items in this section are necessary to address innovative
    concepts or local environmental conditions.||||||| |Item 1||
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | |Item 2||
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | |Item 3||||||| |Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications||||||| |Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications|Qualifications| |702.1 HVAC system installers are trained and certified in the proper
    installation of HVAC systems.||||||| |702.2 Special inspectors employed by the owner or owner's agent
    must be qualified and able to demonstrate competence in the
    discipline they are inspecting to the enforcing agency.

  • § 160.2 High relevance — show source text

    E. Demand control ventilation systems required by Section 160.2(c)3 shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.5. F. Supply fan variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.6. G. Hydronic system variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 and NA7.5.9. H. Boilers or chillers that require isolation controls as specified by Section 170.2(c)4Iii or 170.2(c)4Iiii shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7.

    I. Hydronic systems with supply water temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.8.

    J. Automatic demand shed controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.10.

    K. Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for packaged direct expansion units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.11. L. Automatic fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for air handling units and zone terminal units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.12.

    M. Distributed energy storage DX AC systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.13. N. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.14. O. Supply air temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.15. P. Water-cooled chillers served by cooling towers with condenser water reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.16.

    Q. When an energy management control system is installed, it shall functionally meet all of the applicable requirements of Part 6.

    R. Occupant sensing zone controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.17. 2. Multifamily dwelling units. Before an occupancy permit is granted, the following systems and equipment serving multifamily dwelling units shall be certified as meeting the acceptance requirements for code compliance, as specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. These systems and equipment shall also comply with the applicable requirements of Section 160.3(d)3. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements: A. Multifamily building central ventilation ducts subject to Section 160.2(b)2C shall be leak tested in accordance with NA7.18.3.

    B. Multifamily building central ventilation system heat recovery or energy recovery systems in multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories shall be tested in accordance with NA7.18.4.

    1. When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-103.2, the acceptance testing specified by Section 160.3(d)1 and 2 shall be performed by a Certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Technician (CMATT). If the CMATT is operating as an employee, the CMATT shall be employed by a Certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Employer. The CMATT shall disclose on the Certificate of Acceptance a valid CMATT certification identification number issued by an approved Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider. The CMATT shall complete all Certificate of Acceptance documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10-103(a)4.
    TABLE 160.3-A—RETURN DUCT SIZING FOR SINGLE RETURN DUCT SYSTEMS Col2 Col3
    Return duct length shall not exceed 30 feet and shall contain no more than 180 degrees of bend.

Frequently asked questions

Do all appliances require Energy Commission certification?

No — only appliances that fall within the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20 §1601) must be certified to the Energy Commission per § 110.1(a). Other Part‑6 required products may instead require a manufacturer declaration under § 110.0(b)2.

What if the Energy Commission database does not list my product?

If the Commission’s database or an equivalent approved directory lacks the data, follow the alternate demonstration methods in § 110.1(c) — default to mandatory efficiency levels or use Commission‑approved procedures/field‑test protocols where allowed.

Is a manufacturer’s spec sheet enough?

No. The code limits acceptable verification to a Commission directory listing, manufacturer application + acceptance letter, written confirmation from a Commission‑approved directory publisher, or a Commission‑approved label — see § 110.0(b)3.

Do these rules apply to remodels or only new buildings?

The Sections 110.0–110.12 are written for newly constructed buildings; some requirements may be extended to additions/alterations by other sections (see notes to § 110.0 and the alteration provisions). Check the alteration sections referenced in Part 6 for applicability.

Who is responsible for keeping certification records on site?

The installer/owner should retain the acceptable proof of certification (directory listing, acceptance letter, manufacturer declaration, or label) to demonstrate compliance to the enforcing agency. The code does not require the enforcing agency or builder to perform independent testing of certified devices.

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