Know the Prescriptive Package Energy Home Design for the 2022 Title 24 Part 6 Energy Code

The Energy Code has a baseline of energy features required for a new residential home design called the "Prescriptive Package". Every method of energy compliance calculation is weighed against this baseline "Prescriptive Package". And like a prescription, it outlines minimum required energy features and design limitations for new homes that must be followed without deviation. This is helpful information when designing a home with the intention of meeting the 2022 Energy Code Requirements.

Thankfully, the Energy Code also allows energy compliance to be met using a Performance Method of compliance with the use of a computer program. In the Performance Method of compliance the home is compared to the "Prescriptive Package" requirements. If the home is designed below any "Prescriptive Package" requirement(s) other areas of energy products can be boosted up beyond the "Prescriptive Package" requirement(s) to make up for the designed energy features below the "Prescriptive Package" requirements.

Thus it is helpful to know the "Prescriptive Package" minimum requirements for a new residential home based on the Climate Zone location of the residential home.

The "Prescriptive Package" Requirements for all Climates Zones are shown in Standards Table 150.1-A Component Package — Single Family Standard Building Design [PDF] from 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Residential and Nonresidential Buildings [PDF]. All 16 climate zones are listed across the top of the table. Simply look across the table for the applicable climate zone and then follow each column down the list for the prescriptive required energy feature. (Follow the instructions below to find a particular property's climate zone.)

These requirements are sometimes mitigated by using the Performance Method of compliance with increased HVAC equipment efficiencies, use of an HRV/ERV system, increased energy ratings for windows and/or overhangs greater than three (3) feet. This is why energy compliance under the Performance Method is preferred and provides for the greatest of flexibility in meeting the complex and strict California Energy Code.

How to I find the assigned climate zone for a particular property?

In order to locate the climate zone for a particular property the California Energy Commission created a weblink address:

• Visit EZ Building Climate Zone Search, a climate zone finder for the California Energy Code
• Allow a couple of minutes for the webpage to load
• Enter the property address in the search field
• A result will show that includes the California assigned Building Climate Zone
• Refer to the Standards Table 150.1-A for the Energy Requirements for that specific climate zone

As always, I am available to discuss the process of meeting the California Energy Code for any building project. Contact me …