NEW Energy Code Effective January 01, 2023!

ByGilleran Energy Management

The 2022 Energy Code now classifies the following as single-family residential buildings: single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhomes of any size, and accessory dwelling units. Low-rise and high-rise multifamily buildings have also been reorganized into one building type and multifamily building requirements have been moved to their own subchapters.

WHAT’S CHANGED WITH THE 2022 ENERGY CODE?

Changes were made to the 2019 Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code or Title 24, Part 6), which were incorporated into the 2022 Energy Code for single-family residential buildings.

As of January 1, 2023:

MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS (#1 PRIORITY CHANGES)

Solar PV and battery storage systems are now required on multifamily buildings with 4 or more stories. Multifamily buildings with less 4 stories battery storage is a performance credit. Contact us at GEM to learn more.

Prior to the changes to the 2019 Energy Code, low-rise multifamily buildings (buildings with one to three stories) were classified as single-family buildings. The 2022 Energy Code has reclassified low-rise and high-rise multifamily buildings into one building type. In addition, the requirements for multifamily buildings have been moved into their own subchapters.

Electric-ready Requirements – new homes have Mandatory requirements for being ready to install electric heat pump space heaters, cooktops and clothes dryers.

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES (#2 PRIORITY CHANGES)

The following buildings will now be classified as single-family residences:

  • Single-family dwellings
  • Townhomes (any size)
  • Duplexes
  • Accessory dwelling units

Some climate zones are now seeing the baseline fuel type for new homes is electric typically – no longer natural gas. New homes have Mandatory requirements for being ready for the future installation of battery storage systems, also called energy storage systems (ESS). Electric-ready Requirements – new homes have Mandatory requirements for being ready to install electric heat pump space heaters, cooktops and clothes dryers.

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS (#3 PRIORITY CHANGES)

Solar PV and battery storage systems are now required on typical commercial building occupancies. Contact us at GEM to learn more.

Fenestration includes Climate Zone-specific changes to the U-factor, SHGC and VT requirements for fixed windows, curtain walls and storefronts. You will be using National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)-tested products in all applications. Metal-framed walls maximum U-factor values are lowered. An air barrier is now Prescriptively required in all Climate Zones. The 2022 Energy Code classifies hotels and motels as nonresidential buildings.

HVAC systems, lighting and water heating and controls are all seeing expanded requirements and higher efficiencies across the board.