Coming Soon: More Energy Efficient Homes

Advisory Report - January 2001

Coming Soon: More Energy Efficient Homes
New home construction in California will soon be required to be more energy efficient under  new California Energy Commission (CEC) regulations.

According to the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), the state legislation will help reduce unnecessary consumption of electricity in homes. 

The CEC has proposed to include:

• radiant barriers;

• windows with lower u-values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.40; and

• tight HVAC ducts and thermostatic expansion valves on air conditioners.  

The proposed standards are focused on reducing peak load (summer cooling) and are therefore more stringent in areas with cooling loads.  This regulation would increase the stringency of the Residential Energy Code by an average of 14% for all new construction in California.  

The CBIA predicts that the average cost to builders would equate to approximately $1,800 per house.  However, the CEC estimates the cost to be $339 per house.  Costs will vary substantially depending upon the home compliance options used to meet code.

The CEC will adopt this proposal in early January 2001 with an effective date as early as February 7, 2001.  All permits applied for after this date will be under the new energy code.  CBIA has asked for a 90 to 180-day implementation delay and a grand fathering of master plans through January 1, 2002.

Learn about how you can make your home more energy efficient.