Several key variables determine what your Title 24 report requires and whether your project passes compliance on the first run. Understanding these factors can help you make smarter design decisions early — before expensive changes become necessary.
Climate Zone
California has 16 climate zones, each with different baseline energy budgets. Hotter inland zones face stricter cooling requirements, while coastal zones have more moderate thresholds. Your climate zone is determined by your project address — you do not need to look it up yourself.
Building Envelope
Your insulation levels (walls, roofs, floors) and window performance (U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) directly impact whether your project passes. Upgrading insulation or selecting better-performing windows is often the most cost-effective path to compliance when a project falls short on the first model run.
HVAC System Type and Efficiency
Heat pumps generally perform better in Title 24 modeling than traditional gas furnace and AC combinations, particularly under the current 2025 code, which strengthened electrification-related compliance pathways. Mini-splits, ducted heat pumps, and high-efficiency systems all affect the outcome.
Square Footage and Unit Count
Larger buildings and multi-unit projects require more modeling time and may involve additional compliance measures. Square footage and unit count also affect the pricing of your report.