Title 24 2025 Summary: What Homeowners and Contractors Need to Know

California’s 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards — also known as Title 24, Part 6 — took effect January 1, 2026. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or owner/builder, here’s what you need to know about the new requirements.

The 2025 code cycle replaces HERS Raters with ECC Raters (Energy Code Compliance Raters). All field verification and diagnostic testing requirements are now administered under the ECC Program, embedded directly into Title 24, Part 6 and Part 1. The program is overseen by CHEERS — California’s only CEC-approved ECC Provider.

Key changes in the 2025 Title 24 code: HERS terminology is replaced by ECC throughout all compliance documents, group sampling for alterations has been removed, refrigerant charge verification methods have been revised, and fault indicator displays (FID) alone may no longer demonstrate refrigerant charge verification compliance.

Title 24 2025 testing is required any time a permitted project includes measures the Energy Code specifies must be field verified or diagnostically tested. Common triggers: new home construction, HVAC replacements, ADUs (treated as new construction under the 2025 California energy code), and remodels affecting insulation or mechanical systems.

California Energy Code Compliance serves homeowners, contractors, and owner/builders throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Call 805.813.1204 or schedule a free consultation.