Energy Conservation

We receive a lot of questions about energy conservation and energy efficiency, but particularly about Title 24 – California’s Residential Lighting Energy Code. Here are popular Q&A’s about Title 24:

Q: What does the code say about bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, and utility rooms?

A: All hardwired lighting must be fluorescent or controlled by a manual-on occupancy sensor.  Every light in the bathroom powder room, laundry room, and garage must be on a motion sensor if it is not fluorescent.

Q: What does the code say about exterior lighting?

A: All outdoor fixtures attached to the house must be fluorescent or controlled by a motion sensor.

Q: What does the code say about hallways, stairs, closets (more than 70 square feet), dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, etc.?

A: All hardwired lighting must be controlled by a motion sensor or a dimmer.

Q: What does the code say about kitchen lighting?

A: In kitchens, half of the lighting will have to be fluorescent, instead of just the general illumination on the first switch. Fluorescent lighting will have to be switched separately from other lighting. Rooms adjacent to the kitchen, such as breakfast rooms, are considered part of the kitchen and must comply if the lighting is on the same switch. All recessed lighting fixtures must be rated for insulated ceilings, certified airtight, and have electronic ballasts.