Residential Energy Compliance
2025 Energy Code: what changed for homes and ADUs
Short answer
California’s 2025 Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) applies to permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Key residential changes include heat-pump baselines for space and water heating, updated solar PV and battery provisions, and the renaming of the HERS program to the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) program.
Highlights
- Heat-pump baselines — gas designs must make up the efficiency gap elsewhere.
- Solar PV and batteries — updated requirements and exceptions.
- Electric-ready provisions — infrastructure for future electrification.
- ECC program — the former HERS program was moved into Title 24, Part 1 and renamed.
Transition
Applications submitted before January 1, 2026 generally continue under the 2022 code. New applications must use 2025-version software and forms.
Sources & official references
Related reading
This article is general information, not professional or legal advice. Always confirm requirements with your building department.
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