California’s Title 24 No Match for High-Efficiency Noritz Tankless Units
Noritz’s ability to meet and exceed demanding Title 24 energy requirements puts it ahead of the game across the country.
California is one of the most progressive states in the country when it comes to energy standards. Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, known simply as “Title 24,” regulates the construction of both residential and nonresidential buildings in the Golden State.
Part 6 of Title 24 contains the California Energy Code, which outlines rigorous standards for manufacturers of building appliances to “ensure that building construction, system design and installation achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality.”
According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), the latest set of standards, released in 2016, may reduce natural gas consumption by 16 million therms per year and statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 160 thousand metric tons of CO2 per year.
Noritz takes Title 24 very seriously and manufactures both residential and commercial tankless water heaters that not only meet, but also significantly exceed, these stringent standards. Three areas where Noritz shines under Title 24 are: 1) energy factors; 2) compact versatility; and 3) hot-water recirculation.
Energy factors
The CEC defines energy factor as “a measure of overall water heater efficiency.” According to Eric Manzano, an engineer at Noritz, energy factor is calculated by measuring a water heater’s efficiency (how much heat goes in versus how much comes out) through a simulated usage test.
Title 24 sets a minimum energy factor requirement for tankless water heaters of .82 (82 percent efficiency).
All Noritz models exceed this standard, with non-condensing units typically around .85 efficiency and condensing models typically above .90. The new EZ Series of high efficiency, condensing tankless water heaters goes even further—with an energy factor of .97—a feat which has earned it ENERGY STAR® certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Compact versatility
Title 24 also considers potential energy savings gained by efficient installation and design. In the case of water heaters, their location in a home matters, impacting the length of pipe needed between the heater and hot water fixtures. A centrally-located water heater reduces pipe runs and can limit water and energy waste, according to Manzano.