CEC Approved Title 24 Software — What You Must Use for California Energy Compliance
When preparing energy documentation in California, using CEC approved Title 24 software is not optional. The California Energy Commission (CEC) requires that all performance-based compliance reports be generated using software that has been officially approved for the current code cycle. If the wrong software is used—or outdated versions are submitted—your Title 24 documentation can be rejected at plan check.
Whether you are building a custom home, designing an ADU, completing a tenant improvement, or developing a commercial project, compliance modeling must follow strict state guidelines. CEC approved Title 24 software ensures that calculations, assumptions, and output forms align with the current California Energy Code.
If you need permit-ready compliance prepared using approved tools, call (626) 365-1518 to get started.
What Is CEC Approved Title 24 Software?
CEC approved Title 24 software refers to energy modeling programs reviewed and certified by the California Energy Commission for use in demonstrating compliance with Title 24, Part 6 of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
These programs are tested to confirm that:
- Energy calculations follow the current code methodology
- Baseline comparisons are properly generated
- Mandatory measures are enforced within the modeling structure
- Output forms meet state submission requirements
Only software listed as approved by the CEC may be used for official performance compliance documentation.
Commonly Used CEC Approved Title 24 Software
For residential and nonresidential projects, commonly used CEC approved Title 24 software includes:
Residential Software
- EnergyPro – Widely used for residential performance modeling
- CBECC-Res – CEC-developed residential compliance tool
Nonresidential Software
- CBECC-Com – CEC-approved tool for commercial buildings
- Other approved vendor software listed by the CEC for specific code cycles
Each software platform must match the active Title 24 code cycle in effect at the time of permit submission.
Why Using Approved Software Matters
Using non-approved tools or outdated versions can result in:
- Plan-check rejection
- Invalid compliance documentation
- Calculation discrepancies
- Mandatory measure omissions
- Delays in permit approval
CEC approved Title 24 software ensures that your project’s energy model reflects current state requirements and produces the correct certificates of compliance.
Prescriptive vs. Performance Modeling
The California Energy Code allows both prescriptive and performance pathways. However, when performance modeling is selected, CEC approved Title 24 software must be used.
Prescriptive Method:
Follows minimum component standards without whole-building modeling.
Performance Method:
Uses approved modeling software to compare proposed design performance against a baseline standard.
Performance modeling often provides more flexibility for:
- Custom home designs
- Large window areas
- Unique HVAC configurations
- Mixed-use developments
Residential Applications of CEC Approved Software
For residential projects, CEC approved Title 24 software is used to model:
- New custom homes
- ADUs and garage conversions
- Room additions
- Whole-house remodels
- Multi-family housing
The model accounts for insulation levels, glazing performance, HVAC efficiencies, ventilation systems, duct leakage assumptions, and water heating systems.
Commercial Applications of CEC Approved Software
For commercial and nonresidential projects, modeling includes:
- Lighting power density calculations
- Automatic lighting controls
- Mechanical system efficiencies
- Economizer requirements
- Envelope performance compliance
Accurate modeling ensures compliance with both mandatory measures and performance thresholds.
Common Mistakes When Using Title 24 Software
Even when using CEC approved Title 24 software, errors can occur due to incorrect inputs or poor coordination. Common issues include:
- Entering incorrect HVAC efficiency ratings
- Mismatched window U-factor or SHGC values
- Failing to update reports after design revisions
- Incorrect building orientation inputs
- Improper lighting power density calculations
Professional oversight ensures that modeling inputs match the construction documents exactly.
How to Ensure Your Project Uses Approved Software
To ensure compliance:
- Confirm the software version matches the current code cycle
- Work with an experienced Title 24 consultant
- Verify output forms include required compliance certificates
- Update reports whenever plans change
If your city has questioned your compliance documentation or rejected your report, professional review may be necessary.
Call (626) 365-1518, upload plans through our contact page, or email info@title24energy.com with “CEC Software” in the subject line.
We’re Ready To Take Your Call
Using CEC approved Title 24 software is essential for producing valid, permit-ready energy documentation in California. When modeling is completed correctly and aligned with your plans, compliance becomes predictable and efficient.
Call (626) 365-1518 today to ensure your Title 24 report is prepared using officially approved software tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEC Approved Title 24 Software
1. What is CEC approved Title 24 software?
Software certified by the California Energy Commission for generating performance-based compliance documentation.
2. Is approved software mandatory?
Yes, for performance modeling under Title 24 requirements.
3. What happens if non-approved software is used?
The energy report may be rejected during plan check.
4. What residential software is commonly approved?
EnergyPro and CBECC-Res are commonly used tools.
5. What commercial software is approved?
CBECC-Com and other CEC-listed vendor software.
6. Does software need to match the current code cycle?
Yes, outdated versions can invalidate compliance documentation.
7. Can prescriptive compliance avoid modeling software?
In some cases, yes—but performance modeling requires approved software.
8. Can incorrect inputs cause rejection?
Yes, even approved software can produce invalid reports if data is wrong.
9. Are ADUs modeled with approved software?
Yes, ADUs require compliant residential modeling.
10. Do tenant improvements require approved software?
Most commercial TIs require nonresidential compliance modeling.
11. What is the performance method?
A modeling approach comparing proposed design to a baseline building.
12. What is the prescriptive method?
A compliance pathway requiring minimum component standards.
13. Can software account for solar PV systems?
Yes, PV assumptions are incorporated into residential modeling.
14. Are lighting controls modeled in software?
Yes, particularly in commercial compliance.
15. Can a city question software output?
Yes, reviewers may verify alignment with plans and code.
16. How long does modeling take?
It depends on project complexity, but many residential projects are completed within days.
17. Can mixed-use buildings be modeled?
Yes, using appropriate separation between residential and commercial areas.
18. Does software generate compliance certificates?
Yes, approved software produces required documentation forms.
19. What if plans change after modeling?
The report must be updated to reflect revised inputs.
20. How do I ensure my report uses approved software?
Call (626) 365-1518 or submit your plans through our contact page to confirm proper compliance preparation.