By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards, known as Title 24 Part 6 or simply the Energy Code, are updated every three years. The 2025 edition applies to permits applied for on or after January 1, 2026, so any remodel or addition permitted in Ventura County this year falls under it.
This is a general overview. Your designer, energy consultant and building department confirm what applies to your project.
The basic idea
The Energy Code applies to the work you do, not the whole house. If you remodel a kitchen, the new kitchen lighting must comply. If you replace a water heater or HVAC system, the new equipment must comply. If you build an addition, the added space is treated much like new construction.
What changed in the 2025 code
For new homes, the 2025 code makes heat pumps the baseline for space heating and water heating, with gas options still possible through the performance compliance path. It expands electric-ready requirements, such as dedicated circuits for future electric appliances, and adds ventilation and space requirements for heat pump water heaters. Projects that trigger the code submit compliance documentation, commonly called a CF1R, with the permit.
What it means for common projects
Kitchens
All installed lighting must be high efficacy, which LED fixtures meet. Lighting controls also apply. If you switch to an induction range, plan the circuit. If you replace the water heater, the new one must comply.
Bathrooms
High-efficacy lighting, plus an exhaust fan that meets ventilation requirements with humidity control. Those requirements come from both the energy and building codes.
Whole-home remodels
Where walls and ceilings are opened, insulation requirements apply to the altered areas. Replacing windows brings window performance requirements. HVAC replacement brings equipment and duct requirements.
Additions
The added space must meet requirements for insulation, windows, air sealing, ventilation and equipment, documented with energy calculations. Extending existing HVAC to the addition may or may not work depending on capacity.
How it affects the budget
Most of the cost is built into choices you would make anyway: LED lighting, better windows, insulation. The biggest swings come from equipment decisions on additions and whole-home projects. Energy upgrades like heat pump water heaters, induction ranges, insulation and lighting may also qualify for GoGreen Financing.
Why it matters for your schedule
Energy documentation is part of the permit set. Missing or incorrect forms are a common reason for plan check comments. We coordinate the energy work with the drawings so it is right the first time.
See our home additions and whole-home remodeling pages, and the Ventura County permit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Title 24 apply to a kitchen remodel?
Yes, to the parts of the work it covers. Remodeled kitchens must use high-efficacy lighting, and other measures apply when you replace equipment like a water heater or HVAC system. The energy code does not require you to upgrade parts of the house you are not touching.
Do additions have to meet the full energy code?
Additions are treated much like new construction for the added space, with requirements for insulation, windows, ventilation and equipment. Compliance is documented with energy calculations submitted with the permit.
Does the 2025 code require heat pumps in existing homes?
For new single-family homes, the 2025 code sets heat pumps as the baseline for space and water heating, with other options available through the performance path. For alterations, requirements depend on what equipment you replace. Ask what applies before choosing equipment.
What is a CF1R?
It is the compliance form that documents how a project meets the Energy Code. Projects that trigger energy code requirements submit the appropriate forms with the permit. Your designer or energy consultant typically prepares them.