The California Energy Commission (CEC) has enacted the 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and create healthier indoor environments.
Many California property owners are left wondering what this means for them, and today’s blog post will explore that answer.
2025 Updates to California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards
These revised requirements, pending approval by the California Building Requirements Commission (CBSC) in December 2024, will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
The 2025 Energy Code is predicted to save $4.8 billion in energy costs while reducing GHG emissions by four million metric tons, comparable to eliminating the energy use of nearly half a million homes.
What Homeowners Should Know
This effort contributes to California’s climate goals by making homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Here’s more of what California homeowners need to know.
Heat Pump Requirements
New single-family homes, multifamily apartments, and certain nonresidential structures will be required to employ electric heat pumps for both space and water heating.
Existing retail businesses, schools, offices, and libraries must replace out-of-date rooftop HVAC units with high-efficiency systems, including heat pumps.
Electric Ready Requirements
To help buildings transition to electric equipment, the 2025 standards include electric-ready requirements for commercial kitchens and some multifamily buildings.
This move ensures homes and buildings are ready for electric cooking and water heating systems, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar and Storage Updates
Assembly buildings, such as religious worship centers, sports stadiums, and leisure facilities, will be obliged to expand solar and storage systems.
These upgrades promote on-site sustainable energy, increasing energy independence while decreasing reliance on the broader grid.
Ventilation Improvements
Stricter ventilation requirements for multifamily buildings are intended to improve air quality. Cleaner air decreases contaminants and promotes healthier living conditions, which is especially beneficial for allergy patients and asthmatics.
This adjustment also addresses air quality concerns in areas affected by wildfires.
Benefits to Homeowners
These new regulations are intended to minimize energy consumption and operational expenses for homes while fostering healthier indoor environments.
Thinking about renovating or building a home? Consider these changes, particularly the transition to electric heat pump technology.
Beginning in 2026, newly constructed homes must use heat pumps for space and water heating. Homeowners may also be eligible for rebates and incentives designed to encourage the use of this technology.
Ventilation upgrades will enhance air quality in multifamily buildings. Electric-ready regulations will make it easier for homeowners to transition to electric equipment, cutting future conversion expenses.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re planning a home renovation or new construction, consider how these changes will affect your project and long-term energy expenditures.
To get answers to your questions or more information related to your own property, contact Pioneers Heating & Air today.
