Company & Services FAQ

What Title 24 is, what we need from you, and answers to the questions we hear most.

Title 24 Certified

What we need to complete your project

Most professionally created plan sets include nearly all of this. Built the plans yourself? No problem — we’ve helped owner/builders for over twenty years.

New construction projects

  • Dimensioned Floor Plans
  • Conditioned Square Footage for each floor
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Site Plan showing True North and Address
  • Construction Assemblies (types of walls, floors, and ceilings)
  • Information on Heating and Cooling Systems desired
  • Information on Domestic Hot Water System desired (Storage Tank or Tankless)
  • Propane or Natural Gas availability at site
  • Specifications on any preferred building components like window types, atypical insulation types, or mechanical equipment

For additions we also need

  • Year the Original House was Built
  • Existing and Proposed Floor Plans (or existing areas clearly shown on “Proposed” Floor Plans)
  • Existing and Proposed Conditioned Square Footage for each floor
  • Information on existing and proposed Heating, Cooling, and Domestic Hot Water Systems
Founded by a dedicated and experienced designer and engineer

Denise M. Kowal, P.E.

The owner and founder of Hummingbird Energy Services started her career as a mechanical engineer specializing in energy management way back in 1989. After identifying nearly $10M in quick-payback energy upgrades for a diverse group of schools, offices, industrial businesses and government buildings, she turned her focus to residential services.

Since 1995 Denise has been developing creative and cost-effective energy solutions for new houses and additions throughout Northern California. In 2016 she founded Hummingbird Energy Services in order to make her creative expertise available to designers, owners and builders throughout the entire State.

As a part of her commitment to outstanding quality of service, Denise hand-selects each energy analyst and oversees and reviews every Title 24 project. You can be assured that her 25+ years of engineering and energy management expertise will help your plans breeze through the Building Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Title 24?

In order to ensure that new and existing buildings achieve minimum energy efficiency standards and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality, the State of California enacted the California Energy Code beginning in 1978. Energy Efficiency Standards make buildings more comfortable, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Standards ensure that builders use the most energy efficient technologies and construction.

For a more complete list of how the California Energy Code benefits us all, please click here.

What do I need to provide you to do my calculations?

To ensure the speedy delivery of your Title 24 Report we need a complete understanding of your proposed structure. A list of our requirements can be found here.

Most professionally created plan sets will include nearly all of what we need. But don’t hesitate if you created the plans yourself — Hummingbird has been helping savvy owner/builders get their houses into compliance for over twenty years, and we can help you, too!

How much does Hummingbird Energy Services charge for a Title 24 Report?

We offer a sliding rate based on the square footage of your house. One low price gives you everything you need for demonstrating compliance with the California Energy Code.

  • New Houses up to 1,600 square feet: $200
  • New Houses from 1,601 – 3,000 square feet: $225
  • New Houses over 3,000 square feet: $250
  • Additions up to 2,500 total square feet (existing + addition): $225
  • Additions over 2,500 total square feet (existing + addition): $250
What’s included?

Hummingbird Energy Services provides you with everything you need to be in compliance with the California Energy Code (Title 24) for one low price. This includes:

  • Title 24 Compliance Calculations using the performance method — the most accurate and flexible method available.
  • Quick, one business day turnaround. Same-day service may be available at an additional fee.
  • Oversight and review by a California licensed Mechanical Engineer with over twenty years experience in Title 24.
  • A draft copy of your Title 24 Report for you to review before the registration process.
  • Comparison of multiple combinations of energy efficient components if desired.
  • Signed CF-1R form, Mandatory Measures form, and HVAC load calculations delivered in PDF format.
  • Registration into the State Database of your choice. After you sign, we pay the registration fee and forward the certified copy to you.
  • Full project transfer to you or your designated builder.
  • Corrections of any plan check comments.
  • Up to three re-calculations prior to registration due to minor design changes. Nobody else offers this flexibility!
How long will it take to get my report?

We will return a draft report for your review in about one business day if you have provided us with all required information and/or responded to our requests for information. You may then request any desired changes. As soon as you approve our work and pay our invoice, we finalize the Report, register it, and sign it.

Can I get it faster than that?

In some cases we may be able to provide you with same-day service at an additional cost. Please email us at info@HummingbirdTitle24.com to see if we can accommodate your request.