It has been two years since the 2022 cycle of the California Energy Code went into effect on January 1, 2023, bringing in new energy efficiency requirements and several measures specifically addressing indoor air quality. Through 3C-REN’s outreach and training on the 2022 code changes, we have seen significant improvements in compliance within the 3C-REN territories, but primarily in the design phase. However, some of the most common Code Coach questions we receive are related to the construction phase, often specific to HERS inspections – what they entail, when to call, what to do when something doesn’t comply, etc.
One issue we often encounter is ensuring compliance with Kitchen Hood Exhaust requirements. If this is a new topic to you, please visit our April 2023 Blog discussing the range hood requirements and rationale for why it was implemented in the 2022 code.
What’s the HERS process for verifying that a range hood is in compliance with the Energy Code?
On the CF1R (Title 24 report), you will find the HERS Feature Summary which lists all the required HERS measures (mandatory and selected) for the project.
On new construction residential projects, “Kitchen Range Hood” will be listed, indicating that HERS inspection of the range hood and exhaust fan is required.
A vented range hood must meet the requirements specified in 150.0(o)1G. It must then be field verified in accordance with Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7.4.3. This requires the installed range hood model to be rated by the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) or the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and to comply with the following requirements:
- The minimum ventilation airflow rate as specified by Section 150.0(o)1G, or alternatively the minimum capture efficiency as specified by Section 150.0(o)1G.
- The maximum sound rating as specified in Section 150.0(o)1Gvi.
The HERS rater will arrive on site, take a photo of the appliance’s model number, reference HVI or AHAM directories, and confirm that the unit installed meets the cubic feet per minute (cfm) rating for air changes and noise (sones) rating thresholds from Section 150.0.
What does this mean for installers and individuals purchasing range hoods?
Prior to final selection and purchase, designers and installers should verify that the range hood selection can be found in the HVI or AHAM directories while also confirming that the lowest fan speed setting meets the project’s required CFM and sone thresholds.
HVI uses a browser directory where you can sort and filter to find certified products.
hvi.org/hvi-certified-products-directory/section-i-complete-product-listing/
AHAM’s directory is an Excel file that can be downloaded and is routinely updated with recently certified products.
Why is this important?
Many HERS Raters have shared that they are often brought onto a project where a range hood has already been installed or purchased, only to discover that it does not meet the CFM or Sone requirement. As a result, the HERS Rater cannot complete their documentation, preventing the Building Inspector from having the HERS verification needed for final sign-off.
This leads to additional costs and labor replacing the appliance with a code-compliant model, often causing delays in obtaining final approval on the permit.
For more information and in-person trainings, please check out our events calendar at 3c-ren.org/calendar-of-events-and-trainings
The on-demand webinar page is at 3c-ren.org/on-demand-trainings
And feel free to reach out to the Code Coach Hotline for more information or to have your Energy Code or CALGreen questions answered! 3c-ren.org/energy-code-coach
