Many Californians have wondered "what is Title 24?" and "why do I need a Title 24 energy report for my project?"

Throughout California the Title 24 energy standards address the energy efficiency of new homes and commercial buildings. Because energy efficiency reduces energy costs, increases reliability and availability of electricity, improves building occupant comfort, and reduces impacts to the environment, standards are important and necessary for California’s energy future. In 1978 the California legislature enacted the Title 24 energy standards. 

The goal of the California Title 24 energy standards is the reduction of energy use. This is a benefit to all. Homeowners save money, Californians have a more secure and healthy economy, the environment is less negatively impacted, and our electrical system can operate in a more stable state. 

What's new in the 2016 code?

• All High Efficacy Lighting - Indoor and outdoor lighitng for new homes must be high efficacy
• Simplified Control Requirements - Lighting control requirements for indoor spaces are now simplier. Control requirements are based, in nearly all cases, on the type of lamp or luminaire installed, not the space. 
• JA8 Updated - Joint appendix JA8 regulations now contain requirements for more types of residential high efficacy lamps and luminaire. In the 2013 standards, JA8 regulations only applied to LED sources. 

California's new residential Building Energy Efficiency Standards take effect on January 1, 2017. The 2016 Standards focus on several key areas to improve the energy efficiency of newly constructed buildings, additions and alterations to existing buildings. The most significant efficiency improvements address attics, walls, water heating and lighting.

The California Energy Commission estimates that the 2016 standards will deliver approximately 281 gigawatt-hours of electricity savings annually and reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 160,000 metric tons. This is enough electricity to power 500,000 California homes each year. These standards represent a major step towards meeting California's residential Zero Net Energy (ZNE) goal by the year 2020. Updates enhance and simplify previous requirements and lay the foundation for additional efficiency improvements slated for 2019 code.

 CLICK HERE to download the Title 24 Brochure for California’s 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards!

Today, Lutron announced that its Caséta Wireless smart lighting control system now works with Amazon Alexa. This expands the DIY system’s capabilities and helps conveniently create a complete smart home with the right light. http://bit.ly/1MUQ8mO

Claim your spot for a 60 minute webinar featuring Caseta Wireless by Lutron.

• Overview if of the Caseta Wireless family of products including dimmers, remote controls, smart bridge, and more.
• Easy installation solutions for new & retrofit applications.
• Integration of Caseta with Lutron's wireless shades, third-party temperature controls, and Apple HomeKit.
• Typical cost structure of the Caseta products.
• Sales opportunites for commercial & residential applications
• Sales Strategies for electrical professionals

 

Great lighting for auto dealerships doesn't have to mean increased energy costs and maintenance. 

Recently, Western Lighting and Energy Controls was part of a project where Cree LED lighting was used at Volkswagon Pasadena. After the installation of the lighting, the lot and showrooms once again became the main focus for customers. Volkswagon Pasadena held a car show this past month that showcased over 200 Volswagon vehicles, new and old, and over 400 people were in attendace. Since the event was held during the evening, people had no trouble viewing all the classic cars thanks to the recently installed Cree LED lighting. 

Cree leads the LED lighting revolution and is making energy-wasting traditional lighting technologies obsolete through the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lighting. By instaling energy-efficient Cree LED lighting at Volkswagon Pasadena, the company has a great opportunity to showcase lighting options that cut energy costs, are maintenance-free, and last longer than other lighting solutions.

A video of the event was taken by Volkswagon Pasadena via drone to showcase not only how successful the event was, but also how the Cree LED lighting illuminated the entire car lot. 

 Click on the picture below to watch the event and see how Cree LED lighting brought everything to life. 

Popular Automotive Application Products From Cree

The Cree Edge High Output provides industry-leading 90 CRI color quality and performance to auto dealerships' outdoor lots. Designed specifically for automotive dealership front lines, among other exterior retail applications, the Cree Edge High Output showcases a delaerships's inventory in remarkable light and significantly saves on energy and maintenance costs.

                        Cree Edge High Output                                         Cree Edge High Output

                                 LED Area                                                                LED Flood

To see more automotive applications from Cree lighting, see our page outlining Automotive LED Products:

Many of our clients have successfully used the ballast selection tool by Lutron in order to find the ballast that best suits their project. Now Lutron has created a similar tool for selecting occupancy sensors which is sure to be a useful tool to the trade. 

The Lutron "Sensor Selection Tool" is an easy-to-use selection tool that allows you to specify the application, connectivity, technology, and room size. Here's how the tool works.....

First click on the link to the Sensor Selection Tool and review the filters on the left side of the page.

Application: Whether your project requires occupancy sensor for ceiling, in-wall, outdoor, or other - the selection filters allow you to choose the application that suits your unique project.

Connectivity: Choose from either wired or wireless solutions. Lutron has several options in either category. See our blog post here entitled "A Sensor For Every Project" for detailed information on some of Lutron's most popular sensors.

Technology: Choose from Dual-technology, Passive Infrared (PIR), or Ultrasonic.

Room Size: Room size will dictate the sensor as well as other automation solutions for your project. Use the filter to select the room size of your project.

The Sensor Selection Tool is interactive and works in real time. As you choose the appropriate filters for your project, the tool will drill down until you have the options that fit your unique project. Just another tool to make your life as an electrical contractor, lighting designer, or electrical distributor just a little easier!

In case you missed it - below is the link to the Sensor Selection Tool. The tool can also be found on our Resources Page at www.Westernlightingandenergycontrols.com.