Dear CEC, Please approve Wrightsoft software for alterations and additions compliance, (Title 24 performance)

Dear Commissioner McAllister,

I am writing to request that you to approve Wrightsoft software to perform title 24 energy compliance (performance) for residential alterations and additions in California.

I am told that the software is now able to perform compliance for new homes but not for alterations and additions, the far more common jobs found here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I have been using Wrightsoft for the last year and am extremely impressed with it as a tool to perform load calculations, duct design and equipment selection. As a HERS rater I see failure to perform to code every day in the HVAC systems I test, with about 75% of them fail to move enough air in AC mode. Having HVAC systems be designed properly yields systems that perform to those design standards.

I understand that the CEC is now evaluating Wrightsoft. If that is so, I ask you to accelerate the evaluation and allow Wrightsoft to be used in title 24 compliance in alterations and additions.

It is my understanding that 1% of California residential HVAC changeouts get load calculations done. This must be why I see such wildly oversized air conditioning systems in my testing.

Here is what I’d like you to do to improve energy efficiency and efficacy in new/alterations in California,

1.       

Allow Wrightsoft to be used for T24 compliance in Alterations and additions.

2.       Compel the Contractors State License Board to teach HVAC contractors to use load calculation software and that calculations, design and equipment selection is code required.

3.       Sponsor classes to teach HVAC contractors how to use load calculation/duct design software.

4.       Encourage title 24 consultants to use load calculation software and do both compliance and design.

Doing only compliance misses the greater point of creating heating/cooling/ventilation systems tailored to a particular house and actually achieving efficiency and performance. I see “T24 compliant” houses fail HERS tests every day.

If you need any help, please do not hesitate to call me.

Thanks for your help in creating an energy efficient economy in California.

Very truly yours,

George Matthews

Building Energy Compliance Testing www.bect.us Phone 510 520 4443

Walnut Creek, CA 94597