What is a CEA?
A CEA is a Certified Energy Analyst. This is a certification stating that the person has a deep understanding of the California Building Energy-Efficiency Standards. The California Building Energy-Efficiency Standards are also known as Title 24, Part 6. In addition, the person has knowledge of broader energy efficiency issues, committing to providing quality service, and willing to conduct business in an ethical way. A CEA is also committing to continuous education by attending industry training. There are two types of CEAs. There is a CEA certified in Residential California Energy Standards and there is a Non-Residential CEA. Non-Residential is for products with four stories and above, high-rise, commercial, industrial and/or any other structure that is not recognized as residential.
The certificate is obtained directly from the CABEC organization. The exams are different for Residential and Non-Residential. First, the applicant must pass a two-party exam. One part tests their knowledge with a multiple-choice test. The second part tests their energy modeling skills. In addition, the person must have experience and/or education or other certifications related to Title 24 work. They must also take part in a Professional Practice Workshop produced by CABEC. Lastly, the person must attend a minimum of nine hours each year of continuing education training.
Why do I care?
Currently, the state of California does not regulate energy consultants. Anyone can put together the California Energy-Efficiency Standards for a project. Someone without a background or knowledge in the energy-efficiency field may not have construction-costs nor the best building science practices in mind. They could put random compliance measures together to get your project to pass. This could cost you twice as much in construction costs than a CEA putting the measures together. CABEC developed the CEA program for energy consultants to earn a certification as a designation and highly regarded expert within the energy consulting industry.
CEAs have become a symbol to building departments, builders, architects, and homeowners that they are a knowledgeable professional and skilled energy consultant with extensive experience in Title 24 Part 6 in California. In more recent times, builder and homeowner incentive programs are requiring a CEA design and calculate the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24 Part 6) to qualify and receive the incentives. For example, take a look at the California Advanced Housing Program Handbook (CAHP). They encourage best practices in energy-efficiency, green building and sustainability by offering financial incentives.
The DuctTesters Team
The DuctTesters team has many Residential and Non-Residential Certified Energy Analysts. Our process begins with a client discussion on construction methods and products. We work with clients to put together customized compliance scenarios that work best for the project and the client. After the client reviews optional scenarios, the client chooses a path to go ahead with. Then the client’s chosen scenario is uploaded to the HERS Provider for finalization. We charge a one-time flat fee and do not nickel and dime you throughout the process. We make sure there is client satisfaction with the result before we finish.
Our team also carries a number of other certification and energy designations which you can see on our services page.
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