California Title 24 Opportunity

The California Energy Commission (CEC) defines Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats (OCSTs) under Title 24 JA5.

Installing Flair’s JA5-certified Puck thermostats allows builders to reduce or eliminate solar requirements under the Performance Method, cutting construction costs while improving system performance.

CEC Title 24 Basics

Title 24 mandates solar panels on most new multi-unit residential projects or allows trade-offs through energy conservation measures (ECMs), such as:

  • Ductless Heat Pumps (DHPs)
  • JA5-Certified OCSTs

Because solar installation can be a major cost driver, the Performance Pathway enables developers to meet energy targets through smarter HVAC and controls—reducing PV system size or eliminating it entirely.

Put Numbers on the Performance Path

Wondering how much a JA5 OCST is actually worth on your project? Use the Title 24 JA5 OCST Savings Calculator to estimate avoided PV, battery storage, and HVAC interface CAPEX based on your unit count, conditioned floor area, and California climate zone. It auto-sizes the mandatory PV and battery baselines per §150.1(c)14, applies CEC default reduction bands, and lets you layer in SEER2/HSPF2 equipment-efficiency credits when you've picked specific ductless models. Outputs are shown total, per unit, and per square foot, with a low/base/high sensitivity table so you can quote a range with confidence.

Title 24 JA5 OCST Calculator

What is an OCST?

An Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostat (OCST):

  • Allows occupant control and utility demand response
  • Meets JA5 standards for energy responsiveness and override capability
  • Ensures real-time energy optimization

Key Requirements:

  • Demand Response (DR): Must use open standards (OpenADR 2.0)
  • Occupant Override: User always retains control
  • Certification: Manufacturer compliance with CEC JA5

Solution | Flair Puck + Bridge

Install Flair Puck + Bridge Pro as a wire-free mini split controller for fully compliant, code-ready systems.

Title 24 Compliance Methods

Method Description Result
Prescriptive Method
PV + Battery required
High cost, no flexibility
Performance Method
OCST + DHP + ECMs
PV reduction or elimination

Flair JA5 Certification Summary

Manufacturer JA5 Certified Models Certified DR Protocols
Flair
FLAIRPUCK001, FLAIRPUCK001P, FLAIRPUCK2001, FLAIRPUCK2001P
OpenADR 2.0b / Flair DR API (WiFi/Ethernet)

Why Choose Flair for Title 24 Projects

  • Fully JA5 Certified: Legal for 2022 and 2025 code cycles
  • Wire-Free or In-Wall Install: Save time and improve aesthetics
  • Superior User Interface: e-paper display and advanced app control
  • hvacOS™ Controls: Integrated temperature/humidity sensing, OpenADR DR, and fleet-level management

Flair delivers code-ready, aesthetically refined, and energy-efficient solutions for builders and contractors seeking compliance and cost savings under both Canadian and U.S. building standards.

FLAIR'S STAGED HEATING SOLUTIONS