Title 20
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What It Is
The California Energy Commission’s Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations require new or replacement filtration pumps for residential pools to meet certain energy efficiency standards. Specifically, pump motors used to filter pool water that were made on or after Jan. 1, 2006, must operate at two or more speeds. That means such pumps may not be split-phase or capacitor start.
History
California’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations were created in 1976 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce the state’s energy usage. The regulations are updated periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy-efficiency technologies and methods, according to CEC.
All pool and spa pumps used to filter water were required to be on the certified CEC list, starting Jan. 1, 2006.
Title 20 language was amended in 2008 to require pool pumps with a total horsepower of 1 or larger to be two-speed or variable-speed. Furthermore, if a pump is purchased as a replacement and it is 1hp or larger, it must be two-speed or variable speed. Additional controls must be bought if they are not included with the pump. This control system must be capable of defaulting to a low-speed setting after running at a higher speed for some other purpose, such as powering a cleaner or waterfeature.
The amendments established allowable variances in ambient air and water temperatures. The changes should ultimately enable more spas to become compliant with the state’s efficiency requirements.
Title 20 allows the replacement of a large single-speed pump with a small, single-speed pump. This downsizing eliminates the need for a multispeed pump and control system.
Rebate
Pacific Gas & Electric is offering customers a $100 rebate for replacing their old, single-speed pumps and motors with new, qualifying multispeed pumps. The rebate is for owners of single-family dwellings who purchase and install qualifying product(s) between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2012 -- and complete the 2010 Residential Application, found on PG&E's Website (see External Link below).
External Links
Featured Articles
Title 20 Enforcement Questioned at Energy Conference -- Pool & Spa News -- 02.25.2009
