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Replacing a system in California: who does what.
Replacing an air conditioner, heat pump or furnace in California usually needs a permit and, for most homes, independent testing under the state energy code (Title 24). Three parties are involved. Here is the order, and whose job each step is.
Six steps, three lanes.
Read across for the order; read down for who does it. Details vary by city and by job — this is the usual path for a home system replacement.
- GoldcrestSize and design
A load calculation for the house, equipment chosen to match, ducts assessed.
- CityPermit issued
We apply; the city issues the mechanical permit before work starts.
- GoldcrestInstall
New equipment set, ducts sealed, the system started and checked by us.
- HERS raterIndependent testing
A certified rater, not us, tests duct leakage and the other required items.
- HERS raterResults registered
Passing results are recorded in a state-approved registry.
- CityFinal inspection
The inspector checks the work and the paperwork, and signs the permit off.
A general guide, not legal advice. Which tests apply depends on the equipment, the ducts, the climate zone and the city; we tell you what your job needs before you agree to it.
The test protects you, not the paperwork.
- Leaky ducts waste the new system
- Air lost in the attic or crawlspace is air you paid to cool or heat.
- Someone else checks our work
- The rater is independent. A pass means the install measured up.
- Unpermitted work follows the house
- It can come up when you sell, or with your insurer after a claim.
- Rebates often need it
- Many utility and state rebates ask for a finalised permit.
The permit in the quote. The sign-off in your hands.
- The permit and testing written into the estimate, not added later
- We book the rater and the inspector and meet them on site
- If something doesn't pass, we fix it and it's re-tested
- You get the signed-off permit and the test results
Replacement or new ducts
Most home system and duct replacements need the permit and independent testing.
Commercial permits
Commercial work has its own permit and energy-code path. We handle the submittals and inspections.
Get a quote with the permit in it.
No surprises when the rater and inspector arrive.