In California, replacing a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump needs a building permit. Some contractors offer to skip it to save time. Here's why that's a bad trade.
What the permit covers
- Title 24. California's energy code sets efficiency rules for new and replacement systems, including duct sealing in many cases.
- ECC (formerly HERS) testing. Some of those rules are checked by an independent rater who tests ducts, airflow and refrigerant charge. See why your installer can't be your tester.
- A final inspection. The building department checks the gas, venting, electrical and installation.
Why it matters to you
- Safety: gas lines, venting and wiring checked by someone besides the installer.
- Performance: the testing catches leaky ducts and a wrong charge, which cost you every month.
- Selling your home: unpermitted work can come up in a buyer's inspection and hold up a sale, or have to be permitted after the fact.
- Rebates: many programs require a permit.
How we handle it
We pull the permit, schedule the inspection and arrange the independent ECC testing as part of the job. Quotes on new equipment are free: send us a message or call 805-965-6326.
Related
More tips on costs & permits.