Compliance checklists, leakage rate requirements, climate zone R-values, and exemptions — all in one place. Submit jobs online and we handle the rest.
Submit a Job RequestA permit and Title 24 verification are required any time an HVAC system is replaced or altered in California — regardless of system size, age of the home, or whether the homeowner requests it.
Replacing an outdoor condensing unit or air conditioner requires a permit and Title 24 verification in all California climate zones. Duct leakage testing is required by the city or county building department.
Replacing a gas furnace or forced air unit triggers Title 24 compliance. A permit must be pulled before work begins and a Title 24 verification inspection must be completed before final sign-off.
Any replacement or alteration of ductwork requires a permit and duct leakage testing. The standard that applies (5% or 10%) depends on how much of the duct system is being replaced.
Heat pump installations and replacements require Title 24 verification. Note: under the 2025 California Energy Code, some single-family AC replacements may now require upgrading to a heat pump system.
All new construction requires Title 24 compliance including HVAC verification, duct leakage testing, and load calculations to ensure the system is properly sized for the building.
Any alteration, relocation, or reconstruction of an existing mechanical system requires a permit prior to work beginning per the California Mechanical Code.
A written construction permit must be obtained prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, relocation, or alteration of any mechanical system in California. If work is being done, a permit is required.
The items below are California Title 24 state energy compliance requirements — what TopNotch Energy Compliance Services inspects and certifies. City and building department requirements are listed separately below.
California Title 24 requires specific R-values for new portions of supply-air and return-air ducts or plenums. Requirements vary by climate zone.
| Climate Zone(s) | Required R-Value | Applies To | Example Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| CZ 3, 5, 6, 7 | R-6 | New portions of supply-air and return-air ducts or plenums | Parts of Bay Area, Central Coast, San Diego coastal areas |
| CZ 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 | R-8 | New portions of supply-air and return-air ducts or plenums | Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Sacramento Valley, Desert regions, High Desert |
Leakage is tested at 25 pascals pressure. Only accessible duct leakage is measured. Results are expressed as a percentage of total system airflow.
| Scenario | Max Leakage Rate | Min Airflow | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changeout / Less than 75% of ducts replaced | ≤ 10% of total system airflowTested at 25 pascals | 300 CFM per ton | Standard city requirements apply |
| 75% or more of ducts replaced Treated as entirely new system |
≤ 5% of total system airflowTested at 25 pascals — stricter standard | 350 CFM per ton | Fan watt efficacy required + all city requirements |
| Asbestos present | Exempt | N/A | Document asbestos presence on compliance form |
| Inaccessible Leakage | Does not cause failure | N/A | Only accessible leakage tested via smoke test. Document inaccessibility. |
The items below are local city and building department requirements — they are enforced by the city inspector during the permit inspection, not by Title 24 Verification. These vary by jurisdiction so always confirm with your local building department.
These requirements are enforced by your local city or building department inspector — separate from Title 24. They vary by jurisdiction so always verify before installation.
Minimum required distance from the condenser unit to the structure. Varies by city — confirm before installation.
UV-resistant insulation wrap required on all exposed outdoor refrigerant lines to protect against sun degradation.
Locking caps must be installed on all refrigerant service ports to prevent tampering and unauthorized access.
Fuse or breaker size must match the manufacturer's specification on the equipment nameplate exactly.
Condensate drain lines must be properly sloped and verified to be draining correctly.
The permit must be pulled and posted at the job site before work begins. The inspection card must be signed off by the city inspector.
Fill out our online form and we'll confirm scheduling within one business day. We handle everything from there — permits, inspections, and paperwork.
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