Do I Need Title 24 for an HVAC Replacement Permit?
In most cases yes. Replacing an air handler, condenser or coil is an alteration that triggers duct sealing tests and, for most systems, a refrigerant charge and airflow check by an ECC-Rater. The paperwork turns on whether you replace one part or the entire system, and your building department decides what it wants at the counter.
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Part swap or complete system
A system counts as entirely new only when the air handler, all heating and cooling equipment and the whole duct system are new, even a duct run under 40 feet. It then meets load-calculation and capacity limits (Table 150.2-A). New ducts must be at least 75 percent new material, with up to 25 percent reused parts, and leak no more than 5 percent of airflow. Anything less is a changeout, and the old ducts are tested instead, at 10 percent leakage or 7 percent to outside, or sealed and smoke-tested. The HVAC replacement page sets out those thresholds.
What replacing refrigerant parts adds
- Replacing a compressor, coil, metering device or refrigerant piping means setback thermostats.
- Air conditioners in zones 2 and 8 to 15, and heat pumps in every zone, need airflow of at least 300 cfm per ton (250 for small-duct high-velocity systems) and a verified refrigerant charge.
- A complete replacement packaged unit charged at the factory skips the field charge test if the installer certifies that on the CF2R.
- Ducts, coils or an air handler in a garage need leakage of 6 percent or less, or a smoke test, whatever the length of duct.
Which form, and when
An HVAC changeout is documented on CF1R-ALT-02-E, registered with an ECC-Provider. Where the department does not require plans, Section 10-103(a)2A lets the certificate wait until before final inspection, and the compliance manual adds that, if the agency agrees, you may apply with an unregistered CF1R-ALT-03-E or CF1R-ALT-04-E (depending on climate zone) and show the registered ALT-02-E at final. Ask the counter which it accepts, and see HVAC and water heater permits.
The mistake to avoid is signing for equipment before the duct scope is known: replacing ducts changes the test, and the rater visit has to be booked before final. Contractors can start at our page for HVAC contractors, sizing is on load calculations, and water heaters are on water heater permits. Our residential reports cover alterations.
Common Title 24 Questions
- What is Title 24?
- Do I need a Title 24 report?
- How much does a Title 24 report cost?
- How long does a Title 24 report take?
- What is included in a Title 24 report?
- What plans do I need to upload?
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually. Replacing refrigerant-containing parts brings charge and airflow verification for most systems, and the duct test is done by a rater too, unless an exemption such as a duct system under 40 feet applies.
Where the department does not require plans, Section 10-103(a)2A lets approval wait until before final inspection. Whether it does so is for the department.
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View all Building Permit Questions guides → · Permits and Compliance · Title 24 guide