What Happens If the Contractor Installs Different Equipment Than the CF1R?
The installer certifies that the work matches the approved plans and the CF1R, so different equipment has to be resolved before final inspection. Either the approved unit goes in, or the design is re-run with the installed one and a revised CF1R is approved and registered.
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Three places it gets caught
- The certificate of installation carries a declaration that the installation conforms to the plans and specifications the department approved, and it states the building permit number (Section 10-103(a)3B).
- Before testing, the ECC-Rater confirms that the installer's certificate is consistent with the plans and the registered CF1R (Appendix RA2.6.1). Testing does not start until the CF1R and the installer's certificates are registered.
- At final inspection the department checks that every installed feature matches the certificates and the approved plans, and a house cannot finish final inspection until it does (Section 10-103(d)2).
When the model number carries credit
If the CF1R claims a rating above the default, the rater records the installed outdoor unit, coil and any specific air handler, then checks them against the product directory. A heat pump that must meet a capacity on the CF1R is checked at 47 and 17 degrees F. A unit that is merely the same size, but a different model, can fail these checks.
How a mismatch gets resolved
- Install the approved unit. No paperwork changes.
- Revise the CF1R to the installed unit. The compliance manual's example is a zonally controlled system found installed but not claimed: it is reported to the registry and the CF1R is revised to reflect the installed system. The revision then follows Section 10-103(a)2B.
- Drop the credit. For a variable capacity heat pump option whose fan feature is not met, the appendices allow a revised certificate of compliance that does not claim it.
Whether a lower-efficiency unit can be rescued with other measures depends on the model, so do not assume it can.
Avoid the surprise
The builder is told to arrange the ECC-Rater before installation, so the rater has time to finish without delaying final approval. Give the installer the approved equipment schedule. The final inspection documents page lists who signs what, and the CF2R explains the installer's form. The paperwork side of a swap is on a permit revision, and picking the unit early is on final HVAC equipment. See also HVAC changeouts and our residential Title 24 reports.
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
The installer signs for what was installed, but the declaration says it conforms to the approved plans. If the unit differs from the CF1R, the mismatch still has to be resolved.
No. If the CF1R claims no rating above the default and the installed unit complies, ask the department whether an amendment is needed.
Explore Title 24 Revisions
- Which Field Changes Need an Amended CF1R? A Quick Reference
- Changed HVAC After the CF1R: What to Do
- Changed Water Heater After the CF1R: What to Do
- Changed Windows After the CF1R: What to Do
- Changed the Roofing After the CF1R: What to Do
View all Title 24 Revisions guides → · Permits and Compliance · Title 24 guide