CF1R for HVAC Replacement: Which Form Do I Need?
For an HVAC changeout the form is CF1R-ALT-02-E, which Appendix A calls "Prescriptive Alterations HVAC". Because a changeout brings duct and ECC-Rater testing, it is registered with an ECC-Provider. If the department agrees, the permit can be pulled on an unregistered ALT-03-E or ALT-04-E and the registered ALT-02-E shown at final.
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Appendix A against the chapters
Table A-1 lists CF1R-ALT-01-E as "Prescriptive Alterations" and CF1R-ALT-02-E as "Prescriptive Alterations HVAC". Chapter 2 agrees: ALT-02 for HVAC changeouts. The introduction to chapter 9 simply calls ALT-02-E the prescriptive alteration form, so the chapters differ. Appendix A is the form list: a furnace or air-conditioner swap goes on ALT-02-E.
What a changeout puts on the form
- Replacing the air handler, outdoor unit or a coil: the connected ducts must test at 10 percent leakage, or 7 percent to outside, or have every accessible leak sealed and smoke-tested by an ECC-Rater. Ducts under 40 linear feet, previously verified ducts and asbestos ducts are excepted (Section 150.2(b)1E).
- Replacing compressors, coils, metering devices or refrigerant piping: setback thermostats, plus airflow of at least 300 cfm per ton (250 for small-duct high-velocity) and verified charge on air conditioners in zones 2 and 8 to 15 and on heat pumps in every zone (Section 150.2(b)1F).
- A factory-charged packaged unit skips the field charge test when the installer certifies the factory charge on the installation certificate.
Registration and the permit shortcut
Those tests are field verification, so the CF1R is registered with an ECC-Provider; CHEERS is the only one the Energy Commission lists as approved (read 6 October 2026). Section 10-103 lets the registered ALT-02-E reach the department at final inspection instead of before the permit, where the department does not require plans with the application. If the department approves, an applicant may use unregistered CF1R-ALT-03-E or ALT-04-E, chosen by climate zone. Neither appears in Table A-1, so confirm the current blank with the department.
The installer side
The contractor completes CF2R-MCH-01b-E, "Space Conditioning Systems-Prescriptive Alterations", and the ECC-Rater issues the tests as CF3Rs. A contractor may hire the rater only if the homeowner authorizes it.
For triggers by equipment type see HVAC replacement or coil and compressor swaps. See also duct leakage testing, permits and the CF2R page. Our residential service prepares ALT-02-E.
Common Title 24 Questions
- What is a CF1R certificate of compliance?
- What is a CF2R certificate of installation?
- What is a CF3R certificate of verification?
- What is an NRCC form?
- What is an NRCA certificate of acceptance?
- What is an LMCC form?
Frequently Asked Questions
ALT-02-E. Appendix A describes it as the HVAC alterations form, and chapter 2 names it for HVAC changeouts.
Not if the department approves the unregistered ALT-03-E or ALT-04-E at application. The registered ALT-02-E is then presented at final inspection.
Explore CF1R: Certificate of Compliance
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- CF1R-NCB-01-E: The Prescriptive Certificate for New Homes and Large Additions
- CF1R Prescriptive vs Performance Report: What Is the Difference?
View all CF1R: Certificate of Compliance guides → · Forms and Certificates · Title 24 guide