Changed HVAC After the CF1R: What to Do
Compare the installed system with the CF1R on four points: type, capacity, rated efficiency and ducts. If any differ, revise the CF1R, register the revision where registration applies, and let the ECC-Rater work from the revised test list. On a changeout the registered CF1R-ALT-02-E may be given to the inspector at final.
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Four points to compare
- Type. A new building's prescriptive package calls for a heat pump (Section 150.1(c)6). An altered system may not use electric resistance as its primary heat except in listed cases. Swapping the type means re-running the model.
- Capacity. Equipment must be sized from the load calculation under ACCA Manual S-2023. Cooling capacity has no minimum limit, and heat pump heating has no maximum limit, with the heating minimum set by the California Building Code. The CF1R carries the load results.
- Rated efficiency. If the CF1R claims a SEER2, EER2 or HSPF2 above default, or a heat pump capacity at 47 and 17 degrees F, the rater checks the installed model numbers against the product directory.
- Ducts. More than 25 feet of new or replacement duct triggers sealing and testing, an entirely new duct system must reach 5 percent leakage, and altered ducts, coils or air handlers in a garage face a 6 percent limit, or a smoke test, whatever the length.
How the tests move with the swap
Replacing the air handler, outdoor unit or coil sends the connected ducts to a test at 10 percent total or 7 percent to outside, unless they run under 40 linear feet or were already sealed and verified. Replacing refrigerant parts adds airflow of at least 300 cfm per ton, where a new system needs 350, plus charge verification for heat pumps in every zone and air conditioners in zones 2 and 8 to 15. A complete replacement packaged unit charged at the factory is excepted from the charge check.
The paperwork order
Revise the CF1R, register it where required, and resubmit it with the amended plans (Section 10-103(a)2B). A changeout is the usual exception: the Energy Commission says urgent alterations may register later, but before the permit is closed. Book the rater before installation, with the final equipment list in hand.
For model swaps read different equipment than the CF1R, for sizing load calculations, and for the changeout rules HVAC replacement and Title 24. See permit revisions and the residential page.
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
Equipment sizing must follow the load calculation, so a unit that departs from it needs the load and sizing documents rechecked before the CF1R is revised.
The department, under Section 10-103(a)2B: a change that may take the building out of compliance needs amended plans and certificates.
Explore Title 24 Revisions
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- The Solar System Is a Different Size Than the CF1R: What to Do
View all Title 24 Revisions guides → · Permits and Compliance · Title 24 guide