Are There AC Repair Regulations & Standards in California & San Diego?
Quick Summary: In 2025, replacing or upgrading your HVAC system in California—especially in San Diego—requires close attention to state laws and building codes. From Title 24 duct sealing and thermostat standards to updated SEER2 energy efficiency ratings and new refrigerant regulations, there are several legal and technical requirements homeowners must follow. This guide breaks down California’s HVAC permitting process, Title 24 compliance, and new refrigerant phase-out rules to help ensure your installation is efficient, safe, and up to code.
When replacing an HVAC system in California, it is crucial to hire a state-licensed contractor who will pull a permit from the local building and safety department. This permit ensures that the installation meets all building codes and safety standards required by the state. By obtaining a permit, you can be confident that the new HVAC system is installed correctly and will provide efficient heating and cooling for your property. Additionally, having a permit in place allows for routine building and safety inspections to take place, ensuring that the system also meets Home Energy Rating System (HERS) testing and verification requirements to maximize energy efficiency.
Read through our guide below on how to navigate all of the standards and regulations when it comes to AC repair.
Guide To California’s Title 24 HVAC Code
Ensuring that your HVAC system meets California’s building codes is crucial for both safety and energy efficiency. The California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) and Title 24 set out specific requirements for HVAC systems in new construction or renovation projects. Title 24, in particular, focuses on air distribution systems and plays a significant role in determining the efficiency and performance of HVAC systems.
Importance of Title 24
- Energy Efficiency: Title 24 aims to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Duct installation
- HVAC sizing
- Thermostat use
By following Title 24 guidelines, you can operate more sustainably while also potentially saving on energy costs in the long run.
Duct Installation Standards
Proper duct installation standards are essential for maintaining energy efficiency in buildings and homes. Improperly insulated ductwork can result in unnecessary air leakage, causing heating and cooling systems to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
Title 24 Duct Standards
- Sealing and Insulation: All HVAC ductwork and plenum boxes must be adequately sealed and insulated.
- Preventing Air Leaks: Ensures conditioned air reaches its intended destination without being lost through leaks in the duct system.
Heating and Cooling Equipment Sizes
Properly sizing heating and cooling equipment is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and ensuring the longevity of your HVAC system. Title 24 may not provide specific guidelines for equipment sizes, but it emphasizes the importance of accurately calculating your project’s heating and cooling load.
Factors to Consider
- Building size
- Insulation levels
- Number of occupants
- Climate conditions
By considering these factors, you can determine the appropriate size for your HVAC system to operate efficiently.
Thermostats
In today’s world, where energy efficiency is becoming more important, the use of automatic setback thermostats or programmable/smart thermostats is not only beneficial but also a requirement under Title 24 regulations.
Thermostat Requirements
- Automatic Setback Thermostats: Must be installed during construction.
- Energy Management: Helps manage energy consumption by lowering energy usage when nobody is home.
- Benefits:
- Reduces energy costs
- Lowers environmental impact
- Ensures comfort when individuals arrive
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for New Cooling Units in California
The implementation of minimum energy efficiency standards for new cooling units in California, set by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a key step toward reducing energy use and lowering carbon emissions across the state.
New Standards
- SEER2 Rating: As of 2023 and continuing into 2025, all newly installed split-system air conditioners in the southwestern region (including California) must meet a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3, which is approximately equivalent to the previous SEER 15 under older standards.
Benefits:
- Lower utility bills for consumers
- Reduced overall energy demand on the grid
- Promotion of energy-efficient HVAC systems
Note: These standards apply to full system replacements. Component-only replacements, like changing a blower motor or coil, may not trigger the same compliance requirements, but should still align with best efficiency practices.
2025 Refrigerant Transition: What California Homeowners Need to Know
As of January 1, 2025, California has begun phasing out HVAC systems that use high-global-warming refrigerants like R-410A under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AIM Act regulations.
What This Means for You:
- New AC systems must use low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants, such as R-32 or R-454B.
- Contractors must follow updated safety and installation procedures for these next-generation refrigerants.
- Replacing a system that uses R-410A? Your new unit will need to be fully compliant with California’s refrigerant restrictions.
Why This Matters:
- Helps reduce emissions of potent greenhouse gases
- Supports California’s long-term climate goals
- May affect system cost and availability—be sure to plan ahead when scheduling a replacement
Summary
There are numerous regulations and standards that one must comply with when it comes to AC services. Adhering to these guidelines ensures safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Hire a State-Licensed Contractor: Ensure they pull the necessary permits.
- Follow Title 24 Guidelines: For duct installation, HVAC sizing, and thermostat use.
- Install Energy-Efficient Units: Comply with the latest SEER2 rating standards.
If you have any questions, our certified HVAC professionals are always happy to help. Visit us today!
