Short answer: Replacing or changing out HVAC equipment can trigger Title 24 requirements in many California jurisdictions — covering equipment efficiency, duct sealing, and verification. Whether a report is required depends on scope and your local building department. When one is needed, Title24Comply prepares HVAC replacement Title 24 reports online, with standard delivery in 2–3 business days.
Who Needs an HVAC Replacement Title 24 Report
Homeowners, contractors, architects, and developers undertaking HVAC replacement projects in California typically need a Title 24 report as part of the permit process. Title 24 is a statewide California energy code. HVAC replacement projects follow the same statewide standards; the exact requirements depend on your project's scope and address, which we model in CEC-approved compliance software.
Some departments accept a simple checklist-style form for a straight changeout; others ask for a full compliance document. See do HVAC replacement projects need Title 24? and when Title 24 is required.
What Triggers Title 24 on an HVAC Replacement
Under the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), an HVAC change is an alteration. The requirements that apply depend on what is being replaced:
- Equipment only — a new furnace, air conditioner, condenser or heat pump connected to existing ducts
- Equipment plus ducts — new or extended duct systems bring additional duct insulation and sealing requirements. See HVAC duct sealing and testing requirements.
- System type change — for example, gas furnace and AC to a heat pump, or a ducted system to ductless mini-splits
- HVAC as part of a larger project — additions, ADUs and remodels, where HVAC is modeled with the rest of the work
How much duct work is altered matters; see HVAC replacement thresholds and the full list on HVAC replacement Title 24 requirements.
Heat Pump Title 24 Changeouts
Heat pump changeouts are now one of the most common HVAC alterations in California. The 2022 and 2025 code cycles emphasize heat pumps, and switching from a gas furnace to a heat pump is generally straightforward from a compliance standpoint. The same alteration rules still apply: the equipment must meet the efficiency requirements, ducts that stay in service may need sealing and testing, and verification items apply as flagged. Your climate zone affects heating loads and some requirements. See heat pump replacement requirements and, for zone-specific notes, pages such as Climate Zone 12 heat pump requirements or the climate zone lookup.
HERS Verification for HVAC Alterations
A Title 24 report is prepared before work starts. After installation, a HERS rater (under the 2025 code cycle, the CEC calls this ECC verification) tests the items the compliance document flags. For HVAC alterations these commonly include:
- Duct leakage — confirming the duct system is sealed to the required level
- Refrigerant charge — confirming the system is correctly charged, where required for the equipment type and climate zone
- Airflow and fan performance — confirming adequate airflow across the coil and fan efficiency, where required
Results are registered with a HERS data registry such as CHEERS. See HERS rater vs Title 24 report and what CHEERS is.
What We Need
- Plans or a simple floor plan (PDF) where available, or a clear scope description
- Project address (this sets the climate zone)
- Scope of work — existing and new equipment, and whether ducts are replaced, extended or reused
- New equipment make/model or specifications, if known
- Contact information
- Any plan-check comments (if available)
See documents needed for an HVAC replacement.
Pricing
- ADU — from $199
- Residential — from $245
- Multifamily — from $345
The final price follows the square footage or unit count; if an adjustment is needed, we contact you before proceeding. See HVAC replacement Title 24 cost or the pricing page.
Turnaround
Standard turnaround: 2–3 business days. Rush (next business day): +$49 ADU / +$99 Residential / +$149 Multifamily. Super Rush (same day — typically within a few hours): +$150. Every report includes two revisions.
What You'll Receive
- Permit-ready Title 24 energy report
- CF1R documentation (LMCC when applicable)
- CHEERS registration (when applicable)
- Professionally signed report
- PDF delivery, formatted for city submission
- Two revisions included
Common Plan-Check Issues
- Scope unclear on whether ducts are being replaced, extended or reused
- Equipment listed on the permit not matching the compliance document
- HERS verification items not acknowledged on the permit or plans
- A system type change (such as to ductless) not described
See HVAC replacement plan-check corrections and common HVAC replacement mistakes.
Sample Report
Your delivered package is a professionally signed, registry-registered PDF containing your CF1R (and LMCC where applicable) and all required compliance forms — formatted and ready to submit with your permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form is used for an HVAC changeout?
Prescriptive residential HVAC alterations are commonly documented on a CF1R-ALT-02 form, though form names can change between code cycles and some jurisdictions have their own requirements. See what a CF1R is.
Does replacing only the outdoor unit trigger Title 24?
It can. Replacing a condenser or heat pump is generally an HVAC alteration, and the building department may require duct testing and refrigerant verification. Check with your department.
Is a heat pump changeout easier to permit than gas?
Often, since current code cycles favor heat pumps. The same duct and verification requirements still apply as flagged.
Who arranges the HERS test?
Usually the installing contractor or homeowner schedules a HERS rater after installation. The Title 24 report identifies which items need testing.
