For many Los Angeles County and Orange County homeowners, the HVAC proposal is the only document they see before equipment is ordered and work begins. That is why the permit and ECC field-verification (formerly HERS testing) scope matters. A clear written scope helps you understand who pulls permits, what testing may apply, how inspections are handled, and what conditions could change price or schedule. Home Upgrade Specialist, CSLB #1031989, uses practical planning for AC replacement, heat pump conversion, furnace replacement, package units, and ductwork updates.
This page is an example homeowner checklist and scope outline, not legal advice and not a statement of exact permit requirements. Rules can vary by city, county area, utility territory, equipment type, and current code cycle. If you want help reviewing your own project, call (833) 446-6387 or schedule a free estimate.
For many California HVAC replacements, the permit, inspection and field-verification path depends on the exact equipment and scope. Since January 1, 2026, Energy Code field verification runs through the California Energy Commission's Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program and is performed by an independent ECC-Rater when required (it was previously called HERS testing), not by the installing contractor. There is no single statewide price for this testing: rater fees vary by project, location and required tests, so the proposal should state whether testing is included, an allowance, or a separate third-party charge.
Often yes, but the exact permit path depends on the jurisdiction and scope. AC, furnace and heat-pump replacements commonly require a mechanical permit and final inspection, and some projects also trigger Energy Code Compliance (ECC) field verification, formerly called HERS testing. The contractor should identify permit responsibility, required testing and closeout steps in writing before work starts.
Before installation, confirm who pulls the permit, who schedules ECC field verification or other third-party verification, what happens if corrections are required, and which closeout documents you will receive.
A solid proposal should identify the installing contractor, license classification, and whether permit procurement is included. It should also explain if permit fees are included, estimated, or billed as an allowance because some jurisdictions adjust fees after plan review or field verification. Homeowners should not have to guess whether the project is permitted.
The scope should note the equipment type and work category, such as like for like AC replacement, furnace replacement, heat pump conversion, package unit replacement, or duct modifications. It should also reference system sizing methodology. For replacement projects, Manual J load review is an important planning step, especially where insulation, windows, occupancy, orientation, or duct conditions may affect tonnage selection. Learn more about Manual J HVAC load calculation scope.
HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. Effective January 1, 2026, the California Energy Commission moved Energy Code field verification from the HERS Program to the Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program, and that verification is now performed by ECC-Raters. On some HVAC jobs in California, third party verification may apply depending on the specific scope and current code requirements. A proposal should avoid blanket promises and instead explain that testing requirements are determined by the jurisdiction, the type of installation, and the final permitted scope.
Examples of testing that may be part of a project include duct leakage testing where applicable, refrigerant charge verification where applicable, and airflow or static pressure checks where applicable. Some jobs may also require documentation of fan airflow, thermostat controls, or duct sealing performance. If existing ducts remain in place, the written scope should be clear about whether they are being reused as is, repaired, sealed, replaced, or tested.
Related service pages can help homeowners compare project types: AC replacement scope, heat pump conversion scope, furnace replacement scope, package unit replacement scope, and ductwork and duct sealing scope.
Before signing, ask for a written scope that explains any permit assumptions, attic or crawlspace access limitations, electrical upgrade exclusions, crane needs, asbestos exclusions, and roof access conditions. If the project includes a heat pump, ask whether electrical capacity was reviewed and whether panel, breaker, disconnect, or line set changes are included.
Home Upgrade Specialist serves Los Angeles County and Orange County with practical HVAC planning, written scopes, permit coordination, rebate review, and financing on approved credit.
Request an HVAC EstimatePermit planning also matters when HVAC work overlaps with solar, roofing, battery backup, EV charging, or electrical upgrades. Sequencing can affect access, inspections, and cost. Home Upgrade Specialist can help homeowners think through whole home planning across HVAC and related upgrades while keeping each proposal specific to the actual scope. For the broader contractor comparison, review the Los Angeles HVAC, solar and roofing company guide. Start with HVAC services in Los Angeles or review Los Angeles HVAC project examples.
Updated October 16, 2026. California enacted two laws aimed at simplifying eligible residential work. They establish future requirements and do not mean an installation is automatically approved today.
Signed September 28, 2026, SB 222 directs jurisdictions to offer qualifying asynchronous inspections for residential heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heater installations beginning July 1, 2027. An asynchronous inspection does not necessarily require the installer and inspector to be present together. By July 1, 2028, qualifying jurisdictions must implement online automated permits for eligible heat pump replacements that meet specified requirements, including limits on structural and electrical changes and documented load calculations. Inspector review, local rules and separate permits for other work may still apply. See the Governor's official SB 222 announcement and the SB 222 legislative record.
Signed September 18, 2026, AB 1738 requires many local jurisdictions to offer remote-inspection requests for covered one- and two-family projects by January 1, 2028; certain smaller jurisdictions have until July 1, 2028. Covered scopes include heat pump water heaters, certain heat pump HVAC installations (at the inspector's discretion), residential reroofs and qualifying solar and storage systems. Inspectors can still require additional evidence or an in-person visit; the law is not a permit waiver. Read the AB 1738 legislative record and our Los Angeles solar permit guide.
The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning warns of phishing emails impersonating planning officials. Its official messages come from @planning.lacounty.gov or donotreply@lacounty.gov. Regional Planning says it does not request wire transfers or personal identifying information by email. Do not click unexpected payment links. Verify a questionable message independently by contacting Regional Planning at (213) 974-6411 or by visiting its official website. This notice is specific to County Regional Planning: city building departments and other county agencies may use different procedures, so verify with the authority handling your permit.
Planning a replacement? Check the actual jurisdiction and scope before assuming a permit process or timeline. Start your HUS HVAC plan or call (833) 446-6387.
No. Requirements vary by city, scope, equipment, and current code, so your proposal should explain testing as applicable rather than making broad claims. Since January 1, 2026, this field verification is called Energy Code Compliance (ECC) verification and is performed by ECC-Raters.
Sometimes, but many homeowners prefer the licensed contractor to handle it so responsibility, inspection scheduling, and closeout stay consistent.
Ask for copies of permit final approval, testing documents if applicable, equipment information, and any startup or commissioning notes included in the scope. For help, call (833) 446-6387.
