01Replacement is an alteration
Replacing a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump is commonly treated as an alteration under the Energy Code, even when the new equipment goes in the same place. Depending on the code cycle and scope, requirements can include minimum equipment efficiency, duct sealing or testing, airflow or refrigerant charge checks, and thermostat requirements. Some may require ECC verification by a qualified ECC-Rater, formerly commonly called HERS testing. Preserve older-cycle labels on actual legacy forms.
02Ducts deserve attention
Existing ducts can leak, be undersized for new equipment or be poorly insulated. When equipment is replaced, duct requirements may be triggered, and replacing or extending ducts may bring further requirements. Asking a contractor to assess ducts before signing a contract can prevent mid-project surprises.
03Questions to ask your contractor
Before signing, ask:
- +Will a permit be pulled for this work?
- +Which energy forms will you complete?
- +Are duct tests or other verification required for this scope?
- +Who arranges and pays for any field verification visit?
- +Is the equipment sized from a load calculation?
- +Will the thermostat or controls change?
04Switching fuel or system type
Changing from a gas furnace to a heat pump, or from ducted to ductless, can affect electrical capacity, outdoor unit placement, condensate drainage and documentation. Some jurisdictions have local requirements affecting fuel choices. Confirm before purchasing.
05A note on scope
This guide describes common considerations only. Requirements vary by code cycle, scope and jurisdiction. Your building department and the CEC are the authoritative sources, and a licensed contractor should advise on equipment selection and sizing.
06A hypothetical sequence
Picture an owner whose air conditioner has failed in mid-season. The pressure to act quickly is real, but a few minutes of questions can prevent problems. The owner asks the contractor whether a permit will be pulled, which forms the contractor will complete, and whether duct testing is needed. The contractor explains that the scope may require a duct leakage test and that a rater will need to visit. The owner schedules the visit at installation, keeps the completed CF2R and CF3R, and has the paperwork ready for the final inspection. The same steps apply when there is no emergency, with more time to compare equipment options.