California climate & load drivers
- IECC climate zone: 3B-3C-4B-5B
- Annual load split: Cooling-dominant — annual cooling load exceeds heating load (2,300 HDD / 1,400 CDD)
- Dominant heating fuel: Natural gas — piped utility supply through state pipeline network
- Dominant cooling system: Central air conditioning paired with separate heating equipment
California licensing & permits
- License status: Statewide license required
- License board: California Contractors State License Board — C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating & Air-Conditioning) (official site)
- Permit: permit + Title 24 HERS verification required
How HVAC replacement costs vary in California
State-specific code or insurance rule: California SB 1206 (2018) caps refrigerant Global Warming Potential at 750 for new stationary AC systems by 2025 — phasing out R-410A faster than the federal AIM Act timeline — and Title 24 Part 6 mandates HERS-rater field verification of duct leakage and refrigerant charge on every change-out.
Cities in California
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