Title 24 and Duct Testing: What Modesto Homeowners Should Know
If you're replacing an air conditioner or furnace in California, you'll likely hear about Title 24. Here's what it means in plain terms.
Request an HVAC technicianWhat Title 24 is
Title 24 is California's building energy code. It sets efficiency rules for new homes and many alterations, including HVAC replacements.
Permits
Replacing an AC or furnace usually needs a building permit, which your contractor should pull.
Duct testing
Many replacements require testing the ducts for leaks. If they leak too much, they need sealing before the job passes.
Third-party verification
Some tests must be verified by an independent HERS rater, not just the contractor.
Why it matters
Leaky ducts waste energy and comfort. Testing makes sure the new system performs.
Costs
Ask whether permit and testing costs are included in the quote.
Skipping it
A contractor who offers to skip permits leaves you without inspection and possibly with problems when you sell.
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What the test looks like
A technician seals the supply and return grilles, connects a calibrated fan to the system and measures how much air leaks out under pressure. It usually takes an hour or two, depending on the house and how easy the ducts are to reach.
If the ducts fail
Leaky ducts are sealed, repaired or replaced, then retested. In some older homes, replacing the ductwork entirely makes more sense than chasing leaks in old, brittle ducts.
Refrigerant charge checks
Some installations also require the refrigerant charge or airflow to be verified, to make sure the new system runs as efficiently as it's rated.
Keep the paperwork
Keep copies of the permit, the test results and the final inspection. Buyers and their inspectors may ask for them, and they show the work was done properly.
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