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Frequently asked questions
Source: California HVAC Help (californiahvachelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC in California?
Yes in every California city we checked. Portable and plug-in window units are exempt in San Jose and Oakland.
Does an AC changeout need energy testing in California?
Often yes. The ECC program (formerly HERS) lets HVAC changeouts register certificates later, but before the permit is finalized.
Do I need a permit for a mini-split in California?
In San Jose, generally three: mechanical, electrical and building.
How much is an HVAC permit in Sacramento?
Sacramento lists an average total cost of $225.00 for a change-out or new unit.
Does a window AC need a permit in California?
Not in San Jose, which exempts plug-in window units.
Can a California homeowner do their own work?
Yes, under the owner-builder exemption (B&P 7044). It covers an owner who does all the work personally, or with employees paid wages only, when the work is not for sale. A separate route for a principal residence requires living there for the 12 months before the work is finished. You still need the city permit.
Does a handyman need a license in California?
Not for jobs under $1,000 total that are minor and do not need a building permit (B&P 7048). Permitted work, like most water heater and AC replacements, needs a licensed contractor or an owner-builder.
How much can a California contractor ask up front?
The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less (B&P 7159).
How long do I have to cancel a contractor contract in California?
Three business days, five for seniors, or seven for repairs after a declared disaster (B&P 7159).
How do I check a contractor license in California?
Use CSLB's Check a License page or call 800-321-2752.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Los Angeles?
Replacing A/C units with the same size and type, and gas furnaces (including forced air units) under 500,000 Btu/h, are on the LADBS list of express permits with no plan check.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in San Diego?
San Diego says no part of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning or refrigeration system may be installed, altered, replaced or repaired without a Mechanical Permit, except as exempted.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in San Jose?
San Jose says installing or replacing heating and cooling equipment requires an electrical permit and may also need a mechanical or plumbing permit. Air conditioning systems, furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits and duct replacements all need permits.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in San Francisco?
San Francisco requires a C20 license for a contractor to get a mechanical permit. Only owners of stand-alone single-family homes (R-3 occupancy) may apply for a mechanical permit to do the work themselves, and must visit the Permit Center to talk to an inspector within a week.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Sacramento?
Sacramento treats residential HVAC systems in one and two family homes as minor permits, available online through the Public Permit Portal. Owner-builders submit Owner Builder Verification Form CDD-0220.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Fresno?
Fresno lists mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning permits in its fastest review level, with a timeframe of up to 3 business days. The same 2023 booklet also lists same day express permits for electrical, mechanical and plumbing work as an in-person service.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Long Beach?
Long Beach offers online mechanical permits for residential units. HVAC permit applications must include a plot plan and a CF1R energy compliance form. Express permits need form FORM-005, the Licensed Contractors Declaration and Owner-Builder's Declaration.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Oakland?
Oakland requires a permit before you install, change, fix or replace mechanical systems. Exempt: portable heaters, fans or coolers, pipes inside equipment, replacing small parts that do not change the equipment, and stand-alone refrigeration units.
On this site: Do I need a permit to replace an AC or furnace in California? · California energy code testing for AC changeouts · Mini-split permits in California · HVAC permit costs in California cities · HVAC work that needs no permit in California cities · Can I do my own HVAC work in California? · When does a California contractor need a license? · California home improvement contract and payment rules · How to check a California contractor and complain · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor classification (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7048 (minor work exemption) (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Energy Commission: Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Program (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7159 (home improvement contracts) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Filing a Complaint (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS): Express Permits (No Plan Check Required), P/GI 2026-003, revised 06-10-2026 (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of San Diego Development Services: Mechanical Permit (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of San Jose Development Services Permit Center: Air Conditioning, Heating and Fireplaces (updated 04/07/2026) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City and County of San Francisco: Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permit (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Sacramento Community Development: Average Total Cost for Common Residential Minor Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Fresno Planning and Development: Building and Safety Services booklet (2023, PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Long Beach Building and Safety: Online Permitting (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Oakland Planning and Building: Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Energy Commission: 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7044 (owner-builder exemption) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of San Diego Development Services: Simple Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Sacramento Community Development: Minor Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Long Beach Building and Safety: Express Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Owner-Builder Responsibilities (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Owner-Builder Risks (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Assembly Bill 2622 (2024), Chapter 240: Contractors: exemptions (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): What Kind of Contractor Do I Need? (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): What Seniors Should Know (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7028 (unlicensed contracting) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Contracts and Binding Agreements (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7159.10 (service and repair contracts) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): Check a License (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7091 (complaint time limits) (checked November 2, 2026)
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