# California HVAC Help

> California heating and air conditioning rules from official sources: AC and furnace permits by city, energy code testing, contractor licenses, contracts and complaints. Information only. A free information site from Local Help Stations. Not an HVAC company or government office. Contact: call (888) 477-1121 (calls only) or email requests@localhelpstations.com.

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## Key facts
- HVAC contractors are licensed by CSLB in the C-20 classification. Source: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=c20 (checked 2026-11-02)
- Jobs that need a building permit are not covered by the under $1,000 handyman exemption. Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7048 (checked 2026-11-02)
- HVAC changeouts may register energy code certificates later, but before the permit is finalized. Source: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/energy-code-compliance-program (checked 2026-11-02)
- A down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the price, whichever is less. Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7159 (checked 2026-11-02)
- CSLB handles complaints for up to four years from the date of the act. Source: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Filing_A_Complaint/ (checked 2026-11-02)

## Pages
- [Do I need a permit to replace an AC or furnace in California?](https://californiahvachelp.com/ac-replacement-permit/): City by city California HVAC permit rules.
- [California energy code testing for AC changeouts](https://californiahvachelp.com/energy-code-testing/): The ECC program (formerly HERS) and when testing is registered.
- [Mini-split permits in California](https://californiahvachelp.com/mini-splits/): What San Jose and other cities require for ductless mini-splits.
- [HVAC permit costs in California cities](https://californiahvachelp.com/hvac-permit-fees/): Published HVAC permit costs.
- [HVAC work that needs no permit in California cities](https://californiahvachelp.com/no-permit-hvac/): Portable units and small repairs California cities exempt.
- [Can I do my own HVAC work in California?](https://californiahvachelp.com/owner-builder/): The California owner-builder exemption and how cities handle homeowner permits.
- [When does a California contractor need a license?](https://californiahvachelp.com/license-rules/): The $1,000 minor work exemption, license classes and unlicensed contracting penalties.
- [California home improvement contract and payment rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/contracts-and-payments/): Down payment limits, cancellation rights and service and repair contracts.
- [How to check a California contractor and complain](https://californiahvachelp.com/check-a-contractor/): Check a license with CSLB, complaint deadlines and permit violation referrals.

## Cities
- [California cities](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/)
- [Los Angeles heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/los-angeles/): Los Angeles heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.
- [San Diego heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/san-diego/): San Diego heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.
- [San Jose heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/san-jose/): San Jose heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.
- [San Francisco heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/san-francisco/): San Francisco heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.
- [Sacramento heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/sacramento/): Sacramento heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.
- [Fresno heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/fresno/): Fresno heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.
- [Long Beach heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/long-beach/): Long Beach heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.
- [Oakland heating and air conditioning permits and rules](https://californiahvachelp.com/cities/oakland/): Oakland heating and air conditioning permit rules plus California license and contract rules, from official sources.

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