Participation is at the committee level. For more information, visit the Compliance Committee page or email Wendy Worrell by clicking here.

The Milestones and Key Actions in the table below will help illuminate and guide the work of the Subcommittee. They are documented in the Improve Code Compliance section of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Action Plan. The Action Plan was developed with input from the Investor-Owned Utilities, the Western HVAC Performance Alliance, and other stakeholders to help California’s HVAC sector achieve the goals described in the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan published by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Strategy 1.1: Develop streamlined local government HVAC permitting systems, including online HVAC replacement permitting.

While the CEC regulates HVAC installations through the state’s building code, Title 24 (T24), building codes are enforced through local governments and building departments. California is notorious for a high-level of noncompliance with current building codes that require HVAC contracting firms to pull a permit for all replacements of central air conditioning systems, as well as have the system performance measured and verified by third party raters. The entire compliance process begins with the contractor taking out a permit.  If this doesn’t happen, the HVAC measures will not necessarily be installed or verified.  It is estimated that only 10 percent of replacement HVAC work is performed with proper building permits, leaving the state hamstrung in its ability to ensure the minimum performance standards and deliver HVAC energy savings.  Given the vital role that HVAC permits play in reaching Plan goals, a range of options to encourage contractors to apply for permits—including reducing time spent waiting for permits, and the development of online permit systems—are high priorities for near-term implementation (2010-2012).