important tips

Homeowners if you’re replacing your heating, ventilation, or air-conditioning system, make sure you follow these 3 steps:

Confirm that your contractor has pulled a building permit.

California law requires a building permit for this type of work. Your homeowner’s insurance may be void and you may be subject to permit penalties and fines if your contractor does not get a building permit.

Make sure your contractor tests your ducts and verifies refrigerant charges.

In most existing homes, your contractor must ensure that duct leakage is less than 15% and verify the refrigerant charge.

Have your contractor’s work independently verified.

When duct testing or refrigerant charge verification is required before work begins your contractor must give you the option of having a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater verify proper duct sealing and refrigerant charge, or having your system included in a random sample for verification.Following these steps will save you money, make your home more comfortable, and help the environment.For more information, call the Energy Standards Hotline at (800) 772-3300 or visit the Energy Education Center at www.energyvideos.com. To check a contractor’s license status, visit www.cslb.ca.gov or www.checkthelicensefirst.com.