Form CF-1R-ALT-HVAC at a glance
What it is: CF-1R-ALT-HVAC is the Simplified Prescriptive Certificate of Compliance: 2008 Residential HVAC Alterations for Climate Zones 10 to 15.
Who signs: Contractor (Documentation Author's /Responsible Designer's Declaration Statement): by signing you certify that this Certificate of Compliance documentation is accurate and complete.
A filled-in Form CF-1R-ALT-HVAC example: a contractor replaces a furnace
How to fill out Form CF-1R-ALT-HVAC, box by box
Site address, enforcement agency, date and permit
Enter the Site Address, the Enforcement Agency, the Date and the Permit #.
A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcement agency prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, relocation, or alteration of any mechanical system, except as permitted in Appendix Chapter 1, Section 112.2 of the 2007 California Mechanical Code. Projects requiring permits include, but are not limited to: New HVAC installation, HVAC Changeout, Replacement of furnace, coil, FAU, or condenser.
Equipment Type
Equipment Type: Choose the equipment being installed; if more than one system, use another CF-1R-ALT-HVAC for each system.
Enter the sf served by the system.
Minimum Equipment Efficiencies
Minimum Equipment Efficiencies: 13 SEER, 78% AFUE, 7.7HSPF for typical residential systems.
Heating equipment must have a minimum 78% AFUE (Exception: Wall & floor furnaces; room heaters). A setback type thermostat (24 hr clock with four set points) is required for all alterations.
Setback and over 40 ft of ducts
When over 40 ft of ducts are added or replaced in unconditioned space, check R 6 (CZ 10-13) or R 8 (CZ 14-15).
Check Setback; if not already present, it must be installed.
HERS verification options
The installer decides what work is being done and picks one of the appropriate Options. Each Option lists the HERS measures that must be conducted.
The CF-6R-MECH-04 is required for all HVAC alterations.
HVAC Changeout Required Forms: for All HVAC Equipment replaced, CF-6R forms: MECH-04, MECH-21-HERS and (for split systems) MECH-25-HERS; CF-4R forms: MECH-21 and (for split systems) MECH-25.
For Condenser Coil and/or Indoor Coil and/or Furnace, CF-6R forms: MECH-21-HERS and (for split systems) MECH-25-HERS; CF-4R forms: MECH-21 and (for split systems) MECH-25.
For Split Systems: Duct leakage < 15 percent; RC, CCA ≥ 300 CFM/ton (Minimum Air Flow Requirement), TMAH. For Packaged Units: Duct leakage < 15 percent. Exempted from duct leakage testing if: 1. Duct system was documented to have been previously sealed and confirmed through HERS verification, or 2. Duct systems with less than 40 linear feet in unconditioned space, or 3. Existing duct systems are constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.
New HVAC System Required Forms: Cut in or Changeout with new ducts: (all new ducting and all new equipment). CF-6R forms: MECH-04, MECH-20-HERS, and (for split systems) MECH-22-HERS, and MECH-25-HERS; CF-4R forms: MECH-20, and (for split systems) MECH-22, and MECH-25.
For Split Systems: Duct leakage < 6 percent; RC, CCA ≥ 350 CFM/ton, FWD, TMAH, STMS, and either HSPP or PSPP. For Packaged Units: Duct leakage < 6 percent. New Ducts with/or without Replacement Required Forms: CF-6R forms: MECH-04, MECH-20-HERS, and (for split systems) MECH-25-HERS; CF-4R forms: MECH-20 and (for split systems) MECH-25. For Split Systems: Duct leakage < 6 percent, RC, CCA ≥ 300 CFM/ton, TMAH. For Packaged Units: Duct leakage < 6 percent.
New Ducting over 40 feet Required Forms: CF-6R forms: MECH-04, MECH-21-HERS; CF-4R forms: MECH-21.
No or some equipment changed. For split system or packaged units: Duct leakage < 15 percent. EXCEPTION: Existing duct systems constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.
Name, Company, License and Phone
I am eligible under Division 3 of the California Business and Professions Code to accept responsibility for the design identified on this Certificate of Compliance. By signing you certify that the energy features and performance specifications for the design identified on this Certificate of Compliance conform to the requirements of Title 24, Parts 1 and 6 of the California Code of Regulations.
The design features identified on this Certificate of Compliance are consistent with the information documented on other applicable compliance forms, worksheets, calculations, plans and specifications submitted to the enforcement agency for approval with the permit application.
Sign at Signature, and enter Name, Company, Date, Address, License, City/State/Zip and Phone.
More rules for Form CF-1R-ALT-HVAC
A copy of the forms shall be left on site for final inspection and a copy given to the homeowner.
At final, the inspector verifies that the work listed on this form was in fact the work completed by the installer. The inspector also verifies that each appropriate CF-6R and registered CF-4R forms (no hand filled CF-4Rs allowed) are filled out and signed.
Beginning October 1, 2010, a registered copy of the CF-1R and CF-6R shall also be on site for final inspection.
For Final inspection ALL compliance forms (CF-1Rs, CF-6Rs, and CF-4Rs) shall be registered with an approved HERS Provider for building permit applications submitted on or after October 1, 2010.
Common questions about Form CF-1R-ALT-HVAC
Is there a penalty?
In the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Residential HVAC Alterations Climate Zones 10 to 15, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE, SECTION 7110: Willful or deliberate disregard and violation of the building laws constitutes a cause for disciplinary action from the Contractors State License Board, and this action may consist of fines up to $5,000 per violation or suspension/revocation of a contractor's license (checked November 11, 2026).
Sources
[1] CF-1R-ALT-HVAC, Simplified Prescriptive Certificate of Compliance: 2008 Residential HVAC Alterations (2008 Residential Compliance Forms March 2010) (the Official source link on this page).
