Beginning Oct. 1, 2005, there are changes in the California Energy Code.  These new rules and regulations affect those who install and maintain heating and air conditioning systems.  We are most concerned with those that pertain to residences.

Research published by the California Energy Commission says that ducts in residences waste up to 30 percent of heated or cooled air before it ever reaches the rooms intended to improve.  In an era when new and improved HVAC systems are coming on the market, the CEC says “It is a particularly bad idea to waste the energy savings from a new efficient air conditioner or furnace by connecting it to a leaky duct system.”

The objective is laudable.  The fix can cause serious problems for homeowners putting their homes on the market. 

In brief, when changing or upgrading an existing system, special contractors are required to use duct pressurization equipment (duct blasters) to test the ducts and to assure that any leakage meets CEC guidelines. 

If you are a buyer, you will want to be sure the home you select meets these new standards.  If you are selling, at the very least you will need to disclose the status of your home system, which is dependent on the age of the installation and condition of any upgrades or retrofits. 

Realtors and many home inspection services should have necessary information and procedures, respectively, to implement these new rules.  The complete run-down on the rules are at the California Energy Commission website:  http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/changeout/.

The new ducting requirement is one of those good news/bad news developments.  First of all, the California requirement goes into effect before a federal mandate.  The California ruling affects select zones (mostly those inland) and installations that were retrofitted over the past few years.  The two do not overlap, and they cover different issues, so you need to be aware of where your residence fits between them.

In January 2006, the federal government is mandating that future retrofits meet specific new and higher energy efficiency standards.  You can count on the fact that whatever is required will cost more than the parts they replace!  The California ruling pertains to ducting as noted in the companion piece on this page.

Here’s the good news: Some home warranty plans will cover the changeover.  First of all, you should seriously consider getting a home warranty policy to cover normal wear and tear, anyway.  Secondly, these policies usually help sell a home.  Third, depending on which policy you get, some of the cost associated with an upgrade when part of other service might be covered by the insurer.

As with anything required by government rules, you should check out their applicability with an expert, in this instance a licensed heating and air conditioning specialist, as well as check into your coverage if you have a homeowners’ protection plan and insurance policy.