Title 24 · California Energy Code

Field verification and diagnostic testing (FVDT) and Reference Appendices

FVDT in the California Energy Code requires on‑site tests (duct leakage, ventilation, airflow, fan efficacy, refrigerant charge, etc.) using procedures in the Reference Appendices (RA/NA) and often verified by certified ECC‑Raters or equivalent.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Field verification and diagnostic testing (FVDT) is the part of the California Energy Code that requires on-site measurement and checks to confirm installed systems meet the Code’s performance requirements — for example whole‑dwelling ventilation airflow, duct sealing/leakage, air‑handler airflow and fan efficacy, refrigerant charge, and range hood performance. The Code calls out FVDT in mandatory sections such as §160.2(b)2Aiv (whole‑dwelling ventilation), §160.3(b)5L (space‑conditioning airflow and fan efficacy), and the alteration/duct sealing provisions in §150.2(b)1D and §180.2(b)5, which direct when testing is required and what outcomes must be met .

The detailed procedures, test methods, and data‑reporting requirements live in the Reference Appendices — primarily the Residential Reference Appendices (RA) such as RA3.1 (duct sealing/leakage), RA3.3 (airflow and fan efficacy), and RA3.7.4 (ventilation testing) — with corresponding Nonresidential Appendices (NA) for larger or tall multifamily buildings and alternate procedures where specified. These appendices also describe who may perform or verify tests (for example ECC‑Raters, ECC‑Providers, or other certified technicians), and when registry or reporting requirements apply .

In this section

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • § 160.2 High relevance — show source text

    Exception to Section 160.2(b)2Axia: Systems that require servicing from inside the attic shall have the following:

    1. A fault indicator display (FID) meeting the requirements of Reference Appendix JA 17; and
    2. An attic access door located in a wall or, where attic access is provided through a ceiling, an attic access hatch that includes an integrated ladder; and
    3. A walkway from the attic access door to the HRV/ERV. b. IAQ system component accessibility. Fans, motors, heat exchangers, filters and recovery cores shall meet all applicable requirements of California Mechanical Code Section 304.0 accessibility of service. B . Dwelling unit field verification and diagnostic testing. i. Whole-dwelling unit ventilation airflow performance . The whole-dwelling unit ventilation airflow required by Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.1.1 or NA2.2.4.1.1 as applicable for supply and exhaust systems or RA3.7.4.1.2 or NA2.2.4.1.2 as applicable for balanced systems. Balanced mechanical ventilation system airflow shall be the average of the supply fan and exhaust fan flows. Ventilation airflow of systems with multiple operating modes shall be tested in all modes designed to comply with the required ventilation airflows. ii. Kitchen local mechanical exhaust—vented range hoods. Vented range hoods installed to comply with local mechanical exhaust requirements specified in Section 160.2(b)2Avi shall be field verified in accordance with

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    Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.3 or NA2.2.4.1.4 as applicable to confirm the model is rated by HVI or AHAM to comply with the following requirements: a. The minimum ventilation airflow rate as specified by Section 160.2(b)2Avi, or alternatively the minimum capture efficiency as specified by Section 160.2(b)2Avi; and b. The maximum sound rating as specified in Section 160.2(b)2Avif. iii. Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system fan efficacy. At a minimum, systems with heat or energy recovery serving a single dwelling unit shall have a fan efficacy of ≤1.0 W/cfm as confirmed by field verification in accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.4 or NA2.2.4.1.5 as applicable. If Section 170.2(c)3Biva requirements are applicable to the dwelling unit, then field verification shall instead confirm compliance with the maximum fan efficacy and minimum sensible recovery efficiency specified in Section 170.2(c)3Biva in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.4 or NA2.2.4.1.5 as applicable. iv. In multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories, the field verification and diagnostic testing required in Sections 160.2(b)2Bi, ii and iii which requires an ECC-Rater may alternatively be performed by a certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Technician according to the requirements specified in Reference Appendix NA1.9. C. Multifamily building central ventilation system field verification. i. **Central ventilation system duct sealing.

  • § 1.4.2. High relevance — show source text

    K. Duct system sealing and leakage testing. When space-conditioning systems utilize forced air duct systems to supply conditioned air to an individual dwelling unit, the ducts shall be sealed, as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, in accordance with all applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1. Air handler airflow for calculation of duct leakage rate compliance targets shall be determined according to methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.2. For multifamily dwellings with the air-handling unit installed and the ducts connected directly to the air handler, regardless of duct system location: i. The total leakage of the duct system shall not exceed 12 percent of the air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or ii. The duct system leakage to outside shall not exceed 6 percent of the air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4.

    • Exception 1 to Section 160.3(b)5K: The field verification and ECC-Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four

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    habitable stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordance with the applicable procedures. Exception 2 to Section 160.3(b)5K: Multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater in Climate Zones 1, 3, 5 and 7. L. System airflow rate and fan efficacy. Space-conditioning systems that utilize forced air ducts to supply cooling to an individual dwelling unit shall: i. Static pressure probe. Have a hole for the placement of a static pressure probe (HSPP), or a permanently installed static pressure probe (PSPP) in the supply plenum downstream of the air conditioning evaporator coil. The size, location and labeling of the HSPP or PSPP shall conform to the requirements specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.1.1 as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing; and Exception to Section 160.3(b)5Li: Systems that cannot conform to the specifications for hole location in Reference Residential Appendix Figure RA3.3-1 shall not be required to provide holes as described in Figure RA3.3-1.

    ii. Single zone central forced air systems. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum W/cfm specified in Subsection a or b below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. a. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air-handling units. b. 0.58 W/cfm for air-handling units that are not gas furnaces. Exception 1 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii: Standard ducted systems without zoning dampers may comply by meeting the applicable requirements in Table 160.3-A or 160.3-B as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5.

  • § 0.45 High relevance — show source text

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    B. Single zone central forced air systems. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 350 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum W/CFM specified in Subsections i or ii below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. i. 0.45 W/CFM for gas furnace air-handling units. ii. 0.58 W/CFM for air-handling units that are not gas furnaces. C. Zonally controlled central forced air systems. Zonally controlled central forced air cooling systems shall be capable of simultaneously delivering, in every zonal control mode, an airflow from the dwelling, through the air handler fan and delivered to the dwelling, of greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity, and operating at an air-handling unit fan efficacy of less than or equal to the maximum W/CFM specified in Subsections i or ii below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. i. 0.45 W/CFM for gas furnace air-handling units. ii. 0.58 W/CFM for air-handling units that are not gas furnaces. D. Small duct high velocity forced air systems. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 250 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.62 W/CFM as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. Exception 1 to Section 150.0(m)13B and D: Standard ducted systems (without zoning dampers) may comply by meeting the applicable requirements in Table 150.0-B or 150.0-C as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean-filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 150.0(m)12Div for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Tables 150.0-B and 150.0-C. Exception 2 to Section 150.0(m)13B and D: Multispeed compressor systems or variable speed compressor systems shall verify air flow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (Watt/cfm) for system operation at the maximum compressor speed and the maximum air handler fan speed. Exception 3 to Section 150.0(m)13B: Gas furnace air-handling units manufactured prior to July 3, 2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 w/cfm as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.

  • § 160.3 High relevance — show source text

    Exception 1 to Section 160.3(b)5Liii: Multispeed or variable speed compressor systems, with controls that vary fan speed subject to the number of zones, as certified by the installer may demonstrate compliance with the airflow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (watt/cfm) requirements of Section 160.3(b)5Liii by operating the system at maximum compressor capacity and system fan speed with all zones calling for conditioning. Exception 2 to Section 160.3(b)5Liii: Gas furnace air-handling units manufactured prior to July 3, 2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 w/cfm as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. iv. Small duct high velocity forced air systems. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 250 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.62 W/cfm as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. Exception 1 to Section 160.3(b)5Liv: Standard ducted systems without zoning dampers may comply by meeting the applicable requirements in Table 160.3-A or 160.3-B as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean-filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 160.2(b)1Div for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Table 160.3-A or 160.3-B. Exception 2 to Section 160.3(b)5Liv: Multispeed compressor systems or variable speed compressor systems shall verify airflow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (watt/cfm) for system operation at the maximum compressor speed and the maximum air handler fan speed.

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    Exception 1 to Section 160.3(b)5L: The field verification and ECC-Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordance with the applicable procedures. Exception 2 to Section 160.3(b)5L: Multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater in Climate Zone 1.

    1. Piping for space-conditioning systems, solar water-heating system collector loop, and distribution piping for steam and hydronic heating system shall meet the requirements of Section 160.3(c)1.

    2. Defrost .

    A. If a heat pump is equipped with a defrost delay timer, the delay timer must be set to greater than or equal to 90 minutes.

    B. The installer shall certify on the Certificate of Installation that the control configuration has been tested in accordance with the testing procedure found in the Certificate of Installation. Exception to 160.3(b)7 . Dwelling units in Climate Zones 1, 6 through 10, 15, and 16 shall not be required to comply with the 90-minute delay timer requirements. 8. **Capacity variation with third-party thermostats.

  • § 180.2 High relevance — show source text

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    C. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements of either Section 180.2(b)2AiicI or II then all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified ECC-Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.5.

    Exception to Section 180.2(b)2AiiaII: duct sealing. Existing duct systems that are extended, which are constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos. Exception 1 to 180.2(b)2Aii: The field verification and ECC-Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordance with the applicable procedures. iii. Altered space-conditioning system—duct sealing. In all climate zones, when a space-conditioning system serving a multifamily dwelling is altered by the installation or replacement of space-conditioning system equipment, including replacement of the air handler, outdoor condensing unit of a split system air conditioner or heat pump, or cooling or heating coil, the duct system that is connected to the altered space-conditioning system equipment shall be sealed, as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures for duct sealing of altered existing duct systems as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1 and the leakage compliance criteria specified in Subsection a, b or c below. a. The measured duct leakage shall be equal to or less than 15 percent of air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or b. The measured duct leakage to outside shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4; or c. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements of either Section 180.2(b)2Aiiia or b, then all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified ECC-Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.5. Exception 1 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii : duct sealing. Duct systems that are documented to have been previously sealed as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with procedures in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1. Exception 2 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii: duct sealing. Duct systems with less than 40 linear feet as determined by visual inspection. Exception 3 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii: duct sealing. Existing duct systems constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.

    Exception 4 to Section 180.2(b)2Aiii: The field verification and ECC-Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordance with the applicable procedures. iv. **Altered space-conditioning system mechanical cooling.

  • § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

    Exception 2 to Section 170.2(c)3Bi: The field verification and ECC-Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordance with the applicable procedures. ii. Space-conditioning distribution systems. All space-conditioning systems shall meet all applicable requirements of a or b below:

    a. High performance attics. Air handlers or ducts are allowed to be in ventilated attic spaces when the roof and ceiling insulation level meet Option B in Table 170.2-A. b. Duct and air handlers located in conditioned space. Duct systems and air handlers of HVAC systems shall be located in conditioned space, and confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing to meet the criterion of Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.8. NOTE: Gas heating appliances installed in conditioned spaces must meet the combustion air requirements of California Mechanical Code Chapter 7, as applicable. iii. Central fan integrated ventilation systems—systems serving individual dwelling units. Central forced air system fans used to provide outside air shall have an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum W/cfm specified in a or b below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. Central Fan Integrated Ventilation Systems shall be certified to the Energy Commission as Intermittent Ventilation Systems as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7.4.2.

    a. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air-handling units; or b. 0.58 W/cfm for air-handling units that are not gas furnaces. iv. Balanced ventilation systems with heat/energy recovery in Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, 11–14, and 16. A balanced ventilation system with heat or energy recovery shall be used to meet Section 160.2(b)2Aivb1, and shall meet the applicable requirements of Item a or b below: a. In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, 11–14, and 16, balanced ventilation systems serving individual dwelling units shall:

    1. Be an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV),
    2. Have a minimum sensible recovery efficiency of 67 percent, rated at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), and

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    1. Have a fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.6 W per cfm. These measures shall be confirmed through field verification in accordance with the procedures in RA3.7.4.4 for buildings with three habitable stories or fewer, or the procedures in NA2.2.4.1.5 for buildings with four or more habitable stories.

    b. In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4, 11–14, and 16, balanced ventilation systems serving multiple dwelling units in buildings with four or more habitable stories shall:

    1. Be an ERV or HRV,
  • § 2.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    If the verification procedure in Section RA3.2.3.2 is used for compliance, the system’s thermostat shall conform to the specifications in Section 110.12. Ducted systems shall comply with the minimum system airflow rate requirement in Section 170.2(c)3BiaII.

    b. For air-cooled air conditioners and air-source heat pumps, including but not limited to ducted split systems, ducted packaged systems, small duct high velocity systems and mini-split systems, which are of a type that cannot comply with the requirements of Section 170.2(c)3Bi: I. The installer shall confirm the refrigerant charge using the weigh-in charging procedure specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.1, as verified by a ECC-Rater according to the procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.2.3.2; and II. Systems that utilize forced air ducts shall comply with the minimum system airflow rate requirement in Section 170.2(c)3BiaII, provided the system is of a type that can be verified using the procedures in RA3.3 or an approved alternative procedure in RA1. Exception 1 to Section 170.2(c)3Bi: Packaged systems for which the manufacturer has verified correct system refrigerant charge prior to shipment from the factory are not required to have refrigerant charge confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing. The installer of these packaged systems shall certify that the packaged system was precharged at the factory and has not been altered in a way that would affect the charge. Ducted systems shall comply with minimum system airflow rate requirement in Section 170.2(c)3Bib, provided that the system is of a type that can be verified using the procedure specified in RA3.3 or an approved alternative in RA1. Exception 2 to Section 170.2(c)3Bi: The field verification and ECC-Provider data registry requirements of Reference Residential Appendix RA2 and RA3 are not required for multifamily dwelling units in buildings four habitable stories and greater. The installer shall certify that diagnostic testing was performed in accordance with the applicable procedures. ii. Space-conditioning distribution systems. All space-conditioning systems shall meet all applicable requirements of a or b below:

    a. High performance attics. Air handlers or ducts are allowed to be in ventilated attic spaces when the roof and ceiling insulation level meet Option B in Table 170.2-A. b. Duct and air handlers located in conditioned space. Duct systems and air handlers of HVAC systems shall be located in conditioned space, and confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing to meet the criterion of Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.8. NOTE: Gas heating appliances installed in conditioned spaces must meet the combustion air requirements of California Mechanical Code Chapter 7, as applicable. iii. Central fan integrated ventilation systems—systems serving individual dwelling units. Central forced air system fans used to provide outside air shall have an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum W/cfm specified in a or b below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. Central Fan Integrated Ventilation Systems shall be certified to the Energy Commission as Intermittent Ventilation Systems as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.7.4.2.

  • § 3.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    ** Space-conditioning systems that utilize forced air ducts to supply cooling to an individual dwelling unit shall: i. Static pressure probe. Have a hole for the placement of a static pressure probe (HSPP), or a permanently installed static pressure probe (PSPP) in the supply plenum downstream of the air conditioning evaporator coil. The size, location and labeling of the HSPP or PSPP shall conform to the requirements specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.1.1 as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing; and Exception to Section 160.3(b)5Li: Systems that cannot conform to the specifications for hole location in Reference Residential Appendix Figure RA3.3-1 shall not be required to provide holes as described in Figure RA3.3-1.

    ii. Single zone central forced air systems. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to the maximum W/cfm specified in Subsection a or b below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. a. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air-handling units. b. 0.58 W/cfm for air-handling units that are not gas furnaces. Exception 1 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii: Standard ducted systems without zoning dampers may comply by meeting the applicable requirements in Table 160.3-A or 160.3-B as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean-filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 160.2(b)1Div for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Table 160.3-A or 160.3-B. Exception 2 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii: Multispeed compressor systems or variable speed compressor systems shall verify airflow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (watt/cfm) for system operation at the maximum compressor speed and the maximum air handler fan speed. Exception 3 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii: Gas furnace air-handling units manufactured prior to July 3, 2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 w/cfm as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. iii. Zonally controlled central forced air systems. Zonally controlled central forced air cooling systems shall be capable of simultaneously delivering, in every zonal control mode, an airflow from the dwelling, through the air handler fan and delivered to the dwelling, of greater than or equal to 350 cfm per ton of nominal cooling capacity, and operating at an air-handling unit fan efficacy of less than or equal to the maximum W/cfm specified in Subsection a or b below. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. a. 0.45 W/cfm for gas furnace air-handling units. b. 0.58 W/cfm for air-handling units that are not gas furnaces.

  • § 110.12 High relevance — show source text

    5(b)4D|Required|Not Required| |Demand Responsive Controls
    110.12(a) and 110.12(b)|Required|Not Required|

    1. Mechanical ventilation and indoor air quality for dwelling units. Alterations to existing buildings shall comply with Subsections A and B below as applicable. When field verification and diagnostic testing are required by Section 180.2(b)5, buildings with three habitable stories or fewer shall use the applicable procedures in the Residential Appendices, and buildings with four or more habitable stories shall use the applicable procedures in Nonresidential Appendices NA1 and NA2. Exception to Section 180.2(b)5: A dwelling unit air leakage test is not required for alterations. A. Entirely new or complete replacement ventilation systems. Entirely new or complete replacement ventilation systems shall comply with all applicable requirements in Section 160.2(b)2. An entirely new or complete replacement ventilation system includes a new ventilation fan component and an entirely new duct system. An entirely new or complete replacement duct system is constructed of at least 75 percent new duct material, and up to 25 percent may consist of reused parts from the dwelling unit's existing duct system, including but not limited to registers, grilles, boots, air filtration devices and duct material, if the reused parts are accessible and can be sealed to prevent leakage. Exception: to Section 180.2(b)5A: The new or replacement ventilation type shall be supply, balanced, or the existing ventilation type being replaced. B. Altered ventilation systems. Altered ventilation system components or newly installed ventilation equipment serving the alteration shall comply with Section 160.2(b)2 as applicable subject to the requirements specified in Subsections i and ii below.

    i. Whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation . a. Whole-dwelling unit ventilation strategy. The altered ventilation system shall be supply, balanced, or the existing ventilation type being altered. b. Whole-dwelling unit airflow . If the whole-dwelling ventilation fan is altered or replaced, then one of the following Subsections 1 or 2 shall be used for compliance as applicable.

    1. Dwellings that were required by a previous building permit to comply with the whole-dwelling unit airflow requirements in Section 160.2(b)2, 120.1(b) or 150.0(o) shall meet or exceed the wholedwelling unit mechanical ventilation airflow specified in Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures specified in Reference Appendix RA3.7 or NA2.2.

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    1. Dwellings that were not required by a previous building permit to have a whole-dwelling unit ventilation system to comply with Section 160.2(b)2, 120.1(b) or 150.0(o) shall not be required to comply with the whole-dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av. c. **Replacement ventilation fans.
  • § 150.0 High relevance — show source text

    Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems installed as part of an alteration is constructed of at least 75 percent new duct material, and up to 25 percent may consist of reused parts from the dwelling unit’s existing duct system, including but not limited to registers, grilles, boots, air handler, coil, plenums, duct material; if the reused parts are accessible and can be sealed to prevent leakage. Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems shall also conform to the requirements of Sections 150.0(m)12 and 150.0(m)13. If the air handler and ducts are located within a vented attic, the requirements of Section 150.2(b)1J shall also be met.

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    b. Extension of an existing duct system. If the new ducts are an extension of an existing duct system serving single-family dwellings, the combined new and existing duct system shall meet one of the following requirements: I. The measured duct leakage shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of system air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or II. The measured duct leakage to outside shall be equal to or less than 7 percent of system air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4; or III. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements of either Section 150.2(b)1DiibI or 150.2(b)1DiibII, then all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified ECC-Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.5. Exception to Section 150.2(b)1Diib: Duct sealing. Existing duct systems that are extended, which are constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.

    c. Altered ducts and duct system components in garage spaces. When new or replacement space-conditioning ducts, air-handling units, cooling or heating coils, or plenums are located in a garage space, compliance with either I or II below is required. I. The measured system duct leakage shall be less than or equal to 6 percent of system air handler airflow as determined utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or II. All accessible leaks located in the garage space shall be sealed and verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified ECC-Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1.4.3.5. E. Altered space-conditioning system—duct sealing. In all climate zones, when a space-conditioning system serving a single-family dwelling is altered by the installation or replacement of space-conditioning system equipment, including replacement of the air handler, outdoor condensing unit of a split system air conditioner or heat pump, or cooling or heating coil, the duct system that is connected to the altered space-conditioning system equipment shall be sealed, as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the applicable procedures for duct sealing of altered existing duct systems as specified in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.1, and the leakage compliance criteria specified in Subsection i, ii, or iii below.

  • § 150.2 High relevance — show source text

    D. Altered duct systems—duct sealing. In all climate zones, when more than 25 feet of new or replacement spaceconditioning system ducts are installed, the ducts shall comply with the applicable requirements of Subsections i and ii below. Additionally, when altered ducts, air-handling units, cooling or heating coils, or plenums are located in garage spaces, the system shall comply with Subsection 150.2(b)1Diic regardless of the length of any new or replacement space-conditioning ducts installed in the garage space. i. New ducts located in unconditioned space shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 150.0(m)1 through 150.0(m)10, and the duct insulation requirements of Table 150.2-D; and

    TABLE 150.2-D—DUCT INSULATION R-VALUE Col2 Col3
    Climate Zone 3, 5 through 7 1, 2, 4, 8 through 16
    DuctR-Value R-6 R-8

    ii. The altered duct system, regardless of location, shall be sealed as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with all applicable procedures for duct sealing of altered existing duct systems as specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1, utilizing the leakage compliance criteria specified in Subsection a or b below.

    a. Entirely new or complete replacement duct system. If the new ducts form an entirely new or complete replacement duct system directly connected to the air handler, the duct system measured leakage shall be equal to or less than 5 percent of the system air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1. Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems installed as part of an alteration is constructed of at least 75 percent new duct material, and up to 25 percent may consist of reused parts from the dwelling unit’s existing duct system, including but not limited to registers, grilles, boots, air handler, coil, plenums, duct material; if the reused parts are accessible and can be sealed to prevent leakage. Entirely new or complete replacement duct systems shall also conform to the requirements of Sections 150.0(m)12 and 150.0(m)13. If the air handler and ducts are located within a vented attic, the requirements of Section 150.2(b)1J shall also be met.

    190 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

    b. Extension of an existing duct system. If the new ducts are an extension of an existing duct system serving single-family dwellings, the combined new and existing duct system shall meet one of the following requirements: I. The measured duct leakage shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of system air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; or II. The measured duct leakage to outside shall be equal to or less than 7 percent of system air handler airflow as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing utilizing the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.4; or III.

  • § 180.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO EXISTING MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

    TABLE 180.2-E—CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING SYSTEM ALTERATIONS FOR COMMON USE AREAS Col2 Col3
    CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS PROJECTS COMPLYING WITH
    SECTION 180.2(B)4Biva
    PROJECTS COMPLYING WITH
    SECTION 180.2(B)4Bivb OR 180.2(B)4Bivc
    Manual Area Controls
    160.5(b)4Ai
    Required Required
    Manual Area Controls
    160.5(b)4Aii
    Required Required
    Manual Area Controls
    160.5(b)4Aiii
    Only required for new or completely replaced circuits Only required for new or completely replaced
    circuits
    Multilevel Area Controls
    160.5(b)4B
    Required Not Required
    Automatic Shut Off Controls
    160.5(b)4Ci
    Required Required
    Automatic Shut Off Controls
    160.5(b)4Cii
    Required Required
    Automatic Shut Off Controls
    160.5(b)4Ciii
    Required Required
    Automatic Shut Off Controls
    160.5(b)4Civ
    Required Required
    Automatic Shut Off Controls
    160.5(b)4Cv
    Required Required
    Automatic Shut Off Controls
    160.5(b)4Cvi
    Required Required; except for 160.5(b)4Cvib
    Daylight Responsive Controls
    160.5(b)4D
    Required Not Required
    Demand Responsive Controls
    110.12(a) and 110.12(b)
    Required Not Required
    1. Mechanical ventilation and indoor air quality for dwelling units. Alterations to existing buildings shall comply with Subsections A and B below as applicable. When field verification and diagnostic testing are required by Section 180.2(b)5, buildings with three habitable stories or fewer shall use the applicable procedures in the Residential Appendices, and buildings with four or more habitable stories shall use the applicable procedures in Nonresidential Appendices NA1 and NA2. Exception to Section 180.2(b)5: A dwelling unit air leakage test is not required for alterations. A. Entirely new or complete replacement ventilation systems. Entirely new or complete replacement ventilation systems shall comply with all applicable requirements in Section 160.2(b)2. An entirely new or complete replacement ventilation system includes a new ventilation fan component and an entirely new duct system. An entirely new or complete replacement duct system is constructed of at least 75 percent new duct material, and up to 25 percent may consist of reused parts from the dwelling unit's existing duct system, including but not limited to registers, grilles, boots, air filtration devices and duct material, if the reused parts are accessible and can be sealed to prevent leakage. Exception: to Section 180.2(b)5A: The new or replacement ventilation type shall be supply, balanced, or the existing ventilation type being replaced. B. Altered ventilation systems. Altered ventilation system components or newly installed ventilation equipment serving the alteration shall comply with Section 160.2(b)2 as applicable subject to the requirements specified in Subsections i and ii below.

    i.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Energy Code require FVDT?

FVDT is required wherever a mandatory section explicitly calls for it — common examples include whole‑dwelling ventilation (§160.2(b)2Aiv), space‑conditioning airflow and fan efficacy (§160.3(b)5L), and many duct sealing and alteration provisions in §§150.2 and 180.2; those sections direct use of the Reference Appendices procedures for test execution and acceptance criteria .

Which Reference Appendices contain the test procedures?

Key procedural sources are the Residential Reference Appendices RA3.1 (duct leakage/sealing), RA3.3 (air handler airflow and fan efficacy), RA3.7.4 (ventilation verification), and RA2/RA3 for data registry and reporting; Nonresidential Appendices NA1/NA2 provide alternate or building‑type specific procedures for larger multifamily and nonresidential projects .

Who may perform FVDT and how is the work recorded?

The Code and Reference Appendices identify authorized verifiers such as certified ECC‑Raters, ECC‑Providers (for data registry), or other specified technicians; some multifamily or taller buildings may use alternate certified test technicians per the Nonresidential Appendices. The appendices also describe certificate and registry requirements for the diagnostic data submitted to enforcement or the Energy Commission .

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