Title 24 · California Energy Code

Which test procedures are required for HVAC, heat pumps and appliances?

Short summary for a homeowner: The Energy Code requires that each HVAC, heat‑pump or packaged appliance be tested using the specific laboratory standard listed in the relevant Table 110.2 series (F, H or I) and the edition year in the Code definitions — check the table row for your equipment size/type and use the named test procedure (for example AHRI 1230, AHRI 920, or AHRI 550/590) to certify compliance.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The California Energy Code requires that specific, recognized laboratory test procedures be used to rate and certify the energy performance of HVAC equipment, heat pumps, and appliance-type packages. The applicable test standard is assigned by equipment category and size in Table 110.2‑F, Table 110.2‑H, and Table 110.2‑I (all under § 110.2) and the tables themselves note that the “applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.” § 110.2 lists minimum efficiencies and — critically — the specific test procedure each equipment entry must use for compliance.

The single most important rule: use the test procedure listed for the equipment-size row in the applicable Table 110.2‑* (F, H or I) — that test procedure is the authority for rating and showing compliance.

Requirements in detail

Quick summary of which tables control which equipment

Table 110.2‑F — Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioners and applied heat pumps (test procedures by size and date).
Table 110.2‑H — Electrically‑operated DX‑DOAS units (single‑package and remote condenser) — dehumidification/heating modes list AHRI 920 as the test procedure.
Table 110.2‑I — Heat pump and heat‑recovery chiller packages (cooling operation) — the table references AHRI 550/590 (chillers) and similar test standards per equipment type.

Decision table — which test procedure to use

Equipment category / decision dimension	Key thresholds / values (examples)	Test procedure you must use	Code reference
VRF air‑conditioners (air‑cooled)	< 65,000 Btu/h	AHRI 1230 (SEER ratings prior to 1/1/2023) and AHRI 210/240 (on/after 1/1/2023) as noted in table	Table 110.2‑F, § 110.2
VRF, mid sizes	≥ 65,000 Btu/h and < 135,000 Btu/h	AHRI 1230 (IEER/EER paths shown)	Table 110.2‑F, § 110.2
DX‑DOAS units (dehumidification or heating modes)	Air, water, or water‑source variants	AHRI 920 (ISMRE / ISCOP metrics are calculated per AHRI 920)	Table 110.2‑H, § 110.2
Heat pump / heat‑recovery chiller packages (air‑source)	< 150 tons, ≥ 150 tons (different FL/IPLV targets)	AHRI 550/590 (chiller test procedure)	Table 110.2‑I, § 110.2

Notes from the tables:

The tables frequently include the footnote: “Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.” Use the referenced edition/year noted in the definitions when applying the test method.
Some efficiency metrics are specialized (for example, ISMRE and ISCOP for DX‑DOAS units) and are defined to be determined under AHRI 920.

What the tables actually assign (specifics)

Table 110.2‑F assigns AHRI 1230 for many VRF multisplit ratings (and AHRI 210/240 for some SEER2/SEER timing changes); the table also notes IEER vs EER instructions depending on capacity and configuration.
Table 110.2‑H lists AHRI 920 as the test procedure for DX‑DOAS units (dehumidification and heating modes, with numeric minimums expressed as ISMRE or ISCOP).
Table 110.2‑I lists AHRI/550/590 (and equivalent chiller test procedures) for heat pump and heat‑recovery chiller packages’ cooling‑operation efficiency verification.

Exceptions & special cases

Reference year matters. The tables include the note that “applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.” You must use the edition year specified in the Code definitions for that test procedure. If the table lists two procedures depending on date (for example AHRI 1230 vs AHRI 210/240 for certain SEER measurements), follow the date cut‑offs shown in the table.
IEER applicability. The code notes that IEER values (integrated EERs) are “only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230” — so do not apply IEER if the equipment lacks the required capacity control.
Adjustment for heating recovery sections. Some VRF/heat pump entries require a deduction (for example, “Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for VRF multisplit units with a heating recovery section”) — follow that table footnote where it applies.
Special fluid/source conditions. For water/ground/groundwater source categories (in heat pump and chiller tables) the test procedure references may be ISO‑13256‑1 or ISO‑13256‑2 or the AHRI standard for water‑source units; follow the row‑specific test procedure noted in the table.

If you need the precise edition/year for a referenced standard (for example, which year of AHRI 920 or AHRI 1230 to apply), consult the Code definitions section (the tables explicitly point you there).

Common mistakes

Treating the table’s efficiency metric (EER, IEER, ISMRE, ISCOP) as interchangeable — each metric is distinct and the table prescribes which metric and test procedure to use. See Table 110.2‑H entries for ISMRE/ISCOP (AHRI 920).
Ignoring the test procedure edition/year — the tables include footnotes directing users to definitions for the exact reference year; using the wrong edition can invalidate compliance claims.
Applying IEER to equipment that does not have the capacity‑control features required by the referenced test standard (ANSI/AHRI 1230).
Failing to apply the 0.2 deduction (where the footnote requires it) for VRF multisplit units with a heating recovery section.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: You are certifying an air‑cooled VRF air‑conditioner with cooling capacity 80,000 Btu/h and an electric‑resistance heating section.

Step 1 — find the correct table and row:

80,000 Btu/h falls in the “≥ 65,000 Btu/h and < 135,000 Btu/h” size category in Table 110.2‑F.

Step 2 — read the table’s test procedure column:

For that row the table lists AHRI 1230 as the test procedure for EER/IEER certification (and it lists a required minimum EER 10.5 under the efficiency column). Because this unit has electric resistance heating, no 0.2 deduction footnote applies for heating‑recovery types (that deduction applies to units with a heating recovery section).

Step 3 — confirm metric applicability:

If the manufacturer provides IEER instead of single‑point EER, confirm the unit has the capacity control features required by ANSI/AHRI 1230; otherwise, use the EER rating per the table.

Conclusion for this example: Use AHRI 1230 test results and verify the unit meets the ≥ 10.5 EER requirement recorded in Table 110.2‑F to demonstrate compliance under § 110.2.

Related provisions

§ 110.2(b) — Control requirements for heat pumps with supplementary heaters (referenced in the code text that accompanies Table 110.2 entries).
§ 120.8 — Commissioning requirements for energy‑related systems (refer to this for commissioning and testing procedures beyond manufacturer rating tests).
Definitions section (see definitions for referenced test procedure edition/years) — the tables explicitly tell users to use the edition/year listed under the Code definitions.
AHRI and ISO test standards referenced in the tables (for example AHRI 920, AHRI 1230, AHRI 550/590, ISO‑13256‑1/2) — each table assigns these standards as the required test procedure for the specific equipment/type/size.

Code references

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

§ 0.2 High relevance — show source text

Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|

TABLE 110.2-B—HEAT PUMPS—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	EFFICIENCYa	TEST PROCEDUREb
Air cooled (cooling mode), both split system and single package	≥ 65,000 Btu/h and < 135,000 Btu/h		11.0 EER Federal Minimum IEER	AHRI 340/360
Air cooled (cooling mode), both split system and single package	≥ 135,000 Btu/h and < 240,000 Btu/h		10.6 EER Federal Minimum IEER	10.6 EER Federal Minimum IEER
Air cooled (cooling mode), both split system and single package	≥ 240,000 Btu/h		9.5 EER Federal Minimum IEER	9.5 EER Federal Minimum IEER
Water source (cooling mode)	≥ 65,000 Btu/h and < 135,000 Btu/h	86ºF entering water	Federal Minimum EER	ISO-13256-1
Groundwater source (cooling mode)	< 135,000 Btu/h	59ºF entering water	18.0 EER	ISO-13256-1

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TABLE 110.2-B—HEAT PUMPS—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS—continued	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	EFFICIENCYa	TEST PROCEDUREb
Ground source (cooling mode)	< 135,000 Btu/h	77ºF entering water	14.1 EER	ISO-13256-1
Water source water-to-water (cooling mode)	< 135,000 Btu/h	86ºF entering water	10.6 EER	ISO-13256-2
Groundwater source water-to-water (cooling mode)	< 135,000 Btu/h	59ºF entering water	16.3 EER	ISO-13256-2
Ground source brine-to-water (cooling mode)	< 135,000 Btu/h	77ºF entering water	12.1 EER	ISO-13256-2
Air cooled (heating mode) Split system and single package	≥ 65,000 Btu/h and < 135,

§ 110.2 High relevance — show source text

c.
IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.|

TABLE 110.2-H—DX-DOAS UNITS, SINGLE-PACKAGE AND REMOTE CONDENSER—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
EQUIPMENT TYPE	ENERGY RECOVERY	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	MINIMUM EFFICIENCY	TEST PROCEDUREa
Air cooled (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	NA	3.8 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Air source heat pumps (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	NA	3.8 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water cooled (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	Cooling tower condenser water	4.7 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	Ground source, closed and open loop	4.6 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	Water source	3.8 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Air source heat pumps (heating mode)	Without energy recovery	NA	2.05 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	Without energy recovery	Ground source, closed and open loop	2.13 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	Without energy recovery	Water source	2.13 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
Air cooled (dehumidification mode)	With energy recovery	NA	5 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Air source heat pumps (dehumidification mode)	With energy recovery	NA	5 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water cooled (dehumidification mode)	With energy recovery	Cooling tower condenser water	5.1 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	With energy recovery	Ground source, closed and open loop	5.0 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	With energy recovery	Water source	4.6 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Air source heat pumps (heating mode)	With energy recovery	NA	3.2 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	With energy recovery	Ground source, closed and open loop	3.5 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	With energy recovery	Water source	4.04 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.

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§ 90.1 High relevance — show source text

[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-14]

TABLE E 503.7.1(13) ELECTRICALLY OPERATED DX-DOAS UNITS, SINGLE-PACKAGE AND REMOTE CONDENSER, WITHOUT ENERGY RECOVERY—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-13]

EQUIPMENT TYPE	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	MINIMUM EFFICIENCY	TEST PROCEDURE
Air cooled (dehumidification mode)	–	5.2_ISMRE_	AHRI 920
Air source heat pumps (dehumidification mode)	–	5.2_ISMRE_	AHRI 920
Water cooled (dehumidification mode)	Cooling tower condenser water	5.3_ISMRE_	AHRI 920
Water cooled (dehumidification mode)	Chilled Water	6.6_ISMRE_	6.6_ISMRE_
Air source heat pump (heating mode)	–	3.3_ISCOP_	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	Ground source, closed loop	5.2_ISMRE_	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	Ground-water source	5.8_ISMRE_	5.8_ISMRE_
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	Water source	4.8_ISMRE_	4.8_ISMRE_
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	Ground source, closed loop	3.8_ISCOP_	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	Ground-water source	4.0_ISCOP_	4.0_ISCOP_
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	Water source	4.8_ISCOP_	4.8_ISCOP_

468 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

APPENDIX E

TABLE E 503.7.1(15) ELECTRICALLY OPERATED WATER-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS [2]

[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-15]

EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY	HEATING SECTION TYPE	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	MINIMUM EFFICIENCY	TEST PROCEDURE1
Water-to-air, water loop (cooling mode)	<17 000 Btu/h	All	86°F entering water	12.2_EER_	ISO 13256-1
Water-to-air, water loop (cooling mode)	≥17 000 Btu/h and <65 000 Btu/h	≥17 000 Btu/h and <65 000 Btu/h	≥17 000 Btu/h and <65 000 Btu/h	13.0_EER_	13.0_EER_
Water-to-air,

§ 6-2021 High relevance — show source text
ANSI/NEMA WD 6-2021 Wiring Devices—Dimensional Specifications

ANSI Z21.40.4a-1998 (R2022)/CGA 2.94a-M98 (R2022) Performance Testing and Rating of Gas-Fired, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Appliances

ANSI Z21.47-2021/CSA 2.3:21 Gas-Fired Central Furnaces

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STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THE ENERGY CODE

ANSI Z83.8-2016/CSA 2.6-2016 (R2021)

Gas Unit Heaters, Gas Packaged Heaters, Gas Utility Heaters and Gas-Fired Duct Furnaces (2016)

Available from:

American National Standards Institute 25 West 43rd Street, 4th floor New York, NY 10036 (212) 642-4900

ANSI/APSP/ICC-5-2011 American National Standard For Residential Inground Swimming Pools (2011 w/Addendum A)

Available from: Association of Pool & Spa Professionals 2111 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 838-0083

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING ENGINEERS (NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS)

ASHRAE GUIDELINE 36-2021 High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2017

Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2023

Thermal Environment Conditions for Human Occupancy

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2022

Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 84-2020 Method of Testing Air-to-Air Heat/Energy Exchangers

ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standards 90.1-2022 Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 154-2022 Ventilation for Commercial Cooking Operations

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 193-2010 (RA2014) Method of Test for Determining the Airtightness of HVAC Equipment

ASHRAE Handbooks

2023 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Applications Inch-Pound Edition

2020 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment I-P Edition

2021 ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals I-P Edition

Available from: American Society of Heating,
```
                         Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers
```
(ASHRAE) 1791 Tullie Circle N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329 www.ashrae.org

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, REFRIGERATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING ENGINEERS (REGIONAL PUBLICATION)

ASHRAE Climatic Data for Region X Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Publication SPCDX, 1982, ISBN #20002196 and Supplement, 1994, ISBN #20002596

Available from: Order Desk Building News 10801 National Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90064 (800) 873-6397 or (310) 474-7771 www.bnibooks.com/

§ 110.2 High relevance — show source text

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TABLE 110.2-F —ELECTRICALLY OPERATED VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW (VRF) AIR CONDITIONERS MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY	HEATING SECTION TYPE	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	MINIMUM EFFICIENCY	TEST PROCEDUREa
VRF Air conditioners, Air cooled	< 65,000 Btu/h	All	VRF multisplit system	13.0 SEER Before 1/1/2023 Federal Minimum SEER2 On or After 1/1/2023	AHRI 1230 Before 1/1/2023 AHRI 210/240 On or After 1/1/2023
VRF Air conditioners, Air cooled	≥ 65,000 Btu/h and < 135,000 Btu/h	Electric resistance (or none)	VRF multisplit system	10.5 EER Federal Minimum IEERb	AHRI 1230
VRF Air conditioners, Air cooled	≥ 135,000 Btu/h and < 240,000 Btu/h	Electric resistance (or none)	VRF multisplit system	10.3 EER Federal Minimum IEERb	10.3 EER Federal Minimum IEERb
VRF Air conditioners, Air cooled	≥ 240,000 Btu/h	Electric resistance (or none)	VRF multisplit system	9.5 EER Federal Minimum IEERb	9.5 EER Federal Minimum IEERb
a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. b. IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. b. IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. b. IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. b. IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. b. IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions. b. IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.

|TABLE 110.

§ 0.2 High relevance — show source text

2 from the required EERs and IEERs for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multisplit system units with a heating recovery section.
b.
Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.
c.
IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.|a.
Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multisplit system units with a heating recovery section.
b.
Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.
c.
IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.|a.
Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multisplit system units with a heating recovery section.
b.
Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.
c.
IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.|a.
Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multisplit system units with a heating recovery section.
b.
Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.
c.
IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.|a.
Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multisplit system units with a heating recovery section.
b.
Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.
c.
IEERs are only applicable to equipment with capacity control as specified in ANSI/AHRI 1230 test procedures.|

TABLE 110.2-H—DX-DOAS UNITS, SINGLE-PACKAGE AND REMOTE CONDENSER—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
EQUIPMENT TYPE	ENERGY RECOVERY	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	MINIMUM EFFICIENCY	TEST PROCEDUREa
Air cooled (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	NA	3.8 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Air source heat pumps (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	NA	3.8 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water cooled (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	Cooling tower condenser water	4.7 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	Ground source, closed and open loop	4.6 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (dehumidification mode)	Without energy recovery	Water source	3.8 ISMRE2	AHRI 920
Air source heat pumps (heating mode)	Without energy recovery	NA	2.05 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	Without energy recovery	Ground source, closed and open loop	2.13 ISCOP2	AHRI 920
Water source heat pump (heating mode)	Without energy recovery	Water source	2.

§ 13256-1 High relevance — show source text

2 COP|ISO-13256-1| |Water source water-to-water
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|68ºF entering water|3.7 COP|ISO-13256-2| |Groundwater source water-to-
water
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|50ºF entering water|3.1 COP|ISO-13256-2| |Ground source brine-to-water
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|32ºF entering water|2.5 COP|ISO-13256-2| |a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and IEERs for units with a heating section other than electric resistance heat.
b. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|

TABLE 110.2-C—AIR-COOLED GAS-ENGINE HEAT PUMPS	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	EFFICIENCY	TEST PROCEDUREa
Air-cooled gas-engine heat pump (cooling mode)	All capacities	95°F db outdoor air	0.60 COP	ANSI Z21.40.4A
Air-cooled gas-engine heat pump (heating mode)	All capacities	47°F db/43°F wb outdoor air	0.72 COP	ANSI Z21.40.4A
a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.	a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.

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TABLE 110.2-D—WATER CHILLING PACKAGES—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTSa, b	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY	PATH A **EFFICIENCYa,

§ 5.1 High relevance — show source text

13 ISCOP2|AHRI 920| |Air cooled
(dehumidification mode)|With energy recovery|NA|5 ISMRE2|AHRI 920| |Air source heat pumps
(dehumidification mode)|With energy recovery|NA|5 ISMRE2|AHRI 920| |Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)|With energy recovery|Cooling tower condenser water|5.1 ISMRE2|AHRI 920| |Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)|With energy recovery|Ground source, closed and open loop|5.0 ISMRE2|AHRI 920| |Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)|With energy recovery|Water source|4.6 ISMRE2|AHRI 920| |Air source heat pumps
(heating mode)|With energy recovery|NA|3.2 ISCOP2|AHRI 920| |Water source heat pump
(heating mode)|With energy recovery|Ground source, closed and open loop|3.5 ISCOP2|AHRI 920| |Water source heat pump
(heating mode)|With energy recovery|Water source|4.04 ISCOP2|AHRI 920| |a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|a. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|

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ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS

TABLE 110.2-I—HEAT PUMP AND HEAT RECOVERY CHILLER PACKAGES, COOLING OPERATION– MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY REFRIGERATING CAPACITYa, TONR	COOLING OPERATION EFFICIENCYb, c, d, e, AIR SOURCE EER (FL/IPLV), Btu/Wh, LIQUID SOURCE POWER INPUT PER CAPACITY (FL/IPLV), kW/TONR PATH A	COOLING OPERATION EFFICIENCYb, c, d, e, AIR SOURCE EER (FL/IPLV), Btu/Wh, LIQUID SOURCE POWER INPUT PER CAPACITY (FL/IPLV), kW/TONR PATH B	TEST PROCEDURE
Air source	< 150	> 5.595 FL	> 13.02 IPLV.IP	> 9.215 FL > 15.01 IPLV.IP
Air source	> 150	> 5.595 FL > 13.30 IPLV.IP	> 9.215 FL > 15.30 IPLV.IP	AHRI/550/590
Liquid source electrically operated positive displacement	> 11.

§ 503.7.1 High relevance — show source text

APPENDIX E

TABLE E 503.7.1(2) (continued) ELECTRICALLY OPERATED AIR-COOLED UNITARY

HEAT PUMPS—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-2]

EQUIPMENT TYPE	SIZE CATEGORY	HEATING SECTION TYPE	SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION	MINIMUM EFFICIENCY	TEST PROCEDURE1
Air cooled (heating mode)	≥65 000 Btu/h and <135 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity)	–	47°F db/43°F wb outdoor air	3.30_COPH_ before 1/1/2023 3.40_COPH_ before 1/1/2023	AHRI 340/360
Air cooled (heating mode)	≥65 000 Btu/h and <135 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity)	–	17°F db/15°F wb outdoor air	2.25_COPH_	2.25_COPH_
Air cooled (heating mode)	≥135 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity) and <240 000 Btu/h	≥135 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity) and <240 000 Btu/h	47°F db/43°F wb outdoor air	3.20_COPH_ before 1/1/2023 3.30_COPH_ after 1/1/2023	3.20_COPH_ before 1/1/2023 3.30_COPH_ after 1/1/2023
Air cooled (heating mode)	≥135 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity) and <240 000 Btu/h	≥135 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity) and <240 000 Btu/h	17°F db/15°F wb outdoor air	2.05_COPH_	2.05_COPH_
Air cooled (heating mode)	≥240 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity)	–	47°F db/43°F wb outdoor air	3.20_COPH_	3.20_COPH_
Air cooled (heating mode)	≥240 000 Btu/h (cooling capacity)	–	17°F db/15°F wb outdoor air	2.05_COPH_	2.05_COPH_

For SI units: 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW, °C = (°F-32)/1.8

Notes: 1 ASHRAE 90.1 contains a complete specification of the referenced test procedure, including the referenced year version of the test procedure. 2 Single-phase, U.S. air-cooled heat pumps <65 000 Btu/h (19 kW) are regulated as consumer products by the U.S. Department of Energy Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR 430. SEER, SEER2, and HSPF values for single-phase products are set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 453

§ 805.10 High relevance — show source text
E 805.10 Hydronic System Variable Flow Controls (Form MECH-10A). The purpose of this test is to ensure that hydronic variable flow chilled water and water-loop heat pump systems with circulating pumps larger than 5 hp (3.7 kW) vary system flow rate by modulating pump speed using a variable frequency drive (VFD) or equivalent. As the loads within the building fluctuate, control valves modulate the amount of water passing through each coil and add or remove the desired amount of energy from the air stream to satisfy the load. In the case of water-loop heat pumps, each two-way control valve associated with a heat pump will be closed where that unit is not operating. As each control valve modulates, the pump variable frequency drive (VFD) responds accordingly to meet system water flow requirements. This is not required on heating hot water systems with variable flow designs or for condensing water serving water cooled chillers. E 805.10.1 Test Procedure. The procedure for performing a functional test for hydronic system variable flow controls shall be in accordance with Section E

805.10.1.1 and Section E 805.10.1.2.

E 805.10.1.1 Construction Inspection. Prior to functional testing, verify and document the pressure sensors are either factory or field calibrated. E 805.10.1.2 Functional Testing. The functional testing shall comply with the following steps:

Step 1: Open control valves to increase water flow to not less than 90 percent design flow. Verify and document the following:

(1) Pump speed increases.

(2) System pressure is either within plus or minus 5 percent of current operating setpoint, or the pressure is below the setpoint, and the pumps are operating at 100 percent speed.

(3) System operation shall stabilize within 5 minutes after test procedures are initiated.

Step 2: Modulate control valves to reduce water flow to 50 percent of the design flow or less, but not lower than the pump minimum flow. Verify and document the following:

(1) Pump speed decrease.

(2) Current operating setpoint has decreased (for systems with DDC to the zone level).

(3) Current operating setpoint has not increased (for all other systems).

(4) System pressure is within 5 percent of current operating setpoint.

(5) System operation stabilizes within 5 minutes after test procedures are initiated.

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 487

), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

APPENDIX E

E 805.10.2 Acceptance Criteria. The differential pressure sensor is either factory calibrated (with calibration certificates) or field calibrated. The pressure sensor shall be located at or near the most remote HX or control valve. The setpoint system controls shall stabilize.

E 805.11 Automatic Demand Shed Control (Form MECH-11A). The purpose of this test is to ensure that the central demand shed sequences have been properly programmed into the DDC system.

E 805.11.1 Test Procedure. The procedure for performing a functional test for automatic demand shed controls shall be in accordance with Section E 805.11.1.1

and Section E 805.11.1.2.
§ 110.2 High relevance — show source text
ranges:
```
 - Minimum Leaving Evaporator Fluid Temperature: 36°F

- Maximum Leaving Condenser Fluid Temperature: 115°F

  - LIFT ≥ 20°F and ≤ 80°F
```
Centrifugal chillers designed to operate outside of these ranges are not covered by this exception.

Exception 2 to Section 110.2(a): Positive displacement (air-cooled and water-cooled) chillers with a leaving evaporator fluid temperature higher than 32°F shall show compliance with Table 110.2-D when tested or certified with water at standard rating conditions, per the referenced test procedure.

Exception 3 to Section 110.2(a): Equipment primarily serving refrigerated warehouses or commercial refrigeration.

(b) Controls for heat pumps with supplementary heaters.

Control requirements for heat pumps with supplementary heaters in single-family residential buildings are specified in Section 150.0(h)7 and Section 150.0(i)2. Heat pumps with supplementary heaters in nonresidential and multifamily buildings shall have controls:
1. That prevent supplementary heater operation when the heating load can be met by the heat pump alone; and
2. In which the cut-on temperature for heat pump heating is higher than the cut-on temperature for supplementary heating, and the cut-off temperature for heat pump heating is higher than the cut-off temperature for supplementary heating. Exception 1 to Section 110.2(b): The controls may allow supplementary heater operation during: A. Defrost; and
B. Transient periods such as start-ups and following room thermostat setpoint advance, if the controls provide preferential rate control, intelligent recovery, staging, ramping or another control mechanism designed to preclude the unnecessary operation of supplementary heating.

Exception 2 to Section 110.2(b): Room air-conditioner heat pumps.

40 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

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

ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS

(c) Thermostats. All heating or cooling systems not controlled by a central energy management control system (EMCS) shall have a setback thermostat.
1. Setback capabilities. All thermostats shall have a clock mechanism that allows the building occupant to program the temperature setpoints for at least four periods within 24 hours. Thermostats for heat pumps shall meet the requirements of Section 110.2(b).
Exception to Section 110.2(c): Gravity gas wall heaters, gravity floor heaters, gravity room heaters, noncentral electric heaters, fireplaces or decorative gas appliances, wood stoves, room air conditioners and room air-conditioner heat pumps.

(d) Gas-fired and oil-fired furnace standby loss controls. Gas-fired and oil-fired forced-air furnaces with input ratings ≥ 225,000 Btu/hr shall also have an intermittent ignition or interrupted device (IID), and have either power venting or a flue damper. A vent damper is an acceptable alternative to a flue damper for furnaces where combustion air is drawn from the conditioned space. All furnaces with input ratings ≥ 225,000 Btu/hr, including electric furnaces, that are not located within the conditioned space shall have jacket losses not exceeding 0.75 percent of the input rating.

(e) Open and closed-circuit cooling towers. All open and closed-circuit cooling tower installations shall comply with the following:
1. Be equipped with conductivity controls that maximize cycles of concentration based on local water quality conditions.
§ 96.3 High relevance — show source text
3°F condensing temperature
75°F entering wb|≥134 000 Btu/h·hp|CTI ATC-106| |Centrifugal fan evaporative
condensers|All|R-448A test fluid
165°F entering gas temperature
105°F condensing temperature
75°F entering wb|≥137 000 Btu/h·hp|CTI ATC-106| |Centrifugal fan evaporative
condensers|All|Ammonia test fluid
140°F entering gas temperature
96.3°F condensing temperature
75°F entering wb|≥110 000 Btu/h·hp|CTI ATC-106| |Air cooled condensers|All|125°F condensing temperature
190°F entering gas temperature
15°F subcooling
95°F entering db|≥176 000 Btu/h·hp|AHRI 460|

For SI units: °C = (°F-32)/1.8, 1 gallon per minute per horsepower = 0.085 [(L/s)/kW], 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW, 1 horsepower = 0.746 kW

Notes: 1 For purposes of this table, open-circuit cooling tower performance is defined as the water flow rating of the tower at the thermal rating condition listed in Table E 503.7.1(7) divided by the fan motor nameplate power. 2 For purposes of this table, closed-circuit cooling tower performance is defined as the process water flow rating of the tower at the thermal rating condition listed in Table E 503.7.1(7) divided by the sum of the fan motor nameplate power and the integral spray pump motor nameplate power. 3 For purposes of this table, dry-cooler performance is defined as the process water flow rating of the unit at the thermal rating condition listed in this table divided by the total fan motor nameplate power of the unit, and air-cooled condenser performance is defined as the heat rejected from the refrigerant divided by the total fan motor nameplate power of the unit. 4 ASHRAE 90.1 contains a complete specification of the referenced test procedure, including the referenced year version of the test procedure. 5 The efficiencies and test procedures for both open- and closed-circuit cooling towers are not applicable to hybrid cooling towers that contain a combination of separate wet and dry heat exchange sections. The certification requirements do not apply to field-erected cooling towers. 6 All cooling towers shall comply with the minimum efficiency listed in the table for that specific type of tower with the capacity effect of any project-specific accessories and/or options included in the capacity of the cooling tower. 7 For purposes of this table, evaporative condenser performance is defined as the heat rejected at the specified rating condition in the table, divided by the sum of the fan motor nameplate power and the integral spray pump nameplate power. 8 Requirements for evaporative condensers are listed with ammonia (R-717) and R-448A as test fluids in the table. Evaporative condensers intended for use with halocarbon refrigerants other than R-448A must meet the minimum efficiency requirements listed above with R-448A as the test fluid. For ammonia, the condensing temperature is defined as the saturation temperature corresponding to the refrigerant pressure at the condenser entrance. For R-448A, which is a zeotropic refrigerant, the condensing temperature is defined as the arithmetic average of the dew point and the bubble point temperatures corresponding to the refrigerant pressure at the condenser entrance.

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 459

»

Frequently asked questions

Which table do I use for a VRF multisplit system?

Use Table 110.2‑F (under § 110.2). The table lists the size categories, the required efficiencies (EER/SEER/IEER) and the test procedures (for example AHRI 1230 or AHRI 210/240 depending on date).

Are DX‑DOAS dehumidification metrics tested differently than ordinary air conditioners?

Yes. DX‑DOAS dehumidification and heating efficiency metrics (for example ISMRE and ISCOP) are calculated per AHRI 920 — Table 110.2‑H names AHRI 920 as the required test procedure.

What if a table row lists a metric but not the edition of the test standard?

The tables contain a footnote that the “applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.” Consult the Code definitions to get the edition/year to apply.

Can I use IEER results for all equipment?

No. IEER is only applicable where the equipment meets the capacity control requirements specified in the referenced standard (for example ANSI/AHRI 1230). Check the table footnotes and the referenced standard.

Do I ever deduct from the table efficiency number?

Yes — for certain VRF multisplit units with a heating‑recovery section the Code footnote requires you to deduct 0.2 from the required EER/IEER. Check the applicable footnote in Table 110.2‑F.

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