CMC · California Mechanical Code
Space Heating & Fireplaces
This page orients users to the CMC rules for fireplaces and space‑heating appliances and points to the primary sections on installation, venting, combustion air, and product listing.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This hub covers the California Mechanical Code (CMC) provisions that regulate space‑heating appliances and fireplaces — including decorative and vented gas fireplaces, factory‑built fireplaces and fireplace stoves, room and wall heaters, unit heaters, clearances, venting and combustion‑air requirements. Key CMC sections addressing these topics include §911 (decorative appliances), §912 (gas fireplaces, including §912.4 on combustion and circulating air), §913 (factory‑built fireplaces and stoves), and the heater sections such as §907 and §915; these appear in the CMC table of contents and chapter text.
Safe installation depends on listed equipment and compliance with manufacturer instructions, venting and clearance rules, and combustion‑air provisions (Chapter 7 / §701 series). The residential rules for chimneys and factory‑built fireplaces are also treated in the California Residential Code (Chapter 10), so designers and installers should consult both documents where scope overlaps.
The CMC and related California codes also link to product standards (for example, factory‑built fireplaces tested to UL 127) and statewide energy rules that affect fireplaces and heating equipment (for example, pilot‑light prohibitions in the California Energy Code).
In this section
- Decorative appliances for installation in vented fireplaces — prohibitions and installation
- Factory-built fireplaces and fireplace stoves — listings, accessories and installation
- Vented gas fireplaces — application and installation requirements
- Wall furnaces — application, installation, location, air requirements
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CMC § 10.7.3 Medium relevance — show source text
(1) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Any newly installed gas fireplace shall be a direct-vent sealed-combustion type.
(2) Vented gas fireplaces shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions and where installed in or attached to com bustible material shall be specifically listed for such installation.
(3) Panels, grilles, and access doors that are required to be removed for normal servicing operations shall not be attached to the building.
(4) Direct vent gas fireplaces shall be installed with the vent air intake terminal in the outdoors and in accor dance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
[NFPA 54:10.7.3] 912.4 Combustion and Circulating Air. Combustion and circulating air shall be provided in accordance with Section 701.0. [NFPA 54:10.7.4]
913.0 Factory-Built Fireplaces and Fireplace Stoves. 913.1 Factory-Built Fireplaces. Factory-built fireplaces shall comply with UL 127 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. {NFPA 211:11.1.1} 913.1.1 Gasketed Fireplace Doors. A gasketed fireplace door shall not be installed on a factory-built fireplace, except where the fireplace system has been tested in accordance with UL 127.
913.2 Fireplace Stoves. Fireplace stoves shall comply with UL 737 and installed in accordance with the manufac turer’s installation instructions.
913.3 Fireplace Accessories. Heat exchangers, glass doors assemblies, combustion air vents, and termination caps shall comply with UL 907 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
914.0 Non-Recirculating Direct Gas-Fired Industrial Air Heaters.
914.1 Application. Direct gas-fired heating and forced ventilation appliances for commercial and industrial applications shall be listed in accordance with the following standards as applicable:
(1) ANSI Z83.4/CSA 3.7.
(2) ANSI Z83.18. [NFPA 54:10.8.1] 914.2 Prohibited Installations. Direct gas-fired heating and forced ventilation appliances shall not serve any area containing sleeping quarters. Non-recirculating direct gas-fired heating and forced ventilation appliances shall not recirculate room air.
Recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters shall not recirculate room air in buildings that contain flammable solids, liquids, or gases; explosive materials; or substances that can become toxic when exposed to flame or heat. [NFPA 54:10.8.2.1 – 10.8.2.3]
914.3 Installation. Direct gas-fired heating and forced ventilation appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:10.8.3.1]
914.3.1 Fresh Air Ventilation. Direct gas-fired heating and forced ventilation appliances shall be permitted to provide fresh air ventilation. [NFPA 54:10.8.3.2]
914.3.2 Access Required. Direct gas-fired heating and forced ventilation appliances shall be provided with access for removal of burners; for replacement of motors, controls, filters, and other working parts; and for adjustment and lubrication of parts requiring maintenance.
[NFPA 54:10.8.3.3]
206 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
CRC § 2025 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 9 Roof Assemblies.
Chapter 9 regulates the design and construction of roof assemblies. A roof assembly includes the roof deck, vapor retarder, substrate or thermal barrier, insulation, vapor retarder and roof covering. This chapter provides the requirement for wind resistance of roof coverings.
The types of roof covering materials and installation regulated by Chapter 9 are: asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shakes and shingles, built-up roofs, metal roof panels, modified bitumen roofing, thermoset and thermoplastic single-ply roofing, sprayed polyurethane foam roofing, liquid applied coatings and photovoltaic shingles. Chapter 9 also provides requirements for roof drainage, flashing, above deck thermal insulation, rooftop-mounted photovoltaic systems and recovering or replacing an existing roof covering.
Chapter 10 Chimneys and Fireplaces.
Chapter 10 contains requirements for the safe construction of masonry chimneys and fireplaces and establishes the standards for the use and installation of factory-built chimneys, fireplaces and masonry heaters. Chimneys and fireplaces constructed of masonry rely on prescriptive requirements for the details of their construction; the factory-built type relies on the listing and labeling method of approval. Chapter 10 provides the requirements for seismic reinforcing and anchorage of masonry fireplaces and chimneys.
Chapter 11 [RE] Energy Efficiency.
Chapter 11 is not adopted in California. See California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6.
Chapter 12 Mechanical Administration.
Chapter 12 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 13 General Mechanical System Requirements.
Chapter 13 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 14 Heating and Cooling Equipment and Appliances.
Chapter 14 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 15 Exhaust Systems.
Chapter 15 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 16 Duct Systems.
Chapter 16 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 17 Combustion Air.
Chapter 17 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 18 Chimneys and Vents.
Chapter 18 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 19 Special Appliances, Equipment and Systems.
Chapter 19 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 20 Boilers and Water Heaters.
Chapter 20 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
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Chapter 21 Hydronic Piping.
Chapter 21 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 22 Special Piping and Storage Systems.
Chapter 22 is not adopted in California. See California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4.
Chapter 23 Solar Thermal Energy Systems.
CMC § 110.0 Medium relevance — show source text
110.0 Systems and Equipment—General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
110.1 Mandatory Requirements for Appliances . . . . . . . . . 39
110.2 Mandatory Requirements for Space-Conditioning Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
110.3 Mandatory Requirements for Service Water-Heating Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
110.4 Mandatory Requirements for Pool and Spa Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
110.5 Natural Gas Central Furnaces, Cooking Equipment, Pool and Spa Heaters, and Fireplaces: Pilot Lights Prohibited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
110.6 Mandatory Requirements for Fenestration Products and Exterior Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
110.7 Mandatory Requirements to Limit Air Leakage . . . . 57
110.8 Mandatory Requirements for Insulation, Roofing Products and Radiant Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
110.9 Mandatory Requirements for Lighting Controls. . . . 59
110.10 Mandatory Requirements for Solar Readiness. . . . . 60
110.11 Mandatory Requirements for Electrical Power Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
110.12 Mandatory Requirements for Demand Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
SUBCHAPTER 3 NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.1 Requirements for Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
120.2 Required Controls for Space-Conditioning Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
120.3 Requirements for Pipe Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
120.4 Requirements for Air Distribution System Ducts and Plenums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
CMC § 912.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Fireplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912.4
Fossil fuel heating equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . E 502.6.1
Furnaces, central heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.2, 907.4
COMBUSTION AIR FROM
Bedroom or bathroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 902.2
Chimneys and vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802.5.11.1
Combination, indoor and outdoor. . . . . . . 701.7, F 103.0
Indoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.4
Louvers, grilles and screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.10
Mechanical supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.9
Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.6
Refrigeration machinery rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1106.5
COMMERCIAL FOOD
HEAT-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205.0
COMPRESSOR
Flammable
gas-air mixture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1310.14.1, 1310.14.5
Positive displacement . . . . . . . . . . 205.0, 1111.2, 1112.2,
Refrigeration system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1105.2, 1105.3,
1105.6, 1111.2, 1112.2
CONCEALED SPACES
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205.0
Fuel gas piping in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1310.4.1
Hazardous process piping in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1406.2.1
Lighting units in
commercial kitchen hoods . . . . . . . . 512.2.3, 512.2.4
Used as ducts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602.1
CONDENSATE
Cleanouts for condensate drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310.3.1
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310.2, 1105.10
CMC § 101.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.2
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION, CLOSED
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205.0
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION, OPEN
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217.0
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205.0
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL, LIMITED
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214.0
COMBUSTION AIR
Definition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205.0
Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.11, 701.12
General requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 7
COMBUSTION AIR FOR
Boilers, low pressure,
installed in closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.2
Engineered installations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.8
Fireplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912.4
Fossil fuel heating equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . E 502.6.1
Furnaces, central heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.2, 907.4
COMBUSTION AIR FROM
Bedroom or bathroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 902.2
Chimneys and vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802.5.11.1
Combination, indoor and outdoor. . . . . . . 701.7, F 103.0
Indoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.4
Louvers, grilles and screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.10
Mechanical supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.9
Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701.6
Refrigeration machinery rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1106.5
COMMERCIAL FOOD
HEAT-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
CRC § 2025 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 6 also regulates exterior windows and doors installed in walls. This chapter contains criteria for the performance of exterior windows and doors and includes provisions for testing and labeling, garage doors, windborne debris protection and anchorage details.
Chapter 7 Wall Covering.
Chapter 7 contains provisions for the design and construction of interior and exterior wall coverings. This chapter establishes the various types of materials, materials standards and methods of application permitted for use as interior coverings, including interior plaster, gypsum board, ceramic tile, wood veneer paneling, hardboard paneling, wood shakes and wood shingles. Chapter 7 also contains requirements for the use of vapor retarders for moisture control in walls.
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Exterior wall coverings provide the weather-resistant exterior envelope that protects the building’s interior from the elements. Chapter 7 provides the requirements for wind resistance and water-resistive barrier for exterior wall coverings. This chapter prescribes the exterior wall coverings as well as the water-resistive barrier required beneath the exterior materials. Exterior wall coverings regulated by this section include aluminum, stone and masonry veneer, wood, hardboard, particleboard, wood structural panel siding, wood shakes and shingles, exterior plaster, steel, vinyl, fiber cement and exterior insulation finish systems.
Chapter 8 Roof-Ceiling Construction.
Chapter 8 regulates the design and construction of roof-ceiling systems. This chapter contains two roof-ceiling framing systems: wood framing and cold-formed steel framing. Allowable span tables are provided to simplify the selection of rafter and ceiling joist size for wood roof framing and cold-formed steel framing. Chapter 8 also provides requirements for the application of ceiling finishes, the proper ventilation of concealed spaces in roofs (e.g., enclosed attics and rafter spaces), unvented attic assemblies and attic access.
Chapter 9 Roof Assemblies.
Chapter 9 regulates the design and construction of roof assemblies. A roof assembly includes the roof deck, vapor retarder, substrate or thermal barrier, insulation, vapor retarder and roof covering. This chapter provides the requirement for wind resistance of roof coverings.
The types of roof covering materials and installation regulated by Chapter 9 are: asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shakes and shingles, built-up roofs, metal roof panels, modified bitumen roofing, thermoset and thermoplastic single-ply roofing, sprayed polyurethane foam roofing, liquid applied coatings and photovoltaic shingles. Chapter 9 also provides requirements for roof drainage, flashing, above deck thermal insulation, rooftop-mounted photovoltaic systems and recovering or replacing an existing roof covering.
Chapter 10 Chimneys and Fireplaces.
Chapter 10 contains requirements for the safe construction of masonry chimneys and fireplaces and establishes the standards for the use and installation of factory-built chimneys, fireplaces and masonry heaters. Chimneys and fireplaces constructed of masonry rely on prescriptive requirements for the details of their construction; the factory-built type relies on the listing and labeling method of approval. Chapter 10 provides the requirements for seismic reinforcing and anchorage of masonry fireplaces and chimneys.
Chapter 11 [RE] Energy Efficiency.
Chapter 11 is not adopted in California. See California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6.
Chapter 12 Mechanical Administration.
CMC § 907.0 Medium relevance — show source text
TABLE OF CONTENTS
907.0 Wall Furnaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
907.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
907.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
907.3 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
907.4 Combustion and Circulating Air . . 205
907.5 Oil-Fired Wall Furnaces . . . . . . . . 205
908.0 Clothes Dryers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
908.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
908.2 Electric Clothes Dryers . . . . . . . . . 205
908.3 Gas-Fired Clothes Dryers. . . . . . . 205
909.0 Conversion Burners . . . . . . . . . . . 205
909.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
910.0 Burner Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
910.1 Oil Burners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
910.2 Gas Burners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
911.0 Decorative Appliances for Installation in Vented Fireplaces. . . 206
911.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
911.2 Prohibited Installations . . . . . . . . . 206
911.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
911.4 Fireplace Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.0 Gas Fireplaces, Vented . . . . . . . . 206
912.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.2 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.4 Combustion and Circulating Air . . . 206
913.0 Factory-Built Fireplaces and Fireplace Stoves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
913.1 Factory-Built Fireplaces . . . . . . . . 206
913.2 Fireplace Stoves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
913.3 Fireplace Accessories . . . . . . . . . 206
914.0 Non-Recirculating Direct Gas-Fired Industrial Air Heaters. . . 206
914.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
914.2 Prohibited Installations . . . . . . . . . 206
914.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
914.4 Clearance from Combustible
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
CMC § 140.4 Medium relevance — show source text
If chilled water produced by an AWHP is used for space cooling, then the heat recovery system shall comply with Section 140.4(s), and iii. Supplemental heating shall be provided by an electric resistance boiler with a capacity of not greater than 50 percent of the design space-heating hot water loop heating capacity. D. Indoor fans. Indoor fans used to comply with the requirements of Section 140.4(a)3Ai or 140.4(a)3Aii shall have a maximum fan power of 0.35 W/cfm at design airflow, shall have not less than three speeds and shall turn off when there is no demand for heating or cooling in the space. At 66 percent airflow the power draw shall be no more than 51 percent of the fan power at full fan speed, and at 33 percent airflow the power draw shall be no more than 12 percent of the fan power at full fan speed. E. DOAS. DOAS used to comply with the requirements of Section 140.4(a)3Ai or 140.4(a)3Aii shall comply with Section 140.4(p), be equipped with a heat recovery system in compliance with Section 140.4(q) and have a maximum fan power of 0.77 W/cfm at design airflow. DOAS units that provide active heating or cooling shall meet one of the following requirements: i. For hydronic heating or cooling: a. DOAS heating coils shall be hydronic heating coils utilizing the AWHP space-heating hot water loop. b. DOAS cooling coils shall be hydronic cooling coils utilizing space-cooling chilled water loop. ii. Other heating or cooling shall be provided by a heat pump. Electric resistance heating shall not be used. F. Parallel fan-powered boxes used to comply with Section 140.4(a)3Aiii shall use recirculated zone or plenum air shall be used in heating mode. Fans shall cycle on only when there is a demand for heating and shall have a maximum fan power of 0.3 W/cfm at design airflow. Terminal units providing ventilation air shall be set to no greater than the minimum ventilation rate when the zone is in deadband or in heating mode.
(b) Calculations. In making equipment sizing calculations under Subsection (a), all of the following rules shall apply:
- Heating and cooling loads. Heating and cooling system design loads shall be determined in accordance with the procedures described in Subsection A or B below:
A. For systems serving hotel/motel buildings, and nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities, the method in the 2017 ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals shall be used or as specified in a method approved by the Commission. B. For system serving healthcare facilities the method in the California Mechanical Code shall be used. 2. Indoor design conditions. Indoor design temperature and humidity conditions for comfort applications shall be determined in accordance with Subsection A or B below:
A. For systems serving hotel/motel buildings, and nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities, ASHRAE Standard 55 or the 2017 ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals Volume, except that winter humidification and summer dehumidification shall not be required. B. For systems serving healthcare facilities the method in the California Mechanical Code shall be used. 3. **Outdoor design conditions.
CMC § 2.25 Medium relevance — show source text
000 Btu/h and
< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|17°F db/15°F wb
outdoor air|2.25 COP|2.25 COP| |Air cooled
(heating mode)
Split system and single package|≥ 135,000 Btu/h and
< 240,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|47°F db/43°F wb
outdoor air|Federal Minimum COP|Federal Minimum COP| |Air cooled
(heating mode)
Split system and single package|≥ 240,000 Btu/h and
< 760,000 Btu/h|≥ 240,000 Btu/h and
< 760,000 Btu/h|Federal Minimum COP|Federal Minimum COP| |Air cooled
(heating mode)
Split system and single package|≥ 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|17°F db/15°F wb
outdoor air|2.05 COP|2.05 COP| |Water source
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|68ºF entering water|Federal Minimum COP|ISO-13256-1| |Water source
(heating mode)|≥ 135,000 Btu/h and
< 240,000 Btu/h|68ºF entering water|Federal Minimum COP|ISO-13256-1| |Groundwater source
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|50ºF entering water|3.7 COP|ISO-13256-1| |Ground source
(heating mode)|< 135,000 Btu/h
(cooling capacity)|32ºF entering water|3.2 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.|CMC § 911.2 Medium relevance — show source text
911.2 Prohibited Installations . . . . . . . . . 206
911.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
911.4 Fireplace Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.0 Gas Fireplaces, Vented . . . . . . . . 206
912.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.2 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
912.4 Combustion and Circulating Air . . . 206
913.0 Factory-Built Fireplaces and Fireplace Stoves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
913.1 Factory-Built Fireplaces . . . . . . . . 206
913.2 Fireplace Stoves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
913.3 Fireplace Accessories . . . . . . . . . 206
914.0 Non-Recirculating Direct Gas-Fired Industrial Air Heaters. . . 206
914.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
914.2 Prohibited Installations . . . . . . . . . 206
914.3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
914.4 Clearance from Combustible
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
914.5 Air Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
914.6 Atmospheric Vents, Gas Reliefs, or Bleeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
914.7 Relief Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
914.8 Purging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
915.0 Room Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
915.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
915.2 Electric Room Heaters . . . . . . . . . 207
915.3 Gas-Fired Room Heaters . . . . . . . 207
xxxvi
915.4 Solid-Fuel Type Room Heaters . . 208
916.0 Unit Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
916.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
916.2 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
916.3 Clearance for Suspended-Type Unit Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
916.4 Combustion and Circulating Air. . . 208
916.5 Ductwork. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
916.6 Installation in Commercial
Garages and Aircraft Hangars . . . 208
CMC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
FIGURE R1003.20—CHIMNEY CRICKET
AIRSPACE
ROOF LINE
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FLUE LINER Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 1 IN.
AIRS1 IN.
AIRS1 IN.
AIRS1 IN.
AIRS1 IN.
AIRSW W W W W 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 10-11
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES
SECTION R1004—FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES
R1004.1 General. Factory-built fireplaces shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the conditions of the listing. Factory-built fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 127.
R1004.1.1 Factory-built wood burning fireplaces. Factory-built wood burning fireplaces shall be qualified at the U.S. EPA’s Volun- tary Fireplace Program Phase 2 emissions level and be in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.5.
R1004.2 Hearth extensions. Hearth extensions of approved factory-built fireplaces shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace. The hearth extension shall be readily distinguishable from the surrounding floor area. Listed and labeled hearth extensions shall comply with UL 1618.
R1004.3 Decorative shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of chimneys for factory-built fireplaces except where the shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built fireplace system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
R1004.5 Gasketed fireplace doors. A gasketed fireplace door shall not be installed on a factory-built fireplace except where the fireplace system has been specifically tested, listed and labeled for such use in accordance with UL 127.
SECTION R1005—FACTORY-BUILT CHIMNEYS
R1005.1 Listing. Factory-built chimneys shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed and terminated in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
R1005.2 Decorative shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of factory-built chimneys except where the shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built chimney system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
R1005.3 Solid-fuel appliances. Factory-built chimneys installed in dwelling units with solid-fuel-burning appliances shall comply with the Type HT requirements of UL 103 and shall be marked “Type HT” and “Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance Chimney.”
Exception: Chimneys for use with open combustion chamber fireplaces shall comply with the requirements of UL 103 and shall be marked “Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance Chimney.”
Chimneys for use with open combustion chamber appliances installed in buildings other than dwelling units shall comply with the requirements of UL 103 and shall be marked “Building Heating Appliance Chimney” or “Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance Chimney.”
R1005.4 Factory-built fireplaces. Chimneys for use with factory-built fireplaces shall comply with the requirements of UL 127.
CMC § 323-9843 Medium relevance — show source text
State Librarian [SL]
library.ca.gov csllaw@library.ca.gov (916) 323-9843 Public Library Construction & Renovation
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE v
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE
Symbols in the margins indicate where changes have been made or language has been deleted.
This symbol indicates that a change has been made.
- This symbol indicates deletion of language.
vi 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 6 . . . . . 1
SUBCHAPTER 1 ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS . . .1
100.0 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
100.1 Definitions and Rules of Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
100.2 Calculation of Energy Budgets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SUBCHAPTER 2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND
BUILDING COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
110.0 Systems and Equipment—General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
110.1 Mandatory Requirements for Appliances . . . . . . . . . 39
110.2 Mandatory Requirements for Space-Conditioning Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
110.3 Mandatory Requirements for Service Water-Heating Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
110.4 Mandatory Requirements for Pool and Spa Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
110.5 Natural Gas Central Furnaces, Cooking Equipment, Pool and Spa Heaters, and Fireplaces: Pilot Lights Prohibited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
110.6 Mandatory Requirements for Fenestration Products and Exterior Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
110.7 Mandatory Requirements to Limit Air Leakage . . . . 57
110.8 Mandatory Requirements for Insulation, Roofing Products and Radiant Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
110.9 Mandatory Requirements for Lighting Controls. . . . 59
Frequently asked questions
Do newly installed gas fireplaces have to be direct‑vent sealed‑combustion types?
Yes. The CMC requires newly installed gas fireplaces to be direct‑vent sealed‑combustion type per the applicable HCD/CMC provisions and listings; installations must also follow the appliance listing and manufacturer’s instructions.
Are continuously burning pilot lights allowed for fireplaces?
No. The California Energy Code specifically prohibits continuously burning pilot lights on certain gas equipment, including indoor and outdoor fireplaces, so modern units must use intermittent ignition or an equivalent.
Must factory‑built fireplaces and chimney systems be listed?
Yes. Factory‑built fireplaces and factory‑built chimneys must be listed and labeled and installed per their listing and manufacturer instructions (factory‑built fireplaces are commonly required to meet UL 127). The Residential Code also contains parallel requirements for factory‑built systems and hearth details.
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