Licenses to check
| License | Covers | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| C-20 | Warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning | Any heat pump, air handler, mini-split or duct work |
| C-10 | Electrical | New 240V circuits, subpanels, panel upgrades |
| C-36 (ask) | Plumbing | Often used for water heater replacements; confirm the scope |
Look up any license at cslb.ca.gov: confirm it is active, the classification matches the work, and workers' compensation and bond are current. California requires a license for jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials (CSLB).
Permit and verification
Walnut Creek requires a permit for HVAC replacements (city permit FAQs). Under the 2025 Title 24 code, replacing an air handler or outdoor unit triggers duct leakage testing (≤10% total or ≤7% to outside), and heat pumps need refrigerant charge verification; both are verified by an ECC-Rater (CEC). A bid that leaves these out isn't comparable to one that includes them.
What a complete bid includes
- Manual J load calculation (room by room) and the resulting capacity
- Equipment: outdoor and indoor model numbers, SEER2/HSPF2, refrigerant type
- Ducts: test plan, sealing or replacement scope, price if the test fails
- Electrical: circuits, breaker sizes, any panel work and who does it
- Permit and ECC-Rater verification (duct leakage, refrigerant charge)
- Removal of the old furnace, AC and refrigerant recovery
- Warranty registration in your name, labor warranty terms
- Rebate paperwork: program, amount, who files it
Red flags
No load calculation. Sizing "same as the old one" or by square foot alone.
"You don't need a permit." HVAC replacements need one in Walnut Creek, and the duct test depends on it.
Rebate-dependent price. A quote that only works if a closed program pays out.
Heat strips as main heat. Title 24 limits electric-resistance heat in heating replacements.
Questions to ask on the walk-through
- Where will the outdoor unit go, and does it meet setback and noise rules?
- Will the existing ducts be tested before or after the install?
- Does my panel have capacity, or do I need a load calculation by an electrician?
- What refrigerant does this equipment use, and is it allowed for installation in California?
- Are you a participating MCE contractor?
Hiring questions
What license does a heat pump installer need in California?
A CSLB C-20 (warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) license covers heat pump HVAC. Electrical work such as new circuits or a panel upgrade falls under C-10. Water heater swaps are often done under a plumbing (C-36) license; ask which license covers your scope.
Should every heat pump bid include a load calculation?
Yes. A Manual J load calculation sizes the system for your house. Sizing by square footage or by matching the old unit is the most common cause of short-cycling and uneven rooms.
Do I need to use an MCE-listed contractor?
Only if you want the MCE rebate. MCE pays only for installs by participating contractors.