Go against the regulations, and you could face failed inspections, surprise fines, or an HVAC system that doesn’t run as efficiently as it should. In fact, studies have shown that up to 90% of HVAC systems are installed with some form of error, leading to energy inefficiencies, higher operational costs, and potential health hazards..
So let’s make sense of these rules—what they mean for you, how they differ between cities, and, most importantly, how to get your HVAC upgrade done right the first time.
Smart thermostat installations to reduce energy waste
On top of that, Riverside County and each Coachella Valley city enforce these rules through local permitting processes to ensure HVAC systems meet safety, efficiency, and emissions standards. These regulations help protect homeowners from unsafe installations, excessive energy waste, and poor indoor air quality.
California’s HVAC efficiency standards set the baseline for the entire state—but some Coachella Valley cities take it even further.
Before upgrading your system, check how your city’s energy rules stack up:
City
Energy Efficiency Requirements
California (Statewide)
SEER 15 minimum for new ACs, R-8 duct insulation in unconditioned spaces
Palm Desert
New construction must exceed California’s baseline energy efficiency by 10–15%
Palm Springs & Cathedral City
All homes must have AC capable of maintaining 80°F indoors
Do these rules apply to your project?
If you’re installing new equipment, replacing major components, or upgrading your thermostat, these rules absolutely apply.
New AC installations – Must meet energy efficiency ratings and pass testing
Duct replacements over 40 feet – Require sealing and leakage verification
Smart thermostat upgrades – Required for most new systems
System replacements & major repairs – Need permits and HERS testing
Skipping compliance can mean delays, fines, and costly rework.
Key California HVAC regulations to know
Permits are a must (yes, even for a simple swap)
Replacing an AC, furnace, or more than 40 feet of ducting? You need a permit. All four cities—Palm Desert, Indio, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City—require permits for nearly all HVAC work.
Some cities, like Indio and Cathedral City, offer expedited online permitting for residential AC replacements, while Palm Springs has more stringent rules regarding equipment placement and aesthetic screening for outdoor units.
Your new AC needs to be more efficient
California requires new AC units to meet a minimum SEER 15 rating, but efficiency isn’t just about the AC itself—your ductwork also plays a huge role.
Did you know that 1 in 8 homeowners need ductwork upgrades before installing a new AC unit? Many only find out after their project is already over budget.
That’s why we offer free ductwork consultations with every installation to help you:
Stay on budget by identifying potential duct issues upfront
Ensure optimal system performance so you get the efficiency you’re paying for
Avoid project delays by handling ductwork compliance before installation starts
Duct leaks? More than just a nuisance
If you replace over 40 feet of ductwork, your system must pass duct leakage testing with losses below 6%. A bad test means energy waste, higher bills, and costly rework, but here’s the kicker:
Many homeowners don’t even realize they have duct leaks until they fail HERS testing. That’s why ductwork upgrades are one of the most common (and unexpected) costs during HVAC installation.
Fixing leaks isn’t just about passing inspections—it’s about long-term savings. Properly sealed ducts mean lower energy bills, better airflow, and a longer lasting HVAC system.
In Palm Springs and Cathedral City, all homes must have air conditioning capable of maintaining 80°F indoors—a local rule to protect residents in extreme heat.
Experienced companies make HVAC regulations stress free
As the originals of California’s Coachella Valley, with more than 50 years of experience serving this market’s HVAC and plumbing needs, you could say we know a thing or two.
The best way to avoid costly mistakes? Work with HVAC experts who understand the codes, pull the permits, and ensure compliance from day one.
Your HVAC company should:
Handle permits and paperwork—so you don’t have to
Install systems that meet code—so you pass inspections the first time
Ensure efficiency—so your HVAC actually saves you money
Get the job done right—so your system lasts longer with fewer issues
We do all of that, and then some.
Ready for an HVAC upgrade? Let us handle it all
Upgrading your HVAC should be easy, not stressful. Whether you need a new AC, duct replacement, or full system upgrade, work with a team that knows California’s HVAC codes inside and out.
Want an energy-efficient, hassle-free installation with all of the paperwork and permitting handled for you? Schedule your consultation today!
Leaky ducts let dust, allergens, and pollutants circulate inside your home.
Every cubic foot of air lost to leaks gets replaced—often with air from attics, garages, or crawl spaces (yikes).
Keeping your ducts sealed is one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality and protect your health.
Where does your indoor air really come from?
Most people assume their home’s air comes in through doors and windows—but that’s only about 20% of what you breathe. The other 80%? It seeps in from some of the dirtiest places in your home, and if your ducts have leaks, they make things way worse.
Leaky ductwork works like a vacuum, sucking in polluted air from:
Attics – Full of dust and insulation fibers.
Crawl Spaces – A breeding ground for mold, pests, and bacteria.
Garages – Packed with chemical fumes and exhaust.
Instead of just losing air, your HVAC system starts recirculating pollutants, bypassing your air filter completely. That means all those nasty particles get blown straight into your lungs instead.
How leaky ducts wreak havoc on your home
Your HVAC system is supposed to work in a closed loop:
It pulls air from inside your home.
That air moves through ducts to your HVAC unit, where it’s filtered, heated or cooled, and dehumidified.
The clean air is sent back into your home.
When ducts are sealed, your air stays fresh and healthy. But when ducts leak, your system starts pulling in air from attics, garages, and crawl spaces, contaminating your home with dust, mold spores, insulation particles, and even chemical fumes.
If you’re dealing with excess dust, allergy flare-ups, or musty odors, duct leaks could be the hidden culprit.
Local air quality concerns
Keeping your home’s air clean is even more important in Riverside County, where it’s reported that 12% of residents suffer from asthma—well above the national average of 7%.
Common local pollutants that can sneak inside include:
Dust & Desert Pollution – The Salton Sea releases airborne pollutants that travel deep into Riverside County.
Mold & Bacteria – Moisture inside ducts creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Allergy or asthma symptoms indoors, but relief when you step outside.
Dust buildup on furniture and vents, no matter how much you clean.
Musty, stale, or chemical odors when the AC or heater runs.
Uneven temperatures—some rooms feel stuffy, others are too cold.
Higher energy bills, even when your usage hasn’t changed.
If any of these sounds familiar, it’s time to get your ducts checked.
Next Steps: How to Prevent Leaks from Polluting Your Air
Here’s how to take control of your home’s air quality:
🔵 Schedule a duct inspection to check for leaks. 🔵 Consider professional duct cleaning if your system hasn’t been serviced in years. 🔵 Upgrade to high-efficiency air filters to trap more dust, allergens, and pollutants. 🔵 Set up regular HVAC maintenance to keep your air fresh and clean.
Last July 5th, Palm Springs broke its all-time summer temperature record, reaching an incredible 124°F. And most likely, it would continue like this over the years; just take a look at recent years:
Year
Maximum July Temperature (°F)
2014
116
2015
111
2016
117
2017
122
2018
121
2019
118
2020
122
2021
120
2022
116
2023
120
2024
124
Keeping your home cool without breaking the bank on energy bills is more important than ever. Here are some practical tips to help you save on air conditioning while staying comfortable during the hottest summer on record.
Smart Ways to Cut Cooling Costs
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home, and higher when you’re away. According to EnergyStar, you can save as much as 10% a year on cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat up 7°-10°F for eight hours a day, from its normal setting.
Consider using a smart thermostat, which allows you to control the temperature remotely and create a schedule that maximizes efficiency.
Use Ceiling Fans to Enhance Comfort
Ceiling fans can be a cost-effective way to stay cool. They don’t lower the temperature but create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel pleasant.
EnergyStar recommends raising your thermostat by 2°F in combination with ceiling fans to reduce your cooling costs by up to 14%.
Regular maintenance and filter changes
Keeping your air conditioning in top condition is essential for its efficiency. Schedule regular AC maintenance checks to ensure everything is running smoothly. A well-maintained AC unit helps you lower energy bills, and it lasts longer.
If your central air conditioner is over 12 years old, consider replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient model. Doing so can cut your cooling costs by 30%.
Although the initial investment may be higher, the long-term savings are significant. Energy-efficient models can save you around $160 annually on energy bills!
Insulate and seal your home
Proper insulation keeps cool air in and hot air out. Check your home for areas where cool air might escape and seal them properly. This includes doors, windows, and any gaps in walls.
Insulating your attic and walls can also significantly improve indoor temperature consistency.
This summer’s extreme heat is challenging, but with a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home comfortable and your energy bills under control. Remember, being proactive is the best way to stay ahead of the heat. Stay cool!
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—we usually only appreciate them once they’ve stopped working. But did you know you can bypass the breakdowns?
With preventative HVAC system maintenance, you can ensure there won’t be any surprises, and you’ll watch those energy bills drop in the long run!
There are many ups and downs regarding HVAC units, how they run, and when to fix them, but you’re in luck! From tips and tricks to industry advice and checklists, this guide has everything you need to keep your system running smoothly year-round.
Content Table
Why HVAC Maintenance Is Important
Would you go a long time without going to the doctor? Even if nothing hurts, you must visit at least twice yearly to check for potential problems and ensure you’re healthy. The same applies to an HVAC system—it needs routine maintenance to avoid problems and continue working efficiently in your home.
Don’t postpone heating and cooling maintenance. It could lead to frequent breakdowns and costly repairs, and you’ll miss out on all the great benefits of HVAC system service, like:
Extending the life of the system
Regularly scheduled tune-ups for your HVAC unit keep it healthy, just like doctor’s appointments. With proper unit upkeep, you can avoid breakdowns and enjoy your air conditioning for up to a decade or more without failure.
Less frequent emergency repairs
Wouldn’t a breakdown be awful during extreme weather conditions? Like all machinery, HVAC systems will need emergency repairs at some point in their lifetime. However, keeping your system well-maintained decreases the chances of a breakdown, and parts are less likely to wear down when you use your unit more often. With annual heat and cool tune-ups, you won’t have to worry about your unit failing you.
Energy efficiency
When HVAC systems run efficiently, they help reduce energy costs because they undergo less strain on the mechanical components. This allows the system to run smoother and use less energy during operation. This is why getting tune-ups is SO important. With proper heating and cooling maintenance, annual inspections will be even easier.
Clean air in your house
Did you know a well-maintained HVAC unit can also improve and maintain proper airflow in your home? By keeping the coils and filters clean, you get comfortable temperatures all year long AND clean air free of bacteria, mold, fungi, and more.
Health and safety
Getting clean air is one perk, but avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning is another story! Regular system checkups can keep you and your family safe.
Carbon monoxide, a poisonous and odorless gas, is lethal, and leaks are always possible in heat and cooling systems. Technicians check for these leaks as part of HVAC maintenance plans to ensure you’re not in danger. And you can even have carbon monoxide detectors installed to alert you.
Remember that gas furnaces emit trace amounts of carbon monoxide continuously, which isn’t a threat to your family with proper ventilation.
Do you understand why HVAC system maintenance is so important now?
Types Of HVAC Maintenance
There are many different maintenance strategies to keep your system up and running throughout all seasons. After all, no two HVAC units are the same. Even two identical air conditioners can differ in age, manufacturer, maintenance schedules, and repair history. Because of this, each system requires a different approach to tune-ups.
The basic upkeep types that you should know are:
Reactive (run-to-failure) maintenance
Predetermined maintenance
Condition-based maintenance
Preventative maintenance
Predictive maintenance
Let’s dive into the difference between preventative and predictive maintenance. While they may sound similar, there are key differences that matter.
Predictive maintenance
When a piece of equipment breaks down, data is collected and analyzed to predict future failures. Based on that information, a predictive maintenance schedule is created. This schedule acts as a guide to alert people that the equipment will be outside the normal range of optimal operating conditions at the expected time.
Predictive maintenance has many benefits, such as saving money on repairs and replacements and overall improved HVAC performance because all your parts will be in good shape.
Preventative maintenance
Preventative HVAC system maintenance entails routine checks and inspections to fix minor issues from wear and tear. It also helps discover problems before they get out of control.
Preventative cooling and heating maintenance has many benefits, including saving money on significant repair costs, extending the HVAC system’s lifetime, and increasing efficiency to reduce energy costs.
What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?
Every system is different, from the air conditioner to the outdoor unit. Before diving into what HVAC maintenance plans include, remember to look at the unit’s user manual. Manufacturers put time and care into crafting the perfect heating and cooling solution for your home, so they know best!
Heating system maintenance
A certified HVAC technician will inspect and test your furnace or boiler for a heating maintenance check. They will also check and clean the furnace filter and internal components for damage. If necessary, they may switch some parts out or replace them if the problem is beyond repair.
After all the inspections and repairs are done, the furnace is turned on and monitored while running to ensure all components run smoothly. This also checks your unit’s energy consumption to ensure energy efficiency. No more inflated utility bills!
Cooling system maintenance
Before the summer heat hits, you may want to inspect your home’s air conditioner to ensure it’s in great condition. A professional will check the interior and exterior components, including internal parts, motors, belts, and filters, to rid your home of harmful microbes and debris. The level of coolant is also measured and replaced if necessary.
Next, the AC maintenance technician will check all circuits and electrical components for signs of wear and tear. If any problems are found, the technician will repair or replace them to prevent fire hazards or power failure. Finally, the outdoor unit is checked to align for optimal performance all season long.
If You’re Looking for Cooling or Heating Systems Maintenance Services in the Coachella Valley Area
HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklists
If heating and cooling maintenance sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is! From AC repairs to heating hassles, there’s much to remember. But don’t worry; having a handy maintenance checklist can help you know what to look for in an HVAC maintenance plan (and ensure you get what you paid for!)
A quarterly preventative HVAC system maintenance plan is the best for ensuring your systems stay in good shape all year long because the coils and filters always remain clean. This means you will have good air quality and efficient heating and cooling all year without surprise issues.
However, there are a few other tasks you can do between visits from an HVAC system maintenance professional:
Check your air filter every month: Most filters last between 30 and 90, so know when to replace your filter and do so when the time comes.
Clean the area around the outdoor unit and the unit itself: Rinse it with water, sweep the area to keep it free of leaves and twigs, and cut back foliage to at least an 18-inch distance from the unit.
Ensure curtains, furniture, mats, and other appliances are not blocking the supply and return registers.
Inspect the refrigerant lines that run from your HVAC system to your home every month. If they wear out, leak, or become disconnected, you risk uncomfortable home temperatures.
Ensure your HVAC system is level, not tilted, for it to work properly. Check every two to three months, and if your unit is on pads, double-check that the pads have not moved.
By following these steps, your HVAC will be in good shape during and between maintenance checks. It’s best to schedule your check ups in the spring and fall to make sure your system is ready before more extreme temperatures arrive. That means AC maintenance before summer, and heating maintenance before winter! Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Spring and summer HVAC preventative maintenance checklist
After a long winter of disuse, you must prep your air conditioning system before turning it on. Some AC maintenance tasks you should do to ready your unit for the summer include:
Although the winter heating maintenance checklist below may be similar to this AC maintenance list, some tasks can differ depending on whether you use the same HVAC system to heat and cool your home. If you use a furnace, that’s a different story.
Fall and winter HVAC preventative maintenance checklist
Now, here’s a handy heating maintenance checklist, winter edition. These tasks are usually carried out by a professional. They will ensure your heating system is ready for winter:
Remember, different units require different things, so maybe not all of the above will apply to yours. However, this heating maintenance checklist will give you a good idea of what to look for in an HVAC preventative maintenance contract.
Frequent Questions About HVAC Maintenance
How often should I change my air filters?
Depending on the type of filter, it’s recommended that you change your air filter every 1-2 months. Regularly checking and replacing your air filter ensures your HVAC system runs efficiently and maintains good air quality.
How much does AC maintenance cost?
Every air conditioner is different. Your HVAC service provider should thoroughly inspect your space, unit, and type of problem before giving you an estimate.
Should I cover my AC unit in the winter?
Modern AC units are built to withstand winter weather. However, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or ice, covering the top of the unit can prevent debris buildup.
What size of air filter do I need?
The air filter size you need depends on your HVAC system’s specifications. You can find the correct size by checking the existing filter or referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Using the right size is crucial to ensure proper airflow and filtration.
How often should I clean my air ducts?
If you notice visible mold growth, excessive dust, or a significant decrease in air quality, it might be necessary to clean the area sooner rather than later. Preventative heating and AC maintenance, such as regular inspections, is key to ensuring indoor air quality.
How do I change the battery of my thermostat?
Remove the thermostat cover, which may snap off or require unscrewing. Locate the battery compartment, remove the old batteries, and insert new ones, ensuring correct polarity. Reattach the cover and test the thermostat to ensure it’s working properly.
All AC and HVAC maintenance inspections aim to prevent problems and ensure that your systems work efficiently all year.
Some standard tasks, like replacing an air filter, can be done yourself. But unless you’re a trained professional, you should leave most tasks to a licensed technician. Because of the complexity of a heating and cooling system, you may miss issues or make them worse and double the damage.
Also, a professional should ALWAYS perform electrical service due to its dangerous nature. Never DIY an electrical repair or replacement.
Following these HVAC system maintenance tips and scheduling inspections at the right time will keep your home comfortable for years.
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