Prepare your home to comply with the latest state mandates and energy codes
If you are thinking of adding or updating your air conditioning this year, there are first some important things to know. In 2025, Washington is implementing new rules that change how CA facilities work. These mandatory state changes include updated residential energy codes, more strict permissions and inspection requirements, and more responsibility for housing owners. It may sound a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, we are here to help everything make sense!
In this blog, we will break down what these changes mean to you and how to navigate the process with confidence. We will also cover the key questions to ask your contractor so that you can be sure that your new system is up to the code and is ready to go in Bellevue, WA and the surrounding areas.
See also: 5 HVAC smart updates so that your home is more comfortable
Efficiency standards: Seer classifications and the law of clean buildings
The Washington updated energy code highlights the efficiency of the system, specifically, the seasonal relationship of energy efficiency (SEER2). This qualification measures how efficiently an air conditioning or a heat pump works during a complete cooling season; The higher the SERE2 classification, the more efficient the system is.
This year, all CA systems recently installed in Washington must comply with a minimum rating of 14 or more to comply with the code. Since these new standards have heart efficiency, maintaining compliance means that you can keep your home as comfortable as usual with less energy consumption, reducing your energy bill and carbon footprint in the process.
According to these new standards, mini-spplits without ducts and modern heat pumps are excellent options to consider. Mini-spplits without ducts are perfect for zoning specific areas of your home, which allows you to cool only the rooms you use. This is ideal for smaller homes or additional spaces such as garages or bonus rooms. Heat pumps, on the other hand, offer performance throughout the year to heat and cool through a single system, and tend to be more efficient in larger houses.
If you are not sure which one is best in your home, our team can guide it through the pros and cons of each system according to the design of your home, the energy objectives and the long -term budget. It is also worth discussing possible reimbursements or incentives that may be available for energy efficiency updates.
These efficiency options directly support the performance standard of clean buildings, a state initiative to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. So, when you choose a high efficiency system, it not only remains fresh, but is contributing to a more sustainable Washington.
Installation considerations for compliance with the code
There are more in a compatible installation than only choosing the right CA. To stay within the code, your system must be designed with several technical requirements in mind. To begin with, your contractor must perform detailed electric charge calculations to ensure that your home’s panel can handle the new CA unit without stressing in your system or without the need for expensive updates in the future. It is also important to ensure that your home’s panel can admit the new unit without compromising performance elsewhere.
Another thing to keep in mind is that outdoor capacitors need some breath space. The settlement space around the condenser provides an adequate air flow and facilitates future maintenance. If the unit is placed too close to a wall or near, the inspection may not pass, and may not work efficiently.
And if you live in a more strict neighborhood, do not forget the local noise ordinances. Its contractor should help select a unit that is quiet enough to meet local guidelines and be a good neighbor. As experienced technicians, we will guide you through these considerations from day one, helping you avoid common difficulties and establish your installation for success.
Access for maintenance and service
It may not be the first thing you think about, but where your system is placed, and how easy it is to achieve a lot. If filters, service panels or condensate lines are difficult to access, could lead to problems during inspection or cause repair challenges in the future. The last thing you want is that your technician squeezes in the tight corners only to perform routine maintenance.
Inspectors want to see that their CA system is designed for long -term service. That means clear paths for all the main components and space for a technician to work safely and efficiently. During the planning stage, make sure that your installation includes space to access everything easily and do not hesitate to ask your contractor how the future service will be handled. It is a simple question that can save you much later.
Why work with a licensed contractor is important
As owner of a house, you are responsible for ensuring that your system is installed correctly and in the code. The permits or inspections of omission can lead to important headaches, such as fines of the city, delays in the sale of their home or low performance systems that cost more to function than they should.
That is why it is worth hiring a licensed HVAC contractor who knows Washington’s latest regulations inside and out. In Bob heating, we facilitate the process, from extraction permits to approval inspections, so it can trust that everything is installed in the right time the first time.
Stay ahead of the heat and plan your CA installation with confidence
Even under Washington’s energy code 2025, the installation of a new CA system does not have to be complicated. With the friendly experts in Bob’s Calefing by his side, he will get a soft and without problems from beginning to end. Contact us today for a consultation or a free estimate. We are here to help keep your home fresh, compatible and comfortable in the coming years!