Freedom Code Compliance
Single Family

Single Family HVAC Changeout

AC, Air Handler, Condenser, Air Conditioning

Last updated: Apr 20, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • AHRI Certification Sheet
    AHRI performance certification showing matched system ratings for the replacement HVAC equipment

Conditional

  • Survey / Site Plan
    Survey or site plan showing new equipment location
    WhenRequired if HVAC system is being relocated to a new location
  • Sketch or Plans
    Sketch or plans showing new HVAC layout and ductwork modifications
    WhenRequired if HVAC system is being relocated to a new location

Courtesy screen

Courtesy screen on every plan review

Every plan FCC reviews receives a limited courtesy screen for the items below when they are reasonably visible in the submitted documents. If we see an apparent issue that could cause the plans to fail review by another agency, we will identify it as a Courtesy Comment. Courtesy Comments alone do not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope. The responsible agency makes the final determination—for example, Planning and Zoning for setbacks, lot coverage, use, and other lot-compliance matters. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  1. #01Plan and document coordination

    Obvious clerical, title-block, sheet-index, permit-description, or cross-sheet inconsistencies visible in the submitted documents. A Courtesy Comment on these items does not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  2. #02Zoning and site coordination

    Apparent setback, lot-coverage, use, or site-dimension conflicts visible in the submitted plans that could cause the plans to fail Planning and Zoning review. Planning and Zoning makes the zoning and lot-compliance determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  3. #03Floodplain coordination

    Apparent inconsistencies or missing coordination in flood-zone, design-flood-elevation, finished-floor, or flood-opening information shown on the plans that could cause the plans to fail floodplain review. The floodplain administrator makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  4. #04Fire-authority coordination

    Apparent separately reviewed fire alarm, sprinkler, hood-suppression, smoke-control, or similar coordination issues visible on the plans that could cause the plans to fail fire review. The fire marshal makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

Section 2

Approval criteria for this project type

These are the building-code criteria FCC uses to determine the plan-review result. An unresolved item may be issued as a Required Correction and cause the plan set to be returned for correction.

MechanicalRequired

  1. #01Energy code complianceCode

    Replacement equipment SEER/HSPF must meet current FBC-E minimums.

    FBC-E R403FBC-E R405
  2. #02Refrigerant, condensate, and electrical disconnectCode

    Standard changeout installation items: refrigerant line set pressurization/brazing, condensate drain primary/secondary, and electrical disconnect at unit.

    FBC-M 307FBC-M 1101NEC 440
  3. #03Construction-document clarity — HVAC changeoutDocumentation

    The submitted documents must clearly identify the mechanical equipment replacement, location, and connections so FCC can review this mandatory single-family mechanical trade as part of the one residential plan review.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  4. #04Equipment sizingPerformance

    Replacement equipment should be sized to match the load (Manual J) and air-distribution capability (Manual D) of the dwelling, not a nameplate-for-nameplate swap.

    FBC-R M1401.3FBC-M 309

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your FCC inspector will confirm which apply to your project. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Mechanical

Phase #1

Final Mechanical/HVAC

RequiredTypical Final
  1. System operational testCritical

    Verify HVAC system starts, runs, and produces heated and cooled air

    FBC-M 304.1
  2. Equipment clearancesCritical

    Verify air handler and condenser have required clearances for service

    FBC-M 304.1
  3. Equipment labels and data plates

    Verify equipment nameplates match approved plans for capacity and efficiency

    FBC-M 304.1
  4. Thermostat operation

    Verify thermostat controls heating and cooling modes properly

    FBC-M 304.1