Refrigerant Charge Verification

ECC / HERS Refrigerant Verification in Northern California

Under the 2025 California Energy Code, refrigerant charge verification is a required field verification for far more HVAC systems than in previous code cycles.

This is not maintenance.
This is code compliance testing required for permit approval and final inspection.

Pacific Airflow provides certified ECC / HERS refrigerant charge verification for contractors, builders, and HVAC installers across Northern California.

When Is Refrigerant Charge Verification Required?

Refrigerant verification is required when:

  • A new air conditioning system is installed

  • A heat pump is installed

  • An HVAC changeout triggers energy code compliance

  • New construction requires field verification

  • A project requires ECC / HERS documentation for permit closeout

2025 Code Update (Important)

Under the 2022 code, refrigerant verification was required only for A/C systems in specific climate zones.

Under the 2025 code:

  • A/C refrigerant verification is still required in Climate Zones 2 & 8–15

  • NEW — Heat pump refrigerant verification is now required in ALL 16 climate zones

This is a major expansion of the requirement.

What Is Refrigerant Charge Verification?

This test verifies that the HVAC system contains the manufacturer-specified refrigerant charge and is operating at peak efficiency.

We measure:

  • Suction and liquid line pressures

  • Superheat and subcooling

  • System airflow

  • Temperature differentials

  • Proper TXV or metering device operation

This is done only after the system has reached steady-state operation to ensure accurate readings.

If the system is undercharged or overcharged, it will fail the verification and must be corrected before certification can be issued.

Why This Test Matters

Improper refrigerant charge is one of the leading causes of poor HVAC performance:

  • Reduced cooling and heating capacity

  • Higher energy bills

  • Ice buildup on coils

  • Premature compressor failure

  • Uneven comfort throughout the home

  • Systems that never perform to rated efficiency

The energy code requires this test because improperly charged systems waste massive amounts of energy statewide.

Fault Indicator Display (FID) Is No Longer Allowed

Under the 2022 code, installers could use a Fault Indicator Display (FID) as an alternative to refrigerant verification.

The 2025 code removed this option.

Refrigerant charge must now be physically verified and documented by an ECC / HERS Rater.

ECC / HERS Certified Verification

As a certified ECC Rater, Pacific Airflow performs refrigerant verification that is:

  • Registered with the ECC Provider (CHEERS)

  • Accepted by all Northern California building departments

  • Performed according to California Energy Code standards

  • Required for permit final and inspection approval

This is official documentation of system performance — not a service call.

What Happens If the System Fails?

If the system fails:

  1. Refrigerant must be adjusted properly

  2. The system is allowed to stabilize

  3. The test is repeated

  4. A passing verification is registered for inspection

We work directly with HVAC installers to get the system dialed in quickly and correctly.

Serving Northern California Contractors and Builders

Pacific Airflow provides refrigerant charge verification for:

  • Residential new construction

  • HVAC changeouts

  • Heat pump installations

  • Additions and alterations

  • Multifamily projects

We make the process simple, fast, and inspection-ready.

Schedule Your Refrigerant Charge Verification

If your project includes a new A/C or heat pump, this test will be required before final sign-off.

Pacific Airflow is your local ECC / HERS testing partner for fast, compliant refrigerant charge verification across Northern California.

Contact us today to schedule your test.