Replacing a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump in Los Angeles

What the local records say about Replacement, with sources.

Ceiling cassette air conditioner in an office

Checks to try first: replacement, in our guide.

Aerial view of Los Angeles sprawl and downtown skyline with mountains
Photo: Tuxyso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Local offices and rules in Los Angeles

LADBS lists HVAC work such as replacing A/C units with the same size and type, gas furnaces under 500,000 Btu/h, and duct alterations as express permits that need no plan check (Information Bulletin P/GI 2026-003).
Source: dbs.lacity.gov. Checked October 2026.
LADWP's Consumer Rebate Program states heat pump HVAC systems and heat pump water heaters are eligible for capped rebates; funding is limited and first-come, first-served, and heat pump HVAC claims need a final approved Building and Safety permit.
Source: www.ladwp.com. Checked October 2026.
SoCalGas's Home Energy Efficiency Rebate Program covers items such as high-efficiency storage water heaters and ENERGY STAR furnaces, with funds allocated first-come, first-served until December 31, 2026 or until exhausted.
Source: www.socalgas.com. Checked October 2026.
Wall-mounted mini-split cooling a bedroom