Everything You Need to Know About Installing AC in Washington
Prepare Your Home to Meet the Latest State Mandates and Energy Codes
If you're thinking about adding or upgrading your air conditioning this year, there are a few important things to know first. In 2025, Washington is rolling out new rules that change how AC installations work. These state-mandated changes include updated residential energy codes, stricter permitting and inspection requirements, and more accountability for homeowners. It may sound a little overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help make it all make sense!
In this blog, we’ll break down what these changes mean for you and how to navigate the process with confidence. We’ll also cover the key questions to ask your contractor so you can be sure your new system is up to code and ready to go in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas.
SEE ALSO: 5 Smart HVAC Upgrades to Make Your Home More Comfortable
Efficiency Standards: SEER Ratings and the Clean Buildings Act
Washington’s updated energy code puts a spotlight on system efficiency, specifically, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2). This rating measures how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump operates over an entire cooling season; the higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the system.
This year, all newly installed AC systems in Washington must meet a minimum rating of 14 or higher to be code-compliant. Since these new standards have efficiency at heart, staying compliant means that you can keep your home as comfortable as usual with less energy consumption, reducing your energy bill and your carbon footprint in the process.
Under these new standards, ductless mini-splits and modern heat pumps are both excellent options to consider. Ductless mini-splits are perfect for zoning specific areas of your home, allowing you to cool only the rooms you use. This is ideal for smaller households or add-on spaces like garages or bonus rooms. Heat pumps, on the other hand, offer year-round performance for both heating and cooling through a single system, and tend to be more efficient in larger homes.
If you’re unsure which one goes better in your home, our team can walk you through the pros and cons of each system based on your home layout, energy goals, and long-term budget. It’s also worth discussing potential rebates or incentives that may be available for energy-efficient upgrades.
These efficiency choices directly support the Clean Buildings Performance Standard, a statewide initiative to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. So when you choose a high-efficiency system, you’re not just staying cool, you’re contributing to a more sustainable Washington.
Installation Considerations for Code Compliance
There’s more to a compliant installation than just picking the right AC. To stay within code, your system must be designed with several technical requirements in mind. For starters, your contractor should perform detailed electrical load calculations to make sure your home’s panel can handle the new AC unit without putting stress on your system or without needing expensive upgrades in the future. It’s also important to ensure your home’s panel can support the new unit without compromising performance elsewhere.
Another thing to keep in mind is that outdoor condensers need some room to breathe. Clearance space around the condenser provides proper airflow and makes future maintenance easier. If the unit is placed too close to a wall or fence, it might not pass inspection, and it might not work efficiently.
And if you live in a tighter neighborhood, don’t forget about local noise ordinances. Your contractor should help select a unit that’s quiet enough to meet local guidelines and be a good neighbor. As experienced technicians, we will walk you through these considerations from day one, helping you avoid common pitfalls and setting your installation up for success.
Access for Maintenance and Servicing
It might not be the first thing you think about, but where your system is placed—and how easy it is to reach—matters a lot. If the filters, service panels, or condensate lines are hard to access, it could lead to issues during your inspection or cause repair challenges down the road. The last thing you want is to have your technician squeeze into tight corners just to perform routine maintenance.
Inspectors want to see that your AC system is designed for long-term servicing. That means clear paths to all major components and space for a technician to work safely and efficiently. During the planning stage, make sure your installation includes room to access everything easily, and don’t hesitate to ask your contractor how future servicing will be handled. It’s a simple question that can save you a lot of hassle later on.
Why Working with a Licensed Contractor Matters
As a homeowner, you’re the one responsible for making sure your system is installed properly and up to code. Skipping permits or inspections can lead to major headaches, such as fines from the city, delays in selling your home, or underperforming systems that cost more to run than they should.
That’s why it pays to hire a licensed HVAC contractor who knows the latest Washington regulations inside and out. At Bob’s Heating, we make the process easy, from pulling permits to passing inspections, so you can trust everything is installed the right way the first time around.
Stay Ahead of the Heat & Plan Your AC Installation with Confidence
Even under Washington’s 2025 energy code, installing a new AC system doesn’t have to be complicated. With the friendly experts at Bob’s Heating by your side, you’ll get a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish. Contact us today for a consultation or a free estimate. We’re here to help keep your home cool, compliant, and comfortable for years to come!
