Permitio Blog

Guides, tips, and insights for HVAC contractors navigating permits.

March 23, 2026·7 min read

Do I Need a Permit to Replace My HVAC System?

When you do and don't need permits for HVAC replacement. Full system swaps, like-for-like, heat pumps, and what happens if you skip it.

March 23, 2026·6 min read

HVAC Permit vs Building Permit: What's the Difference?

Mechanical permits, building permits, and when you need both. The confusion that trips up even experienced contractors.

March 23, 2026·7 min read

How Long Does an HVAC Permit Take in California?

Over-the-counter, electronic, and plan review timelines across Bay Area cities. What slows things down and how to speed it up.

March 23, 2026·8 min read

Title 24 HVAC Requirements in 2026: What Contractors Need to Know

CF-1R forms, climate zones, HERS testing, and the most common Title 24 mistakes that get permits rejected.

March 23, 2026·7 min read

What Happens If You Do HVAC Work Without a Permit in California?

Fines, stop-work orders, license risk, and a real story of a contractor who got caught. Plus how to retroactively permit work.

March 23, 2026·8 min read

HVAC Permit Costs in the Bay Area: A City-by-City Breakdown

Filing fees, plan review fees, HERS testing, and the true cost including your time. Compared across 12 Bay Area cities.

March 23, 2026·7 min read

Filing an HVAC Permit in San Francisco Took Me 3 Hours. Here's What I Learned.

The real experience of filing through SF DBI, what trips most contractors up, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

March 23, 2026·6 min read

The Real Cost of Pulling HVAC Permits in the Bay Area

The filing fee is just the start. Here's what permits actually cost when you factor in time, rejections, and delayed jobs.

March 20, 2026·8 min read

The Complete Guide to HVAC Permit Software in 2026

What to look for in permit filing software, how AI is changing the game, and why manual filing is costing your business.

March 15, 2026·6 min read

How AI Permit Filing Saves Contractors 10+ Hours Per Week

A breakdown of how AI-powered permit automation works and the real time savings contractors are seeing.