The Understanding and Using the HVAC Design Review Form and Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design links below correspond to document downloads presented in Adobe PDF format. If you do not have Adobe PDF Reader, you may freely obtain it by clicking the "Get Adobe Reader" button.
- Frequently Asked Questions about Manual J
- Understanding and Using the HVAC Design Review Form
- Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design
- ACCA Approved Software
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MANUAL J:
| Q: | Which edition of the manual J should I be using? |
| A: | The 8th edition. Manual J submittals that are completed using the Manual J8AE are not acceptable; the abridged edition is a teaching text, and earlier versions of Manual J are outdated. |
| Q: | Why is it necessary to submit a Manual J load calculation for my home? |
| A: | It is a code requirement see section M1401.3 2006 International Residential Code (IRC). The consumer needs to know that an improperly sized HVAC system can promote mold growth, excessive energy costs, and discomfort in the winter and summer months. A manual J completed correctly will allow the installer to purchase the properly sized HVAC equipment based on Manual S, and to properly size duct work based on Manual D. Manual D is also a code requirement see section M1601.1 2006 IRC. |
| Q: | Can I submit manually calculated Manual J information? |
| A: | No. While inputting your Manual J information you will also be providing the required information to perform an adequate exposure diversity test (AED). The radiant heat from the sun is one of the most important factors affecting cooling. The AED analysis evaluates the sun’s impact on cooling needs by taking into account the home’s window sizes, placement and exposure. This analysis cannot be performed manually. |
| Q: | Do I need to provide a floor plan showing room-by-room CFM usage? |
| A: | Yes. In order to perform a Manual J calculation adequately a room-by-room load calculation must be performed to damper the required CFM’S to each room and to size duct branch lines proficiently. |
| Q: | Do dampers need to be installed? |
| A: | Yes. Dampers need to be installed at the branch line connection to the main trunk supply duct. At final inspection dampers shall be balanced to provide the room-by-room loads shown on load calculation data sheets. |
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A.C.C.A. APPROVED DESIGN SOFTWARE:
ACCA makes available products based on our industry-standard procedures from software vendors which meet our high quality standards to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Only these companies are authorized to display the "Powered by ACCA Manual J" logo and only their products meet the standards of Manual J residential load calculation.
- Elite RHVAC
- Wrightsoft Right-J8
- Nitek HVAC Wizard
- Adtek AccuLoads
- Florida Solar Energy Center's EnergyGauge
The following software has been approved by ACCA as meeting the requirements of Manual D for duct sizing and design. Only those companies authorized to display the "Powered by ACCA Manual D" logo meet the standards of Manual D.
- Elite DUCTSIZE
- Wrightsoft Right-D
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