Best practices to calculate the heating and cooling load of a home
The best practice to calculate the heating and cooling load of a home is to complete a Manual J load calculation.
Air conditioning systems make up the greatest portion of a home’s energy costs; they also greatly impact the comfort and well-being of the home’s occupants. A Manual J is the first step towards having a HVAC system that effectively and economically conditions a home’s environment. Austin Auditors’ knowledge and experience can help ensure that you get a quality Manual J and your home gets the correct amount of cooling and heating.
Additionally, some jurisdictions require an ACCA approved Manual J as part of the permitting process and/or to complete third party testing for mechanical permits. Austin Auditors can complete the Manual J for your project; Austin Auditors can also complete the third-party testing that may be required.
What We Need to Complete Your Manual-J
Project address & zip code
Remodel or new construction?
PDF of plans
We prefer PDFs. They will need to be drawn to scale. Simple paper drawings are acceptable, as long as they are to scale or have dimensions noted.
Insulation
Insulation type and R-Values for walls and attic/roof
Envelope
What materials are your floor, walls, and ceiling/roof made of?
R-Values of exterior sheathing or zip-system
Doors
Describe the solid doors to us (example: solid wood, insulated steel).
Internal loads
If you know of specific internal loads that are out of the ordinary, let us know what they are and the room in which they will be.
Window U-Values and SHGC
Glass door U-Values and SHGC
Orientation
What direction does the front door face?
HVAC type, brand and SEER value
Ventilation
Do you have an active ventilation system? If so, please describe it to us.