
How do you use manual s in HVAC?
Seal duct seams with mastic and metal tape and insulate any ductwork in unconditioned spaces to minimize heat energy loss. Once your HVAC tech has used Manual J and Manual D, Manual S is used to size and select the heating and cooling equipment.
What is the process of HVAC system design?
The system process is as follows: Manual J: Load Calculation Manual S: Equipment Selection Manual D: Duct Design Manual T: Air Distribution After a proper Manual Calculation, what you will end up with is a well-designed HVAC system that will improve efficiency, comfort, and overall performance. Manual J (Residential Load Calculations)
What is manual s?
What is Manual S? ACCA Manual S is HVAC sizing based on the manufacturer's OEM data for your outdoor and indoor design conditions so your A/C is 100-115% of the cooling load and the furnace is 100-140% of the heating requirement.
What are the benefits of using manual s for HVAC?
When your HVAC tech follows Manual J and Manual D and then properly sizes your new heating and cooling systems with Manual S, you reap the following benefits: Energy efficiency and comfort: Properly-sized heating and cooling systems save energy. Rule-of-thumb sizing most often results in oversized systems.

What is manual S and Manual J?
Manual S. Next, Manual S is used to match equipment with the specific conditions in your home. The Manual J results are compared to characteristics like static pressure, amount of air moved and capacity to ensure the equipment chosen is sized correctly.
What is manual S used for?
Manual S, Residential Equipment Selection, is the ANSI-recognized, national standard providing clear instruction for interpreting and applying original equipment manufacturers' (OEM) expanded performance data.
What is Manual J & D?
Manual J is a protocol created by HVAC engineers to help cooling and heating contractors select the proper home HVAC system size that a house needs for adequate cooling or heating.
What is a Manual J form?
The Manual J residential calculation is the proper way to size your HVAC unit. Designed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), this calculation typically relies on complex computer programs to accurately depict the demands of a house as well as the heat loss or gain within the home.
Can I do my own Manual J calculation?
The Manual J is a very long process, but it gets you very accurate sizing of your space. But if you're only doing a single project, paying for a whole Manual J program can be unnecessarily expensive. Fortunately, you can use a free program called Cool Calc, which will make your heat load calculation much easier.
How much is a Manual J calculation?
STANDARD PRICE: 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS FOR INTIAL TURN-AROUNDSize of ResidenceManual J&S CalculationManual J, D and S CalculationStandard PricingStandard Pricing< 2000 sq.ft$250$3252000-3500 sq. ft.$350$5003500-5000 sq.ft.$450$6754 more rows
What is thumb rule in HVAC?
Rule of thumb. The most common rules of thumb for temporary cooling are based on the area of the space served. For example, one commonly used rule of thumb for general office areas is that the cooling load is 200-300 square feet of floor area per ton of cooling.
Do I really need a Manual J load calculation?
A Manual J load calculation is essential if you plan on an HVAC replacement. The experts at Derek Sawyer's Heating & Air Conditioning can help take care of your heating and cooling needs, from installation to regularly scheduled maintenance.
How many tons of AC do I need per square foot?
0.0016 tonsSimple answer: You need 0.0016 tons of AC per square foot. In general, for every 600 sq ft, you need 1 ton of AC. This is a general estimate.
What do you need for a manual J?
How to perform a Manual J calculationMeasure the square footage of the building. Determine the square footage of the building you're working in. ... Evaluate the building's insulation. ... Consider how the building uses its space. ... Determine the BTU of each element. ... Calculate the HVAC load.
How do you calculate duct size?
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) Cubic feet per minute is calculated by multiplying the size of the HVAC unit (in tons) by 400. Divide the answer by your home's square footage to find out total CFM. A duct sizing calculator uses CFM and other factors to determine what you need.
Who created Manual J?
Manual J is just one of the numerous aspects of HVAC design you may not be aware of, but its impact on your home's heating and cooling is hard to ignore. Simply put, Manual J is a process developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to accurately assess how much heating and cooling your home needs.
What are example of manual?
Manual is defined as a guidebook that tells you how to operate something or do something. An example of manual is the book that comes with your DVD player that tells you how to hook it up and use it.
What is the use of manual in biology?
Manuals are the taxonomic aid which maintains the information for identification of names of species found in an area.
What is a system manual?
What is a Manual System? A manual system is a bookkeeping system where records are maintained by hand, without using a computer system. Instead, transactions are written in journals, from which the information is manually rolled up into a set of financial statements.
What is manual S?
What is Manual S? ACCA Manual S provides specific procedures for selecting HVAC equipment against a set of Manual J loads and design conditions. Manual S uses OEM data and specifies how large or small the selected HVAC equipment capacity can be when compared to the Manual J load calculation. Manual S defers to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (local permit, Energy Star, LEED etc.) requirements for minimum rated efficiency values such as SEER, HSPF, EER. COP, etc.
What happens if HVAC contractor does not perform manual S calculation?
If your HVAC contractor does not perform a Manual S calculation, there is a good chance that your unit will fail to provide the comfort that a properly sized HVAC will deliver. We often see HVAC inventory clearance advertisements online. What are the odds that the HVAC on clearance matches your home's exact cooling sensible and latent needs much less the tonnage? You may save a little money initially, but you pay for it in comfort and efficiency for the life of the unit.
What data does AHRI use for cooling equipment?
Cooling equipment must be selected using the OEM data which offers a range of performance at different outdoor and indoor conditions. AHRI data also does not list sensible or latent capacity.
How is the cooling load determined?
The total cooling load is determined by the ACCA Manual J heat gain calculation. The summer heat gain is made up of the sensible load (outdoor temperature vs indoor temperature) and the latent load (humidity). Cooling equipment capacity shouldn't exceed the total load by more than 15% according to ACCA Manual S.
Why do most permit offices insist on Manual S sizing for your heating and cooling equipment?
Why do most permit offices insist on Manual S sizing for your heating and cooling equipment? Because Manual S equipment selection procedures have a proven track record over many decades just like ACCA Manual J. By using proper residential HVAC selection techniques you prevent an oversized HAVC that cycles on and off continuously resulting in increased utility bills and wear and tear. Heating and cooling equipment based on properly sized equipment will run better which will save both money and energy!
What is the recommended size for AC cooling equipment?
AC cooling equipment should be sized at 95-115% of Design Total Heat Gain, or the next nominal size that is available to satisfy the latent and sensible requirements.
What is CFM in HVAC?
CFM (cubic feet per minute) needed to meet the volume of air needed after all the sources of pressure loss, such as duct fittings, filters and other accessories.
What is manual S?from load-calculations.com
What is Manual S? ACCA Manual S provides specific procedures for selecting HVAC equipment against a set of Manual J loads and design conditions. Manual S uses OEM data and specifies how large or small the selected HVAC equipment capacity can be when compared to the Manual J load calculation. Manual S defers to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (local permit, Energy Star, LEED etc.) requirements for minimum rated efficiency values such as SEER, HSPF, EER. COP, etc.
What happens if HVAC contractor does not perform manual S calculation?from load-calculations.com
If your HVAC contractor does not perform a Manual S calculation, there is a good chance that your unit will fail to provide the comfort that a properly sized HVAC will deliver. We often see HVAC inventory clearance advertisements online. What are the odds that the HVAC on clearance matches your home's exact cooling sensible and latent needs much less the tonnage? You may save a little money initially, but you pay for it in comfort and efficiency for the life of the unit.
What data does AHRI use for cooling equipment?from load-calculations.com
Cooling equipment must be selected using the OEM data which offers a range of performance at different outdoor and indoor conditions. AHRI data also does not list sensible or latent capacity.
Why do most permit offices insist on Manual S sizing for your heating and cooling equipment?from load-calculations.com
Why do most permit offices insist on Manual S sizing for your heating and cooling equipment? Because Manual S equipment selection procedures have a proven track record over many decades just like ACCA Manual J. By using proper residential HVAC selection techniques you prevent an oversized HAVC that cycles on and off continuously resulting in increased utility bills and wear and tear. Heating and cooling equipment based on properly sized equipment will run better which will save both money and energy!
How is the cooling load determined?from load-calculations.com
The total cooling load is determined by the ACCA Manual J heat gain calculation. The summer heat gain is made up of the sensible load (outdoor temperature vs indoor temperature) and the latent load (humidity). Cooling equipment capacity shouldn't exceed the total load by more than 15% according to ACCA Manual S.
What is the recommended size for AC cooling equipment?from load-calculations.com
AC cooling equipment should be sized at 95-115% of Design Total Heat Gain, or the next nominal size that is available to satisfy the latent and sensible requirements.
What is the heating mode in a manual D duct?from load-calculations.com
Several items from the Manual S are used in the Manual D duct design. The heating mode looks at the temperature rise requirement ( Manual S section 2-6) while the cooling load looks at the air flow (CFM) associated with the selected equipment's capacity (Manual S section 3-11).
WHAT IS A MANUAL S?
A Manual S is a complete equipment selection calculation and report expressed in Sensible and Latent BTUH. Our specialized Manual S Service will certify how your selected Air Conditioning & Heating equipment meets the criteria previously calculated by the Manual J (Heat Load Calculation) & Manual D (Duct Design).
HERE IS HOW IT WORKS
Our licensed HVAC Expert team produces your complete Equipment Sizing Report (Manual S)
Why do we need manual S?
Tonnage aside, different equipment has different capacities for sensible and latent heat. That's why we need Manual S. For example, two different 4-ton systems aren't necessarily going to have the same sensible and latent heat capacities. For your home, one might be better than another.
What is manual J?
Manual J is actually one of several technical manuals published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). To make sure your HVAC equipment is the right size, your contractor must - and this is not optional - perform a Manual J load calculation before installing anything. But Manual J isn't the only technical manual ...
Does Manual J help us select equipment?
Manual J doesn't actually help us select equipment. It just shows us what size you need. That might sound like the same thing, but it isn't.
Do you have to utilize all HVAC systems?
And you've got to utilize all of them if you want a high performance HVAC system.
Do you have to do preliminary work on HVAC?
During a proper HVAC installation, a lot of preliminary work is needed to determine what you need. Doing it wrong can leave you with: All in all, you'll pay more than you should for a comfort system that doesn't really provide much comfort. That's probably what your neighbor did, and it's not ideal.
Do HVAC companies use Acca manuals?
They're not using ACCA technical manuals. Instead, they're doing guesswork based mostly on square footage. The size of your house isn't all that matters. If you go by square footage alone, you'll only end up with the right HVAC equipment if you get lucky. Same goes for your neighbor.
What is manual D?
Manual D is ACCA’s by-the-book methodology for determining duct sizing and installation. Good duct design is essential for balanced airflow, which determines in no small part your energy bills and home comfort. Once a Manual J calculation has been completed, your HVAC tech can design the duct system with the following criteria:
What is variable speed air handler?
The HVAC systems available today offer homeowners a wide range of advanced features that can decrease the size of the system needed. For instance, a variable-speed blower/air handler precisely matches in real time the amount of heating and cooling needed in your living spaces. This saves energy and increases comfort.
Why is it important to have a proper size heating and cooling system?
Energy efficiency and comfort: Properly-sized heating and cooling systems save energy. Rule-of-thumb sizing most often results in oversized systems. This causes quick cycling, like stop-and-go traffic, as opposed to highway driving for greater fuel efficiency. Quick cycling also creates more humid indoor conditions because your A/C or heat pump doesn’t cycle long enough to remove adequate moisture from the home.
How to locate ducts in a home?
Locate ducts within the conditioned spaces of your home. Design the size of each individual duct run, supply duct and return duct. Utilize appropriate spaces, such as inner walls, for supply outlets and match each supply outlet with a return grille.
Does a heat pump help with humidity?
You may also experience lower cooling bills with optimal indoor humidity level because more humid and sticky air feels warmer and requires longer use of your A/C or heat pump.
Does a heating system save money?
Initial and return on investment: Accurately-sized heating and cooling systems may save initial investment. Oversized systems cost more money, which increases your initial investment and, in combination with poor efficiency, prolongs your return on investment.
What is manual J?
If you are an HVAC contractor or home energy rater, you know what Manual J is and how important it is for properly sizing an HVAC system. These HVAC guidelines apply to any residential unit that has a HVAC and exhaust system:
How much of HVAC system is improperly installed?
Unfortunately, over half of all HVAC systems are improperly installed, which can increase inefficiencies by as much as 30%! Although Manuals J, S, T, and D are very complicated, here is a basic introduction to what they are and why they’re important for a properly designed HVAC system. All of the manuals are published and sold by ...
What is manual D HVAC?
Many people even know about Manual D, which describes how to design the duct system. Not so many, however, know about the missing links – Manual S and Manual T. If you want a properly designed HVAC system, you have to go through the whole process in all four protocols: J, S, T, and D. (It’s easy to remember the order. As a friend of mine says, first J, then STD.)
Is it good to have all four manuals done?
When you get all four manuals done and have a well designed HVAC system, the result can be a high performance system that’s more efficient and comfortable than what’s typically installed. Of course, you can have the best HVAC design in the world, but if it’s not installed as designed, your performance goes out the window. That’s why it’s a good idea to have every new system fully commissioned – and that’s the topic for a future article!
What are the standards and protocols for HVAC?
Standards and protocol developed by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) for the proper design and installation of HVAC equipment and duct work. If you want a properly designed HVAC system, you have to go through the whole process in all four protocols: J, S, T, and D.
What will you end up with after a proper manual calculation?
After a proper Manual Calculation, what you will end up with is a well-designed HVAC system that will improve efficiency, comfort, and overall performance.
Why do you need to choose the right size furnace?
The main reason to choose right-sized equipment is to avoid paying too much money for equipment you don’t need. A full Manual J, S, D, & T calculation will ensure you don’t spend more than necessary for your furnace, boiler, or air conditioner. Most sources repeat the same advice: over sized furnaces and air conditioners cost too much, waste energy, and sometimes provide lower levels of comfort. To avoid these problems, have a professional HVAC contractor perform these calculations and start saving today!
What is AC manual S?from load-calculations.com
Manual S ensures YOUR heating and cooling equipment is properly sized and will maintain the required design comfort conditions calculated by ACCA Manual J. Also ACCA Manual S verifies the HVAC has enough blower power to move the required amount of air (CFM) through the duct system. An understanding of how to interpret the manufacturers equipment (OEM) data is essential to correct HVAC sizing.
What happens if HVAC contractor does not perform manual S calculation?from load-calculations.com
If your HVAC contractor does not perform a Manual S calculation, there is a good chance that your unit will fail to provide the comfort that a properly sized HVAC will deliver. We often see HVAC inventory clearance advertisements online. What are the odds that the HVAC on clearance matches your home's exact cooling sensible and latent needs much less the tonnage? You may save a little money initially, but you pay for it in comfort and efficiency for the life of the unit.
What data does AHRI use for cooling equipment?from load-calculations.com
Cooling equipment must be selected using the OEM data which offers a range of performance at different outdoor and indoor conditions. AHRI data also does not list sensible or latent capacity.
How is the cooling load determined?from load-calculations.com
The total cooling load is determined by the ACCA Manual J heat gain calculation. The summer heat gain is made up of the sensible load (outdoor temperature vs indoor temperature) and the latent load (humidity). Cooling equipment capacity shouldn't exceed the total load by more than 15% according to ACCA Manual S.
What is ACCA technical manual?from acca.org
ACCA technical manuals are taught by the leading industry schools and vocational programs. Many of our manuals are approved as ANSI standards, and many are referenced inside building codes nationwide. When using system design software, make sure it is approved by ACCA as compliant with our standards. ACCA provides free training spreadsheets, known ...
What is the recommended size for AC cooling equipment?from load-calculations.com
AC cooling equipment should be sized at 95-115% of Design Total Heat Gain, or the next nominal size that is available to satisfy the latent and sensible requirements.
What is the heating mode in a manual D duct?from load-calculations.com
Several items from the Manual S are used in the Manual D duct design. The heating mode looks at the temperature rise requirement ( Manual S section 2-6) while the cooling load looks at the air flow (CFM) associated with the selected equipment's capacity (Manual S section 3-11).