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HVAC - Sizing | Residential | Contractors

Summary
Heating and cooling consume a large portion of building energy use.
QUICK FACTS
Properly sized heating and/or cooling equipment is critical to reducing
inefficiencies. HVAC sizing requirements help improve occupant com- HVAC Sizing – Section 403.6 2009 IECC
fort through appropriate conditioning of indoor air.
Detailed sizing instructions can be found in
Current Code M1401.3 of the International Residential Code

The 2009 IECC Section 403.6 states that HVAC systems must be sized Mandatory for all climate zones
in accordance with Section M1401.3 of the International Residential
Software is available to compute sizing calcu-
Code (IRC). This requires the use of ACCA Manual S and J calculation
lations
procedures.
Detailed information can be found at:
Previous Code
DOE EERE information on HVAC sizing
HVAC sizing requirements in the 2006 and 2009 editions of the IECC
are identical. Prior to the 2006 version, the requirements specified the PNNL “How to Size HVAC Systems Correctly”
use of the ASHRAE “Handbook of Fundamentals.”
Ten key factors to help keep HVAC sizing cal-
Exemptions culations on target

Requirements covered in the 2009 IECC Section 403.6 are mandatory Professional Remodeler article “When Size
for all climate zones. Matters”

Requirements
Contractors and sub-contractors must be aware of the requirements
covered in the 2009 IECC and need to ensure that:
The HVAC systems are sized using ACCA Manual S and J and that it
is included in their bid

They are able to demonstrate Manuals J and S calculations either

by hand or applicable software

Typical Problems
Standard issues/concerns that arise include:

HVAC contractor or sub-contractor does not include IECC require-

ments in bid

Contractors are unable to provide code officials with sizing calcu- Figure 1: Software for Manual J Calculations
lations and other energy-related HVAC requirements

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