System Design & Sizing
How to Size an HVAC System: The Manual J Load Calculation Guide
Properly sizing an HVAC system is the most important step in ensuring comfort, efficiency, and equipment longevity. The industry standard...
System Design & Sizing
HVAC Drawings: How to Read Mechanical Plans
What Are HVAC Mechanical Plans? HVAC mechanical plans are technical drawings that document the design, layout, and specifications of heating, ventilation, and…
System Design & Sizing
Psychrometrics for HVAC Technicians: Reading the Chart
What Is Psychrometrics and Why Does It Matter? Psychrometrics is the study of the thermodynamic properties of moist air. For HVAC technicians,…
System Design & Sizing
HVAC for New Construction: Design Considerations
Designing an HVAC system for new construction is fundamentally different from retrofitting an existing building. In new construction, every decision about the…
System Design & Sizing
Manual J: Residential Load Calculation Complete Guide
Manual J is the industry-standard method for calculating residential heating and cooling loads, published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).…
System Design & Sizing
HVAC Commissioning: Startup and Verification Procedures
What Is HVAC Commissioning? HVAC commissioning is a systematic, quality-driven process that verifies and documents whether a building's heating, ventilation, air conditioning,…
System Design & Sizing
Manual J Load Calculation: Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Manual J is the industry-standard method for calculating how much heating and cooling a residential building actually needs. Developed and maintained by…
System Design & Sizing
Building Envelope and HVAC: How Insulation Affects Load
The building envelope is the physical barrier between a building's conditioned interior and the outside environment. It includes walls, roof, foundation, windows,…
System Design & Sizing
Understanding HVAC Efficiency Ratings: SEER2, AFUE, HSPF2, COP
HVAC efficiency ratings determine how much useful heating or cooling a system delivers for every unit of energy it consumes. These ratings…
System Design & Sizing
HVAC System Types: Split, Packaged, Mini-Split, and Geothermal
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and it encompasses the systems responsible for thermal comfort and indoor air quality in…