State of Florida Required Energy Calculations

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Manual J is a residential load calculation method developed by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to determine the precise heating and cooling needs of a home. It takes into account factors like climate, square footage, insulation values, window design/placement and much more to ensure you can accuratley complete the next step, Manual S.

Manual S was also created by ACCA and is a guide to accurately select equipment. It takes into account the results of the Manual J to determine the size needed to achieve the desire British Thermal Unit (BTU) output. Accurate sizing is extremely important. Oversizing can cause humidity problems due to cooling to fast and not removing enough humidity while undersizing will cause the system to struggle to achieve desired set temps and cause excessive wear and higher energy usage.

Manual D was another ACCA creation that focuses on designing an efficient ductwork system to distribute air evenly throughout the building. It references the specific room loads that was calculated in the Manual J. If you've ever been in a building that has certain rooms not cooling/heating as well as others there's a good chance a Manual D wasn't conducted prior to sizing/designing the duct.

Code R405 outlines the energy efficiency standards for residential construction in Florida, requiring detailed performance-based calculations to ensure compliance with state energy codes. It mandates the use of tools like the previosly mentioned Manual J, S, and D to assess and document a home's energy performance. Promoting sustainable building practices tailored to Florida's climate.