ACCA Initiates New Standard on HVAC Design for Energy Efficient Homes

March 23, 2015

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Educational Institute (ACCA-EI) Standards Task Team (STT) announces the initiation of development of BSR/ACCA 16 Manual E-201x, “HVAC System Design for Energy Efficient Homes” as a new industry standard.

HVAC designers are increasingly encountering energy-efficient homes, characterized by markedly reduced heating and cooling loads, as a result of numerous national initiatives like the energy conservation code, EPA ENERGY STAR, DOE New-Zero Ready programs, and DOE Builder’s Challenge. ACCA recognized that there is little guidance currently available for HVAC design and selection for these energy-efficient homes; especially, since there is limited manufacturer offerings for lower capacity equipment.

This standard will provide procedures to design/select HVAC systems and equipment for low-load homes that will achieve satisfactory indoor conditions with lower equipment capacity; i.e., resolving ventilation and moisture requirements/issues with low air volume systems while addressing occupant comfort, health, and safety. These procedures will apply as lower capacity equipment appears in the marketplace.

Anyone wishing to submit comments, or who is interested in being considered for the advisory committee, should contact standards-sec@acca.org.

 

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ACCA is a non-profit association serving more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses in the indoor environment and energy services community. Our member firms are the nation's most professional contracting businesses, serving residential and commercial customers in every state. With roots stretching back a century, ACCA was incorporated in its present form nearly 50 years ago. Today, ACCA sets the standards for quality comfort systems, provides leading-edge education for contractors and their employees, and fights for the interests of professional contractors throughout the nation. Learn more about ACCA here.