The Standards Task Group has been formed by the ACCA Educational Institute Standards Task Team to assist in the process of having Manual S accepted as an ANSI standard.

Manual S, "Residential Equipment Selection," is a guide for selecting residential heating and cooling equipment, and is one of a series of ACCA manuals used in the design and installation of residential and commercial HVAC systems.

"Through the ANSI standard process of Manual J, it was ascertained that heat loss/gain calculations are but one facet of proper equipment and sizing," said Michael Honeycutt, ACCA senior vice president and chief of staff. "Another critical aspect is the proper selection of equipment and the capability of the equipment to match the required load. This is where Manual S comes in.

"With Manual S as an ANSI standard, the proper selection of heating and cooling equipment based on manufacturer's rated capacities will result in closer matched equipment selection, increased comfort, and less energy utilization," he said.

ACCA's Manual D® has already received ANSI approval as a standard for residential duct design. ACCA's Manual J® residential load calculation procedure is currently in the ANSI review process.

The ACCA-EI Standards Task Team is chaired by Phil Forner of Allendale Heating in Allendale, Mich. For more information, contact Dick Shaw at dick.shaw@acca.org or visit www.acca.org.

Publication date: 10/27/2003