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

ACCA said 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, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Zero Energy Ready program, and DOE’s Builders 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.

To submit comments, or for those interested in being considered for the advisory committee, email standards-sec@acca.org.

Publication date: 3/30/2015

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