Total cooling load for HVAC equipment should be determined by which manual?

The total cooling load for HVAC equipment is best determined using ACCA Manual J. This manual provides detailed guidelines for calculating the heating and cooling loads for residential buildings. It takes into account various factors such as building orientation, insulation values, window sizes, and occupancy, all of which contribute to the overall cooling demand.

Manual J is essential for ensuring that the HVAC system is appropriately sized to maintain comfort levels while operating efficiently. Using this manual can lead to more accurate load calculations, reducing the risk of oversizing or undersizing the HVAC equipment, which can adversely affect energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Other manuals serve different specific purposes: Manual N focuses on commercial load calculations, Manual S provides guidelines for equipment selection, and Manual M is related to duct design. While these are all important aspects of HVAC design, they do not specifically address the total cooling load in the same comprehensive manner that Manual J does. Therefore, for determining the cooling load, ACCA Manual J is the appropriate reference.