Heat Load Calculator

[HVACTech]

I'm looking for a computerized load calculations program prefferably Windows Based.

[Maddog]

See the posts below concerning the HVAC-Calc program. I have version 4.0 and am very pleased with it.

[George Fr]

Hi - I use both the HVAC-Calc Residential and the HVAC-Calc Commercial program from http://www.hvaccomputer.com and find them to be excellent, fast and simple to use. You can download a trial, and phone their number (888-736-1101) to unlock the trial. This means you can get it up and running all in one hour. Today is a weekend, and I just called - yep, no voice mail! I talked to Don, I think he wrote the program. Great support, he has helped me a few times.

[AllTemp]

I keep reading about the great support HVAC Computer provides with their program HVAC-Calc ...

I said it before and I'll say it again " Download HVAC Computers demo program for HVAC-Calc try it and buy it " Once you've experienced it you won't want to plan your next project without it!

Before I downloaded HVAC-Calc I'd tried every downloadable demo anyone suggested.... I've tried them all. I thought the sales reps for Wrightsoft would never quit bothering me...
I'm so grateful I was given this url to HVAC-Calc...
http://hvaccomputer.com


MDamron,AllTemp http://www.alltemphvac.net

[larsentech]

The only computerized programs that I would suggest would be either Elite Software or Wrightsoft. These programs have been used by our company Larsen Tech for years doing Manual J and Manual D calculations for heat load calculations and residential duct designs. With code changes HVAC and energy code submittals have been starting to require ACCA Manual J calculation for heat loss and heat gain reports. We see submittal requirements for the ACCA Manual D residential duct designs. ACCA has only approved 3 programs that I know about for windows base computerized calculations and these are two of them.

Your HVAC friend,
Larsen Tech, Inc.

Removed Link

[HeyBob]

The only computerized programs that I would suggest would be either Elite Software or Wrightsoft. These programs have been used by our company Larsen Tech for years doing Manual J and Manual D calculations for heat load calculations and residential duct designs. With code changes HVAC and energy code submittals have been starting to require ACCA Manual J calculation for heat loss and heat gain reports. We see submittal requirements for the ACCA Manual D residential duct designs. ACCA has only approved 3 programs that I know about for windows base computerized calculations and these are two of them.

Your HVAC friend,
Larsen Tech, Inc.

Removed Link
Larson Tech,

I removed your link. Correct me if I am wrong but your services are for sale. To be able to put a link in your sig line for your services you would have to be a paid advertiser.

Thanks.

[larsentech]

Hello HeyBob,
Our advice was FREE just like half of my services. I followed the links before our post and they are for advertising. I included my link after my name for further contact information. My website is designed for our sales and FREE links, contact info, and useful downloads to help our building communities.

ACCA Manaul J and Manual D protocols are requirements for new ICC code requirements. These reports most of the time are too large to do by hand and must be computerized. There are only a limit few programs that are accepted by ACCA. Two of the most common that I listed in my previous post are Wrightsoft and Elite RHVAC. Hope this helps all who come acorss these discusions. Any misleading information and extra costs like the links before our post may cause HVAC proffesionals in those adopting jurisdictions to go in circles. Most of our HVAC insustry only have time to learn so much, we need to get it right the first time.

We do not sell ACCA software. You will have to visit their website to purchase the programs that you will need. They are highly creditable!

Thank you for your HVAC concern,
Larsen Tech, Inc.
:)

[hvaclover]

i don't think he's listening lol

[HeyBob]

The link to HVACcomputer.com is a legal link on this site. It is owned by Don Sleath, the founder and former owner of Hvac-Talk.com.

The other link is to a website of a member/service contractor, not someone who is selling his services to the members here online.

I will forward this to the site administrator and let him have the final word.

[HeyBob]

I went back to your site to review it, unless I have the url wrong, the entire site now seems to be under construction. Please email me the link. My email is in my profile.

Thanks.

[HeyBob]

i don't think he's listening lol


LOL.............I went "Upnorth" to close and winterize my place.

[hvaclover]

:D:D:D:D:D

[Richard Kletty]

Hello HeyBob,
Our advice was FREE just like half of my services. I followed the links before our post and they are for advertising. I included my link after my name for further contact information. My website is designed for our sales and FREE links, contact info, and useful downloads to help our building communities.

ACCA Manaul J and Manual D protocols are requirements for new ICC code requirements. These reports most of the time are too large to do by hand and must be computerized. There are only a limit few programs that are accepted by ACCA. Two of the most common that I listed in my previous post are Wrightsoft and Elite RHVAC. Hope this helps all who come acorss these discusions. Any misleading information and extra costs like the links before our post may cause HVAC proffesionals in those adopting jurisdictions to go in circles. Most of our HVAC insustry only have time to learn so much, we need to get it right the first time.

We do not sell ACCA software. You will have to visit their website to purchase the programs that you will need. They are highly creditable!

Thank you for your HVAC concern,
Larsen Tech, Inc.
:)


This is my problem with posts like these. It brings up once again that ACCA only approves 3 versions blah blah blah. It seems that is the only selling quip that these companies have. You think its good for the industry to tell folks that the contractor who did Manual J with an app other than these 3 did it wrong or it isnt as good?

Im sure all you ACCA loving folks will tell me its not because ACCA either gets a kickback or the companies paid ACCA to support these softwares.

FWIW, HVAC-Calc does the same thing as the beloved versions. Lower cost too.

Its crap like this that keeps me from joining ACCA. They ought to be glad that guys are even doing THEIR Manual J.

Oh boy I just cant wait till Larsen Tech becomes a professional member

[HeyBob]

Sir,

I found your site, I also found your myspace. I had the original URL wrong, it's not a dot com.

As far as I am concerned it's advertising. If you would like to advertise, please CLICK HERE! (http://www.hvac-talk.com/vbb/advertise.php)

If you disagree, please contact the site administrator.

Thank you!

[Ed Janowiak]

FWIW, HVAC-Calc does the same thing as the beloved versions. Lower cost too.


It's not the same.


There are 4 ACCA recognized Manual J 8th Edition programs, the 2 listed already + load wizard and Accuload.

The 4 recognized 8th Edition programs are more accurate than the 7th Edition programs and are the ANSI standard.

[Richard Kletty]

It's not the same.


There are 4 ACCA recognized Manual J 8th Edition programs, the 2 listed already + load wizard and Accuload.

The 4 recognized 8th Edition programs are more accurate than the 7th Edition programs and are the ANSI standard.

Funny, I just went to the ACCA site and you're right the Manual J 8 is updated from 7.

So? Even if HVAC-Calc does version 8 it still wont be recognized by ACCA because Don didnt throw em some cash.

You missed the point which is "sales ploy by ACCA which says these are the only "real" Manual J applications and all others are inferior so you must buy these in order to do a proper load calcualtion and be super HVAC company"

[Ed Janowiak]

I have no idea what kind of deal ACCA has with the software manufacturers. But if I were writing manuals and going through the ANSI process I would want to be paid for my effort. So I do understand your point, I just don't align with it.


Why are posts disappearing on this thread?

[hvaclover]

This thread is why Man j is such a problem for me. Which one do you believe?

We have head threads that say xyz brand rounds out to the next highest half ton and some that go the other way. A half ton is still a lot of juice.

You do a furnace calc you get 60kbtu, but your equip line is n 25 k increments. You gonna put in a 75kbyu or go out side your brand to get the right sized furnace.

I know what Carrier and Trane would say.

[hvaclover]

I have no idea what kind of deal ACCA has with the software manufacturers. But if I were writing manuals and going through the ANSI process I would want to be paid for my effort. So I do understand your point, I just don't align with it.


Why are posts disappearing on this thread?

It's FM doing it:rolleyes:

[Ed Janowiak]

This thread is why Man j is such a problem for me. Which one do you believe?

We have head threads that say xyz brand rounds out to the next highest half ton and some that go the other way. A half ton is still a lot of juice.

You do a furnace calc you get 60kbtu, but your equip line is n 25 k increments. You gonna put in a 75kbyu or go out side your brand to get the right sized furnace.

I know what Carrier and Trane would say.

For furnace sizing going up to 40% above your load estimate is what is recommended by the industry standard Manual S (another ANSI recognized product).

[HeyBob]

Why are posts disappearing on this thread?





Because I know the "Sprirt" in which the first of the delted posts was made, I replied.

I see how people can get the wrong idea, like you did, so the posts were deleted from your view, but not mine or the side administrators, how's that?

[Richard Kletty]

For furnace sizing going up to 40% above your load estimate is what is recommended by the industry standard Manual S (another ANSI recognized product).

Im just saying ACCA should recognize any software that attempts to do manual j and matches up to what a "by hand" load would come up with and not simply a select few. They should welcome it even being done by contractors.

I agree with you on the Manual S. I use all the ACCA Manuals for ensuring a properly sized sand designed system.

I certainly am not bashing the ACCA manuals. I find them excellent reading and agree with the standards in them.

FWIW, I pretty much only do AC/HP systems.

[Richard Kletty]

posts missing? I didnt catch that.

[Ed Janowiak]

Hows that?

I think it was way out of line and an apology is in order.

[Ed Janowiak]

Im just saying ACCA should recognize any software that attempts to do manual j and matches up to what a "by hand" load would come up with and not simply a select few. They should welcome it even being done by contractors.

I agree with you on the Manual S. I use all the ACCA Manuals for ensuring a properly sized sand designed system.

I certainly am not bashing the ACCA manuals. I find them excellent reading and agree with the standards in them.

FWIW, I pretty much only do AC/HP systems.

Richard,

The 8th Edition has way too much math for it to be done on a hand written form, that is why the software based programs are the only recognized versions. I do however agree that a 7th Edition is 1000 times better than some rule of thumb, but the 8th Edition is even better.

[hvaclover]

For furnace sizing going up to 40% above your load estimate is what is recommended by the industry standard Manual S (another ANSI recognized product).

I would have ethical problems over sizing that much. I would go out of my brand before i went that much over.

As I recall ANSI is more of a 'suggested standard" that hasn't quite been fully embraced by an industry because there is sufficent controversy surrounding it
to cast at least a dim light of doubt on it.

[Ed Janowiak]

Earlier in the thread you mentioned what 2 different manufactures would do, they'd recommend you follow the Manual S standards.

[hvaclover]

I don't know what Man S is. My point is that the mfg mentioned would take a dim view of one of their dealers using an opposing mfg equip even if it was in the HOs best intrest.

[Ed Janowiak]

I don't know what Man S is. My point is that the mfg mentioned would take a dim view of one of their dealers using an opposing mfg equip even if it was in the HOs best intrest.

"ACCA Manual S is a comprehensive guide for selecting and sizing residential heating and cooling equipment. ACCA Manual S documents the procedures that should be used to select and size residential cooling equipment, furnaces and heat pumps. These procedures emphasize the importance of using performance data that documents the sensible, latent or heating capacity for a wide variety of operating conditions. This manual also suggests sizing strategies for all types of cooling and heating equipment and it discusses the nuances of the presentation formats that are used by equipment manufactures."

They won't take a dim view of you using it, they will encourage it, ask them.

[hvaclover]

Yeah thanks.

[Ed Janowiak]

I mis-read what you wrote, you're right, they will take a dim view of you selling another brand.

They will encourage you to use the procedures in Manual S.

[hvaclover]

So if i repped one of these brands I'd have to violate my own ethics if all they had to offer was a unit that was oversized. Glad I am an independant.

If my main line does not have what I need than I use one that does.

[Ed Janowiak]

Every furnace that you (we) install is oversized unless it's output matches the loss of the structure at that very second.

The procedures for proper selection are in print.

You already said you don't know what Manual S is, how can you be so sure it's a bad thing?

[hvaclover]

If you mean the output of a proper sized furnace is oversized until it hits it's steady state design I follow you.

But if you are suggesting that a loss demand of 60kbtu be substituted with a furnace that is 24kbtu (40%) then you are losing me on the why.

[Ed Janowiak]

The 40% is an "up to" over-sized by cut off, not a "always add %".

Up to 40% is what is in S when selecting a furnace to get the correct size blower as some times it may be required when you have a large gain and a smaller loss. In your area I guess your loss is twice your gain, so this is not generally an issue, further south it is, so there is a recommended standard.

Up to 15% (over-sized) is listed as max as long as you have enough available static from your fan for cooling.

The furnace selection portion of S is very small compared to the AC side of the manual, it goes into great detail with regards to picking an AC system based on manufacturers application data and not the ARI guide.

[hvaclover]

Seems like an interesting read. Thank you for brining it to my attention.

Good night.