Manual S, also known as "Residential Equipment Selection," is a procedure created by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to ensure proper HVAC equipment selection for homes. Manual S uses inputs like climate, home size, design, and construction to identify equipment that will maintain stable indoor comfort while operating efficiently.
/ˈmanjʊəl ˈɛs/
Manual S, also known as "Residential Equipment Selection," is a procedure created by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to ensure proper HVAC equipment selection for homes. Manual S uses inputs like climate, home size, design, and construction to identify equipment that will maintain stable indoor comfort while operating efficiently.
What is Manual S used for?
It guides HVAC equipment selection to ensure capacity and performance match the home’s load requirements.
Source: The Cooling Company
Match equipment capacity to Manual J results.
HVAC professionals apply Manual S when selecting new heating and cooling equipment so the system matches the home’s needs, improving comfort, efficiency, and longevity.
Work with a professional who uses Manual S to select HVAC equipment so the system is properly sized and performs efficiently.
“Work with a professional who uses Manual S to select HVAC equipment so the system is properly sized and performs efficiently.”
Manual S is part of ACCA’s design manuals, alongside Manual J, Manual D, and Manual B.
Is Manual S the same as Manual J?
No. Manual J calculates loads, while Manual S selects equipment based on those loads.
Can I pick equipment without Manual S?
You can, but it raises the risk of oversizing or undersizing and reduces comfort and efficiency.
Does Manual S apply to heat pumps and furnaces?
Yes. It applies to all residential HVAC equipment selection.
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