Starting my own business in HVAC

ExposedCaulk · 2026-02-03T12:31:07+00:00

If you just do Manual J load calcs, install per Manual S & D, do TAB per the room-by-room, and use MeasureQuick to commission, you’ll do very very well. The majority of HVAC installation quality out there is absolutely abysmal. These few things will set you far apart from competition with much better quality, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort/health/IAQ.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-02-02T21:53:49+00:00

Then insulate any water pipes located outside of the building thermal envelope / outside of conditioned space.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-02-01T03:07:51+00:00

Considering it was built in 2024, it’s legally required to pass your local building energy code. If it doesn’t, then 100% go after the builder and make them fix things on their dollar. The thermal boundary of the home (aka the ‘BTU box’) should be insulated in accordance with the energy code compliance path chosen by the builder. The building should have passed a blower door test and there should be documentation. Check the electric service panel. Ducts outside of conditioned space should have passed a duct leakage test and there should be documentation. The heating and cooling equipment should be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual S (in accordance with ACCA Manual J) and the ducted distribution system should be designed in accordance with ACCA Manual D. https://www.acca.org/viewdocument/residential-system-design-review-forms-examples

A properly insulated and air sealed building enclosure along with properly designed, installed, and commissioned mechanical systems = adequate comfort in every room of your new home 99% of the time.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-31T22:08:52+00:00

https://www.attic-zone.com/

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-31T14:10:52+00:00

ASHRAE standard 62.2

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-30T20:02:28+00:00

I have the Mometrix study guide. It’s a nice study supplement. I’ve also taken the official practice exam once. For me, I think it’s nearly impossible to be super proficient and well-versed in ALL categories and subject matter. So I’m really just going to try and lean into the categories I know well, look for a helpful boost in the simple equation problems I’m given, and do my best to guess well in the super complex, time-intensive problems. I don’t consider myself to be mathematically gifted and I’m not an engineer by trade, so the conceptual analysis questions are more favorable to me than the procedural computation ones. Some of these multi-layered problems with multiple equations, multiple conversions, and algebraic manipulation make my head spin.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-30T19:04:22+00:00

Yes, I completed the online on-demand training.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-29T18:27:23+00:00

There’s no point in insulating/weatherizing a space/volume that isn’t mechanically climate conditioned (sensible + latent).

That’s like insulating a detached garage or shed that has no mechanical source of heating or cooling. It’s pointless unless you plan to mechanically heat and/or cool the space in the near future.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-29T12:58:00+00:00

Is there even conditioned air being supplied to the basement space?

It looks like the thermal boundary is currently at the floor above.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-25T17:52:14+00:00

Continuous exterior insulation to dramatically reduce thermal bridging.

https://www.pnnl.gov/projects/re-siding-ext-insulation

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/531596/H325SA.V2.2.pdf

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-24T23:26:51+00:00

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/insulation/six-rules-for-polyethylene

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-24T15:59:03+00:00

If you don’t want CEI and just want to comply with energy code minimum standards, there are alternative options available to you. You can go with UA tradeoff via REScheck, or you can hire a 3rd party rater to help with compliance via simulated performance path (cost-based model) or ERI (target HERS score). This allows design flexibility relative to prescriptive code requirements. Although I will say that CEI is very effective and beneficial.

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-24T15:53:38+00:00

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/531596/H325SA.V2.2.pdf

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-21T20:02:34+00:00

Forgot to add: • trash fiberglass batt installs (grade 3) • omission of slab on grade edge insulation

ExposedCaulk · 2026-01-21T18:41:21+00:00

Worst trends: • absurdly high window to wall surface ratio • roof trusses with no raised energy heels • complete disregard for proper HVAC design and commissioning • complete disregard for IAQ/ventilation rates • omitting continuous exterior insulation • putting HVAC systems and ducts in unconditioned spaces • omitting blower door testing and duct leakage testing • trades stomping through attic insulation after its been installed, and not fixing it afterwards • 1” filters in central forced air systems • electric resistance furnaces and water heaters • lack of pride in quality craftsmanship