05/25/2022
Bigger Isn't Better: All About Manual J
Manual J is an industry standard that describes a method for determining, basically, how “big” your air conditioning system should be for the size and type of house you live in. It’s required by most building codes nationwide, because only Manual J offers the precise determination of system size needed to ensure that your system lasts longer, operates efficiently, and actually makes you comfortable.
If your contractor says that a Manual J isn’t needed for your system replacement — even if that contractor is a member of ACCA — you should find another contractor. Full system replacements always require Manual J as a fundamental step toward quality installation.
When so-called contractors say, “Oh, your home is X square feet, so you need a X-ton unit,” you should tread very carefully! This “rule of thumb” is always wildly inaccurate. It results in the installation of systems that are often too big for your actual needs.
When a system is too big, it results in discomfort — because the system can’t remove moisture from the air properly. It results in systems that work too hard — and cost too much money — and die early deaths! That’s a lot of money out of your pocket for a system that doesn’t even make you feel comfortable.
When you start talking to contractors, sometimes you might hear a lot of industry jargon that can seem kind of confusing. There is one piece of “jargon” that you should make sure you hear when contractors start talking about HVAC systems. If you are installing a replacement system, ma
