ACCA Residential HVAC Design study plan

Compute a full block load by hand for a sample 2,000 sq ft house using Manual J procedures (fenestration, envelope, infiltration, internal gains)

Differentiate sensible vs latent loads and explain how each drives equipment selection

List the required inputs for an accurate Manual J takeoff and identify which are commonly omitted in the field

Map the Manual J → Manual S → Manual D workflow and state the output of each step

Select equipment using Manual S capacity checks at design and part-load conditions

Size and lay out a duct system per Manual D using available static pressure and friction rate

Verify room-by-room airflow against register and grille selection

Identify the top quality-installation failure points in duct design and equipment sizing

Describe commissioning steps for airflow, charge, and combustion/ventilation verification

Explain evacuation, dehydration, and pressure-testing procedures before charging

Identify refrigerant safety classifications, cylinder handling, and PPE requirements

Distinguish recovery, recycling, and reclaim and when each applies

Compute superheat and subcooling and interpret readings against target values

Apply leak-detection and repair requirements, including evacuation levels after repair

Summarize refrigerant recordkeeping and disposal obligations for a small contractor

Outline permit, inspection, and code-compliance steps for a residential changeout

Build a job-cost model covering labor, materials, overhead, and profit margin for a residential install

Draft a scope-of-work and change-order template tied to design documents

Explain how design documentation supports warranty and liability protection

Identify code sections most often cited on residential HVAC inspections

Design a QA/QC inspection form covering installation, commissioning, and documentation

Explain the roles of permits, third-party verification, and warranty registration

Analyze a case where poor installation caused a callback and propose corrective controls

Describe how to document design assumptions for code officials and clients

Integrate load, equipment selection, duct design, and refrigerant charge into one end-to-end project narrative

Calculate refrigerant quantity, leak-check thresholds, and evacuation targets for that project

Prepare a compliance packet: permits, design docs, commissioning records, refrigerant log

Identify business risks (liability, scope creep, code changes) and mitigations

Complete timed practice sets weighted 25% per domain and review every missed item

Re-derive key formulas (load, static pressure, superheat/subcooling) from memory

Recite code and refrigerant compliance checklists without notes

Build a personal weak-area log and final review sheet