Building Performance
Energy Modeling
HVAC
Passive House
Manual J Load Calculations & Energy Modeling - Self Study
About this course
Paying someone to do ACCA Manual J calculations costs thousands of dollars and can delay your project. Learning to build your own Manual J load calculations and energy models from scratch saves money and puts you in control of your projects.
Already an essential design tool, energy models are used for code compliance, utility incentives & green building certifications. As we move towards a resilient, sustainable & emission free future, energy modeling should be used as a tool for decision making. Not only for sizing equipment but also for shaping buildings & selecting materials as well.
As our buildings get tighter, creating accurate Manual J energy models must be accessible to all industry professionals. In this technical presentation attendees are provided the tools & training to create Manual J energy models of their own. Allowing for better made & informed decisions industry wide.
Manual J calculations are required by more organizations and programs every day, including:
Already an essential design tool, energy models are used for code compliance, utility incentives & green building certifications. As we move towards a resilient, sustainable & emission free future, energy modeling should be used as a tool for decision making. Not only for sizing equipment but also for shaping buildings & selecting materials as well.
As our buildings get tighter, creating accurate Manual J energy models must be accessible to all industry professionals. In this technical presentation attendees are provided the tools & training to create Manual J energy models of their own. Allowing for better made & informed decisions industry wide.
Manual J calculations are required by more organizations and programs every day, including:
- Certifications, like Passive House, HERS, DOE
- Electric Utilities, to qualify for rebate programs
- Building designers, for decision-making in the design phase
This course is software-agnostic. After you take this course you can use any Manual J software program to do your calculations.
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Learning Objectives
- Constructively address & visually identify basic heat transfer/ thermodynamic principles affecting building energy usage.
- Compare & Analyze architectural design features and construction means & materials to make informed decisions early within the design process.
- Develop initial energy models for existing, new, residential and light commercial construction projects.
- Identify building science attributes such as internal gains, infiltration, building assemblies, HVAC selections, climate zones, weather patterns
- Create accurate & detailed Manual J energy models.
Course outline
6 modules • 25 assignments • 2 - 4 hours to complete • 1:41 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 0 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 0 assignments
Orientation Materials
This is a self-study on demand course. This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Introduction to Energy Modeling
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Introduction to Energy Modeling
This section will delve into the history and evolution of energy modeling, focusing on Manual J as a foundational tool. Topics covered include types of energy modeling (BIM, BEM, etc.), key definitions (convection, radiation, heat transfer, etc.), and the historical background of Manual J developed by ACCA. We will explore the importance of geometry in energy modeling, including building shape, size, orientation, and openings.
- Video 1 - Welcome to Create Your Own Manual J Energy Models (06:35 minutes)
- Video 2 - Course Overview: Intro + Building Science (11:39 minutes)
- Video 3 - Module 01: Geometry (07:48 minutes)
Module 2 • 5 assignments
Gathering Data for Modeling
Module 2 • 5 assignments
Gathering Data for Modeling
Participants will learn the detailed steps involved in gathering data for energy modeling. This includes capturing building information such as geometry, materials, and assembly details. We will go through a specific example that will illustrate accurate measurement and recording techniques.
- Video 4: Module 02, Part 1 - Shape (10:08 minutes)
- Video 5: Module 02, Part 2 - Size & Orientation (04:42 minutes)
- Video 6: Module 02, Part 3 - Openings (03:03 minutes)
- Video 7: Module 02, Part 4 - Roof + Floor (05:09 minutes)
- Video 8: Module 02, Part 5 - Envelope (05:32 minutes)
Module 3 • 6 assignments
Inputting Data into the Model
Module 3 • 6 assignments
Inputting Data into the Model
This section will outline the process of inputting gathered data into the energy model. Topics covered include separating building areas using templates, creating room tables, accounting for infiltration and internal gains, and selecting climate conditions.
- Video 9: Module 03, Part 1 - Location (03:39 minutes)
- Video 10: Module 03, Part 2 - Areas + Assembly Templates (02:14 minutes)
- Video 11: Module 03, Part 3 - Infiltration (06:25 minutes)
- Video 12: Module 03, Part 4 - DO NOT FORGET THIS STEP! (37 seconds)
- Video 13: Module 03, Part 5 - Internal Gains (03:36 minutes) Preview
- Video 14: Module 03, Part 6 - 16 Steps Preview (10:06 minutes)
Module 4 • 5 assignments
Generating & Reading Reports
Module 4 • 5 assignments
Generating & Reading Reports
The final section focuses on generating and interpreting reports from the energy model. Participants will learn to review and interpret model outputs, identify common mistakes in reports, and ensure accuracy in both the energy models they create and in the models of others.
- Video 15: Module 04, Part 1 - Reading Reports (04:48 minutes)
- Video 16: Module 04, Part 2 - Reading Reports Continued (02:39 minutes)
- Video 17: Module 04, Part 3 - Recap & Resources (05:47 minutes)
- Video 18: Module 04, Part 4 - Ready Set (05:35 minutes)
- Video 19 - Wrap-Up to Create Your Own Manual J Energy Models (01:04 minutes)
Conclusion • 6 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 6 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- End of Course Quiz
- Example Manual J Step by Step Download (.pdf)
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 2 PHIUS CPHC CEUs
Author
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View profileGwendolen St. Sauveur
Founder, CEO | Architectural & Mechanical HVAC Design Consultant, BTF Net Zero DesignsGwendolen St.Sauveur EI LEED GA, is currently the CEO of BTF Net Zero Designs. Over her career Gwen has worn the various hats of Mechanical Engineer, MEP Designer, Architectural Designer, Construction Coordinator & Estimator. For a decade she was a mechanical engineer gaining hands-on experience through a dizzying array of commercial projects across New England. She... Learn more
Frequently asked questions
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 4 module course is delivered entirely online. This is a self-study, self-paced course and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials for as long as their membership remains active.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our [HeatSpring for Teams](/for_teams) page to get a group discount.
What is ACCA Manual J?
Back in the 80s ACCA created Manual J as a process to do load calcs. It was 100s of pages of calculations, formulas, factors etc. Then in 1985 the first software was developed following Manual J to speed up the process! Over the decades, Manual J has become the industry proven method for load calculations & sizing HVAC equipment.
Do I need Manual J software to take this course?
No, this is software-agnostic course designed to help you build Manual J energy models from scratch. You can use what you learn with any approved ACCA Manual J software program.
