Heat load calculation requirements
To qualify for our dual fuel rebates, HVAC contractors must complete a heat load calculation for the following programs:
- Home Renovation Dual Fuel Rebates
- Indigenous Communities Conservation Program
- Income-qualified Dual Fuel Rebates
A heat load calculation is required to ensure the space heating system is sized appropriately for the home’s heating load, which helps optimize energy-efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reductions, and to encourage high-quality installations.
While we strongly recommend you complete heat load calculations for all space heating system installations, at this time, the requirement only applies to dual fuel heating systems (electric heat pump combined with gas furnace).
Heat load calculation options
Contractors or energy advisors can perform the heat load calculation by using any of the following options:
- The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) Residential Heat Loss & Heat Gain technical manual in combination with the Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheets supplied with the CAN/CSA F280-12 standard.
- A software that uses the CAN/CSA F280-12 calculation methodology. Recommended options include Thermal Environment Comfort Association (TECA) Quality First software, Right-F280, and EnerGuide HOT2000 Full House Reports.
- A software or worksheet that uses the CAN/CSA F280-90 calculation methodology.
- A software or worksheet that uses methodology from Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J.
- A software or worksheet that uses methodology from TECA’s Quality First Forced Air Guidelines (5th edition 2008).
The following will not be accepted:
- rule-of-thumb equipment sizing
- pre/post-upgrade EnerGuide evaluations without a HOT2000 report
Note: A copy of the load calculation is part of the required documentation to qualify for our dual fuel rebates. The load calculation can be documented by a submittal sheet from compliant software or by a load calculation worksheet from TECA, HRAI, ACCA or the CSA F280 standard.
Training courses and manuals
HRAI and TECA both offer training courses on CAN/CSA F280-12 load calculations. HRAI offers a 4-day course in Victoria and Vancouver. TECA is currently updating its Forced Air Guidelines Course with CAN/CSA F280-12 material and will be offering it throughout BC.
HRAI and TECA also offer technical manuals on residential heat loss and heat gain load calculations. There are a large number of available software solutions and mobile apps that allow you to do Manual J calculations.
Questions? We’re here to help.
If you’re unsure if your current heat load calculation methodology meets these criteria, please contact [email protected].