off topic - HVAC design for residential

[CARMELHILL]

This is way off topic but I need some help. We just switched to the 2015 IECCC. My local plans examiner just told me he's going to start requiring HVAC duct designs for additions. I already use a consultant to provide HERS ratings and Manual J for new homes, but for a second story dormer addition this is getting nuts! I asked if he's going to require hot water baseboard pipe design and baseboard lengths and he said no. HOWEVER, he's going to want an analysis calculations to prove the existing how water heater and furnace can handle the additional load. 

 

I'm an architect, not an engineer. Does anyone know of software that can get me started on this because there is NOWAY I am telling me clients they need to hire an additional consultant to get a permit to add a family room, or finish a garage, etc.. This is getting completely out of hand. Tomorrow I am submitting my resume to the local 7 Eleven. Life has to get easier.

[Richard_Morrison]

A few options here: http://www.acca.org/standards/approved-software

 

Here's an option for under $20. 

 

[CARMELHILL]

Thanks. I saw those links on the ACCA website. I'm reviewing them. Is anyone else doing these designs for their projects or is this single plans examiner being a little too anal with the code interpretation?

 

[lbuttery]

this where BIM could come into play

 

create the model in Chief - send the plan to the HVAC software - it does its thing to the model

then back to Chief - then off to the next app if needed

 

then finally to layout

 

Lew

[Griffin]

This is becoming a problem for me too as there are three projects on the boards now that need more MEP than I can manage easily with CA.  Just received my $20 copy of SuperCool last week but it leaves a lot to be desired as a workflow solution.  I've installed a trial copy of Revit which has all the features including a steep learning curve and a high monthly cost.  

 

The lack of a third-party platform with CA is hurting.

 

http://www.vectorworks.net/community/partner-community/partner-products/product/extensio-pro

 

http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/mep_modeler/

 

https://www.magicad.com/en/

[DRAWZILLA]

I've talked to HVAC contractors and they don't even know how to do it, without talking to an HVAC engineer.

[Richard_Morrison]

Here's a good summary of the process: http://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/Homeowners/manual D calculation.pdf  Pretty tedious.