top of page

States and Cities with HVAC Load Calculation Requirements

Here is a comprehensive list of U.S. states and notable cities within them that require HVAC load calculations (Manual J), equipment selection (Manual S), and/or duct design (Manual D) for permits, new construction, or major renovations, as detailed in the source report:

States with Generally Required Manual J, S, and D (through IECC adoption or specific state codes)

These states have adopted International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) versions from 2009 onwards, which typically mandate Manual J and S, and often Manual D (or equivalent detailed duct design).

  • California (CA): Requires Manual J, S, and D through Title 24 Energy Code, Green Code, and Mechanical Code.

    • Los Angeles: Requires HVAC Plan Check for larger residential systems, implying detailed load calculations are needed.

  • Connecticut (CT): Requires Manual J.

  • Delaware (DE): Requires Manual J.

  • Florida (FL): Explicitly mandates Manual S, which inherently requires Manual J and Manual D.

    • Miami-Dade County: Detailed plan review for mechanical permits verifies Manual J/S/D compliance.

  • Illinois (IL): Requires mechanical sizing, test, and balance; ENERGY STAR Version 3 (influential in the state) requires Manual D.

    • Chicago: Explicitly requires ACCA Manual J (total and room-by-room) and Manual S reports for residential building permits.

  • Idaho (ID): Requires Manual J.

  • Indiana (IN): Requires Manual J.

  • Iowa (IA): Requires Manual J.

  • Kentucky (KY): Manual J and D are required "upon request." Homeowners doing their own work must submit proof of adequate system sizing (Manual S) and a complete duct/piping design plan (Manual D).

  • Louisiana (LA): Manual J, S, and D calculations are required for new construction and substantial renovations, verified by affidavit.

    • New Orleans: Explicitly requires Manual J, S, and D worksheet calculations for new construction and substantial renovations.

  • Maryland (MD): Requires Manual J.

  • Massachusetts (MA): Requires Manual J.

  • Michigan (MI): Requires Manual J.

  • Montana (MT): Requires Manual J.

  • Nebraska (NE): Requires Manual J.

  • Nevada (NV): Requires Manual J.

  • New Hampshire (NH): Requires Manual J.

  • New Jersey (NJ): Requires Manual J.

  • New Mexico (NM): While not always explicitly named, Manual J, S, and D are enforced through stringent contractor licensing, which requires competence in system design.

  • New York (NY): Requires Manual J.

  • North Carolina (NC): Requires Manual J.

  • Oklahoma (OK): Explicitly requires Manual S (based on Manual J loads) and Manual D (through ENERGY STAR v3 alignment).

    • Norman (example city): Explicitly requires Manual J and S for equipment sizing in new one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

  • Oregon (OR): Requires Manual J. Local jurisdictions often require detailed plans.

    • Portland: Requires mechanical permits with review for compliance against the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, implying design calculations.

  • Pennsylvania (PA): Requires Manual J.

    • Philadelphia: Requires an HVAC Equipment Design Form and Duct/Envelope Testing Certificate for residential permits, strongly implying Manual J/S/D.

  • Rhode Island (RI): Requires Manual J.

  • Tennessee (TN): Requires Manual J.

  • Texas (TX): Manual J, S, and D are mandated for new systems since IECC 2009, with many municipalities requiring these reports for permit applications.

    • Houston: Mandates Manual J, S, and D reports for new construction or additions.

    • Pflugerville: Explicitly lists "HVAC Manual J.S.D. Unit Replacement Reference" and "Residential Check List for Plan Submittal" for both new and replacement units.

  • Utah (UT): Manual S and D are explicitly required, with room-by-room loads from Manual J being a mandatory input for duct design.

    • Summit County: Requires a combined Manual J/S/D Worksheet and Summary for building permits.

  • Vermont (VT): Requires Manual J.

  • Virginia (VA): Emphasis on high-efficiency systems and detailed construction documents for permits implies Manual J, S, and D are the basis for compliance.

  • Washington (WA): Requires Manual J, D, and implies Manual S.

bottom of page