What are the heat load calculation requirements for heat pumps?
CleanBC Better Homes requires that heat load calculations be completed for the following programs:
- CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program requires that heat load calculations be completed to qualify for dual fuel ducted heat pump rebates. While CleanBC strongly recommends heat load calculations be completed for all heat pump installations, at this time, the requirement only applies to air-source heat pumps that are combined with a natural gas or propane furnace as backup.
- The Energy Savings Program requires that heat load calculations be completed to qualify for dual fuel ducted heat pump rebates.
Heat Load Calculation Requirements
A heat load calculation is required to ensure the heat pump is sized appropriately for the home’s heating load, which helps optimize energy efficiency and GHG emission reductions, and to encourage high-quality installations.
Rule-of-thumb equipment sizing will not be accepted.
Contractors or Energy Advisors can perform the heat load calculation by using any of the following options:
- the 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 TECA’s Quality First software, Right-F280, and EnerGuide HOT2000 Full House Reports.
- HOT2000: for existing homes, the Pre-Upgrade EnerGuide Evaluation (D) is required and for new homes, the Pre-Construction EnerGuide Evaluation (P) is required.
- 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 (5thedition 2008).
A copy of the load calculation is part of the required documentation. 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.
If you’re unsure if your current heat load calculation methodology meets these criteria, please contact betterhomesbc@gov.bc.ca.
An EnerGuide Rating System HOT2000 Full House Report is provided by a registered Energy Advisor working with a licensed Service Organization. The EnerGuide report must have been submitted to Natural Resources Canada.
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and the Thermal Environment Comfort Association (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. Both organisations 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.