Light Commercial Design for Quality Installation

3-Day In-Person Training • ACCA Manual N®

Light Commercial Design for Quality Installation

Build your foundation in light commercial HVAC design built on the ACCA Manual N® load calculation process.

This three-day, in-person training builds your foundation in light commercial HVAC design using three of ACCA's core commercial manuals: Manual N®, Manual CS®, and Manual Q®.

You'll work through block load calculations, see how systems and equipment get matched to an application, and learn how to design low-pressure, low-velocity duct systems — all centered on the light commercial equipment you see every day. 

Enroll Now View Upcoming Dates
ACCA instructor Matt Akins
$1,695
Non-Members
$1,375
ACCA Members
Why it matters

The cost of a bad commercial load calculation

A design error follows a light commercial project for years. Manual N® is ACCA’s procedure for getting the numbers right — and this course teaches it from start to finish.

Oversized or undersized equipment Increased operating costs Poor humidity control Comfort complaints Callbacks Liability exposure
The course

Three days to a working command of Manual N®, CS®, and Q®

The course follows the sequence of a real light commercial HVAC design project, with hands-on work at every stage.

1

Survey the building

Gather the orientation, occupancy, construction, fenestration, lighting and equipment schedule, ventilation, and duct data a Manual N® calculation requires.

2

Set design conditions

Select heating and cooling design conditions from climate data — and justify your selections.

3

Calculate envelope loads

Work through fenestration and opaque surface loads using U-values, solar heat gain coefficients, CLTD concepts, and orientation effects.

4

Internal, infiltration, ventilation & duct loads

Quantify the gains and losses that shape commercial equipment sizing.

5

Complete the block load

A capstone: a full Manual N® calculation from provided plans, a design report with equipment sizing recommendations, and a peer review of your decisions.

What you will learn

Learning objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  1. 1Conduct a commercial building survey and gather all information required to perform an ACCA Manual N® load calculation.
  2. 2Determine accurate heating and cooling design conditions using Manual N® procedures.
  3. 3Calculate commercial building envelope loads, including fenestration and opaque surface loads.
  4. 4Evaluate internal, infiltration, ventilation, and duct-related loads that affect commercial HVAC system sizing.
  5. 5Develop a complete Manual N® block load calculation and interpret the results to support HVAC equipment selection and design decisions.
Audience

Who should attend

  • HVAC designers
  • Contractors
  • Project managers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Sales engineers working in replacement design
  • Energy auditors moving into commercial design
Intermediate → Advanced

Recommended prerequisites

Participants should know HVAC fundamentals and psychrometrics, have a basic understanding of HVAC design principles, have some load calculation experience (Manual J® preferred), and be able to interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Upcoming in-person training sessions

Reserve your seat

Light Commercial Design for Quality Installation
October 20–22, 2026 · 8:00am–4:00pm ET
VCA · 276 E. Allen St, Winooski, VT 05404
Register
Non-Members
$1,695
ACCA Members
$1,375
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How much of the training is hands-on?

Every stage includes applied work: Speed sheet lock load exercises, psychrometric demonstrations, small group discussions, and team problem-solving activities. 

Does the course include a complete Manual N® load calculation?

Yes. You'll work through several Manual N® block load calculations using the ACCA Speed-Sheet, then compare your results with the group and discuss what those numbers mean for equipment selection and duct design.

Do I need commercial HVAC design experience?

No. The recommended prerequisites are HVAC fundamentals, familiarity with psychrometrics, residential load calculation experience, basic knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, and the ability to interpret construction drawings.

What do participants receive after completing the course?

An ACCA certificate of completion. (Certificate details to be confirmed.)

Register today

Register for Light Commercial Design for Quality Installation

Accurate load calculations produce defensible designs, proper equipment selection, and the professional credibility that comes with both.

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Membership

It Pays to Be a Member! Discounted Pricing for Educational Training is Just One of the Many Perks of ACCA Membership

Learn about all the benefits of being a member of ACCA and save with all our available education tools. From online to in-person, training from ACCA will keep your business at the forefront of the HVACR industry.

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