Understand ACCA Manual J/S/D standards and how load-calc software vendors get licensed

Steps

1. Understand the three manuals' roles: Manual J (residential heating/cooling load calculation), Manual S (equipment selection/sizing against Manual J loads using OEM performance data), and Manual D (residential duct system design) — all ANSI-accredited standards developed by ACCA.
2. Know that code/rebate-program 'Manual J compliance' means using software formally licensed by ACCA as 'Powered by Manual J®' (and equivalent Manual S/D marks) — not any tool that merely claims to follow the methodology.
3. Check ACCA's Approved Software list (acca.org/standards/approved-software) for currently licensed vendors (e.g., Wrightsoft Right-J/Right-Suite, Elite RHVAC, ADTEK AccuLoads, Florida Solar Energy Center's EnergyGauge, Cool Calc, Avenir HeatCAD/LoopCAD) before recommending a tool as code-compliant.
4. For software vendors seeking the 'Powered by' license, contact ACCA's standards team to begin the validation and licensing process — this is a private licensing arrangement, not a public API or free certification.
5. Treat the manuals as purchasable reference standards (acca.org/store), not as an API or calculation service — ACCA defines the methodology; third-party software implements and separately licenses the branded compliance mark.