Understanding ACCA Standards (Full Ver.)

1. HVAC Quality Installation Specification (ACCA Standard 5)

Properly designed and installed HVAC systems reduce temperature variations, humidity problems, and indoor air pollutants, creating healthier and more comfortable indoor environments. The HVAC Quality Installation (QI) Specification plays a critical role in improving installation quality and professionalism while benefiting contractors and customers through better energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.

 

The HVAC Quality Installation Specification is a nationally recognized standard that establishes minimum requirements for the proper installation of residential and commercial HVAC systems. It is available as a free download from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) website.

 

Scope and Applicability

The standard applies to HVAC equipment installed in both new and existing residential and commercial buildings. Covered equipment includes:

• Unitary air conditioners
• Heat pumps (air-source, water-source, and geothermal)
• Furnaces (gas-fired, oil-fired, and electric)
• Boilers (gas-fired, oil-fired, and electric)

Both single-zone and multi-zone heating and cooling systems are included.

Four Core Areas of the Standard

The specification is organized into four core areas, each defining required procedures, acceptable practices, and documentation standards.

 

1. Design Aspects

This section addresses tasks completed before installation, including:

• Ventilation requirements
• Building heat gain and heat loss calculations
• Proper equipment sizing
• Geothermal heat pump and ground heat exchanger design
• System matching

Contractors must ensure load calculations and ventilation comply with recognized standards, select equipment that meets building loads, and verify proper system matching with supporting documentation.

2. Equipment Installation Aspects

This section focuses on correct installation and performance verification, including:

• Airflow and water flow through indoor heat exchangers
• Refrigerant charging
• Electrical requirements
• Combustion performance for fuel-fired equipment
• Venting systems
• System controls

Contractors must confirm airflow and water flow meet design and OEM requirements before setting refrigerant charge. Electrical voltages and amperage must comply with codes and manufacturer specifications. Fuel-fired equipment must operate within proper combustion parameters, and venting systems must be correctly sized and installed. System controls must function as designed, with verified operating sequences.

3. Distribution Aspects

This section covers how heating and cooling are delivered throughout the building:

• Duct leakage control
• Airflow balancing
• Hydronic balancing

Duct systems must be sealed to minimize leakage, with different limits for new versus existing construction. Room and ventilation airflows must meet design tolerances, and hydronic systems must deliver correct water flow rates based on project type.

4. System Documentation and Owner Education

The final section emphasizes owner communication and documentation. Contractors must provide comprehensive system documentation covering installation, operation, and maintenance. This includes:

• An installation file
• Equipment model and serial numbers
• Written job documentation or checklists
• Signed customer confirmation

The goal is to ensure owners fully understand their HVAC system and can operate and maintain it properly.

 

2. HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols (ACCA Standard 9)

The primary purpose of the verification protocols is to confirm that HVAC systems are installed correctly and perform as intended. Verified installations deliver optimal comfort and energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and utility costs, minimize environmental impact, and are less likely to experience premature failures or breakdowns. Verification also confirms compliance with energy codes and jurisdictional requirements, helping reduce legal risks and liabilities.

 

Although verification of compliance can be resource-intensive, the goal of the QI Verification Protocols is to provide an efficient and structured approach that evaluates HVAC installations while optimizing available resources.

 

The standard is available as a free download from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) website.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of the HVAC QI Verification Protocols is to ensure that HVAC system installations comply with the HVAC Quality Installation Specification. The scope applies to HVAC equipment and components installed in both new and existing residential and commercial buildings.

Verification Levels

The standard defines two levels of verification, which are selected by the program administrator based on program objectives.

 

Level One – Installation Checklist Only
At this level, the contractor submits an installation checklist for each HVAC system. The program administrator reviews the checklist for completeness and accuracy.

 

Level Two – Installation Checklist plus Field Verification
Level Two includes all Level One steps and adds field verification. The contractor facilitates an on-site review, and the program administrator (or verifier) performs field measurements of specific installation elements and documents the findings.

Evaluation Approach

The standard outlines evaluation criteria for both verification levels. When both levels are used, issues identified at one level do not automatically prevent evaluation at the other level, provided the program administrator allows this approach. However, if deficiencies identified in either Level One or Level Two remain unresolved, the HVAC system is considered noncompliant with the standard.

Program Roles and Responsibilities

The verification program defines three primary roles:

 

Program Administrator
The program administrator is responsible for developing, documenting, implementing, and maintaining program policies and procedures in accordance with the standard. This role also includes establishing and overseeing requirements for contractors and verifiers, and conducting verification activities or authorizing qualified verifiers and automated validation systems.

 

Verifier
The verifier must comply with all applicable jurisdictional requirements for licensing, permits, insurance, and professional credentials. The verifier is responsible for conducting impartial evaluations of HVAC installations in accordance with the verification protocols and program requirements.

 

Contractor
The contractor must comply with all relevant jurisdictional regulations for business operations, licensing, permits, and insurance. Contractors are responsible for installing HVAC systems in accordance with the QI standard and following all requirements established by the program administrator.

Verification Program Requirements

The final section of the standard outlines minimum requirements for operating a QI verification program. Program administrator policies and procedures must address:

• Participation requirements for contractors and verifiers, including training, qualifications, licensing, and insurance
• Information transfer protocols for installation data, field measurements, documentation methods, security, timelines, and recordkeeping
• Quality control measures to maintain program integrity, including ongoing participation requirements and certification issuance
• Complaint and appeals procedures for addressing grievances related to program administration