Submitting HVAC permits often involves long, detailed Manual J reports. While comprehensive documentation is important, AHJs often scan for a clear, concise summary first. A well-structured one-page load summary can dramatically speed up approvals and reduce questions.
This guide explains how to create an effective one-page summary using Load Calc Guru, ensuring both completeness and readability.
Why a One-Page Summary Matters
- Quick AHJ review: Inspectors often review summaries before diving into room-by-room tables.
- Highlights key metrics: Provides at-a-glance information on total loads, sensible/latent splits, and equipment sizing.
- Reduces back-and-forth: Clear documentation minimizes questions and delays.
By focusing on essential information, contractors save time and increase approval likelihood.
Step 1: Include Project Identity
The top of the summary should clearly identify the project:
- Project name
- Full address
- Contractor or designer name
- Contact information
Load Calc Guru Reports: Automatically include project info and optional team logos for professional presentation.
Step 2: Highlight Key Load Metrics
Include a concise summary of loads:
- Total heating load (BTU/hr)
- Total cooling load (sensible and latent, BTU/hr)
- Optional: location map for context
This allows AHJs to verify overall system sizing without reading the full report.
Step 3: Show Room-Level Detail (Optional Condensed)
While space is limited, a condensed room table can help:
- Include major zones or representative rooms
- Show heating and cooling BTU/hr for each
- Aggregate smaller rooms if necessary
This demonstrates that every space was considered without overwhelming the reviewer.
Step 4: Note Assumptions and Compliance
A brief section should summarize assumptions:
- Envelope materials and U-values (preloaded from Manual J tables)
- Design temperatures (calculated from coordinates and local weather data)
- Infiltration and ventilation notes
Load Calc Guru automatically computes realistic defaults and documents them in the report. Any deviations, such as custom CFM from blower door tests, can be annotated.
Step 5: Include Equipment Selection Summary
Even if Manual S is not yet applied:
- Indicate selected equipment capacity relative to calculated loads
- Note sensible/latent splits matching cooling loads
This shows AHJs that system sizing is based on calculated loads rather than arbitrary guesses.
Step 6: Best Practices for Readability
- Use tables and bold headings for clarity
- Keep total page count to one, ideally
- Align with full PDF report formatting for consistency
- Include optional notes explaining any deviations from defaults
A clear, scannable summary instills confidence in AHJs and streamlines their review.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including too much detail, making the summary cluttered
- Omitting project identification or key loads
- Failing to summarize assumptions or compliance
- Using inconsistent names for rooms or zones
Load Calc Guru helps prevent these issues by auto-generating summaries with consistent formatting and realistic, code-aligned inputs.
Benefits of a One-Page Summary
- Faster permit approvals
- Clear presentation of loads and assumptions
- Reduced chance of reviewer confusion or questions
- Professional appearance for clients and AHJs
By condensing essential information into one page, contractors provide AHJs with an at-a-glance understanding of the project.
Conclusion
A one-page load summary is not just a convenience—it’s a strategic tool to speed up permit approvals. Using Load Calc Guru:
- Auto-generate project information and room-level loads
- Compute design temperatures, envelope, and infiltration values
- Produce a professional, scannable PDF with a clear summary of key metrics
Action Step: For your next permit submission, generate a one-page load summary in Load Calc Guru, verify key metrics and assumptions, and include a brief equipment summary. This single-page overview helps AHJs approve faster and reduces unnecessary follow-ups.