Services We Provide
Jacksonville Building Science, LLC 
(JBS) offers services in three categories. They are; Design, Performance Testing and Certification Programs. Each of these categories is explained below.
Design Services
The following sections titled Manual J, D, S and T are the various components of a complete residential building HVAC deign. Each of these can be selected separately or in combination.
This will provide you the builder, with the complete specifications necessary to properly condition the home. Armed with this information the builder can obtain quotes from various contractors and be assured that all contractors are quoting the identical requirement. Additionally, this documentation is part of the permanent record and is included in the building drawings. This can be used as a quality control instrument to gauge the performance of the contractor and as a basis for testing their work.
Manual J - Load Calculations Room by Room: The Manual J or Load Calculations consists of drawing and site plan review, insulation, window, door and thermal boundary analysis to determine the individual room cooling and heating requirements. The amount of airflow required in each room is calculated and tabulated. This detailed room by room load calculation is the only method that can effectively eliminate the issues of hot spots and cold spots by determining the amount of conditioning required through out the day for every day of the year. This detailed analysis permits the calculation of each room’s load on a 24 hr, 395 day basis to determine if load fluctuation is excessive and zoning is required.
This analysis is conducted in accordance with ACCA Manual J version 8 and the current ASHRAE standards.
Florida Energy Code Compliance Documents: When the Load Calculation is completed the design is subjected to the Florida Energy Code requirements. Once the design meets the code then documentation stating so is produced and attached to the Manual J for submission to the local building authorities. Although this is listed separately for clarification, it is included as part of the Manual J.
Manual D – Duct Design and Specifications: This involves calculating and specifying duct sizes, distribution network, routing and connection details. The zoning is specified and laid out. The duct routing and zoning requirements are drawn in place onto the building drawings (CAD is the preference). This analysis is conducted in accordance with ACCA Manual D and the current ASHRAE standards. Please note that structural drawings are required to properly complete the duct layout.
Manual S – Equipment Selection: This involves specifying equipment to provide the calculated cooling and heating loads. This calculation if done with the Manual J and Manual D assure maximum energy conservation, correct equipment sizing and lowest cost to the builder. This analysis is conducted in accordance with ACCA Manual S and the current ASHRAE standards.
Manual T – Grill Selection and Specification: This involves specifying grill style and type to provide low noise and sufficient airflow. The grill location is also identified on the drawing to provide floor plan grill location consistency, proper air distribution and minimize heating season window condensation. This analysis is conducted in accordance with ACCA Manual T and the current ASHRAE standards.
Performance Testing Services
In field inspection, testing, data collection and alaysis utilizing state of the art NIST, ASTM and DOE certified and calibrated testing equipment.
Rough in Inspection: This service involves a detailed inspection of the ductwork prior to sheet rock installation. The duct will be inspected for proper sizing if possible. The routing of the duct will also be inspected to assure that there are no restrictions or constrictions. A detailed report will be generated citing deficiencies and recommendations.
Moisture Analysis: Moisture mapping is a non destructive test and inspection procedure that permits the measurement of moisture content inside of walls, cupboards and cabinets. We can detect the non visible presence of moisture that may be caused by plumbing leaks inside a wall or unwanted openings in the outer envelope of the home (i.e. small window leaks) that over time will cause serious issues. This inspection/test is conducted around all exterior openings (windows, doors etc), plumbing fixtures/penetrations and walls adjacent to them.
Attic Inspection: This is identical to a rough in inspection with exception that it takes place after the home has been completed. This service involves a detailed inspection of the ductwork and all of the duct connections. The inspection is specifically concentrated on connection leaks, condensation and mold. The duct will also be inspected for proper sizing and routing to avoid restrictions or blockages. A detailed report will be generated citing deficiencies and recommendations.
Energy Audit: This is detailed analysis of the energy consumption in the home. It includes envelope infiltration analysis, ac system leakage, ac system performance and an analysis of all major energy consuming appliances. The results are summarized and recommendations are included.
Energy Rating: This is a State of Florida Certified Energy Rating that classifies the home in terms of energy conservation and conformance to standards including Energy Star. This is mandatory in achieving IRS Tax Credits and special low interest mortgages
Duct Blaster Test: This is a leak test performed on the duct work. This can be performed at the rough in stage or after the equipment has been installed. It is independent of HVAC equipment and its sole purpose is to determine if leaks exist in the duct work. This is a DOE approved test and is a requirement for Energy Star. A detailed report will be generated citing deficiencies and recommendations.
Blower Door Test: This is a leakage test performed on the whole conditioned space. This test takes place after the home has been completed and is a measure of the amount of leakage or infiltration the home will experience. This is a DOE approved test and is a requirement for Energy Star. A detailed report will be generated citing deficiencies and recommendations
Air Flow Analysis: This is a detailed test and inspection of the HVAC system often considered as system commissioning. We start by a visual inspection of the AHU coil and the Condenser to assure they are clean and free of construction debris. The name plate information of both units is recorded to determine baseline measurement levels. Static pressure measurements are taken over a short period of time and the average calculated. Air flow, relative humidity and temperature are measured in all supply and return vents. State of the art equipment is utilized to capture, store and report this data which cannot be changed or manipulated in any way.
Armed with the data collected we are able to determine:
- Airflow balance - Insufficient airflow in a particular room or area of the home based on standard practice or a room by room manual J if one is available
- Supply and return efficiency against manufacturer’s or industry standards
- Supply and return imbalance
- Duct leakage and location of the duct leaks if the ducts are accessible.
- Static Pressure measured against manufacturer’s standards
- Restrictions or constrictions in the ductwork
- Conditions necessary for the generation of mold
In Field Sensor Data Collection & Analysis: This involves placing sensors in the field to collect data over time. This permits a detailed psychrometric analysis of the conditions the sensor has detected.
Certification Services
Energy Star: This is an all encompassing program involving drawing review, energy code compliance, on site inspections of Thermal Boundary Layer, Duct Blaster and Blower Door performance tests, recommendations for upgrades to achieve the Energy Star rating and submission of all results to FSEC for approval by the DOE.
This program consists of plan review and analysis (which is effectively equivalent to the Manual J), numerous site visits to inspect the construction quality with specific attention paid to the Thermal Boundary Layer for intrusions and inconsistencies. Additionally, the energy efficiency of appliances and lighting are inventoried. Finally the process also includes performance testing. These tests are Duct Blaster Test to determine if the ducts have any leaks and Blower Door Test to measure the amount of building leakage that exists.
All of this data is entered into licensed software to determine the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) index. If the score is 85 or lower it qualifies for Energy Star. This data collection and analysis must be conducted by a licensed Florida Energy Rater.
Florida Green Building Coalition: This is an evaluation program that goes beyond Energy Star. The evaluation process is detailed and time consuming. The HERS Index is but one (albeit the most significant) component in the evaluation process. In addition to the energy issues evaluated under Energy Star, there are seven other categories to be analyzed. They include Water Considerations, Lot Choice, Site Considerations, Health, Materials, Disaster Mitigation and a General Category. This data collection and analysis must be conducted by a license Florida Energy Rater and a Florida Green Building Coalition Certified Agent.
LEED for Homes: We are a certified Field Agent for LEED for Homes which is provided through the FSEC. This is the pre eminent program that not only goes beyond Energy Star, but requires Energy Star certification as one of the minimum requirements to obtain the basic level of LEED certification. The evaluation process is detailed, time consuming and encompasses many categories. These categories are:
- Innovation and Design process
- Location and Linkages
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Awareness and Education
