Before You Sign pre-check

Find the Right HVAC Load Calculation Path

Use this service guide to separate a pre-check, a formal Manual J report, and a licensed design referral before you pay for the wrong deliverable.

Request Formal Load-Calculation Routing Have a written quote? Start $49 Review View Sample Report

Use this only when an AHJ, utility, or project scope needs formal calculation or licensed-provider routing.

Choose the review that matches the question in front of you

$19 Permit Decision Brief: automated public-source permit routing and responsibility questions for a city/ZIP and project type.
$49 Full Quote Review: for an existing contractor proposal, with secure pre-payment upload, an order-linked receipt, and final manual review.
Formal routing: only when a formal calculation, licensed provider, or AHJ submittal path is actually required.

The service does not include engineering, a formal Manual J/S/D calculation, licensed sign-off, permit filing, or permit approval.

Pre-check only

HVACPreCheck provides informational pre-check reports only. We are not a licensed HVAC contractor, engineer, tax advisor, or permit authority. Our reports are not stamped engineering documents and do not guarantee permit approval, equipment sizing, rebate eligibility, tax credit eligibility, energy savings, or comfort outcomes. Always confirm requirements with your contractor, local building department, utility, tax professional, or licensed engineer.

Pre-check vs formal load calculation

A pre-check flags missing quote inputs and contractor questions
A formal Manual J needs house details, floor plan, insulation, windows, orientation, and duct context
An AHJ submittal package may also require Manual S, Manual D, engineering diagrams, or local forms
A licensed designer or engineer may be needed when the building department requires stamped or final documentation

When a pre-check is enough

You are comparing quotes and need to identify missing sizing basis before signing
The quote has no model numbers, no Manual J/S/D reference, or no permit responsibility line
You need a source-cited checklist and contractor questions before ordering a higher-cost formal service

Questions before buying a formal report

Will this report be accepted by my building department for this project type?
What house inputs do you need before running the calculation?
Will the output include Manual S equipment selection or only Manual J loads?
If ducts are changing, do I also need Manual D or static pressure review?

Service routing

Choose the right deliverable

The report recommends this page for higher-intent searches because the right answer may be a $49 pre-check, a formal Manual J, or a licensed AHJ submittal package.

Pre-check

Reviewed readiness snapshot

$49

Best when you are comparing quotes and need missing sizing, permit, model, ductwork, rebate, and warranty questions before signing.

Manual J readiness and quote red flags
Permit responsibility and document gaps
Contractor questions you can send

Formal referral

Manual J report path

$99-$199+

Best when the city, utility, rebate program, or contractor actually needs a load calculation deliverable.

House inputs and scope triage
Manual J vs Manual S or D decision
Consent-based referral or waitlist

Permit package

Designer or engineer path

Varies

Best when the building department asks for stamped, final, AHJ-submittal, or engineered documentation.

Engineering or MEP scope questions
Local form and inspection responsibility
Clear handoff beyond this pre-check site