Wes Davis & Ben Reed Discuss ACCA 310, QI 5, VEO & VSP

In this video, Ben Reed from MeasureQuick and Wes Davis from ACCA discuss the new quality installation certificates that ACCA is offering. These certificates are based on the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310 standard, which provides a methodology for evaluating the installation quality of unitary HVAC systems.
The certificates are open to everyone, regardless of whether you are an ACCA member or a quality assured contractor. To obtain a certificate, contractors must submit a design review, a total duct leakage test, a blower fan volumetric airflow test, a blower fan watt draw test, and a non-invasive evaluation of refrigerant charge. ACCA believes that these certificates will help contractors set themselves apart from the competition, increase customer confidence, and improve the quality of HVAC installations across the industry.
The video also discusses the importance of feedback for HVAC contractors. Wes Davis argues that if contractors had insight into every installation, they would be able to improve their work and provide better service to their customers. Wes Davis believes that the industry is moving towards a more performance-based approach, where contractors will be rewarded for installing systems that meet or exceed customer expectations.
00:00 Introduction by Ben
00:31 Introducing Wes & ACCA
01:16 Trust, But Verify
04:39 Navigating the Abbreviations
06:13 Ensuring Impact Through HVAC Contractors
10:32 Superhuman Checklists
11:26 Understanding the Process is More Important Than Understanding The Math
12:01 Using measureQuick to Make 310 Impactful
13:11 ACCA Standard 5
14:03 Introducing ACCA VEO & VESP
15:03 Differences between ACCA 310 and ACCA QI 5
17:14 The Roles Within Quality Installation
20:21 Breaking Down QI 5: VEO & VESP
22:03 Availability of ACCA VEO & VESP Certificates
26:30 Wrapping It All Up

[@AARONJL92]

Hey! Great interview. I feel like I'll be learning new things every day for as long as I'm in this industy. So much to know to get it right. Thanks to mQ its that much easier. 👍🏼

[@hozerhvac4406]

Ben
How does this apply to Canadians ? What’s the equivalent to ACCA up here ?

[@Bengizmo]

Not that much from what I can tell. HRAI is somewhat equivalent, but I haven't been able to chat with them you (but I hope to soon!)

[@Mikecianfrocco]

Whats up Ben!!

[@Bengizmo]

😎

[@royhickok7868]

As a homeowner, will I still be able to use Measure quick and get a report on my system for the five Qbits?

[@measureQuick]

This software tool is not designed for a homeowner, it is intended for HVAC professionals. There are a lot of tools and skills required to complete a system commissioning.

[@hvac2.038]

Can you expound on VEO? Maybe a separate video on it? I'm hoping for something truly realistic in residential retrofits - basically make sure that air flow and charge are as well set up as the system allows, plus ESP. Is that the Vitals Report?

[@measureQuick]

Sure, we can add that to the list.

[@measureQuick]

"ACCA Verified Operation" refers to a designation given to HVAC systems that, while not meeting the full criteria for a "Quality Installation" as outlined by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), still operate safely and effectively within certain constraints. This designation is typically applied in emergency situations where equipment replacement is necessary, and there isn't sufficient time for a comprehensive installation process that would include Manual J, Manual D and Manual S.
In an emergency situation or when time does not allow, a contractor may need to replace HVAC equipment quickly, often without conducting a heat loss calculation or going through the formal equipment selection process. As long as the duct system and other components are suitable for the new equipment, the system can operate adequately, even if the equipment is oversized for the building's actual heating or cooling needs.
For an installation to qualify as "ACCA Verified Operation," it must meet certain criteria:
The equipment is installed correctly, following best practices and the manufacturer's instructions.
It operates safely within the existing duct system, electrical system, fuel supply system, and venting system.
While "ACCA Verified Operation" doesn't reach the level of a "Quality Installation" as recognized by industry standards, it acknowledges that the installed equipment is operating safely and effectively, even if it doesn't provide the optimal efficiency and comfort that a properly sized and selected system would. This designation is useful in acknowledging situations where emergency replacements are made and can serve as a measure of operational quality within specific constraints

[@hvac2.038]

​@@measureQuick that's the realistic thing we need since emergencies are a HUGE proportion of installs, somewhere in the 85-90% range. =)

[@tnptrcy]

Certicficates for replacement systems?

[@measureQuick]

Exactly that is what VEO is for.

[@davidholtzclaw135]

ACCA Standard 5 is still the best standard for QI and I think it's still better than 310. I could never figure out why the industry has ignored it so much.

[@measureQuick]

Agreed. The primary reason why was is was a lot of paperwork and convoluted to due with a mix of office data and field data required. Now that we have a central repository in measureQuick we can actually make standard achievement easy and practical to do. We have really overcome some of the hardest elements of standards completion, the process itself.