Manual Q Duct Design for Commercial HVAC Projects
Engineered Commercial Duct Layouts That Balance Comfort, Airflow, and Code
At Elements Design Group, our Manual Q duct design services are tailored for commercial HVAC systems that demand both performance and precision. Using load data from your Manual N report, we design duct systems that deliver the correct airflow to every space—while complying with ACCA standards and local energy codes.
Our Manual Q calculations ensure ducts are correctly sized, friction losses are managed, and static pressure requirements are met—resulting in smooth installations and fewer inspection delays.
What Is Manual Q?
Manual Q is the ACCA standard for commercial ductwork design. It translates the airflow demands identified in Manual N into properly sized, well-balanced duct systems for commercial buildings. This includes detailed calculations for:
- Duct size and material type
- Static pressure and friction loss
- Duct configuration and layout efficiency
- Equivalent lengths and fittings
- Supply and return balancing
Our Manual Q designs are delivered as CAD layouts and airflow schedules, formatted for easy use in submittals, construction, and inspections.
What’s Included in Our Manual Q Duct Design Service
- Complete duct layout drawings (PDF & CAD formats)
- Calculated CFM per zone/room
- Duct sizing based on friction loss, material type, and velocity
- Summary tables for static pressure and equivalent length
- System balance between supply and return
- Includes up to 2 rounds of revisions
Designed for Real-World Commercial Applications
Whether you’re building a mixed-use retail space, an office TI, or a warehouse shell, we create commercial HVAC duct layouts that are functional, scalable, and code-compliant.
- Compatible with packaged rooftop, split, or VRF systems
- Works for constant volume or VAV zoning
- Design flexibility for rigid, flex, or sheet metal configurations
- Duct sizing that supports Manual N loads and equipment selection
Related Services
Bundle your Manual Q design with:
Need a full HVAC system design for a commercial buildout? We’ll deliver everything based on one coordinated set of plans.
Why Choose Our HVAC System Design Services?
Licensed HVAC system designers
Professionally trained and certified to deliver accurate, code-compliant designs.
Easy-to-read reports for permit approvals
Formatted for quick review by inspectors and permit officials — no confusion, no delays.
Fast turnaround and friendly communication
Get responsive support and designs delivered in days, not weeks.
COMMERCIAL HVAC DESIGN EXPERTS
Engineered HVAC layouts for offices, retail, restaurants, and multi-unit buildings built for efficiency and code compliance.
ACCA Manual J, D, and S compliant
All designs follow the latest ACCA standards for system sizing and airflow.
Trusted by contractors and homeowners
We support builders and homeowners nationwide with practical, permit-ready designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any commercial building requiring ductwork that’s engineered—not guessed—should use Manual Q. This includes:
- Retail and tenant improvements
- Restaurants or commercial kitchens
- Offices and medical clinics
- Warehouses and light industrial
If your project requires a Manual N load calculation, it likely needs Manual Q too.
Manual D is used for residential ductwork design, while Manual Q applies to commercial buildings.
- Manual D uses residential airflow rules and material assumptions
- Manual Q handles more complex zoning, materials, airflow rates, and static pressure across larger duct systems
Think of Manual Q as the commercial-grade version of Manual D—built for larger loads and stricter codes.
Manual Q depends on the airflow data calculated in Manual N. If you don’t already have a Manual N report, we can perform both calculations as part of your commercial HVAC design package.
Our bundled services ensure consistency across all documentation, from loads to layouts.
Get a Code-Ready Manual Q Duct Design
Let us deliver the duct layout your installer will thank you for—balanced, buildable, and fully code-compliant.
Request a Quote
Email :
info@elementdesigngroup.com
Phone :
(480) 696-1060