Do You Need a Heat Loss Calculation for an HVAC Permit in Calgary?
Usually, yes, when the work adds or changes heating in a house. The building code in Alberta points to CSA F280-12 for sizing heating and cooling equipment in houses, so new homes, infills and many renovations, basement developments and heat pump installs need a calculation behind the equipment size. The City of Calgary sets the documents for each permit type, so check its current checklist for your project.
By the Ductscale design team. Reviewed by Raymond, founder and lead HVAC designer. Updated .
Projects that usually need one
Plan on a heat loss calculation for:
- New homes and infills
- Additions and major renovations that change the heated area
- Basement developments and secondary suites that add heating or ductwork
- Switching to a heat pump, or changing the size of the furnace
- Geoexchange systems: the City's checklist asks for a CSA F280 calculation for houses
What a permit-ready package includes
The package depends on the permit. For most house projects it is built from three parts, all from the same calculation:
- A room-by-room heat loss and heat gain report to CSA F280-12, with the inputs listed
- An equipment sizing summary for the furnace, heat pump or air conditioner
- A duct layout and sizing schedule when the permit covers ductwork
- A summary sheet formatted for the permit application
What to send
Floor plans, elevations and sections as PDF or DWG, window and door sizes, insulation values or your energy code path, and the project address. For an existing home with no plans, measurements and photos usually work.
On most projects the builder or HVAC contractor submits the permit application and our package goes in with it. Homeowners applying for their own permit get the same package.
Outside Calgary
Every Alberta municipality sets its own permit documents. Edmonton, for example, asks basement developments and secondary suites to show that 22°C can be held in all living spaces at -30°C outside. Every calculation we do uses the design conditions for the home's location.
FAQ
Common questions
What if the permit reviewer asks for changes?
Send us the comments and we update the calculation or drawings to answer them. Revisions are covered as set out in your quote.
How long does a permit package take?
Most single-family homes take 3 to 5 business days. If you have a permit date, tell us up front and you get a firm delivery date with the quote.
Does a furnace replacement need a calculation?
It depends on the permit, so check the City's checklist. Even when it is not required, a replacement is the best time to check the size, because many older furnaces are larger than the house needs. If you are switching to a heat pump, plan on a calculation.