CO

Manual J Requirements in Colorado

Is Manual J required in Colorado?

YESColorado has adopted 2021 IECC which requires HVAC loads be calculated per ACCA Manual J for new construction and major renovations.

Energy Code
2021 IECC
Climate Zones
4B, 5B, 6B, 7
Major Cities
Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora
Get Your Free Colorado Manual J

Colorado Energy Code & Manual J

Current Adopted Code

Colorado has adopted 2021 IECC as the statewide energy code for residential construction.

HVAC sizing per ACCA Manual J
Duct design per ACCA Manual D
Equipment selection per ACCA Manual S

What Colorado Building Departments Require

  • Manual J load calculation report
  • Equipment sizing documentation
  • Professional-quality PDF format
  • Climate zone and design temp data

Colorado Climate Zones & Design Temperatures

IECC Climate Zone
4B

Primary zone covering Denver and surrounding areas

IECC Climate Zone
5B

Additional zone in Colorado

IECC Climate Zone
6B

Additional zone in Colorado

IECC Climate Zone
7

Additional zone in Colorado

Manual J Requirements by Colorado City

Denver
Zone 4B
Colorado Springs
Zone 4B
Aurora
Zone 4B
Fort Collins
Zone 4B
Boulder
Zone 4B

How to Get a Manual J Calculation in Colorado

RECOMMENDED

AutoHVAC (FREE First Report)

  • Upload your Colorado blueprint
  • AI extracts all building data
  • Get permit-ready report in 60 seconds
  • No credit card required
Get Free Colorado Manual J →

Local Colorado Contractors

  • Turnaround: 3-7 days
  • $Typical cost: $150-400
  • On-site visit possible
  • Local expertise

DIY Software

  • Time: 30+ minutes per calc
  • $Cost: $5-200+/month
  • CoolCalc, Wrightsoft, etc.
  • Requires manual data entry

Colorado Manual J FAQ

How much does a Manual J calculation cost in Colorado?

Local Colorado contractors typically charge $150-400 for Manual J calculations. AutoHVAC offers your first Manual J calculation completely FREE with permit-ready results in 60 seconds — no credit card required.

Is a Manual J calculation required in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado follows 2021 IECC which requires heating and cooling loads be calculated per ACCA Manual J for permits on new construction and major HVAC work.

Where can I get a Manual J calculation in Colorado?

You can get a free Manual J calculation for Colorado instantly at AutoHVAC — upload your blueprint and receive a permit-ready report in 60 seconds. Alternatively, local Colorado HVAC contractors charge $150-400 with 3-7 day turnaround, or you can use DIY software like Wrightsoft or CoolCalc ($5-200+/month).

What climate zone is Colorado in for Manual J?

Colorado includes IECC climate zones 4B, 5B, 6B, 7. Zone 4B is most common, covering cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora. Climate zone data determines design temperatures and insulation requirements used in Manual J calculations.

Get Your Free Colorado Manual J Calculation

Join thousands of Colorado contractors who use AutoHVAC for instant, permit-ready load calculations.

Get Free Colorado Manual J

No credit card required • Results in 60 seconds