Describes the new ASHRAE Cooling and Heating Load Calculation Manual, developed as part of ASHRAE RP-626, with emphasis placed on new techniques and data. Much of the new material in the manual is based on recent ASHRAE research, such as RP-472. A comprehensive review of the literature was made to ensure that all data in the manual were the latest available. Three load calculation methods are covered by the new manual - the transfer function method (TFM), the cooling load temperature difference/solar cooling load/cooling load factor (CLTD/SCL/CLF) method, and the total equivalent temperature difference/time averaging (TETD/TA) method. The CLTD/SCL/CLF method is a revised version of the CLTD/CLF method. These revisions are described in a companion paper. A significant new feature of the manual is the inclusion of electronic tables on diskette for both the TFM and the CLTD/SCL/CLF methods. In addition, the manual has been reorganised for easier use.KEYWORDS: cooling load, heat load, calculating, reviews.