Can eQuest be used for load calcs? Probably, sure... I can mow my lawn with a machete too =)!

More directly, I personally would not opt to use eQuest for the express or concurrent purpose of performing load calculations for equipment sizing. I would universally end up spending less time & effort using software developed and intended for that purpose (your mileage may vary), but perhaps more importantly, separately determined equipment sizing calculations are one of the best resources I've come across for QC'ing and correcting the assumptions of a model vs. typical mechanical design assumptions.

Substantiating load calcs against my energy models falls squarely within my bubble of typical coordination/QC efforts. Particularly, I like to start with a check of total heating/cooling capacities, supply air, and OA sums, first at the system level then at the zonal level. Zonal checks, and corresponding space occupancy/scheduling tweaks, are not uncommonly necessary to get VAV systems operating just as intended with specified capacities, in my experience. Large discrepancies between the model and sizing calcs has also revealed errors/omissions in the load calcs, on occasion. Most this can be done from the airside summary reports, jumping into the inputs & select reports on a case-by-case basis as needed. When I do jump to reports to review loads in more detail, I often start with the loads summary (LS) series of reports. The "detailed simulation reports summary" accessible through the help menu gets further into what's covered where, for reference.

Interested to hear if others have pushed the eQuest envelope further in this arena...

Best regards,

~Nick