Any requirement for a given application will be established and enforced by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) most likely in their building or safety code. ASHRAE may publish minimum performance standards or design guidance, but it carries no regulatory requirements unless specifically referenced by the applicable regulation. Consult the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) over building code regulations for the requirements applicable to your area. ASHRAE Standards may be partially or fully referenced in building codes. ASHRAE does not track which jurisdictions adopt ASHRAE standards into building codes.

You should send an email detailing your issue to tse@ashrae.net. ASHRAE’s Technical Services Engineer will forward your issue to the appropriate person, depending on the site having issues.

An official interpretation is defined as a written explanation of the meaning of a specific provision of a standard or guideline, as determined by an existing cognizant Project Committee (PC) or an Interpretation Committee (IC), in response to a written request. ASHRAE will not normally respond to a follow-up request for official interpretation to confirm a previous unofficial interpretation. Responses to requests for official interpretations must be approved by the cognizant committee, which normally meets twice a year in conjunction with the ASHRAE Society meetings. Please note a response might require 6-12 months. Requests for interpretation and comments on interpretations issued should be submitted in writing using the form here .

Previous Official Interpretations to some ASHRAE standards are also posted on the ASHRAE website and may be downloaded for free at the Standards Interpretations page.

Visit the Standards Errata page for forms and procedures on submitting errors. These will be reviewed by the ASHRAE Manager of Standards and/or the appropriate Standard or Guideline committee for verification. An erratum will be published when verified and corrected. Current errata are available for free download from the ASHRAE website.

Yes, a number of standards, guidelines, and other publications have been translated into other languages. These are available on the ASHRAE website at www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/translated-publications.

The Handbook webpage lists the current formats offered for the ASHRAE Handbook including PDF, print or subscribing to the Handbook Online. The Handbook Online allows all current copies to be accessed along with the supplementary materials.

A PDF copy can be downloaded in the ASHRAE Technology Portal as part of the Member Benefit option, if selected. 

Standards Actions contain announcements including public review drafts open for comment, call for members on ASHRAE committees, publications, new errata and interpretations, and other information related to ASHRAE standards and standards related activities.

Standards Actions are available for free download at www.ashrae.org/standardsresearch--technology/standards-actions or you may sign up for a Standards Action listserve at https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/free-resources/listserves.

Many ASHRAE Standards offer multiple compliance paths with alternative options or trade-offs to allow multiple ways to comply with ASHRAE standards.

Please note that any requirement is established and enforced by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), typically in a building code or regulation. The requirement for your building may or may not reference or be consistent with ASHRAE publications.

Each year, the October issue of the ASHRAE Journal includes an annual Research Report dedicated to the research projects being conducted over the current year. This lists each project with a short description of the research. The ASHRAE Journal is free to members and is available for $11 for a single issue in the bookstore or $119/yr to access the full collection in the Technology Portal.

Unfortunately, as a technical engineering society, ASHRAE does not keep a directory of members by expertise who can conduct specific work. By policy, ASHRAE is non-commercial, and cannot recommend providers of services or products.  The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is a source for locating engineering firms or individuals in a particular state. Additionally, the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC) provides a member directory of independent, private practice engineering companies. You can also reach out to your local ASHRAE chapter for local contacts. A list of ASHRAE chapters can be found at www.ashrae.org/communities/chapters/ashrae-chapters.

By policy, ASHRAE does not release information on its membership. Contact information for ASHRAE members is generally only released to other members of the committees to which the member belongs to facilitate communications within the committee.

Unfortunately, as a technical engineering society, ASHRAE does not keep a directory of members by expertise who can conduct specific work. A trade association like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) may provide a directory of contractors in your area. 

Unfortunately, as a technical society, ASHRAE does not conduct testing or certify performance. ASHRAE does develop and publish standards and guidelines for manufacturers to test their products against.

There are several private laboratories that provide independent filter testing. You can search for test labs by specialty and location by going to the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). ASHRAE does not certify independent labs for standard or guideline conformance.

National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) is a trade association of filter manufacturers with a product certification program for air filters.

As a technical society, ASHRAE does not conduct testing or certify product performance, however ASHRAE does develop and publish standards and guidelines for manufacturers to test their products. 

Specifically, ASHRAE Standard 110-2016(RA2025), “Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods" is used for testing the performance of fume hoods as manufactured, as installed and as used. 

Typically, the owner establishes a program to inspect and certify their laboratory fume hoods and to verify their equipment meets design criteria for their application. The certification program may be based on OSHA regulations (Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450) and/or AIHA Laboratory Ventilation (ANSI/AIHA Standard Z9.5). Such a program may include the allowable average and maximum exposure levels, allowable fume hood face velocities, and required speed of response for variable volume operations. The owner should also determine the agency responsible for conducting the testing; this may be an in-house department or an outside agency. Since these hoods are the primary control method used to prevent worker exposure in the laboratory, it is important that all hoods are certified to ensure that each hood is performing properly.

ASHRAE has developed certification programs related to building design and system operation in the HVAC&R field. ASHRAE certification helps to assure employers and clients that the professional has mastered the body of knowledge associated with the respective field. For more information on the certification programs ASHRAE offers, please visit the Certification site at www.ashrae.org/professional-development/ashrae-certification.

The Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements gives information on requirements, certification programs, and test topics.

Other sources include:

• ACCA - Air Conditioning Contractors of America
• AHRI – Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute
• SMACNA – Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors of North America

The relationship with air quality (including thermal comfort) has been studied and results published.

The Technical Feature in the September 2023 ASHRAE Journal titled “A Path to More Valuable, Productive, Ultralow Energy Office Buildings” suggests “Maximizing the financial bottom line of office buildings requires an emphasis on occupant comfort, environmental quality and reduced distractions at each workspace.” This also suggests using multiple workspace-based comfort control measures rather than zone-level conditioning.

You may benefit from performing a keyword search at the ASHRAE bookstore website (http://www.ashrae.org/bookstore) to locate ASHRAE publications relevant to the subject you are interested in. This searches all technical papers and proceedings from ASHRAE Meetings and Conferences, magazine articles, handbook chapters, standards, and other literature published by or available through ASHRAE.

ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, specifies conditions or comfort zones where 80% of sedentary or slightly active people find the environment thermally acceptable.

ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.9 publishes a series of books and design guides related to the application. Information on TC 9.9’s Datacom Series is available on the ASHRAE website.

The series includes a book titled Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments, 4th Edition that contains both recommended and allowable environmental envelopes for data communication equipment.

ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, notes that for thermal comfort purposes, temperature could range from approximately 67 and 82 °F, but the specific range can be determined from the standard and depends on relative humidity, season, clothing worn, activity levels, and other factors. The standard refers to Standard 62.1 for an upper Humidity Ratio but notes that non-thermal comfort factors such as skin drying, irritation of mucus membranes, dry eyes, and static electricity may place limits on acceptability of very low humidity environments.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1 recommends that relative humidity in occupied spaces be limited to less than 65% to reduce the likelihood of conditions that can lead to microbial growth.

ASHRAE has some general recommendations for plenums in the 2024 ASHRAE Handbook - Systems and Equipment, Chapter S19 Duct Construction.

The use of return plenums is discussed in Chapter 48 of the 2023 ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications. This section addresses the potential for more problems in unducted plenum returns and provides some guidance to minimize possible problems.

The ASHRAE publication titled "Load Calculation Applications Manual" is the most comprehensive publication on the subject that ASHRAE makes available. This includes guidance on design from other ASHRAE publications and explains concepts with examples. The focus of this book is commercial and institutional buildings but may be of interest for residential applications.  

The industry standard for residential load calculations is the ACCA Manual J.  It will take all factors into account for a comprehensive calculation. Factors include the climate the house is in, size, number of occupants, building materials, fenestration properties, building orientation, outside air ventilation, and many other things.  There is some professional judgement involved, so an exact or universally agreed on size may not be possible in all cases, but a reasonable range can be found, and a professional should be able to justify their calculations and assumptions. The ACCA Manual J may be available at a local technical or engineering library.

The methodology given in the ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals, Chapter F17 explains cooling and heating load calculations for residential applications. This chapter presents the Heat Balance and Radiant Time Series Methods of calculating cooling loads.

Any load calculation you use should be ASHRAE Standard 183 compliant. Standard 183-2024 Peak Cooling and Heating Load Calculations in Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings establishes a minimum level of requirements that is as inclusive of as many methods as possible while still being restrictive enough to mandate an appropriate level of care and accuracy.

By policy, ASHRAE cannot certify, endorse, or recommend any products, but there are several software from manufacturers and other commercially available options.  ASHRAE recommends a load calculation software be compliant with ASHRAE Standard 183, list title here.  Software developers should be able to tell you if their product is ASHRAE Standard 183 compliant.

Design weather data refers generally to specific percentiles of occurrence (mostly joint) of temperature and humidity or wind speed as provided in either the ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals, Chapter F14, or the Weather Data Viewer. Values for locations listed are based on long term hourly official meteorological observations. In the U.S. most available official meteorological data was used in compiling the information in Chapter F14. Other data may be available from local ASHRAE chapters or universities. In other countries, National Meteorological Services generally will have observational data for more locations than listed in Chapter F14. The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville NC makes available a web site providing links to sites providing weather information of potential interest to ASHRAE members (www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ashrae/gwds-title.html).

NCDC archives historical meteorological data for thousands of locations in the U.S. and internationally. Additional data will be available from countries’ National Weather Services. The following web page at NCDC also provides links to web sites with meteorological information of potential interest to ASHRAE members (www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climateinformation/sectoral/resources-for-building-engineers)

ASHRAE Standard 169-2021 Climatic Data for Building Design Standards provides recognized climatic data for use in building design and related equipment standards.

Some local gas and/or electric utilities maintain this information for their service areas.

Obtaining Bin Weather Data

One approach is to go to a source which has pre-made bin weather data based upon predetermined hours of the day and days of the week.

Another approach is to use a software program which allows you to create your own custom bin weather data by specifying the specific hours of the day, days of the week, and months of the year to include in the binning.

These programs also provide the capability to:

• Select the bin size, such as 2F, 5F or 10F
• Use parameters other than just dry bulb temperature, such as humidity ratio, wet bulb, etc.
• Determine the average value of other parameters which occur coincident with that of the binned parameter. For example, determine the average enthalpy coincident with a 75F and 80F dry bulb bin.

The ASHRAE Weather Data Viewer allows you to display the 1degree F frequency of occurrence bins of dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew-point, temperatures and enthalpy and wind speed for each location listed in the 2025 ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals. These values can be determined by month or on an annual basis. The occurrence of another parameter which occurs coincident with that binned parameter can also be displayed.

Obtaining Hourly, Daily, or Monthly Weather Data

NCEI archives historical meteorological data for thousands of locations in the U.S. and internationally. Additional data will be available from countries’ National Weather Services. The following web page at NCEI also provides links to web sites with meteorological information of potential interest to ASHRAE members (www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools)  

The ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 User's Manual provides additional information and examples to design for ASHRAE compliance. This resource was discontinued after the 2019 version.

There are interactive compliance forms on the ASHRAE website at www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/pcs-toolkit/standards-forms-procedures for lighting and different methods of compliance with Standard 90.1.

Consult the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) over building code requirements for the requirements applicable to your locale (e.g. Authority Having Jurisdiction). ASHRAE develops and publishes resources on energy-efficient buildings, but they are not required unless explicitly referenced in the local building code. 

ASHRAE Standard 90.1, plus ASHRAE BOD approved addenda provides design requirements for energy-efficient new buildings except low-rise residential buildings.

ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides offer guidance and tools needed to achieve 50%, 30%, or net zero energy buildings compared to 90.1.

ASHRAE Standard 211, Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits, as well as the ASHRAE book, Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits detail the procedures for the various energy audit level procedures:

• Level 1 – Walk-Through Survey
• Level 2 – Energy Survey and Analysis,
• Level 3 – Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications
• Targeted Audits 

The book includes a list of tasks associated with the various energy audit levels, including recommendations for energy audit best practices, with resources for energy auditors and building owners. The publication includes sample outlines, analytical approaches, economic evaluation methods and sample energy audit data collection and reporting forms. The ASHRAE Standard includes this information in a mandatory or code enforceable language. The 2023 ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, Chapter A37, Energy Use and Water Use Management, includes a brief section on Surveys and Audits. The section very briefly describes energy audits and provides a list of activities that each energy audit may include.

Information can be found in Chapter A37, Energy and Water Use and Management, of the 2023 ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, which refers to ENERGY STAR (www.energystar.gov) and performance metrics developed using data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (DOE/EIA; www.eia.gov).

Simulation results are presented as energy targets for existing commercial buildings in ASHRAE Standard 100-2024, Energy and Emissions Building Performance Standard for Existing Buildings establishes building greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption performance levels for existing buildings. This standard provides compliance requirements that will result in improved energy efficiency and reduced GHG emissions of existing buildings.

The EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager program presents measured EUI data for thousands of commercial buildings, also by building type and climate zone, for benchmark comparisons with buildings entered by users via the internet, https://portfoliomanager.energystar.gov.

In a competitive, mature industry such as the HVAC industry, virtually all air conditioning and heating units are considered "good." They will perform well and provide good service if properly installed and maintained by competent contractors. It can be time well spent determining the duration and breadth of warranty coverage for the specific system that you are considering. It is also worthwhile to evaluate the AHRI certified performance and compare this with alternative systems. The certified performance of these systems can be found in the Certification Directory of the trade association of HVAC equipment manufacturers (Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, AHRI). To find a competent contractor, you may want to contact the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Sheet Metal and Air-conditioning Contractors of North America (SMACNA). Contractors having technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE) are highly recommended (NATE certification for air conditioning technicians is similar to ASE certification for automotive technicians). When selecting a prospective contractor, you would do well to talk to one or more of their customers for whom they have done the same type of work you are seeking.

By policy, ASHRAE is non-commercial, and cannot recommend providers of services or products, and cannot recommend products. ASHRAE does not test, certify, or endorse any product. The ASHRAE website, does carry paid and free advertisements that include HVAC and environmental consultants in our Product & Services Directory.

Other organizations that may have information include:

• AHAM - Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
• AHRI - Air conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute
• NAFA - National Air Filtration Association

ASHRAE is a technical society, and as such focuses on technology. ASHRAE does not have information on the HVAC market. Trade organizations such as the Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) do have some information on the HVAC market. U.S. Department of Commerce (US DOC) - www.commerce.gov), may also be source for this type of information. A trade publication like ACHRNews may be a source of market information as well.

ASHRAE does not have an official policy on duct cleaning. The 2024 ASHRAE Handbook - Systems and Equipment, Chapter S19 refers to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) 2013 Standard "Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration of HVAC Systems." Standard 170 requires new supply ducts to meet SMACNA Level C cleanliness.

More information on duct cleaning can be obtained from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), and Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)

The 2023 ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, Chapter A36 Solar Energy Use and 2024 ASHRAE Handbook - Systems and Equipment, Chapter S37 ASHRAE Solar Energy Equipment and Systems provides an overview of types of systems, use, design, operation, installation, and maintenance.

Other organizations that may offer information include: Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), American Solar Energy Society (ASES)

The 2024 ASHRAE Handbook - Systems and Equipment, Chapter S09 and 2023 ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, Chapter A35 give helpful information along with the ASHRAE Manual Geothermal Heating and Cooling: Design of Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems. This manual includes detailed coverage of groundwater, surface-water, and GSHP costs.

Other organizations that may have more information include the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and the Geothermal Exchange Organization.

The air pressure relationships for specific health care facility areas vary by the medical processes and procedures that are going to occur in them. See the tables in the ASHRAE Standard 170 Ventilation of Healthcare Facilities or the HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics 2nd edition.

The 2023 ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, Chapter A38 and ASHRAE Standard 111-2024  provide information on test and balance procedures. If pressure relationships are critical, it might be appropriate to have a recognized test and balance professional make the necessary determinations.

Sources of Information are:

• NEBB - National Environmental Balancing Bureau - www.nebb.org
• AABC- Associated Air Balance Council - www.aabchq.com

The recommended air change and ventilation rates for specific health care spaces vary by the medical processes and procedures that are going to occur in them. See the tables in the HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics, 2nd edition or the ASHRAE Standard 170-2025, Ventilation of Healthcare Facilities

ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols establishes minimum requirements to reduce risk of disease transmission in the occupiable space in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations to existing buildings, including requirements for both outdoor air system and air cleaning system design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance. (I might add statement from standard if its concise enough) on when to employ std 241 requirements)

The Infectious Aerosols Position Document summarizes ASHRAE’s official position on the subject, explains why, and recommendations to lawmakers in response to this issue.

For additional papers or articles, you may wish to perform a keyword search of ASHRAE publications at www.ashrae.org/bookstore. 

BACnet stands for Building Automation and Control Networks. It is communication protocol designed for the built environment to provide a platform to integrate building control products and services made by different manufacturers. BACnet is used in products made for building systems including, but not limited to, HVAC&R control, lighting control, fire and life safety systems, and access control. ASHRAE Standard 135-2024 BACnet - A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Network BACnet defines an interoperable data communication protocol for equipment that can used for the monitoring and control of building systems. The standard defines an abstract, object-oriented representation of information communicated between such equipment, thereby facilitating the application and use of digital control technology in buildings. BACnet models each building automation and control device as a collection of data structures called objects, the properties of which represent various aspects of the hardware, software, and operation of the device. These objects provide a means of identifying and accessing information without requiring knowledge of the details of the device's internal design or configuration. BACnet also defines a web services based secure service interface for integrating data from disparate, protocol independent, sources.

More information about BACnet can be found at https://bacnet.org/.

The BTL Mark and a listing on the BACnet International website are the only indications that a device is BACnet compatible. A vendor can claim a device is BACnet compatible but to be considered truly conformant to the standard, third-party testing is required. When a device has successfully completed testing via application of BACnet tests by a Recognized BACnet Testing Organization, the device is BTL Certified and will be listed as a BTL Certified device. Recognized BACnet Testing Organizations apply tests not only from the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135.1, but also from a suite of interoperability tests developed by industry experts (also known as “BTL Test Package”). Only BTL Certified devices are permitted to display the BTL Mark either on the device or in documentation referencing the device. For more information about BACnet and BACnet testing, see ASHRAE Standard 135, Standard 135.1, and BACnet International BIG-EU BACnet.org.

BACnet is a communication protocol that is not limited to large systems and can easily support simple two-device systems. When information needs to be transferred between two or more devices, BACnet is very much capable of performing that task.

A number of books and technical papers available at www.ashrae.org/bookstore address the topic. You may benefit from performing a keyword search of ASHRAE technical papers and proceedings from ASHRAE Meetings and Conferences, magazine articles, handbook chapters, standards, and other literature published by or available through ASHRAE.

Some helpful publications available in the ASHRAE bookstore include:

• The Effects of Ventilation on Indoor Air Quality in Schools
• Do the Students in High Performance Incentive (HPI) Schools Demonstrate More Academic Improvement than their Peers in Non-HPI Schools?
• Indoor Environmental Quality in Schools and Academic Performance of Students: Studies from 2004 to Present

ASHRAE recommends filtration efficiencies for various applications in the ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications. This Handbook contains numerous chapters on various applications, and lists for most applications the necessary filtration, temperature, humidity, and other parameters and design issues. Information on gaseous and particulate contaminants can be found in Chapter F11 of the ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals.

Other organizations that can provide guidance include:

• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• National Air Filtration Association (NAFA)
• National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

ASHRAE currently does not have a recommendation or policy regarding the use of biocides or microbial inhibitors on filters. The ASHRAE Handbook chapter on particulate air filtration, 2024 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment, Chapter S29, makes no mention of biocide-treated air filters. ASHRAE Research Project #909 titled, "Efficacy of Antimicrobial Treatment of Fibrous Air Filters" was completed in 1999. This research project evaluated the efficacy of adding an antimicrobial coating on filters using three different (EPA Registered) treatments. Overall, the addition of antimicrobial on filter fibers had little effect on the growth (or lack thereof) of microbial contaminants on the filter. A complete report on the project can be obtained at https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/research/research-reports.

The ASHRAE Standard 52.2 describes a method of laboratory testing to measure the performance of general ventilation air-cleaning devices. Informative appendices H and J provide optional procedures to better replicate field service conditions. Standard 52.2 also provides a method of conditioning a filter using ultrafine KCl particles to demonstrate efficiency loss that might be realized in field applications.

There is further guidance available by the International Organization for Standardization available as ISO 29462:2013 “Field testing of general ventilation filtration devices and systems for in situ removal efficiency by particle size and resistance to airflow”.

The ASHRAE Handbook – Applications Chapter 62 Ultraviolet Light and Air Cleaning states “UVC is now used as an engineering control to interrupt the transmission of pathogenic organisms, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), influenza viruses, coronavirus, mold, and potential bioterrorism agents.”

The Filtration/Disinfection site gives helpful information developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to control microbes in an HVAC system.

ASHRAE Standards 185.1 and 185.2 are Method of Test standards for using ultraviolet lights to inactivate microorganisms.

ASHRAE publishes standards on indoor air quality including ASHRAE Standards 62.1, 62.2, 170, 189.1, and Guideline 10. The ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is a comprehensive publication that provides both summary and detailed guidance. The ASHRAE Residential Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Acquisition, Design, Construction, Maintenance and Operation is related to residential buildings.

Other IEQ resources are available at www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/ieq-resources.

A number of other books and technical papers are available. You may benefit from performing a keyword search ASHRAE Journal articles, technical papers and proceedings from ASHRAE Meetings and Conferences, handbook chapters, standards, and other literature published by or available through ASHRAE.

ASHRAE does have an official policy on environmental tobacco smoke published in an ASHRAE Position Document on Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS). This document is available for free download from the ASHRAE website. ASHRAE Standard 62.1 also includes some guidance on designing for ETS in buildings. A number of other books and technical papers available at www.ashrae.org/bookstore address design of spaces with ETS.

You may benefit from performing a keyword search ASHRAE technical papers and proceedings from ASHRAE Meetings and Conferences, magazine articles, handbook chapters, standards, and other literature published by or available through ASHRAE.

ASHRAE publishes Standard 161, Air Quality in Commercial Aircraft. Currently, cabin air quality is regulated through Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for aircraft registered in the United States. ASHRAE also publishes Guideline 28, Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft, which serves as a companion to Standard 161. It includes additional research and supporting information for guidance in assessing and assuring good air quality within the aircraft cabin. The ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, Chapter A13 - Aircraft, provides information on the Environmental Control System (ECS) used in aircraft.

ASHRAE supports the phasing down of high GWP refrigerants. ASHRAE's Climate Change Position document states, "On 15 October 2016, parties to the Montreal Protocol met in Kigali, Rwanda, and adopted a new amendment to gradually phase out the use of HFCs over the next 20–30 years. This means that in most applications HFCs will gradually be replaced by the next generation of products with much lower GWP, including hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), hydrocarbons, CO2, and ammonia, as well as other gases."

The Refrigerants and their Responsible Use Position Document reviews what ASHRAE supports in responsibly choosing a refrigerant for an application. This states that considering the Global Warming Potential, Ozone depletion potential, safety, short- and long-term solutions is the responsible use of a refrigerant. 

From a regulatory perspective, the EPA has some helpful information on the phasedown of HFCs here and has an FAQ page that explains what this means and how allowances can be used. This page shows that, under the AIM Act, HFC production and consumption allowances are currently at 60% but will decrease to 15% of historic baseline levels by 2036.

The ASHRAE Handbook - Refrigeration, Chapter R12, Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems, has detailed engineering information on this subject. Also refer to Chapter R06, Refrigeration System Chemistry, for additional information on the subject. There is a program, Materials Compatibility Lubricants Research Program funded by the US. Department of Energy (US DOE).

Unfortunately, no. Your best source of information is probably to contact the manufacturer. The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) may also have helpful information.

ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 are the Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality standards, with 62.2 being applicable to Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

ASHRAE also publishes ventilation standards for specific applications:

• Standard 161, Air Quality in Commercial Aircraft
• ASHRAE Standard 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities
• Standard 189.1 Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings gives ventilation requirements for new buildings
• Standard 241 Control of Infectious Aerosols gives operation and maintenance ventilation requirements for health care facilities

Air Change rates for many specific applications are discussed in the 2023 ASHRAE Handbook: HVAC Applications. The section titled "Air Change Rates" states "Air change rates are not constant values, and should vary based on zone usage and occupancy, with other specific factors (e.g., events spaces, fabrication or paint shops, conservation labs, off-gassing collections materials) accounted for as necessary. Initial design may use air change rates recommended for particular zone types (office, laboratory, classrooms, etc.) but should include variable-frequency drives (VFDs) or variable speed drives (VSDs) that can control air volume/change rates based on occupancy patterns, established needs, and other factors."

ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 Table 6-1: Minimum Ventilation Rates in Breathing Zone gives outdoor air rates and occupant density for general spaces. This standard is available for free preview here to view these spaces. Please note that most standards use cfm/sq ft rather than Air Changes per Hour (ACH).

Standard 170-2025 gives the ACH for different spaces in Health Care Facilities.

ASHRAE does not establish such levels, instead references contaminant limits from cognizant authorities. There are ambient air levels established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The ACGIH establishes allowable levels for the industrial environment.

ASHRAE Standards 180 Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems and 211 Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits address commercial operation and maintenance procedures.

Other helpful resources include:

• ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, Chapter A39
• ASHRAE Guideline 4 Preparation of Operating and Maintenance documentation for HVAC&R Systems.
• Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality includes a section on maintenance
• Guideline 32 Management for Sustainable High-Performance Operations and Maintenance focuses on high performing buildings

Other organizations that may have helpful information include:

• BOMA - Building Owners and Managers Association International
• IFMA - International Facility Management Association

Cost effectiveness of maintenance management is discussed in the 2023 ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications, Chapter A38 Owning and Operating Costs.

The ASHRAE publication Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Buildings includes a chapter on the business case for effective maintenance programs.

You may benefit from a keyword search on the ASHRAE website to locate ASHRAE publications relevant to the subject you are interested in. This searches all technical papers and proceedings from ASHRAE Meetings and Conferences, magazine articles, handbook chapters, standards, and other literature published by or available through ASHRAE.

The ASHRAE Service Life and Maintenance Cost database was created from the research project RP-1237 to provide current information on service life and maintenance costs of typical HVAC equipment to assist engineers with owning and operating data to make decisions involving the life cycle and functionality of buildings.

The ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications Chapter 38 Owning and Operating Costs analyzes the Service Life of equipment in regard to lifetime costs. This chapter signifies the economic life of a particular system or component, or how long it remains in its original service application. End of service life may occur for many reasons, including obsolescence, reduced reliability, excessive maintenance costs, changed system requirements, energy prices, environmental considerations, or failure. Since several of these variables are totally independent of the equipment or system design, they are nearly impossible to forecast at the outset of a project. The term service life is often assumed by ASHRAE members to mean equipment life rather than economic life. The distinction between the two is not insignificant.

There is an ongoing ASHRAE project, WS #1977-SP, underway to update Equipment Lifespan Tables in the Handbook.

Refer to the equipment manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions for guidance on cleaning, suggested frequency of inspection and cleaning for various components, and recommendations for cleaning prior to initial and seasonal start-up.

ASHRAE's recommendations regarding Legionellosis are contained in ASHRAE Standard 188, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, its companion standard 514 Risk Management for Building Water Systems: Physical, Chemical, and Microbial Hazards, and  ASHRAE Guideline 12, Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems.

These ASHRAE standards are available for a free preview at www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/read-only-versions-of-ashrae-standards or for purchase at www.ashrae.org/bookstore. You cannot print or save the free preview, but it will let you read the standard in its entirety.