ASHRAE Standards for HVAC: Complete Guide for Commercial HVAC Manufacturers

Today’s major industries all face a push toward cleaner and more energy-efficient equipment solutions. Among them, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units remain some of the largest energy consumers at commercial sites throughout the world.
Building owners and operators at these locations are regularly looking for ways to reduce cost without losing capability. As the HVAC industry continues to balance efficiency with cost and other factors such as environmental friendliness, there is a constant demand for new equipment designs.
With so many potential changes and evolving requirements, there is an important need to maintain consistency, safety, and stability among building owners and manufacturers. Within the HVAC industry, there are a number of organizations that maintain relevant standards including the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Each of these entities works, through the influence and expertise of its members, to provide its own comprehensive listing of standards and supporting documentation.
One of the largest among these organizations is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) which has been around for more than 120 years and continues to have a major influence over the modern HVAC industry (i.e. a series of ASHRAE standards for HVAC). Particularly for commercial HVAC, the ASHRAE standards HVAC are federally recognized and play an important role in ensuring compliant HVAC system design.
The ASHRAE organization also makes a number of important contributions to the industry beyond their standards.
As new heating and cooling technologies began to emerge in the late 19th century, the need to organize the many industry professionals led to the formation of the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) in 1894. This was followed shortly after by another group, The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE), founded in 1904.
These organizations operated independently until 1959 when a merger was approved that formed the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Since that time, the global organization has worked to further the use of sustainable technology in building systems and energy equipment used within the HVAC industry. They support a global network of over 57,000 members in 132 nations and utilize research, published works, and ASHRAE standards to influence the direction of practices and trends.
Their active membership includes a number of activities in support of industry standardization and advancement including training, technical summits, and conferences.
Within industries that rely greatly on technology and engineering, standards are put in place to define an industry’s minimum technical requirements, procedures, and guidelines. Such standards play an important role in influencing local regulations and codes.
In the United States, such standards are developed as voluntary consensus standards that are maintained by recognized industry organizations. In other words, there are no federally mandated standards for many industries, but federal and state governments typically work together with these industry organizations to ensure that guidelines are followed.
This allows the subject matter experts within each industry to define the detailed standards from which to work from.
Within the HVAC industry, ASHRAE standards are a leading reference. For example, the ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings is recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as the reference standard for commercial building energy efficiency.
Each individual state is responsible for maintaining its own set of building and design codes, based upon ASHRAE and other standards. ASHRAE recognition at the federal level helps to encourage wider adoption of their latest standards among states.
ASHRAE has approximately 87 active standards and guideline project committees. These groups regularly review relevant industry topics such as thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and reducing refrigerant emissions.
The standards themselves include guidelines such as methods of testing for rating purposes, installation procedures, and other relevant information useful to the industry. They maintain a numerical index including the titles of all standards on their website along with detailed descriptions of their committee selection process.
HVAC system designers must be familiar with a number of federal, state, and local regulations along with industry standards maintained by a number of organizations. Having a thorough understanding of the various guidelines helps ensure that each new build incorporates the very latest industry knowledge, skills, and technology.
This not only helps to achieve compliance but also leads to safer and more energy-efficient systems.
Building owners and clients continue to push for commercial HVAC systems that are more efficient, lower cost and more environmentally friendly. As a result, manufacturers are constantly developing new designs to meet these needs.
A few potential design changes being evaluated currently based on HVAC industry trends are:
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, over half of U.S-based commercial real estate locations are cooled with packaged HVAC equipment. The market for these systems is huge, and regulations can have far-reaching impacts on system designs.
The latest published version of ASHRAE 90.1 is 90.1-2022. Many states have adopted at least the 2013 or 2016 editions, and an increasing number have moved on to 90.1-2019 or incorporated equivalent provisions in the IECC.
While some states still use older standards or have yet to establish new codes, adoption of newer, more efficient requirements continues to grow as market and policy pressures emphasize energy efficiency.
Regulations can substantially affect system designs. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) implemented new federal energy-efficiency standards for commercial unitary air conditioners and heat pumps in two phases: the first phase (effective January 1, 2018) required about a 13% efficiency improvement over the older standard, and the second phase (effective January 1, 2023) added approximately a 15% efficiency improvement over the 2018 baseline. These stricter requirements underscore the drive for higher-efficiency HVAC solutions in commercial buildings.
System manufacturers redesigned their HVAC equipment to comply with the 2018 federal efficiency standards and introduced new mid- and premium-tier products that exceeded those minimums. Following the second phase of DOE standards, which took effect in 2023, manufacturers have continued to update and expand their portfolios to meet or surpass the more stringent requirements.
ASHRAE maintains a very active professional development presence and offers a variety of learning opportunities thought instructor-led training courses, e-learning on-demand content, certifications, and self-directed training. Through these services, ASHRAE is able to support the worldwide adoption of their standards and provide individuals and teams at all levels with access to training.
The options vary greatly with respect to time commitment, cost, and scope depending on your particular needs.
The eLearning training includes over 90 technical courses for individuals along with corporate programs that can be tailored to specific needs. Two active courses related to ASHRAE standards include Standard 189.1 for High-Performance Green Buildings – Energy Efficiency and Using Standard 90.1-2010 to Meet LEED Requirements.
The content for these courses can be viewed directly from any browser, giving individuals a convenient option to advance their studies at any time.
Self-directed training involves course books that can be completed by individuals at their own pace. They are ideal for practicing professionals and recent graduates who are looking for a flexible learning option.
Many of the coursework covers an essential overview of each topic that is drawn from the standards and ongoing technical research of the organization. Specific topics include Fundamentals of Heating Systems, Fundamentals of Refrigeration, and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics.
A wide variety of instructor-led seminars and short courses are offered through the ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI). These are provided as intensive, authoritative reviews of important technical topics with instructors comprised of ASHRAE members, university faculty, and full-time engineers.
A number of sessions are offered online, such as 3-hour short courses covering specific topics like the Commissioning Process and Standard 202. Having access to such a large offering of learning opportunities directly from the source of commercial HVAC industry standards makes ASHRAE an important resource for manufacturers.
ASHRAE maintains a very active professional development presence and offers a variety of learning opportunities through instructor-led training courses, e-learning on-demand content, certifications, and self-directed training. Through these services, ASHRAE supports the worldwide adoption of its standards and provides individuals and teams at all levels with convenient access to training.
The options vary greatly in time commitment, cost, and scope, which allows professionals to select a course of study that best suits their needs.
The eLearning program now includes over 100 technical courses for individuals, along with corporate packages that can be tailored to specific requirements. Two notable examples focus on Standard 189.1 for High-Performance Green Buildings and Using Standard 90.1 to Meet LEED® Requirements. The content for these courses can be accessed directly from any browser, making it easy for busy professionals to expand their knowledge at any time.
Self-directed training involves course books that participants can complete at their own pace. This flexible option is popular with both practicing professionals and recent graduates. Much of the coursework provides a foundational overview drawn from current ASHRAE standards for HVAC and ongoing technical research.
Specific topics include Fundamentals of Heating Systems, Fundamentals of Refrigeration, and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics.
A wide array of instructor-led seminars and short courses is also offered through the ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI). These sessions provide focused, authoritative reviews of critical technical subjects, led by experienced ASHRAE members, university faculty, and practicing engineers.
Many of these seminars are available online, including three-hour short courses covering specialized topics such as the Commissioning Process and Standard 202. Having access to such a comprehensive suite of educational opportunities directly from the source of leading commercial HVAC standards makes ASHRAE a vital resource for manufacturers and industry professionals alike.
In a recent “Industry Need” survey by ASHRAE, 74% of respondents with influence over hiring decisions at their organizations indicated that they utilize the Certified HVAC Designer designation as a tool for identifying competent new-hire prospects. It clearly has recognition within the industry along with the other ASHRAE certifications.
A certification with ASHRAE helps to ensure that employees, employers, and clients such as building owners can all share the same confidence that proper skills and knowledge are applied to each job.
Completing a certification with ASHRAE demonstrates a thorough knowledge of technical, safety, and HVAC industry best practices. There is a recertification requirement in place that ensures all certifications are maintained to the latest standards.
Having a certification can help elevate the reputation of engineers and the organizations that employ them while giving them a clear achievement as part of their professional development plan.
Industry requirements for energy efficiency continue to evolve, and HVAC manufacturers will need to keep up with the latest guidelines in order to stay competitive. In such a fast-paced environment, the agreed-upon standards that govern many aspects of the design process are as important as ever. ASHRAE has a true leadership position in the HVAC industry and offers a number of useful resources for engineers and manufacturers.
ASHRAE standards for HVAC form a vital foundation for the commercial HVAC manufacturing sector, guiding manufacturers toward improved energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and system performance. By following key documents—such as Standard 90.1 for energy conservation, Standard 62.1 for ventilation, and Standard 189.1 for high-performance green buildings—companies ensure their products meet modern demands for sustainability and occupant health.
Equally important, a strong professional development framework through ASHRAE eLearning, certifications, and instructor-led courses helps maintain a workforce that is well-versed in the latest technological and regulatory shifts.
For commercial HVAC manufacturers, staying aligned with the newest ASHRAE standards for HVAC not only safeguards compliance but also opens doors to innovation and market competitiveness. As energy codes continue to evolve and global pressure for sustainability escalates, those who proactively design, test, and certify their equipment around ASHRAE guidelines will find themselves best positioned for long-term success.
By leveraging ASHRAE’s comprehensive resources, manufacturers can confidently navigate regulatory landscapes, deliver cutting-edge products, and ultimately contribute to a more efficient, healthier built environment.
For additional details about the ASHRAE standards and the impact they can have over your HVAC manufacturing business, you can visit the following resources:
ASHRAE standards are detailed documents that set design, installation, and operational guidelines for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They help ensure energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and safety in commercial buildings.
ASHRAE itself is an organization that publishes standards, not codes. Local authorities and building departments may adopt these standards into their jurisdictions, effectively making them part of the enforceable building code.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the development and integrity of standards across various industries, ensuring that the process for creating standards is fair and transparent. ASHRAE, on the other hand, is a technical society that develops and maintains the specific HVAC&R standards, many of which are approved by ANSI.
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