What Is ASHRAE

What is ASHRAE?

ASHRAE (pronounced "ASH-ray") is an acronym for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. It is a global professional organization that funds research projects, offers continuing education programs, and develops and publishes technical standards to improve building services engineering, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainable development.

ASHRAE was founded in 1894 as the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE). In 1959, it merged with the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE), which was founded in 1904. The society is dedicated to advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment.

ASHRAE Membership

In more than 130 countries, members span the entire building ecosystem, including

• Consulting and building services engineers

• Architects

• Mechanical contractors

• Building owners

• Employees of manufacturing companies

• Professionals in educational institutions and research organizations

• Government representatives

• Students

ASHRAE Standards

ASHRAE publishes a set of standards and guidelines relating to HVAC systems and issues that are often referenced in building codes and used by consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, architects, and government agencies. Here are some of the most widely recognized standards:

• ASHRAE Standard 90.1: This standard sets the minimum requirements for energy-efficient designs in new buildings, except for low-rise residential buildings. It is a cornerstone for creating energy-saving and sustainable structures.

• ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2: These standards focus on ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ). Standard 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates for commercial and institutional buildings to ensure acceptable air quality for occupants and minimize health risks. Standard 62.2 provides similar guidelines for residential buildings.

• ASHRAE Standard 15: This standard establishes safeguards for the design and installation of refrigeration systems to manage the risks associated with refrigerants.

• ASHRAE Standard 55: This standard outlines the factors necessary to create a comfortable thermal environment for building occupants.

ASHRAE's Influence on Commercial HVAC Customers

Whether you're in the planning phase of new construction or retrofitting an existing building, standards and guidelines set by ASHRAE will heavily influence the process for these key reasons:

• Code compliance and permits: Many building and energy codes adopt or reference ASHRAE standards (especially 62.1/62.2 and 90.1). Designs aligned with ASHRAE help streamline approvals.

• Health, comfort, and safety: Ventilation, filtration, thermal comfort, refrigerant safety, and water system hygiene (e.g., Legionella risk) are addressed directly in ASHRAE standards.

• Energy and operating cost control: ASHRAE’s energy standards and guidelines drive efficient design, controls, and retrofits that lower utility bills over the life of the system.

• Quality and performance: Following ASHRAE best practices improves reliability, maintainability, and occupant satisfaction, which are key for commercial facilities.

• Incentives and certifications: Many utility rebates and programs, as well as rating systems like LEED and WELL, reference ASHRAE standards and performance paths.

• Future readiness: ASHRAE updates standards regularly to reflect new technologies (e.g. low-GWP refrigerants, advanced controls) and evolving health/IAQ knowledge, helping owners protect their investment.

When customers work with HVAC companies that follow ASHRAE standards, like Trane Commercial, they can be confident that their systems are designed and installed according to recognized industry benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and performance.