ASHRAE

With more than a century of knowledge in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) field, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is considered the preeminent industry association focused on “serving humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of HVAC&R and their allied fields.” This association has a rich history* that dates back more than 100 years. Although “American” is featured in its name, ASHRAE is a global organization with international events around the world and members in more than 132 countries worldwide.

Cooling Best Practices

ASHRAE offers professional development, funds research projects at universities and research centers, creates industry guidelines, and publishes technical standards to improve the industry’s energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainability advancement. The organization is dedicated to providing research and case studies regarding sustainability and “best in class” recommendations for all facets of cooling beyond traditional air conditioning. Evaporative cooling is included in the organization’s umbrella of cooling topics, as members share information about utilizing evaporative cooling as a sustainable cooling method. One study funded by ASHRAE illustrates how evaporative media life can be extended with proper water chemistry, control schemes, and design features. This data was compiled from sponsored surveys and investigations with a goal to build “a healthy and sustainable built environment for all.”

Continuing Education

ASHRAE provides education on a variety of cooling technology and maintenance guidelines. Continuing education resources available through the organization provide expertise on a wide range of topics, including commissioning, energy efficiency, environmental quality, HVAC&R applications, standards & guidelines, and CoV-2 mitigation. Following the conclusion of the course, participants receive a certificate of completion, which also translated to education credits through the American Institute of Architects, the Green Building Certification Institute, and other credentialing organizations.

Committee Participation

There is a multitude of committees available for those interested in being more involved with ASHRAE and the larger HVAC&R community. Individuals can join different groups to assist in preparing the ASHRAE handbook, participate in peer review of technical papers, supervise research projects, evaluate current standards, and advise the greater Society on emerging technology. Young professional ASHRAE members aged 35 years old and younger have the opportunity to join the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) committee. ASHRAE identifies, creates, and supports activities and services focused on the needs of these younger engineers. Members of the YEA committee are also prepared for future leadership in ASHRAE and the HVAC&R industry through a wide range of events and programs.

Portacool, LLC, the manufacturer of Kuul evaporative media, has been a consistent participant in annual conferences and is committed to staying up-to-date on relevant news from ASHRAE. As the leader in evaporative cooling technologies, the Kuul team relies on the organization’s expertise and research for industry standards, as well as emerging industry breakthroughs, to provide customers with the very best products for cooling application needs.

* In 1959, American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) and The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE) merged to create ASHRAE. ASHAE and ASRE were founded in 1894 and 1904, respectively. Please visit the ASHRAE website for additional information.