Which type of standards does ASHRAE primarily publish?

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) primarily publishes voluntary consensus standards for HVAC systems. These standards are developed through public review and input, ensuring that they reflect best practices in the industry. They cover a wide range of topics, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and design guidelines for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Voluntary consensus standards encourage uniformity within the industry, promoting safety and sustainability while being adaptable to various regional and local codes. The voluntary nature of these standards means that while they provide valuable guidelines for practitioners, adherence is not mandated by law, allowing for flexibility in implementation according to specific project needs or client preferences.

Recognizing this, it becomes clear that the focus of ASHRAE's work is primarily on promoting best practices and advancing the science of HVAC engineering rather than on regulatory compliance, construction worker safety, or federal energy consumption mandates.