Professional and Trade Associations
Many professional and trade associations have been formed to develop and provide research materials, services, and support for those working in the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning trades. The materials, services, and support include:
1. Formulating and establishing specifications and professional standards.
2. Certifying that equipment and materials meet or exceed minimum standards.
3. Certifying that technicians have met education and training standards.
4. Conducting product research.
5. Promoting interest in the product.
6. Providing education and training.
7. Publishing books, newsletters, articles, and technical papers.
8. Conducting seminars and workshops.
A great deal of useful information can be obtained by contacting these associations. With that in mind the names and addresses of the principal organizations have been included in this Appendix. They are listed in alphabetical order.
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Wholesalers International (ARWI)
(See Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International)
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI)
4100 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 200
Arlington, Virginia
Phone: (703) 524-8800
Fax:(703) 528-3816
Email: Ari@ari. org
Web site: Www. ari. org
A national trade association of manufacturers of central air conditioning, warm-air heating, and commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment, ARI publishes ARI standards and guidelines, which can be downloaded free from its web site. ARI is an approved certifying organization for the EPA Technician Certification Exam. ARI also provides a study manual for those taking the EPA Technician Certification Exam. ARI developed the Curriculum Guide in collaboration with HVACR instructors, manufacturing training experts, and other industry professionals for use in all school programs that educate and train students to become competent, entry-level HVACR technicians.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
2800 Shirlington Road
Suite 300
Arlington, Virginia 22206 Phone: (703) 575-4477 Fax: (703) 575-4449 Email: Info@acca. org Web site: Www. acca. org
A national trade association of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems contractors, ACCA (until 1978, the National Environmental Systems Contractors Association) publishes a variety of different manuals useful for those working in the HVAC trades, including residential and commercial equipment load calculations, residential duct system design, and system installation. ACCA also publishes training and certification manuals. The ACCA publications can be purchased by both members and nonmembers. Check the web site for a list of the ACCA publications, because it is very extensive.
1000 E. Woodfield Road
Suite 102
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 Phone: (847) 706-6750 Fax: (847) 706-6751 Email: Info@flexibleduct. org Web site: Www. flexibleduct. org
The Air Diffusion Council (ADC) was formed to promote the interests of the manufacturers of flexible air ducts and related air distribution equipment. The ADC supports the maintenance and development of uniform industry standards for the installation, use, and performance of flexible duct products. It encourages the use of those standards by various code writing groups, government agencies, architects, engineers, and heating and air conditioning contractors.
(See Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)
Air Movement and Control Association International,
30 West University Drive Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004 Phone: (847) 394-0150 Fax: (847) 253-0088 Email: Amca@amca. org Web site: Www. amca. org
The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA) is a trade association of the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of air movement and control equipment (fans, louvers, dampers, and related air systems equipment). The AMCA Certified Ratings Programs are an important function of the association. Their purpose is to give the buyer, specification writer, and user of air movement and control equipment assurance that published ratings are reliable and accurate. The AMCA publishes current test standards for fans, louvers, dampers, and shutters. It also issues a variety of AMCA certified rating seals for different types of air movement and control equipment. It publishes a newsletter various technical specifications for members and those who work with air movement and control systems.
American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA)
4001 North 9th Street Suite 226
Arlington, Virginia 22203 Phone: (703) 522-7350 Fax: (703) 522-2665
Email: Randy@abma. com Web Site: Www. abma. com
The American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) is a national association representing the manufacturers of commercial, industrial, and utility steam generating and fuel burning equipment, as well as suppliers to the industry. The primary goal of ABMA is topromote the common business interests of the boiler manufacturing industry and to promote the safe, environmentally friendly use of the products and services of its members. Publishes technical guides and manuals.
American Gas Association (AGA)
151400 North Capitol Street, N. W.
Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 824-7000 Fax: (202) 824-7115 Email: Fax: Krogers@aga. org Web site: Www. aga. org
The AGA develops residential gas operating and performance standards for distributors and transporters of natural, manufactured, and mixed gas.
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (800) 527-4723 (toll free)
Phone: (404) 636-8400 Fax: (404) 321-5478 Email: Ashrae@ashrae. org Web site: Www. ashrae. org
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air — Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international professional association concerned with the advancement of the science and technology of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration through research, standards writing, continuing education, and publications. Membership in ASHRAE is open to any person associated with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration. There are several different types of membership depending on the individual’s background and experience in the different HVAC and refrigeration fields. An important benefit of belonging to ASHRAE is access to numerous technical publications.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Three Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016
Phone: (800) 843-2763 or (973) 882-1167
Fax:(973)882-1717
Email: Infocentral@asme. org
Web site: Www. asme. org
A nonprofit technical and education association, ASME develops safety codes and standards and has an extensive list of technical publications covering pressure vessels, piping, and boilers. ASME offers educational and training services and conducts technology seminars and on-site training programs.
Better Heating-Cooling Council
(See Hydronics Institute)
Fireplace Institute (Merged with Wood Energy Institute in 1980 to form the Wood Heating Alliance. See Wood Heating Alliance) Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
2701 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600 Arlington, Virginia 22201 Phone: (703) 525-7060 Fax:(703) 525-6790 Email: Information@gamanet. org.
Web Site: Www. gamanet. org
GAMA is a national trade association of manufacturers of gas — fired appliances, and certain types of oil-fired and electrical appliances, used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. An important service provided by GAMA to its members is a testing and certification program. GAMA will test the rated efficiency and capacity of a manufacturer’s product and, if it passes the testing criteria, certify it. The manufacturer can then market the product with the appropriate certification label. Program participants and their products are listed in the ratings directories.
Heating and Piping Contractors National Association
(See Mechanical Contractors Association of America)
Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)
1389 Dublin Road Columbus, Ohio 43215 Phone: (888) 253-2128 (toll free)
Phone: (614) 488-1835 Fax: (614) 488-0482 Email: HARDImail@HARDInet. org Web site: Www. hardinet. org
Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is national trade association of wholesalers and distributors of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. It was formed by merging the Northamerican Heating, Refrigeration & Airconditioning Wholesalers (NHRAW) and the Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Wholesalers International (ARWI). Among products and services provided to its members are self-study training materials, statistical studies, as well as training and reference materials. See Appendix B (Education, Training, and Certification) for a description of the HARDI Home Study Institute. The HARDI publications are available to both members and nonmembers.
Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)
30 West University Drive Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004 Phone: (847) 394-0150 Fax: (847) 253-0088 Email: Hvi@hvi. org Web site: Www. hvi. org
The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) is a nonprofit trade association representing national and international manufacturers of residential ventilation products. HVI is primarily concerned with developing performance standards for residential ventilating equipment. It has created a number of certified ratings programs that provide a fair and credible method of comparing ventilation performance of similar products. HVI publishes a number of interesting and informative articles on ventilation that can be downloaded from its Web site.
The Hydronics Foundation, Inc. (THFI)
The Hydronics Foundation, Inc. (THFI) was chartered in 1997 as a nonprofit organization to disseminate knowledge about hydronic equipment and technology. Manufacturers of HVAC equipment also contribute material from installation manuals, specification sheets, and product reviews.
119 East King Street P. O. Box 1671 Johnson City, TN 37606 Phone: (800) 929-8548 Fax: (800) 929-9506 Email: Jdhowell@jdhowell. com
Web site: Www. hydronics. com or Www. hydronics. org
Hydronic Heating Association (HHA)
P. O. Box 388
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 320-9910
Fax: (781) 320-9906
Email: Info@comfortableheat. net
Web site: Www. comfortableheat. net
The Hydronic Heating Association is an organization of independent contractors, wholesalers, and manufacturers established to promote the latest hydronic technology, set uniform industrial standards, educate HVAC contractors, and inform the public of the benefits of having a quality hot-water system installed. Their Web site contains useful articles and essays on hydronic equipment and systems. It also offers many useful links to manufacturers of hydronic system products.
The Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA
P. O. Box 218
Berkley Heights, New Jersey 07922 Phone: (908) 464-8200 Fax: (908) 464-7818 Email: Information@gamanet. org Web site: Www. gamanet. org
The Hydronics Institute was originally formed by a merger of the Better Heating-Cooling Council and the Institute of Boiler and Radiator Manufacturers. It represents manufacturers, suppliers, and installers of hot-water and steam heating and cooling equipment. It is now a division of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association. The Hydronics Institute represents and promotes the interests of the manufacturers of hydronic heating equipment. It also provides training materials for hydronic heating courses in schools and technical publications for technicians in the field.
Institute of Boiler and Radiator Manufacturers
(See Hydronics Institute)
Mechanical Contractors Association of America,
1385 Piccard Drive
Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: 301-869-5800 Fax: 301-990-9690 Web site: Www. mcaa. org
The Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc. (MCAA) is a national trade association for contractors of piping and related equipment used in heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilating, and air conditioning.
National Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC)
180 S. Washington Street
P. O. Box 6808
Falls Church, VA 22040
Phone: (800) 533-7694 (toll free) or (703) 237-8100 Fax: (703) 237-7442 Email: Naphcc@naphcc. org Web site: Www. phccweb. org
The National Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) is a trade association of local plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors. There are 12 regional chapters.
National Environmental Systems Contractors Association
(See Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
National Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Association
(See Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
North American Heating Refrigerating Air conditioning Wholesalers (NHRAW)
(See Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International)
Radiant Panel Association (RPA)
P. O. Box 717
1399 South Garfield Avenue Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: (800) 660-7187 (toll free) or (970) 613-0100
Fax:(970)613-0098
Email: Info@rpa-info. com
Web site: Www. radiantpanelassociation. org
The Radiant Panel Association provides downloadable technical papers and notes on a variety of different topics concerning radiant panel heating and cooling systems. Links to several manufacturers of radiant heating equipment are also available at their Web site.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association
(See Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
1666 Rand Road
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
Phone: (800) 297-5660 (toll free) or (847) 297-6464 Email: General@rses. org.
Web site: Www. rses. org
The Refrigeration Services Engineers Society (RSES) is an international association of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating equipment installers, service persons, and sales persons. The Society conducts educational meetings, seminars, workshops, technical qualification and examination programs, instructor-led and selfstudy training courses. It offers a variety of certification program for technicians.
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA)
4201 Lafayette Center Dr.
Chantilly, Virginia 20151 Phone: (703) 803-2980 Fax: (703) 803-3732 Email: Info@smacna. org Web site: Www. smacna. org
The SMACNA is an international trade association of union contractors who install ventilating, warm-air heating, and air-handling equipment and systems. SMACNA publishes technical papers, answers technical question, and provides distance learning courses for its members. American National Standards Institute has accredited SMACNA as a standards-setting organization matter.
Steam Heating Equipment Manufacturers Association
(defunct)
(defunct)
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
Northbrook Division Corporate Headquarters 333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062 Phone: (847) 272-8800 Fax: (847) 272-8129 Email: Northbrook@us. ul. com Web site: Www. ul. com
The Underwriters Laboratories is an independent, nonprofit product safety testing and certification organization. It promotes safety standards for equipment through independent testing.
(Merged with Fireplace Institute in 1980 to form Wood Heating Alliance.)
Other National and International Professional and Trade Associations
The following associations also provide support, services, technical publications, and/or training to its members who are involved in the manufacture, sale, or installation and repair of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems and equipment. Because space is limited, only their names are listed. Contact information can be obtained by accessing the Internet and entering the association name or by visiting the reference room of your local library and using the Encyclopedia of Associations.
Air Distribution Institute (ADI)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA)
Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH)
Heating Alternatives, Inc
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC)
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAE)
Institute of Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc (IHACI). Insulation Contractors of America (ICA)
International Energy Association (IEA)—Solar Heating and Cooling Programme
National LP-Gas Association (NLPGA)
National Oil Fuel Institute National Oilheat Research Alliance
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau (PHCIB) Wood Heating Alliance (WHA)
Posted in Audel HVAC Fundamentals Volume 1 Heating Systems, Furnaces, and Boilers