An overview of test standards for HVAC components in North America

With few exceptions, the acoustical properties of HVAC components in North America are determined by standards authored by ASHRAE and AHRI. There has been a long-standing arrangement between the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers and the Air-conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute that helps maintain boundaries of standards scopes and ensure harmonization of their related documents. Both ASHRAE and AHRI are ANSI accredited standards development organizations that comply with ANSI's Essential Requirements. ASHRAE has primary authority to determine methods of tests for HVAC devices and components and AHRI sets the conditions under which those devices are rated and regulates the associated published information. Where no ASHRAE method of test exists, AHRI may choose to create their own. This presentation will give a summary overview of the various test methods used in the industry to report acoustical performance properties.