The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) sets widely recognized benchmarks for HVAC system design, ventilation, indoor air quality and energy performance. In most cases, facility managers don’t need to worry about ASHRAE standards. Most of the benchmarks are related to HVAC equipment, and manufacturers don’t typically manufacture commercial HVAC equipment that doesn’t meet current ASHRAE standards.

Some guidelines do influence system design, particularly ductwork and indoor air quality, but for the most part these are things for your system installer to worry about. 

What Are ASHRAE Standards and Are They Mandatory?

ASHRAE publishes a wide range of technical standards, but two of the most relevant to commercial property owners and facility managers are:

• ASHRAE Standard 62.1, which covers ventilation system design and acceptable indoor air quality in commercial and institutional buildings
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1, which covers minimum energy efficiency requirements for HVAC systems and components

Texas doesn’t have a statewide mandate requiring HVAC systems to meet ASHRAE specifications, but many local jurisdictions, including Arlington, base their building codes on the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which incorporate parts of these ASHRAE standards.

Arlington has adopted the 2021 addition of the International Building Code (IBC) and IECC. The IECC incorporated ASHRAE 90.1 standards, so technically, for new builds to be compliant with local energy code, they must meet the relevant ASHRAE standards.

However, most existing systems are grandfathered in, and property owners won’t be required to retrofit or replace anything unless they invest in a major system overhaul that triggers new permit reviews.

You Don’t Need to Worry About Having a Non-Compliant System Installed

Any new commercial rooftop unit, chiller or split system available today is going to comply with ASHRAE 90.1 in terms of energy performance. Most clients don’t need to worry about meeting ASHRAE standards during HVAC replacement. The product specs already cover it.

What HVAC Contractors Actually Do to Align With ASHRAE

While the equipment itself checks the compliance boxes, HVAC companies still play a role in aligning your system with ASHRAE’s operational goals:

• System design and duct layout using airflow best practices based on occupancy
• Proper sensor placement and zoning, especially in larger or multi-use buildings
• Fresh air intake management, including CO₂ sensor setup where applicable
• Commissioning and documentation when required for inspections or certifications

Tom’s Commercial follows best practices that adhere to ASHRAE 62.1 and ASHRAE 55 guidelines as part of our system planning process, particularly when designing for comfort across zones with different loads, such as schools, offices or churches.

Do You Need to Retrofit Older Systems to Comply?

In most cases, no. Older HVAC systems are not required to meet modern ASHRAE standards unless they’re being replaced or extensively modified. However, that doesn’t mean your old system is running efficiently.

If your building has persistent comfort issues or your energy usage is higher than it should be, a professional evaluation can identify whether small upgrades, like rebalancing ductwork or adjusting zoning, could bring your system closer to current performance standards.

Can Existing Systems Be Brought Up to Standard?

In many cases, yes, but the solution depends on the specific gap. Tom’s Commercial can evaluate your HVAC system and recommend adjustments, upgrades or retrofits that are appropriate for your facility’s layout and occupancy.

Some improvements, like adjusting ventilation schedules or adding CO₂ monitoring, are relatively minor. Others, like improving duct insulation or rebalancing zones, may require more planning and coordination, especially in schools, churches or older municipal buildings with high variation in occupancy and room sizes.

The goal of retrofitting and upgrading isn’t always to hit every ASHRAE number perfectly. It’s to bring your system in line with best practices that reduce energy waste, extend equipment life, and support health and comfort across your property.

Get Help Complying With the Latest Energy, Comfort and Indoor Air Quality Standards in Arlington

If your facility’s system is decades old and you’re looking for HVAC installation or modification solutions to improve climate control and reduce energy costs, Tom’s Commercial can help. Our experts can explain all the variables with your building and provide clarity on what you should and shouldn’t be worrying about when it comes to efficiency and performance. Call us at 817-857-7400 to schedule service or to receive a replacement estimate.