The Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the pioneer in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, published the fourth edition of its HVAC Duct Systems Inspection Guide, which is available digitally and in print.   The manual contains guidelines for the inspection of commercial HVAC duct systems for compliance with SMACNA/ANSI HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible, (4th edition), Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard (8th edition), and Phenolic Duct Construction Standards (1st edition). It reviews materials and reinforcement of duct systems, as well as the assembly and supports of ducts. 6th edition summary The Fire, Smoke, and Radiation Damper Guide (6th edition) also summarizes the installation, maintenance, and inspection of fire life safety dampers. The Grease Duct Construction Reinforcement Standards (1st edition) covers common construction and reinforcements for Type I grease ducts. Checklists are included for ductwork and fire dampers.  importance of inspection “The importance of inspection cannot be overstated,” said Aaron Hilger, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “This manual, in conjunction with the other industry standards, expertly protects the systems we install and, of course, the buildings’ occupants.”  The updated 210-page standard was revised to provide contractors and facility owners with the information they need to apply effective and efficient solutions to their projects. learning inspection procedures The manual includes chapters on timing and risks related to inspection, as well as qualifications for inspectors The manual includes chapters on timing and risks related to inspection, as well as qualifications for inspectors, compliance, and quality control, among other topics. “This manual is a valuable study guide for the HVAC Duct Construction Standards and instrumental for learning inspection procedures overall,” added Eli Howard, SMACNA Executive Director of Technical Services and Research.   Technical standards and manuals developed by SMACNA members have worldwide acceptance by the construction and code community, as well as local and national government agencies.  Addressing sheet metal and HVAC SMACNA standards and manuals address all facets of the sheet metal and HVAC industry including duct construction and installation, indoor air quality, energy recovery, roofing and architectural sheet metal, welding, and commissioning and advancements are made possible by those in the industry who provide suggestions for improvement based on knowledge, experience, and research. All of SMACNA’s standards manuals are available in print or PDF format via SMACNA’s online bookstore.  

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the trade association representing manufacturers of heating, water heating, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration products and equipment expressed its appreciation to the 23 states and the District of Columbia that thus far have heeded the industry's call for "essential business" status during this health crisis. "These governors deserve the thanks of the manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers, and technicians that are committed to continuing to keep the American people productive, healthy, and comfortable in these trying times," said AHRI President & CEO Stephen Yurek. "Our industry is working overtime to ensure that lifesaving equipment remains available to all who need it," he added. Statement of intent AHRI joined with nine other organizations, representing the HVACR and water heating equipment manufacturers, contractors, technicians, engineers, plumbers, and sheet metal contractors in issuing a statement to governmental organizations grappling with travel and personal interaction restrictions designed to prevent the spread of infection. Those trade associations and membership societies representing North America's heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and water heating industry had requested that federal, state, and local authorities grant "essential business" status to the HVACR and water heating industry. Included organizations Organizations signing the statement included AHRI; the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA); the Heating, Air conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI); the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA); North American Technician Excellence (NATE); the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC), the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA); the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI); ASHRAE; and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).

Trade associations and membership societies representing North America's Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration industry requested that federal, state, and local authorities grant ‘essential business’ status to those technicians and engineers who are tasked with keeping the American people productive, healthy, and comfortable in these trying times. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) joined with nine other organizations, representing the HVACR and water heating equipment manufacturers, contractors, technicians, engineers, plumbers, and sheet metal contractors in issuing a statement to governmental organizations grappling with travel and personal interaction restrictions designed to prevent the spread of infection. Medical supply preservation "While citizens are coping with a variety of unforeseen and unusual restrictions, it is essential that they are able to maintain their HVAC and commercial refrigeration equipment," the association leaders wrote. Aside from providing comfort, this equipment is vital for health and safety in addition to productivity" "Aside from providing comfort, this equipment is vital for health and safety in addition to productivity, particularly for air filtration and food and medical supply preservation, especially in this time of quarantine. When equipment fails, technicians must be able to repair or replace it as quickly as possible, they added. Accordingly, as states and local jurisdictions considering their health crisis travel restriction plans, we respectfully request that HVACR technicians and engineers be considered essential businesses," the statement concluded. Organizations signing statement Organizations signing the statement included AHRI; the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA); the Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI); the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA). North American Technician Excellence (NATE); the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC), the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA); the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI); ASHRAE; and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).