Do HVAC Trade Associations help?
What are the advantages of being a member?
There are a large number of associations and organizations in the HVAC industry. With the rapid growth and variety of interests, these associations have given rise to smaller specialty groups. These organizations provide opportunities for networking and learning. Some offer examinations and certifications. Participation may provide benefits including group discounts, magazine subscriptions, industry related information, job postings, conferences, and even scholarships. With the opportunity to continue your education, members of these organizations can stay competitive in this dynamic and evolving industry.
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
The manufacturers of over 90% of central air conditioning, gas appliances, and commercial refrigeration equipment are represented by the AHRI, more than 180 companies. It was formed in 2008 when two other organizations combined, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association. Some of the services provided by AHRI:
- Industry competency exam to test the basic knowledge of entry level HVAC technicians.
- Equipment donations to HVAC Schools
- Technician certification program
- EPA reclaimer certification program
- Certification of equipment used to recover or recycle refrigerant
- Their most important and widely recognized contribution is probably HVAC equipment certification
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers started in 1904 as the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers with 70 members. Today there are thousands of members, engineers and technicians from all areas of the HVAC industry. They create equipment standards for the industry. Some of the services and contributions provided by ASHRAE:
- Establish industry standards and guidelines
- Extended learning opportunities
- Technical resources and publications
- Probably their most important contribution has been a series of 4 books that have become the reference books for the industry: HVAC Applications, Refrigeration, Fundamentals, and HVAC Systems and Equipment
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America is a service contractor association. ACCA is concerned with the education and certification of HVAC technicians. It also provides service company owners and service managers with business improvement techniques. Some of the services provided by ACCA:
- Technician EPA Certification
- Annual conferences for the education of business owners and service managers
- Quality standards for HVAC installation and maintenance
- Commercial HVAC business building guidance and education
- Industry related technical information
- Company accreditations
- Web based continuing training classes
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society is the international trade association for all HVACR workers. As the HVACR Training Authority, RSES is dedicated to the education and certification of HVAC workers. They offer education and specialist certification in eight specific HVACR areas. Some of the services provided by RSES:
- Online and in person training programs
- EPA Certification for technicians
- Source for printed resource materials
- Access to local chapters
- NATE approved courses
Other HVAC Trade Associations:
ACCA - Air Conditioning Contractors of America
AFEAS - Alternative Fluorocarbons Environmental Acceptability Study
AGA - American Gas Association
AHAM - Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
AMCA - Air Movement & Control Association
ANSI - American National Standards Institute
AHRI - Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
ARWI - Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Wholesalers International
ASAE - American Society of Association Executives
ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers
ABC - Associated Builders & Contractors
BOMA International - Building Owners and Managers Association
COBRA - The Association of Cogeneration
CDA - Copper Development Association
COSA - Carbon Monoxide Safety Association
EEI - Edison Electric Institute
EPRI - Electrical Power Research Institute
EHCC - Eastern Heating & Cooling Council
Envirosense Consortium Inc.
EPEE - European Partnership for Energy and the Environment
FMI - The Food Marketing Institute
GEO - Geothermal Exchange Organization
GMA - Grocery Manufacturers of America
Green Mechanical Council
HARDI - Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International
HPBA - Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association
HI - Hydraulic Institute
HRAI - Heating, Refrigerating, & Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
IDDBA - International Dairy, Deli, Bakery Association
IFPA - International Fresh-Cut Produce Association
IGSHPA - International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
IIAR - International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration
IHACI - Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries
ISA - The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society
MCAA - Mechanical Contractors Association of America
MSCA - Mechanical Service Contractors of America
NACS - National Association of Convenience Stores
NADCA - National Air Duct Cleaners Association
NAHB - National Association of Home Builders
NAFEM - National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
NAM - National Association of Manufacturers
NATE - North American Technician Excellence Program
NRA - National Restaurant Association
NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NFFS – Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society
NIPC - National inhalant Prevention Coalition
PHCC - Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
PMA - Produce Marketing Association
RACCA - Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors Association
RSES - Refrigeration Service Engineers Society
SMACNA - Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
SMWIA - Sheet Metal Workers International Association
UL - Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
UA - United Association
Question: What is AHRI?
AHRI identifies acceptable equipment combinations for various applications. Homeowners should always ensure their HVAC contractor references this information when installing their new HVAC system. Manufacturers will not warranty systems that are not AHRI approved.
Up Next about HVAC
Next we'll take a look at a few of the main HVAC Equipment Manufacturers.