ATLANTA - The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released a new book with expanded and updated guidance on keeping heat and humidity out of buildings in hot and humid climates.

According to author Lew Harriman, the second edition of The ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates has been expanded from 124 to 316 pages and is based on years of questions, comments, and suggestions from practicing architects, engineers, and building managers who work in hot and humid climates.

The book includes four new chapters to guide architectural design toward reduced energy consumption, reduced mold risk, and lower-cost mechanical systems. The HVACR design section has also been expanded. Six new chapters help system designers quantify and reduce cooling and dehumidification loads, design more economical ventilation systems, and save more than 25 percent of annual HVACR energy through low-cost sealing of air distribution components, says ASHRAE. Suggestions for contractors are also provided to reduce mold risk and prevent scheduling problems through simple improvements to jobsite practices as well as through modern drying technology.

Chapter summaries are provided to help building professionals quickly understand the big picture issues and to understand the logic behind suggested best practices for hot and humid climates. The book also provides specific, actionable suggestions for implementing ASHRAE standards for comfort, ventilation, and energy efficiency in parts of the world where high heat and humidity can occur at any time of the year.

The cost of The ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates, second edition, is $116 for non-members ($99, ASHRAE members).

To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478, or visit www.ashrae.org/bookstore.

Publication date: 03/02/2009