ATLANTA — ASHRAE announced that, with the use of underfloor air distribution (UFAD) systems increasing in commercial and institutional buildings in North America, it has published a new comprehensive UFAD guide.

The newly published UFAD Guide: Design, Construction and Operation of Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) Systems incorporates updated results from laboratory and field experiments. Also included are simulation studies, manufacturers’ literature, design experiences from practicing engineers, and other relevant guidelines from users of UFAD. For those in the construction, building commissioning, and operations and maintenance industries, this design guide provides detailed information on an emerging technology, while keeping in mind the typical flow of decision making, said ASHRAE.

“There are many advantages to UFAD that make it an attractive building system solution,” said James Megerson, lead author and a member of ASHRAE’s technical resource group on underfloor air distribution. “It truly integrates the heating and air conditioning system with the entire building by utilizing common building materials as the air delivery means. The raised access floor allows accessibility to other building system infrastructure, such as power and data cabling, to facilitate easier space reconfiguration. Due to the lower system operating pressures and potential to expand economizer operation, the system has the potential to use much lower energy than ducted systems.”