The pocket guide serves as a ready reference for engineers whose mobility keeps them from easy access to the ASHRAE handbook volumes and information in ASHRAE standards. The 2005 guide features new information on performance and pipe sizing for new refrigerants, refrigeration safety, ventilation requirements for residential and nonresidential occupancies, occupant thermal comfort, sound and vibration control, thermal storage, and radiant panel heating and cooling and air-to-air recovery.

The 2005 ASHRAE pocket guide is published in two editions. One contains inch-pound (I-P) units of measurement, while the other contains the International System of Units (SI).