The second edition of the ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates offers comments and suggestions about keeping heat and humidity out of buildings in climates where those elements are a factor. The book includes four new chapters to guide architectural design toward reduced energy consumption, reduced mold risk and lower-cost mechanical systems. The HVAC&R 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 HVAC&R energy through low-cost sealing of air distribution components. Chapter summaries allow building professionals to quickly understand the big picture issues and 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. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/bookstore.
ASHRAE guidebook on hot and humid climates (April 2009)
This Month’s Features
Designing for Thermal Resilience
The choices made in materials, shading, and energy systems will determine whether buildings remain safe havens or become liabilities.
Best Practices for Coatings in Resilient Metal Architecture
High-performance coatings, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based coatings, add upfront expense but reduce or even eliminate costly recoats/replacement later in the building’s life.
A Slam-dunk Metal Modernization
The building’s striking facade features black metal panels, installed in a cohesive pattern at a 45-degree angle.
Fire Protection Specifications for Metal Buildings
Metal building systems are noncombustible structures using steel framing and metal panels, manufactured for pre-assembly inspection.