SMACNA Issues 2nd Edition of TAB Procedural Guide for HVAC Technicians

Chantilly, Va. (July 30, 2024) — The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, published the second edition of its TAB Procedural Guide, which is available digitally and in print.

This guide is designed for trained skilled TAB technicians for performing field balancing of HVAC Systems. This document includes both general and specific guidance for both airside and waterside HVAC Systems balancing. VAV, Constant Volume, Multi-Zone, Dedicated Outside Air and Dual Duct systems are examples of the various systems covered within the guide, along with multiple styles of water-based systems. The guide additionally assists TAB technicians with preplanning and establishing protocols to ensure energy usage is applied to the HVAC Systems.

“With indoor air quality such an important concern for commercial buildings of all kinds, this standards manual is a valuable resource for every all those involved in building design and construction,” said Aaron Hilger, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer.

The updated 118-page standard was revised to provide contractors, designers, and facility owners with the information they need to apply effective and efficient solutions to their projects. The manual includes chapters on TAB and General Air System TAB procedures, TAB procedures for specific and hydronic systems, and report forms, among others.

“The TAB Procedural Guide was developed to enhance the field technicians abilities to not only perform Testing, Adjusting & Balancing of HVAC&R systems, but to ensure those systems comply with the Energy requirements, Indoor Air Quality needs of the customer and project specifications,” added Eli Howard, SMACNA Executive Director of Technical Services and Research.

Schematic of duct system is an example of the support to be found in the TAB procedural manual.

Technical standards and manuals developed by SMACNA members have worldwide acceptance by the construction and code community, as well as local and national government agencies. SMACNA standards and manuals address all facets of the sheet metal and HVAC industry – including duct construction and installation, indoor air quality, energy recovery, roofing and architectural sheet metal, welding, and commissioning – and advancements are made possible by those in the industry who provide suggestions for improvement based on knowledge, experience, and research. All of SMACNA’s standards manuals are available in print or PDF format via SMACNA’s online bookstore.

For more information on SMACNA’s industry-leading standards, visit www.smacna.org/resources/technical/technical-standards.