The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) has published the second edition of its TAB Procedural Guide, a comprehensive resource for testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) technicians working with HVAC systems.

The guide provides detailed procedures for balancing both airside and waterside HVAC systems, covering a wide range of system types including VAV, constant volume, multi-zone, dedicated outside air, and dual duct systems, as well as various water-based systems. It also offers guidance on preplanning and establishing protocols to optimize energy use in HVAC systems.

SMACNA's CEO, Aaron Hilger, emphasized the importance of indoor air quality in commercial buildings, calling the updated guide "a valuable resource for everyone involved in building design and construction."

The 118-page manual includes chapters on general TAB procedures, TAB procedures for specific and hydronic systems and report forms. Eli Howard, SMACNA's Executive Director of Technical Services and Research, explained that the guide aims to enhance technicians' abilities to perform TAB work and more.

“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,” Howard said.

SMACNA's technical standards and manuals are widely accepted by the construction and code community, as well as by government agencies at all levels. The association's standards address all aspects of the sheet metal and HVAC industry, from duct construction and indoor air quality to energy recovery and roofing. These standards are continually updated based on input from industry experts.

The second edition of the TAB Procedural Guide is available in print and digital formats through SMACNA's online bookstore. For more information on SMACNA's industry standards, visit their website.