The health care sector is one of the largest segments of the U.S. economy (17% of U.S.GDP) and the average hospital uses 2.5 times the amount of energy as other commercial buildings, adding up to 836 trillion Btu or $5 billion annually, based on Department of Energy (DOE) data.
Health care facilities serve a uniquely vulnerable population exposed to an elevated risk of health, fire, and safety hazard. These heavily regulated, high-stakes facilities undergo continuous maintenance, verification, inspection, and recertification, typically operate 24/7, and are owner occupied for long life. Systems in health care facilities must be carefully designed to be installed, operated and maintained in coordination with specialized buildings services, including emergency and normal power, plumbing and medical gas systems, automatic transport, fire protections and a myriad of IT systems, all within a limited building envelope.
Expert design guidance is essential.
White Papers
Humidity Control Events in Perioperative Care Areas
This white paper provides a protocol for perioperative care areas when mechanical systems are unable to maintain relative humidity (RH) within the desired range that has been established by the facility for their specific operations. For the purpose of this paper, a humidity control event occurs when the RH is above or below the established facility RH range.
Download the White Paper
Publications
ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2017 -- Ventilation of Health Care Facilities
Developed in partnership with Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) and American Society of Health Care Engineering (ASHE), ASHRAE Standard-170 has been providing key guidance on ventilation requirements for health care industry facilities since 2008. Use Standard 170-2017 alongside HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics for comprehensive design guidance on hospitals, nursing and outpatient facilities. Learn more
HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics, 2nd ed.
The second edition provides in-depth, up-to-date design recommendations based on best practices from consulting and hospital engineers with decades of experience in the design, construction, and operation of health care facilities. It presents solutions that are proven, cost effective, and reliable; solutions that provide low maintenance cost and high reliability, with a focus on presenting what's different about health care HVAC. Learn more
Advanced Energy Design Guides
Large Hospitals, 50% Savings
For "standard" mid- to large-size hospital, typically at least 100,000 ft2, but the strategies apply to all sizes and classifications of large hospitals.
Download the free PDF or purchase the print edition
Small Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities, 30% Savings
For small hospitals and healthcare facilities up to 90,000 ft2, which require a wide variety of heating and air-conditioning equipment. Options for daylighting are included.
Download the free PDF or purchase the print edition
Spanish Translations
HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics, 2nd Ed.
Health care HVAC systems serve facilities in which the population is uniquely vulnerable and exposed to an elevated risk of health, fire, and safety hazard. These heavily regulated, high-stakes facilities undergo continuous maintenance, verification, inspection, and recertification, typically operate 24/7, and are owner occupied for long life.
Available in Spanish or English
Standard 170-2013 - Ventilation of Health Care Facilities
First and foremost a mandatory minimum requirement, this standard is one of a family of documents that offers guidance, regulation, and mandates to designers of health care facilities.
Available in Spanish or English
2008 translation also available
Training and Certification
Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) Certification
The primary purpose of ASHRAE's HFDP certification program is to certify an individual's well-rounded understanding and knowledge of medical terminology and facility operations as they affect HVAC&R design in healthcare facilities.
The program, which was developed in collaboration with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association, requires that participants meet certain eligibility criteria before being allowed to participate.
Other Resources
Related Courses
Designing and Operating High-Performing Healthcare HVAC Systems
Healthcare Facilities: Best Practices for HVAC Design and Operation – 6 hours