The ultimate hands-on guide to modern HVAC design — packed with real-world examples, diagrams, and step-by-step workflows.

Whether you’re an engineering student, HVAC designer, or field technician, this book walks you through how to design, size, and layout complete heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems using practical, example-based methods.

Each chapter presents realistic system designs drawn from actual engineering practice — including small offices, retail stores, residential buildings, warehouses, schools, and industrial facilities. You’ll learn not just how to calculate and select equipment, but how to document, coordinate, and verify every part of your design.

• How to perform load calculations and determine airflow requirements.

• How to size ducts, fans, coils, and diffusers using standard engineering methods.

• How to create HVAC floor plans, riser diagrams, and control schematics.

• How to select between RTU, VRF, Split, Chilled Water, and DOAS systems.

• How to write Sequences of Operation and integrate Building Automation (BAS).

• How to ensure compliance with ASHRAE, IMC, and IECC codes.

• How to prepare testing, balancing, and commissioning documentation.

• Full-color blueprint-style diagrams and flowcharts.

• Sample equipment schedules and worksheets for field and office use.

• Appendices covering ASHRAE references, HVAC symbols, and real-world case studies.

• A complete commercial building design example from load estimation to final documentation.

• Mechanical and HVAC engineers designing building systems.

• Technicians and contractors learning design fundamentals.

• Engineering students preparing for real-world projects or licensure exams.

• Facility and maintenance professionals seeking to understand system intent.

Written by the Practicing Engineers Network, this handbook focuses on what truly matters: clarity, practicality, and buildable design.
Every system example, diagram, and schedule is based on actual engineering practice — not abstract theory.