The Chapter opened its 2026–27 Technical Lunch series with a timely topic for Florida ASHRAE members: the upcoming changes to the Florida Mechanical Code. The ninth edition will take effect statewide on December 31.

Led by the Chapter’s Government Affairs Co-Chair, Rolando Soto, P.E., the presentation explained these important industry updates clearly and practically, followed by an engaging discussion. There was interest from the attendees on how the changes will also affect the Energy aspects of the code, so there will be a follow up technical lunch on this relevant aspect.

In keeping with ASHRAE’s vision, the Chapter’s Technical Lunches advance the arts and sciences of HVAC-R and allied fields by delivering relevant, accessible training in a convenient format.

Testing, adjusting and balancing is defined procedurally by ASHRAE Standard 111 and made mandatory by the Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation, Section C408.2.2, on both the air and water sides. Between the two sits the field, where systems get turned over at a fraction of design airflow and nobody measures it.

This session covers what a TAB engagement actually involves on both the air and water sides, the instrumentation and proportional balancing method behind the numbers, and the mandate in  the Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation, including what the December 31, 2026 transition to the 9th Edition means for projects in design today. Relevant to mechanical consultants, contractors, building officials, owners' representatives, and equipment vendors.

Luis U. Prats is a NEBB Certified Professional and President of a NEBB-certified TAB firm based in Miami, Florida. He is President-elect of the ASHRAE Miami Chapter and has presented on energy code balancing requirements to Broward County mechanical and plumbing inspectors and at RefriAméricas 2026.

Exciting news! Following an industry-wide job task analysis for the Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP) Certification, beginning October 12, BCxP exam blueprint updates will take effect. Here’s how the 40% discount works:

Apply by Sept 30 using the Discount Code: BCxP2026

The first 100 applicants will receive a 40% discount

Test during an Oct 12 - Nov 8 window against the updated blueprint

Take your certification exam at any of ASHRAE's 1,000+ test center locations worldwide. Results released Dec 18

Discover ASHRAE Connect!

Are you a first-time attendee at the ASHRAE Conference, or have you attended before but felt overwhelmed by the many options? This new shadowing program offers the perfect opportunity to gain first-hand experience by following a member of ASHRAE through committee meetings and conference events.

Who can I shadow?

Shadowing opportunities available at the Winter and Annual Conference:

• A member of the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) committee
• A member of Technical Activities Committee (TAC)

If you are interested in being shadowed at future conferences, please send your inquiries to the [email protected] mailbox for more information.

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Salt Lake City HVAC Design Level I & II Training

• HVAC Design: Level I – Essentials | 26 - 28 October 2026
• HVAC Design: Level II - Application | 29 - 30 October 2026

Advance your HVAC design expertise through expert instruction, hands-on learning, and collaboration with industry professionals in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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ASHRAE Chapter Benefits

ASHRAE Society Benefits