What is the role of ASHRAE standards in HVAC load calculations?

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards, such as ASHRAE 90.1 and ASHRAE 62.1, provide guidelines and procedures for performing HVAC load calculations. These standards provide detailed methods for calculating heating and cooling loads, including factors such as climate, building envelope, and internal heat gains. Following ASHRAE standards ensures that HVAC load calculations are accurate, reliable, and compliant with industry best practices.