Outlines how the revised ASHRAE Guideline for Commissioning of HVAC Systems can be used to reduce, if not avoid, claims arising out of the design, installation and start-up of HVAC systems. Uses recently concluded litigation involving a HVAC system as a case study to provide concrete examples of how the guideline could have eliminated mistakes made by all participants in the construction process.

KEYWORDS: USA, legal practice, case studies, buildings, commissioning, regulations, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, designing, installing, starting