December 2025 Newsletter

Dear ASHRAE Members and Friends,

As we wrap up the year, wanted to extend a thank-you to everyone who joined us for the last 

chapter meeting as we dove into life safety dampers. We had a fantastic turnout, and the 

engagement and questions from the group made it a truly valuable meeting. 

We pick things back up in the new year—our next chapter meeting is scheduled for January 20, 

and we’re looking forward to kicking off 2026 with another strong program. 

Wishing each of you a very Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. 

As a reminder, be sure to use the ASHRAE discount code if you go to see the Festival of Lights! 

(attached) 

Enjoy the season, stay safe, and we’ll see you next year! 

January Meeting 

January 20th – 11:30 – Our speaker will be Todd Pfahl and we will be presenting on ERV Applications and Design 

Registration is open for this event.   

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ashrae-cincinnati-january-2026-lunch-technical-session-tickets-1977033542546?aff=oddtdtcreator

Todd Pfahl is an experienced HVAC industry leader with a strong background in engineering-driven

product innovation and high-performance ventilation solutions. As Sales Director at 

Oxygen8, he works closely with engineers, designers, and building owners to advance the 

adoption of energy-efficient ERV and decentralized dedicated outdoor air technologies, including 

integration with Daikin all-electric VRV heat-pumps. Oxygen8 is committed to promoting 

sustainable, low-energy ventilation strategies that improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort. 

With more than three decades of experience in senior sales and technical roles at organizations 

including Johnson Controls, York International, and Trane Company, Todd brings a deep 

understanding of HVAC system design, applied equipment, and the evolving needs of sustainable, 

high-performance buildings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The 

Ohio State University.

Remaining Meetings

January 20th – 11:30 – ERV Applications 

February 17th – 3:00 to 5:00 – Indoor Air Quality Procedure  

March 10th – 11:30 – AI in Action: Daily Tools Transforming Engineering and Construction 

April 21st – 3:00 to 5:00 – Common Pitfalls in Mechanical Drawings Caught During Construction 

and Building Trust Between Engineers and Contractors: Communication that Works with Joel 

Shriner 

Research Promotion Update

We want to thank DeBra-Kuemple who donated $500 towards the endowment in honor of John 

Kuemple Jr.  

As a reminder, all members can now direct their RP contributions to the Endowment by 

selecting Chapter Scholarships → Apply to Existing → Cincinnati Chapter Scholarship from 

the online donation page. We will also have a flyer with a QR code available at all future 

meetings. Support in any amount helps and is greatly appreciated! 

Cincinnati ASHRAE Student Chapter

The student chapter wrapped up the first semester with a meeting in November. Fiona Martin 

McCarthy from Grumman/Butkus Associates presented on Decarbonizing Healthcare Building 

Portfolios. The student chapter is actively looking for companies to present interesting case studies 

or offer site visits for the spring semester. Please reach out to student President Zach Bohn or SA 

Chair Ben Merk if you’re interested (bohnzr@mail.uc.edu or ben.merk@kochapplied.com).   

The student chapter has 20+ attendees planned for the ASHRAE winter conference and is excited 

to learn and network at this event. There is no cost to the students due in part to support of 

ASHRAE member sponsorships. Thanks to the engineering firms and individuals that support this 

initiative. 

Government Affairs Update

EPA Extends Comment Period for Refrigerant Transition Rule 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extended the comment period for the proposed 

rule titled “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory 

Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American 

Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020.” Comments are now due on November 21. The 

proposed rule would delay compliance dates and relax certain restrictions on the use of 

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigerants previously established under the Technology Transitions 

section of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. More information on the 

proposed rule and comment extension can be found here. 

ASHRAE Society Job Board

Reminder that members and member companies have this ASHRAE site as a resource to post open roles, etc.: jobs.ASHRAE.org