The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE) was an early professional organization focused on refrigeration engineering. It was founded in 1904 and played a significant role in advancing the science and technology of refrigeration during the early 20th century.
In 1959, ASRE merged with the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (ASHVE) to form the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This merger expanded ASHRAE’s scope to cover not only refrigeration but also heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) engineering.
ASHRAE is now a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes industry standards, guidelines, and best practices for the HVAC&R industry. While ASRE no longer exists as a separate entity, its legacy lives on within ASHRAE’s broader mission and activities related to refrigeration and air conditioning.