Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing for HVAC:
Southwest TAB & Commissioning utilizes the most advanced equipment and measurement techniques in order to Test, Adjust, & Balance Air and Hydronic HVAC systems. We perform testing at Hospitals, Schools, Government Buildings, Kitchens, Labs, etc.
The purpose of testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) is to assure that an HVAC system is providing maximum occupant comfort at the lowest energy cost possible.
The following tips are included for initial planning.
Pre-planning for TAB work includes making certain that all the necessary parties and individuals to conduct the work are onboard. The type of building and systems to be tested and a realistic evaluation of what skills the TAB technician possesses are key planning elements.
Often, a controls specialist will be needed to operate the system for the TAB technician.
The representatives from the original equipment suppliers may be needed as a resource, at a minimum, but for complex equipment and systems or in a new building startup a manufacturer's representative may be required at the site to operate the mechanical equipment.
If the building has a facilities manager that individual is typically the most important participant with which the on-site TAB technicians will work. Facility managers have a substantial vested interest in ongoing customer satisfaction—the people who work or live in the building are actual end-use customers—and their satisfaction will ultimately be the key measure of success.
Occasionally, a system cannot be balanced or made to perform in accordance with the contract's design specifications regardless of the number of balancing dampers or valves that can be installed. Competent TAB technicians should be prepared for this possibility and work with the appropriate individuals to formulate recommendations as part of the final TAB report.
For more information see our Frequently Asked Questions page.
It should be made clear that the TAB work is not "commissioning." Most commissioning services are completed by firms having technicians experienced with each of the individual building systems—HVAC, lighting, plumbing, electrical, and security systems. ~ Whole Building Desing Guide, www.wbdg.org
