What to Expect: Balancing Existing Stores
We interviewed Michael McDonnell, one of our FETs who balances national accounts, about our TAB process on site for an existing building.
Our first step on site is to speak with the people who work there. This includes the owner/manager, but we try to speak with as many employees as possible while on site. They can provide vital insight into issues the owner/manager may not be aware of.
When speaking to the client, we identify their largest areas of concern. Hoods not capturing? Too hot or cold in a specific area? Pressure at doors? Humidity? We inquire about the history of the building and how long issues have been occurring. Has the building been renovated? Has HVAC equipment been removed or added? Have there been repairs?
With their concerns in mind, we will then survey the building and inspect the space as we go to each piece of equipment and record its unit information, including motor and drive data. While we are doing this, we are inspecting equipment for the correct installation and operation. We will note any deficiencies or issues, and notify the client of these issues ASAP, especially if they will prevent us from testing the equipment. Common deficiencies include: no power, incorrect rotation, dirty filters, dampers not operating, and sensors not installed or wired properly.
Once all equipment has been inspected and documented we will move on to inspect the ductwork and any components of the building space that may impact the building’s HVAC system. Common issues here include ductwork sizing or deviations from design, damper installation, etc.
Next, we will begin balancing equipment, usually starting with exhaust, or the most vital components first.
Any issues we encounter are communicated to the client.
The depth to which we will go to identify and rectify issues sets us apart from other balancing firms. We will not simply tell you something is broken or will not work as designed. When we encounter an issue, we will dig in and figure out what exactly is wrong, and what exactly needs to be done to fix it.
This perspective sets us apart from other firms. When we begin work on a building, we are thinking about the entire lifetime of the building, and all the people who are going to use it and work within it. I maintain this big picture perspective as I work on each component of a building’s HVAC system, no matter how small. Is this equipment installed properly, not just so it will work? Can this equipment be maintained as installed? Were the proper materials used so the system would last? We are not just balancing HVAC systems; we are working to provide a building that is comfortable and under control for years to come.
