Commercial HVAC Contractor
When to Test & Balance Your Commercial HVAC System
Written by: 1 Source Mechanical
HVAC balancing is the process of achieving the correct air and water flow throughout a commercial building. Why does your HVAC system need to be balanced? Balancing allows the ducts to deliver the right amount of air to each room in the building. It ensures that fresh air is continually being delivered. It prevents hot or cold spots and maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the facility.
Balancing is accomplished by adjusting factors such as temperature settings, dampers, valves, and fan speeds. The process consists of three steps sometimes called TAB: testing, adjusting, and balancing.
- Testing assesses the HVAC by measuring characteristics such as temperature, pressure, air movement, and air and water quality.
- Adjustment sets devices to optimize efficiency.
- Balancing involves coordinating all the components of the HVAC system, from thermostats to dampers, to work harmoniously.
When an HVAC system is in balance, the ducts and dampers properly direct and distribute airflow. The temperature is comfortable and the air is fresh in every part of the building.
How Often Should You Test & Balance Your Commercial HVAC System?
An HVAC system must be balanced when it’s installed. Sometimes, that’s enough for the life of that system. On the other hand, many professionals recommend testing, and balancing if necessary, every two to three years.
When there are major changes to the building or the HVAC system itself, the HVAC should be rebalanced. Also, equipment wear and changes in room configuration can throw off the balancing.
There are several signs that your system may require balancing. If you check the temperature on cold or hot days, and it’s inconsistent from room to room, it may be time to test and balance HVAC. Other indicators include stuffy air, excessive humidity, drafts, foggy windows, and doors closing without any obvious reason. If you experience these symptoms, check with a professional for an assessment.
Benefits of HVAC Testing & Balancing
A properly balanced HVAC system results in a reliable year-round temperature in every room, regardless of the season. The airflow will be consistently at the right level. There will be no more sweltering in summer, shivering during the winter, or putting up with uncomfortable, disruptive drafts. Here are some of the specific benefits of a balanced HVAC.
Improve Air Quality
The air in a building with balanced HVAC isn’t merely more comfortable. It’s also healthier for your employees and for anyone else who visits the facility. When humidity is at the proper level, contaminants such as mold, pollen, and dust find it harder to get a foothold. People with issues like asthma and allergies are less likely to be affected. For your employees, that adds up to greater productivity and less time away from the job.
Extends Your System's Lifespan
Your HVAC is a huge capital investment. Anything you can do to make it last as long as possible is worthwhile. When your system is working extra hard to compensate for improper balancing, it undergoes unnecessary additional stress.
HVAC maintenance is an expenditure that repays you over the long run by delaying the significant expenditure of replacing your system. With regular maintenance, a professional can often recognize small issues and address them before they become big ones. They can minimize wear and tear on your assets. Maintaining the balance is one of the most important factors in effective HVAC maintenance.
Save on Energy Costs
Rising energy costs are a major concern for every business today, and that goes double for those that maintain a commercial building. Fluctuating and inconsistent temperatures cause your HVAC to cycle more than it has to. It often results in occupants cranking up the heat or the air conditioning to achieve a tolerable indoor temperature. The better your HVAC system balance, the less likely the building is to experience spikes in energy usage and unnecessarily high utility costs.
Also, a more balanced HVAC is a greener HVAC. Your customers expect today’s companies to conduct business and operate physical structures with concern for the environment, and HVAC balancing helps you do just that.
Don't Overlook Ductwork
The ducts are a critical component of your HVAC system. Cooled or heated air doesn’t go anywhere without them. Ductwork is subject to a variety of problems, including leakage, blockage, and improperly sealed connections. There can be ducts that are not correctly sized for the job they are called on to do. If ducts are not in good working order, test results will be unreliable, and balancing adjustments cannot do what they are intended to.
For effective HVAC balancing, the first step is a review, analysis, and inspection of the building’s ductwork system. An HVAC professional can uncover any issues that need to be addressed and then effect the necessary repairs. Once that is done, they can turn on the system and proceed with testing, adjustment, and balancing. They can be confident that their test results are meaningful and that their adjustments and balancing will get the job done.
Balancing? Let Us Help You Today!
You might think that anyone can adjust dampers, thermostats, and fan speeds, but HVAC balancing is never a DIY endeavor. It’s a task that requires specialized tools and the experience and expertise to use them effectively. There are many things you can do on your own to reduce your energy bills, but HVAC balancing is not one of them. It’s strictly a job for the pros.
In the greater Chicagoland area, 1 Source Mechanical is your locally owned and trusted commercial HVAC company. We install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems at reasonable prices and with excellent service. Balancing is only one of the HVAC services we offer, but it’s a very important one.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs that indicate your system needs balancing, just fill out our online contact form or call us at 815-517-0501 (DeKalb) or 630-320-9393 (Oak Brook). Don’t put off your journey to a healthier, more comfortable, and more cost-effective commercial building.
