Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have a critical role to play inside a building to keep occupants comfortable and safe. As your building ages, you may also need to upgrade and adapt your HVAC systems to meet the requirements of changing occupancy as well as new codes, standards, and regulations.
Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor ventilation and air circulation have taken on an even more critical role in terms of supporting public health.
We have extensive experience dealing with all HVAC systems including fan coils, constant volume/variable volume, dual duct, chilled beam, and air distribution systems. We provide HVAC assessments to evaluate concerns, improve comfort and increase reliability. We then follow through by providing design services needed to complete a system upgrade.
We view our work through the lens of projected climate events. Recommendations will be made for the ability of the HVAC system to provide increased ventilation and filtration to support emergency preparedness and safe air quality.
Our process for HVAC assessments (or evaluations)
- Balance report (air): measuring the real-time current air delivery from existing roof top units (RTUs), air handling units (AHUs) and terminal units;
- Functional assessment: functional testing on motors, dampers, and heating/cooling equipment performed by physical checks and confirmation of actuators and operational status using the DDC system;
- Assessment of capacity: performing outdoor air intake calculations and comparing against ASHRAE requirements;
- Ventilation assessment: ability of equipment to perform at extended/increased and variable ventilation rates;
- Filtration assessment: review of current filters on the HVAC units and level of filtration being provided; identify unit vulnerabilities that pertain to projected climate change impacts such as forest fire and particulates;
- Cooling: current cooling capacity of the HVAC systems will be reviewed against findings of the design review and heat gain calculations;
- Electrical assessment: review of existing electrical system will be performed to assess capacity to accommodate low carbon electrification (LCE) upgrades.
Our approach for designing a HVAC system upgrade
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- Visit site to determine availability of suitable locations for equipment including impact on the space, structural and associated cost impact;
- Prepare load calculations for each area and establish heating, cooling and air volumes for each area;
- Design HVAC systems to suit layout and confirm space availability;
- Review for LCE upgrade opportunities and enhanced replacement opportunities;
- Evaluate electrical requirements for new equipment including capacity, source location and availability of existing service;
- Evaluate control requirements and control system requirements;
- Locate/revise controls by indicating thermostat locations and determine operational strategies;
- Design and prepare construction drawing to suit HVAC requirements;
- Prepare and issue mechanical drawings and letters of assurance required for building permit.