HVAC Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing: The Answers to Your Commonly Asked Questions

Published by MED Magazine

What is HVAC testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB), and why is it important for healthcare facilities?

HVAC TAB ensures that a building’s mechanical system is installed properly and operates as intended by the design engineer. Various factors go into this: design document review, equipment layout and functionality verification, temperature control settings and adjustments, airflow measurements and adjustments, hydronic flow measurements and adjustments and room pressure verifications, just to name a few. All these are critical for a facility’s HVAC system to function properly.

How does HVAC testing and balancing contribute to maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort in healthcare facilities?

ACH, or air changes per hour, is an important aspect that the mechanical engineer takes into account when designing an HVAC system. Certain regulations and/or requirements for different types of rooms dictate how much airflow is needed, whether it is supply air or exhaust air. HVAC TAB ensures that these airflows get set and the engineer’s design intent is met.

What factors should be considered when selecting a provider for HVAC testing and balancing services for healthcare facilities?

Systems knowledge, integrity and reliability are a few key components for a good HVAC TAB firm. Multiple things can happen during TAB that can’t necessarily be seen. Knowing that these measurements and adjustments were done by skilled and qualified technicians will help ensure that they are done properly. When complications arise, and the design cannot be achieved, it’s imperative for the TAB contractor to relay this information to the mechanical contractor and engineer for resolution. Having a reputable TAB firm that can communicate this information to the design team is crucial.

What is the process involved in HVAC testing and balancing, and how long does it typically take?

Testing and balancing involves using different types of testing instruments in order to measure air and hydronic flow rates. Following the measurements, the TAB technicians then make the necessary system adjustments to achieve the design flow rates laid out by the mechanical engineer. With that, all the test data that gets recorded during TAB is documented and submitted in a copy of the TAB reports. This data is usually kept on file by the building and grounds or maintenance staff for their reference during the time of the related mechanical system(s). The timetable for this process varies greatly on the size of the project and the quantity of equipment that needs to be tested. Some smaller projects can be completed in a day or less while other larger projects can take several weeks or even months. 

How do HVAC testing and balancing services support infection control efforts and compliance with healthcare facility standards and regulations?

Both negative and positive pressurized rooms are imperative in healthcare facilities and testing and balancing is a pivotal part of the process of getting these rooms set up so they are able to control to the correct room pressure relationship to its adjacent spaces. Negative Isolation has always been important, but it has recently seen a surge to the forefront during the COVID-19 concerns over the past few years. Making sure any negative isolation room has been balanced to the proper airflows and room pressure relationships will ensure that those rooms will be able to function as intended. These rooms are typically set up during the testing and balancing procedures in the initial construction process.  After that, regular verifications of the airflows, ACH and room pressures is both good practice and sometimes required, depending on the type or classification of the room. These verifications are usually done on an annual or semi-annual timeframe.

 What are the potential long-term benefits of investing in HVAC testing and balancing services for healthcare facilities in terms of patient outcomes and operational efficiency?

Correct airflow/room pressure relationships, building efficiency and occupant comfort are three key components that are directly related to HVAC TAB. Also, and more importantly, when an HVAC system gets properly set up during the TAB process, critical room pressures and space temperatures can be maintained, further benefiting the patients that the hospitals so diligently strive to serve.