In our experience, the HVAC Commissioning process can be greatly enhanced by following these seven recommendations.

1. Engage a Commissioning Authority Early.

2. Engage an experienced Commissioning Authority that holds a professional accreditation associated with Commissioning.

3. Hold a Commissioning Meeting with the designers during the design process.

4. Include Commissioning Requirements in the General Conditions Section of the Project Manual.

5. Include references to the Commissioning Specification in every specification section that is associated with the Commissioning Process.

6. Manage the Commissioning Process in a collaborative manner, seeking the input from the entire Commissioning Team.

7. Involve building maintenance and operations in Commissioning Activities.

 

HVAC Commissioning is a pro-active, systematic process that facilitates communication between owners, designers, and contractors.  HVAC Commissioning utilizes the Commissioning Process to verify that the design meets the owner’s requirements, the equipment is installed and operated according to the construction documents and manufacturer's instructions, and devices are calibrated, and equipment operates together smoothly.

Only a limited construction phase scope of commissioning is required to obtain the Prerequisite Credit for LEED Certification and to comply with the City of Houston’s Energy Conservation Code.  When limited to the Construction Phase the Commissioning Process provides value to the project and has been shown optimize energy performance of systems, but is typically not able affect the overall design strategy of the systems. There is a potential that ome issues identifible during the design phase will be “built in” to the building.

To maximize the benefit from HVAC Commissioning, Apollo BBC recommends that the Commissioning Authority be engaged early in the design development phase of the project.  At this stage, Commissioning Agents are able to provide valuable insight and independent third party advice to the owner and designers about system selection and implementation.

At a minimum, the following HVAC Commissioning procedures should be performed to satisfy LEED and City of Houston requirements.

Installation: Verify correct material and equipment installation; Verify that the installation meets construction details and manufacturer’s installations; Document condition of equipment

Start Up: Document pre-operation requirements; Verify that manufacturer’s startup procedures are performed; Document performance; Verify calibration of devices

Test Adjust and Balance (TAB): Review finalized TAB report; Direct quality assurance demonstration; Identify inconsistencies

Controls: Review installation of sensors; Document calibration of sensors and devices; Document remote control of equipment

Automatic Equipment Operation: Witness automatic startup and shutdown; Verify that equipment sequence of operations is correct

Automatic System Operation: Witness automatic startup and shutdown of integrated systems; Verify that system sequence operation is correct

Alarms and Safeties: Verify that systems alarms are active; Verify sequence of operation under alarm; Verify equipment safeties are active

Training:  Verify that adequate training is provided to building maintenance personnel; Witness portions of the training; Identify additional resources for use after training ends

Report of Commissioning:  Document commissioning activities; Document issues resolved during the commissioning process; Identify a plan to resolve any issues remaining after construction.

Systems Manual:  Document operations and maintenance manuals for equipment included in the commissioning process; Create a useable sequence of operations of systems; Document the design intent for use during renovation or Retro-Commissioning

 

 

For more information about HVAC Commissioning or ways we can assist you, please Contact Us .