Testing, Adjusting & Balancing of HVAC Systems is called many things... T&B, TAB, Test & Balance, Air Balancing, Test, Adjust, Balance to name a few. They all refer to the same process of measurement and adjustment of HVAC systems to work as they were designed.
Testing, Adjusting & Balancing is a process where we:
•Test - measure conditions of an existing or new HVAC system using high accuracy, calibrated instruments.
•Adjust - modify fan and pump speeds to deliver the correct quantities of flow.
•Balance - balance out the flows to the correct quantities at each terminal (air outlet, coil)
The final product is a report documenting all of our findings. With an NEBB Certified report, you can expect a high level of information, data and clarity.
During our TAB process we almost always find deficiencies with the installation or with the systems themselves. Those deficiencies are reported and if they are not corrected, they end up in the final TAB report. Typically the issues are fixed before job completion instead of becoming an issue later on, resulting in unnecessary service calls.
Even with the best contractors installing your system, it is unlikely that the system will operate as efficiently as designed. In every level of the design process, from the MEP Engineer, to the equipment suppliers, there are safety factors built in. No one wants their part of the work to underperform. And everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Our process uncovers these and documents them, and if possible, corrects them.
Depending on your project specifications, you don't have to hire Certified TAB firms to do your balance work. We've heard of many projects where the installing contractor does the balancing.
Pros of hiring an NEBB Certified Firm:
Cons of hiring an NEBB Certified Firm: