What is HVAC Testing and Balancing?

While most newer HVAC systems are designed and tested during the construction phase of a building, systems in older buildings may never have been through the process, causing them to run inefficiently and inconsistently.  The testing, balancing and adjustment of an HVAC system can be done both as a preventative measure, or to determine and correct issues that are or have been occurring.
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If you have been experiencing issues like condensation, leaks or hot and cold spots in your building, a test and balance can identify the problems and determine what will be needed to bring your system back up to peak performance.

What Are the Steps Involved in Testing and Balancing?

There are three steps that are used to determine what the right measurements and air flow to get the most out of your HVAC system.

Testing

Using specialized instruments, one of our certified technicians at Smoak’s Comfort Control will measure a variety of factors like temperature, water and air quality, air pressures and more and evaluate the collected measurements to see if your system is operating in the best way for the building it’s in.

Adjusting

Your technician will then determine and manually adjust the settings of balancing devices like valves or dampers and make sure that other settings like the speed of your fans and the size of installed parts are right for your building.  Automatic devices, like thermostats, will be adjusted at this time as well.

Balancing

The term “balancing” refers to implementing procedures to regulate the fluid air or water that flows through your system, ensuring that it flows in the most efficient way to achieve the results you want.
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These steps will ensure that your HVAC system is operating properly, giving you the performance that you require and possibly extending the life of your system by removing or adjusting anything that was preventing it from operating the way it should.  If you have further questions about testing and balancing your HVAC system, contact one of the helpful and knowledgeable technicians at Smoak’s Comfort Control today!