AIR BALANCING
Air Balancing is the process of configuring the environmental systems to meet the engineering requirements for heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
Inspection: Air Balancing is achieved by first inspecting the air handling system to insure that it is working properly and that the system is delivering the total air flow per the design (cubic feet perminute or CFM).
Measurement: Once this has been determined, the next step is measuring the amount of air being distributed at the air conditioning register in the ceiling. After the measurement is taken, it is compared to the engineering drawings to determine whether the air flow (CFM) is proper or if adjustments are required.
Adjustment: Adjustments to the air flow (CFM) are made by increasing or decreasing the opening of the air volume damper located in the air conditioning duct, above the ceiling. When all the registers have been checked and adjusted, and an even temperature has been achieved, the air balancing technician writes his report and submits it to the Engineer for approval.
COMFORT BALANCING
Comfort Balancing and Air Balancing are similar processes in that the environmental systems are reconfigured. The main difference between the two is that in Comfort Balancing, the criteria is not to meet the Engineer’s requirements for heating, ventilating and air conditioning but to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of the user.
Comfort Balancing is achieved by first inspecting the air handling system to verify that it is working properly and that the system is delivering the proper air flow. Once this has been confirmed, the next step is to speak to the people occupying the space to ascertain which areas feel too hot or cold and which areas are comfortable. Adjustments are then made to the volume dampers to increase or decrease the air flow, thereby raising or lowering the temperature until an overall desired comfort level is achieved. Comfort Balancing is typically done twice yearly, at the beginning of the heating and cooling seasons.
Contact a member of the ConServ team if you would like to learn more about Test & Balance.
ConServ Building Services, LLC provides excellent commercial HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and general construction services to businesses across the Southeastern United States. To learn more about ConServ, visit www.conservonline.com.