HVAC systems are critical to building comfort, but they’re also the biggest energy user in a typical commercial building. Proper operation affects employee health and productivity, as well as customer purchasing behavior.

A new HVAC installation may not operate as intended, however. People make mistakes, microprocessor controls are complex and different equipment brands are often intermixed. Commissioning can help you meet owner project requirement and avoid potentially costly problems, such as callbacks and repairs.

What is commissioning (Cx)? According to ASHRAE Guideline 0, The Commissioning Process, Cx makes sure the facility and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained to meet the owner’s project requirements. HVAC Cx is essentially quality assurance, preparing the HVAC system to succeed, and setting the stage for long-term operations and maintenance (O&M). Cx for HVAC does cost money, but if done right, it’s money well spent.

A four-step process

Ideally, HVAC Cx is conducted through four phases of building construction.

1. Pre-design stage. Document the building owner’s expectations of how the system will operate. This includes measurable performance criteria such as kilowatt power draw per ton of cooling (kW/ton) and outside air flow rates. The initial Cx plan (processes and procedures) is drafted and the Cx team is assembled.

2. Design phase. The HVAC concepts, calculations, decisions and product selections are made. Specific codes are referenced, weather assumptions are made and usage assumptions are documented. It’s important at this stage to notify the mechanical contractor about the Cx requirements.

3. Construction phase. HVAC equipment verification should be conducted to determine what was actually delivered to the site. Pay special attention to substitutions and proposed deviations from the contract documents. Develop step-by-step test procedures and involve the local authority having jurisdiction as necessary.

4. Occupancy phase. Make sure the HVAC O&M manual has been created and knowledge transfer has occurred through training, which should encompass electrical, mechanical, plumbing and control systems. Trend logs should be kept to document long-term performance.

The following are some specific items to check during the commissioning process:

Choose an experienced and accredited Cx agent for your project.

HVAC Cx can also help you promote the sustainability of your projects. It’s a prerequisite for LEED green building certification.

Motion® Cx Solutions

In summary, cloud-based remote monitoring software can save money and improve the HVAC commissioning phase by providing real-time data access, enabling remote diagnostics and troubleshooting, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. These capabilities can result in more efficient commissioning, reduced maintenance costs, and optimized system performance.

Real-time data access: Motion.cloud provides access to real-time performance data for the HVAC system. This allows commissioning agents and building operators to identify and address issues more quickly, reducing the time spent on site visits and manual troubleshooting.

Data analysis and optimization: Motion.cloud provides alarms and visualization for HVAC performance data, identifying trends and patterns that may indicate inefficiencies or potential problems. This allows for proactive adjustments and optimization, which can lead to energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.

Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting: 24/7 monitoring, alarms, and remote control will help diagnose issues to take corrective actions without the need for an on-site visit from a technician. This can save money on travel expenses and labor costs, as well as minimize downtime for the HVAC system.

Improved collaboration: Motion.cloud enables better communication and collaboration among commissioning agents, building operators, and other stakeholders, and its dashboards can be securely shared between account users. This can help ensure that issues are addressed promptly and effectively, reducing the need for costly follow-up visits and rework.

Preventive maintenance: By continuously monitoring the HVAC system, Motion.cloud can help identify potential issues before they become significant problems. This enables a more proactive approach to maintenance, which can reduce repair costs and extend the life of the system.

Energy management: Cloud-based remote monitoring software can track energy consumption patterns and help identify opportunities for energy conservation. This can lead to reduced utility costs and contribute to a building’s sustainability goals.