1. Commissioning HVAC Systems: Lessons learned throughout
the entire Cx process
James D. Mascaro, PE, CCP
December 17, 2007

2. Today’s Cx Discussion:
Review of the Cx Process
HVAC plan reviews
Cx during Construction

3. What is Building Commissioning?
ASHRAE Guideline
Building Commissioning is a quality-oriented, systematic process for achieving, verifying and documenting that the performance of facility systems and assemblies meets Owner-defined objectives and criteria.
This process begins at project inception during the pre-design phase and continues for the life of the facility through the Occupancy and Operations Phases.

4. Building Commissioning Improves...
Comfort
Air quality
Occupant productivity
Equipment life
Maintainability – critical for O&M staff!
Facility staff preparedness
Energy performance

5. What Commissioning Achieves
Energy Savings of 20 to 50 Percent
Maintenance Savings of 15 to 35 Percent
Reduction of Claims 2 to 10 Percent
Reduction of Trouble Shooting Costs
Source: Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
cost data for Office Buildings.

6. Commissioning…. Sets clear measurable goals for everyone
Verifies goals are being met throughout the
design and construction phases
Establishes accountability
Changes the way people perform
Allows designers and contractors to measure
success as well as deficiency

7. Commissioning also... Identifies issues & corrects deficiencies
Design errors
Improper installation
Failed equipment
Poorly tuned controls/improper sequences

8. The Commissioning Process
New Construction

9. The Commissioning Process
The Cx process involves steps that are integrated into every phase of the project:
Pre-Design
Design
Construction
Acceptance
Warranty
Commissioning is NOT just start-up / testing of systems at the end nor is it providing CM services.

10. The Commissioning Process Design Phase
Document Basis of Design
Refine Commissioning Scope
Perform Design Review (sampling)
Update Commissioning Plan
Include Cx Requirements in Specifications
Functional program space & equipment requirements
Technical program system selection criteria, utility considerations
scope
selection early
FPT = functional performance test
detour
review by CA is for functional issues, not coordination, different design approaches (except when design won’t work)

11. The Commissioning Process Construction Phase
Update Commissioning Plan & Schedule
Submittals and O&M Manuals (2 month)
Review Control Sequences
Write Checklists, Functional Test Procedures
Document Construction Observation
Static testing (pipe, duct, electrical grounding)
Component checklists
Document changes

12. Design Phase Cx Plan Reviews

13. Schematic Phase: Big Picture
Coordinate with Sheet E-3
Verify sufficient clearance for maintenance
Coordinate Notes (typ)

15. Design Phase Cx Issues:
LOCATION?

16. Design Phase Cx Issues
8” HPWS/R lines?

17. Design Phase Cx Issues:
Balancing Dampers?
ACCESS?
750 Heat Pumps!

18. Balancing Damper Air takes path of least resistance
Damper diverts air to where needed
Eliminates noisy registers
$2.50 each (6” residential round)

19. Design Phase Cx Issues:
ACCESS ISSUES AFFECT
Installation difficulties
Increased risk for proving static testing
Increased risk for system leaks
Maintenance
Replacement costs of compressors
Disruption of End-User(s)

20. Review Details “Typ. Detail”? Compressor replacement Costs:
Approx.: $1,500/unit
“Typ. Detail”?

21. Mechanical Room – Plan View
Design Phase: 95%
Duct Transitions?
Access
Issues?
Problem?
Functional program space & equipment requirements
Technical program system selection criteria, utility considerations
scope
selection early
FPT = functional performance test
detour
review by CA is for functional issues, not coordination, different design approaches (except when design won’t work)
Mechanical Room – Plan View

22. Review Sections Access Issues? Mechanical Room – Section
Functional program space & equipment requirements
Technical program system selection criteria, utility considerations
scope
selection early
FPT = functional performance test
detour
review by CA is for functional issues, not coordination, different design approaches (except when design won’t work)
Mechanical Room – Section

23. What’s Wrong Here?
Drafting!!! Identification of piping? RA system Dampers? Filter Access?

24. Detail for Pump: No Strainer... Wrong!
Correct Detail! ?
Elevation of In-Line Pump Piping Detail

25. Why is Commissioning needed during Construction?
Tina says,
“Because the Contractor needs help!!!”

26. Commissioning Site Observation Report By: James D. Mascaro, PE, CCP
September 15, 2006
NSU - Marie V. McDemmond
Center for Applied Research
MBP Project No.: J06093
Watch
Rough-In Of
Ductwork!
8’-6”

27. Watch out for issues like this…
90 Degree end of system!!!

28. What’s Missing?

29. Protect the equipment from dust & dirt!

30. VAV Box: Great Job!
3 duct diameters straight inlet Duct sealed in plastic (notice tape) Inlets of VAV box sealed in plastic

31. Check Piping to Air Handling Units!

32. Think “outside the box” – what’s missing?
Cx Services don’t just deal with “moving parts”. OPR!

33. Why is Commissioning Needed?
Closing Comments….

34. No floor drain on drawings. Here’s Engineer’s Solution
No floor drain on drawings? Here’s Engineer’s Solution! Don’t let this happen on your job!

35. ¼” tubing on discharge of pump!
Anything else wrong? Moisture to rooms!

36. Stay Tuned for the next Cx Webcast Discussion: What is Functional Performance Testing? And Life After “Substantial Completion”