HVAC systems have sophisticated automatic controls to operate equipment and maintain heating, cooling and ventilation throughout a building. Adherence to established Testing and Balancing procedures is essential. It ensures operation in accordance with the design intent for both performance and efficiency.
Testing is performed to determine the quantitative performance of equipment. Balancing devices in air and water systems are adjusted to specified design quantities.
Fume hood testing is completed after the initial installation of the hood system, but it should also occur after any service work. Recurring fume hood testing ensures proper performance. Fume hood testing by ITB includes system inspection and measurements of air face velocities and sash height positioning. Hoods certified by ITB are labeled with a certification sticker containing the testing information, the technician’s name and the date. In addition, we maintain a recorded history of all fume hood tests for future reference.
We provide comprehensive Testing, Adjusting and Balancing for healthcare facilities. Results are recorded electronically on the Joint Commission or Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) forms for compliance review. Plus, ITB performs required quarterly testing to ensure proper ventilation rates are maintained in compliance with Joint Commission and IDPH standards. We also maintain a library of all prior testing for reference.
Commissioning (Cx) and Retro-Commissioning (RCx) is a quality assurance process that involves verifying and documenting the performance of each system to meet the design intent and the building’s operational needs. ITB participates in this process by working alongside commissioning agents to provide the testing needed to prove performance standards.
ITB works with owners, consulting engineers and contractors to review plans and shop drawings for proper location of air and hydronic balancing devices. An HVAC system can only perform at its highest efficiency when these devices are properly installed and set. Identifying these locations during the planning process saves installing contractors time and money and ensures schedules can be met during the TAB and commissioning process.
We provide pre-construction testing and surveys, and identification of existing airflows and pressure relationships prior to renovation. This data is critical for monitoring changes in facilities where remodeling is common.
Learn more about ITB's capabilities beyond testing and balancing.
International Test & Balance