Testing, adjusting and balancing
We measure air and water flow at every grille, fan and pump, then set dampers and valves until each reading matches the design flow.
- Proves
- Every grille, fan and pump runs at design flow
- When
- Once the system runs, before commissioning
- Method
- ASHRAE 111 or the procedure you specify
- You get
- A signed report of design and measured flows
What balancing proves
A system can run without sending the right amount of air or water to each room. One branch takes too much, another gets too little, and the fans and pumps work harder to make up for it.
We measure flow at every grille, fan and pump, then set the dampers and valves until each reading is within tolerance. The report lists every final reading beside its design value.
Balance once everything runs
Balancing needs the full system on, with ductwork tested, fans and pumps started and controls working. Flows set any earlier will move.
Equipment started
Fans, pumps and controls run on permanent power.
Balancing
Every damper and valve is fitted and within reach. This is where we come in.
Controls tuned
Setpoints and sequences are set against the balanced flows.
Commissioning
Systems are tested together under real conditions.
Handover
The owner receives the system with its flow records.
Before we arrive
Send this list to your site team. A system that is ready on the day is a system we can balance on the day.
System complete and running
Fans, pumps and controls run in normal mode, with clean filters fitted.
Dampers and valves fitted
Volume dampers and balancing valves are installed, open and within reach.
Drawings and flow schedule
The latest drawings, with the design flow for every grille, terminal, fan and pump.
Access to every terminal
Ceiling tiles that lift out, and ladders or scaffold where outlets are high.
Controls engineer on call
Someone who can change fan speeds and override controls while we work.
What the report includes
Every test ends with a signed report, ready to attach to the commissioning record. Your commissioning agent gets the same copy you do.
Ask for a sample report
Testing and balancing report
- 1Systems, drawings and design flow schedule
- 2Instruments, serial numbers and calibration dates
- 3Design and measured flow at every terminal
- 4Fan and pump flow, pressure, speed and power
- 5Final damper and valve settings
- 6Issues found and how each was resolved
- 7Signatures of the tester and witnesses
Questions contractors ask
What if a terminal cannot reach its design flow?
We record it, trace the cause, such as an undersized branch or a fan short of duty, and tell you what would fix it. No reading is adjusted to look right on paper.
Which procedure do you follow?
ASHRAE 111, or the procedure named in your specification. We confirm it, with the tolerances, before the first visit.
Do you balance water systems too?
Yes. We measure chilled water flow at pumps, coils and balancing valves, and set the valves to the design rates.
How long does balancing take?
It depends on the number of terminals and how ready the system is. Once we have seen the drawings and flow schedule, we give you an estimate.
Other tests we run
Book testing and balancing
Send the drawings, the flow schedule and your target dates. We reply with a plan and a quote.