Archives: FAQs

What causes the need for a revisit?

We recommend a revisit if there are any airflow-related issues that need to be measured with calibrated equipment. The entire HVAC system must be installed, started and operating properly before a complete test and balance may be performed. When system deficiencies or site conditions prevent the completion of the balance, revisits may become necessary to make final balancing adjustments after the deficiencies are corrected.

If we are planning a remodel, what should we check related to air balance before construction?

Consult with your mechanical engineer to make any necessary changes to the HVAC design, such as additional HVAC equipment, changes to capacity, ductwork modification, air diffuser relocation and airflow changes.

Assess the current condition and performance of your existing HVAC equipment to determine whether any repairs or replacements should be performed during the remodel. During construction, protect the HVAC equipment from dust and debris, which could contaminate air handling equipment, coils, fans and ductwork.

After construction, remember to have your contractor start the HVAC equipment and clean or replace the air filters. Then contact your TAB firm to rebalance the building as needed.

How do I read my balance report?

Once you’ve received your air balance report from Melink, we recommend you take a look at the following sections first:
– Summary page – This is an overview of our onsite visit (what the technician found and who he spoke with).
– Punch list page – This is a consolidated list of deficiencies, indicating who should fix them, whether they have been corrected, and why it’s important to correct them.
– Recommendations page – These items may not be included in the Mechanical, Engineer and Plumbing (MEP) prints, but they are suggestions based on our experience with well-operating HVAC systems.
– Inspection pages (rooftop, above ceiling and below ceiling) – These show where the deficiencies are located on the building layout, indicated by an “X.” There is also an associated photo with each deficiency.
Our team is always willing to provide live training to teach you how to read your air balance report. If you are interested, please fill out a “contact us” form indicating you’d like someone to reach out to you for training.

How do I use my balance report?

– There are three core ways to use your most recent balance report:
– Identify system deficiencies that were caught during the TAB work.
– As a future reference for the owner and maintenance staff of the building’s HVAC equipment, balanced settings, and operating conditions.
– As an aid to evaluate the design and installation of the HVAC systems under actual operating conditions.

What is an air balance report?

It is a record of the final balanced operating conditions and settings of the HVAC system.

The quality of these reports varies from contractor to contractor. You may be given a hand-written note or a detailed Excel-based document, depending on who performs the work. The goal is to obtain a report that will help you make better decisions on managing HVAC systems, even from a remote location. Our customers appreciate our reports for being the most detailed and informative in the industry.