Archives: FAQs

An air balance ensures that airflow is properly distributed throughout the building as designed by the mechanical engineer, which in turns helps achieve the intended temperatures and comfort level of the various spaces. In an unbalanced building, airflows may be too high or too low, making it difficult or even impossible to maintain proper space temperatures and occupant comfort.

NEBB stands for National Environmental Balancing Bureau, a non-profit organization that maintains uniform standards for the testing, adjusting and balancing of environmental systems. NEBB certifies the firms and personnel who perform such work.

Melink not only air balances your HVAC system, but we also commission it. We review the design, test the equipment, inspect the installation and check the sequence of operation. Basically, we are there to make sure the owner gets the HVAC system specified for the project. Think of us as a direct extension of your construction or facilities department.

HVAC equipment that has not been properly balanced may be working harder or less efficiently than it was intended, which can lead to early failure. ATAB ensures that the equipment is adjusted and operating as intended by the manufacturer and design engineer, helping to achieve or even exceed the expected life.

– International Mechanical Code
– ASHRAE 62
– California Title 24
– WELL Building
– Many local jurisdictions throughout the U.S.

If you have a new construction site that we balanced, then a year later you have comfort problems, we can look at that report as a baseline and re-measure the airflows to solve the problems. During the TAB work, we can inspect and report the condition and maintenance of your HVAC equipment, which the facility manager could use to evaluate the effectiveness of current preventative maintenance programs and needed repairs.

A proper air balance will prevent many common issues and complaints that a facility manager faces, such as:

– high humidity
– sweating diffusers
– exterior doors that are hard to open
– uncomfortable temperatures
– drafts
– smoke-capture problems

Existing buildings should be rebalanced every three to five years. However, your facility might need to be rebalanced more frequently if employee and customer complaints arise or if any of the problems listed above occur.

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If you’re doing any remodels or replacing HVAC equipment.

Relevant codes: ASHRAE 62.1 recommendation is every three to five years for outdoor air verification

Since one subset of the HVAC system can greatly influence the performance of another, all systems within the building should be balanced. This includes, but is not limited to:

– conditioned supply air distribution
– exhaust systems
– make-up air systems
– any hydronic systems (water balance)

Yes, ductwork that is leaking air occurs when it is installed improperly. This is an important issue to fix because it is costing you money by conditioning an area that doesn’t need to be conditioned. And because duct is located above the ceiling, you’re probably losing conditioned air. This is an issue a TAB service would find and report on. Duct leakage can significantly reduce performance and effectiveness of the HVAC system. It can negatively impact occupant comfort and increase energy use and cost. It is common and expected for general HVAC duct systems to have some amount of air leakage. Sealing for complete airtightness is cost prohibitive and unnecessary in most applications. Somewhere around 5 percent leakage could be considered acceptable for most general duct systems. Greater leakage, such as caused by improper connections and sealing, should be addressed prior to performing the air balance.