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HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) Commissioning or Certifying? How to Understand the Difference

HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

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Page 1: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

Commissioning or Certifying? How to Understand the Difference

Page 2: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

What is Commissioning? Commissioning is a process that brings equipment and control systems into working condition according to the building owner’s operational needs and specifications.

What is Certifying? Certifying is a process that officially recognizes something as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards.

COMMISSIONING VS. CERTIFYING

COMMISSIONING CERTIFYING

Investigate functionality of systems and equipment X X

Modify the control system program logic to resolve system problems X –

Optimize efficiency, improve comfort and air quality X –

Independent third-party agent required – X

Services performed prior to construction X –

Fine tuning services provide for 1 year post construction X –

One year of interactive Owner Training X –

Provides Professional Liability Insurance for system operation X –

Page 3: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

Certifying is often mistakenly referred to as commissioning. In many cases, owners will purchase commissioning, but receive certifying services. It is important to know what you’re paying for.

Project goals and budget typically determine which service is needed. If public recognition, such as LEED, is desired to illustrate that a building is sustainable and meets specific environmental goals, then certification is necessary.

On the other hand, if the project goal is to ensure optimal building performance, then commissioning is the preferred choice.

WHY DOES KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE MATTER?

BENEFITS OF COMMISSIONING

Optimized energy use

Enhanced occupant comfort

Better indoor air quality

Improved system performance

Reduced operating costs

Extended equipment life

Increased building operator

training

Page 4: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

Commissioned buildings are more likely to perform as intended, experience less problems, and reduce operating costs.

Commissioning is often thought of as an unnecessary expense; however, the cost of not commissioning will add up over time.

Studies have shown that a commissioned building will cost 10 to 20 percent less to operate than one that is not. The Cost-Effectiveness of Commercial-Buildings Commissioning Report showed that, on average, the cost of commissioning was paid back with a range of 1-5 years from energy savings alone. In fact, the cost of commissioning is offset when combined with other benefits such as, reduced change orders, fewer equipment breakdowns, and longer equipment life.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME?

+

=

Cost of correcting deficiencies

Cost of inefficient operations

COST OF NOT COMMISSIONING

Page 5: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

HOW IS COMMISSIONING TYPICALLY DONE

Often referred to as a commissioning agent, a certifying agent is usually a third party with no ties to the project. Their focus is to simply document what works and what doesn’t work. The process typically ends with the certifying agent handing over a report with a list of items that are not working properly, and who is responsible for fixing them (engineer/designer/contractor/etc).

The problem with this process is that it typically ends with a lot of finger pointing, a building that doesn’t perform properly, and a frustrated building owner.

Page 6: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

HOW SHOULD COMMISSIONING BE DONE?

True commissioning involves actually performing the work necessary to bring the building, equipment and systems to a high performance level, in regards to building comfort and energy use. The commissioning agent should be the most knowledgeable person regarding the system design and the engineering theory behind the system operation. The agent must also be able to physically change the control system logic to make the engineering theory behind the system operation practical for your facility. Additionally, the commissioning agent should be held accountable for the optimization of the system, in a similar way the design engineer is held accountable for the sizing and selection of the system components.

Commissioning should ensure that building systems:

Maximize occupant comfort

Extend equipment life

Perform at a high level

Optimize energy use

Page 7: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

Commissioning through the design-build firm working on the project achieves the best results possible by having someone familiar with the project thoroughly test and fine-tune the equipment and systems. A third-party commissioning agent may not have the same level of commitment to the project, and could overlook critical commissioning steps.

In addition, post-construction hassles and finger-pointing are eliminated by choosing a single source for design-build, fine-tuning and commissioning. All building systems are checked before handing the building over to the owner and continuous monitoring for the first year assures that the building will perform as intended.

WHY IT MATTERS WHO DOES THE COMMISSIONING?

Page 8: HVAC Control Systems— Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3)

HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

The key to getting HVAC control systems right the first time is to find the right partner. Dynamix Energy Services includes commissioning as part of the HVAC control system design-build process. Single-source design-build, fine-tuning and commissioning results in greater energy efficiency, higher performing equipment and maximum savings.

Count on Dynamix to provide innovative, value-based solutions for all of your energy projects. Dynamix can help you:

• Improve your building’s energy consumption• Enhance comfort• Reduce costs• Resolve your ongoing facility challenges• Optimize control systems• Guarantee energy operating costs

Source: http://www.des.wa.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Facilities/Energy/Commissioning/Cx_Cost%20Effectiveness.pdf

HOW DO YOU GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME?

614-443-1178 • [email protected] • www.DynamixEnergyServices.com

OUR CLIENTS AVERAGE 50% OPERATING COST SAVINGS! HAVE ONE OF OUR EXPERTS SEE HOW MUCH WE CAN SAVE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITH A FREE ANALYSIS.