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Facility commissioning offers an advocacy service to
owners and operators of buildings that provide a high level of assurance for
proper installation and operation of HVAC systems within performance tested
guidelines set forth in the design documents.
Facility commissioning affords the owner an unbiased
perspective of HVAC installation, operation, and performance and monitors all
specified HVAC service training events. The HVAC commissioning process
does not alter the responsibilities of design professionals, installing
contractors or their vendors, but rather augments the efforts of all parties
toward the common goal of achieving a quality HVAC product that promotes the
delivery of a safe, healthy environment for building occupants by turning over
functionally tested HVAC systems with appropriate documentation and training for
owners and operators.
AABC recommends comprehensive commissioning, which
starts at the pre-design phase of a project, as the ideal approach to HVAC
commissioning. Commissioning, with its quality management focus, should be
part of the project from its inception because an early start provides maximum
benefits.
Facility's
commissioning bridges the gaps between the owner, the design team, the
construction team and HVAC vendors using a methodical process employing:
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Thorough review of
design and submittal documents |
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Progress and
coordination meeting attendance |
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Resolution
tracking forms |
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System
verification checks |
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Start-up and
involvement for HVAC equipment |
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Functional
performance testing |
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O&M and as-built
documentation corroboration |
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Specified factory
service and off-season mode testing enforcement |
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O&M training
facilitation and recording |
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Integration of
subsystems to perform |
The methodology for carrying out a comprehensive HVAC
commissioning process is organized by each project phase. There are
generally 5 project phases including pre-design, design, construction,
acceptance and finally, post-acceptance.
The functions and responsibility of the commissioning
authority during each phase shall include:
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Responsibility: The primary point of responsibility is to inform the
General contractor (Construction Manager), the Owner and Design Engineer on
the status, integration, and performance of systems within the facility. |
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Information: The commissioning authority shall function as a catalyst
and initiator to disseminate information and assist the design and
construction teams in the completion of the construction process. This
shall include system completeness, performance, and adequacy to meet the
intended performance of each system. Services include construction
observation, spot testing, verification and functional performance testing,
and providing performance and operating information to the responsible
parties. |
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Quality assurance: Assist the responsible parties to maintain a high
quality level of installation and system performance. |
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Observation of test: The commissioning authority shall observe and
coordinate testing as required to ensure system performance meets the design
intent. |
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Documentation of tests: The commissioning authority shall document the
results of the performance testing directly / or ensure that the appropriate
technicians document all testing. The commissioning authority shall
provide standard forms to be used by all parties for consistency of approach
and type of information to be recorded. |
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Resolution of disputes: The commissioning authority is to remain an
independent party present on the project with specific knowledge of the
project. Should disputes arise, the commissioning authority shall
perform research to determine the scope and extent of the problem and educate
the involved parties as to the nature and extent of the problem. This
shall include technical and financial aspects for the dispute, including
assistance to help identify who the responsible parties are to implement
corrective action. |
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Deficiencies: The commissioning authority shall provide technical
expertise to oversee and verify the correction of deficiencies found during
the commissioning process. |
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Acceptance: The commissioning authority shall work with and advise the
Construction Manager, Owner, and Engineer for the date of acceptance for each
component and system for start of the warranty period. |
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The
commissioning authority shall provide technical expertise to review and edit
operating and maintenance descriptions by systems. |
Commissioning Samples:
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