Abstract: From Concept to Reality: The Crucial Role of Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) in HVAC Design

In the process of testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB), qualified engineers and technicians meticulously document data and establish preliminary and final airflow, water flow, and temperatures for all components of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This process may also extend to domestic water, smoke control, steam and industrial process water systems. Total system balancing ensures that all components of the HVAC system work in conjunction with the control system, and that all modes of temperature control and ventilation operate per the design intent at optimized and responsible energy-consumption rates. The true value TAB represents is energy optimization over the life of a building. When a building goes unbalanced, critical HVAC systems can run unchecked for years, conditioning air unnecessarily and wasting money.