Does your AC system need servicing? Need a hand?
Are the power bills of your facility increasing over time due to the air conditioning system? Or do you feel that your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is not as effective as it used to be? Maybe there are more reports of hot spots and cold spots in your workspace these days, making some areas too cold and other areas too warm for comfort?
All these are possible indications that the HVAC system at your facility needs to undergo ‘TAB’ services!
‘TAB’ (or Testing, Adjusting and Balancing) is a periodic set of services that re-align and re-calibrate HVAC systems, that have drifted off over time from original specifications, to bring them back to peak efficiency and to cool spaces as per initial design.
There are other symptoms that you could look for too that may indicate that your HVAC system needs TAB services. Is the quality of the air within your conditioned space seeming to be staler than before? Is the AC system noisier than earlier or prone to vibrations now? If the answers are yes, these are further indications that the HVAC system needs fresh testing, adjusting and balancing services.
Why can HVAC systems gradually go ‘off-spec’?
Well, for one, various components within the HVAC system undergo a gradual and natural deration as they run. This deration can slowly lower the system’s performance levels, until a point where there is a noticeable drop in cooling or heating.
Another reason could be changes made in the HVAC hardware over time. For example, every time a technician attends to your HVAC system, parts may be changed. Sometimes, even entire indoor or outdoor units may be revamped, or compressors may be replaced. Such changes will definitely improve the performance of the units being attended to if the technician has done a good job, but may result in imbalances in cooling. This is another reason for HVAC systems going ‘off-spec’.
A third reason for HVAC systems to gradually drift away from original design specifications is alterations in the space(s) being air conditioned. An example is renovation works undertaken within the premises. Office seating may have been re-arranged or cubicles added or removed. Maybe some partitions have been brought down to make for a larger room, or walls added to create more personal spaces. False ceilings could have been worked upon. Such changes can affect air conditioners’ performance considerably. This is because HVAC systems are designed based on the original space layout, and alterations to that could mean that air throw is no longer uniform across all areas.
All these are probable reasons for your HVAC system going ‘off-spec’ over time.
Enter TAB services
The gradual deration of performance or changes in operation of HVAC systems for the reasons that we listed above cannot be tackled by regular maintenance methods or by calling over your regular repair agencies. You need to call for professional TAB services.
Carrying out TAB services ensures that your HVAC system is re-calibrated for maximum efficiency under present conditions, delivering consistent comfort across your workspace while minimising running costs.
Here are the five signs that a HVAC system needs TAB services:
When there are changes in the HVAC installation:
After installing a new system or making major changes, it’s essential to perform TAB to ensure proper calibration for the updated AC system.
Higher-than-expected energy bills:
When HVAC systems are unbalanced, they work harder than necessary, driving up energy costs. TAB services help recalibrate the system to operate efficiently, reducing expenses.
Inconsistent temperatures:
If certain areas in the conditioned space are too hot or too cold, it indicates an imbalance in airflow. TAB ensures even distribution, creating a comfortable environment throughout the space.
Unusual noise or vibration:
Excessive noise or vibration can point to airflow or ductwork issues. TAB professionals can identify and correct these problems, enhancing system performance and longevity.
Poor air quality or ventilation:
TAB services optimise airflow and improve air quality, ensuring a healthier indoor environment for occupants.
Who can perform TAB services?
Not every HVAC vendor can perform TAB services. So, look for a vendor who is certified to conduct these intricate services and has the requisite experience and track record to show that the vendor’s team can perform these delicate operations efficiently. If not, many vendors can actually make a system perform worse after their attempts at TAB!
Ensure that the vendor is backed by the following certifications that guarantee quality and reliability:
- NEBB certification: Ensures compliance with global TAB standards through strict procedures and detailed reporting.
- NADCA certification: Confirms certified cleaning and inspection processes to enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) effectively.
- IAQA certification: Highlights expertise in addressing IAQ challenges for healthier environments.
Besides, the vendor must possess the requisite tools to handle TAB services professionally. Check if the following tools will be used which provide precise data to diagnose inefficiencies and deliver actionable insights, ensuring peak performance and energy savings:
- Air balancing instruments
- Digital Manometer
- Electronic Flow Hood (Balometer)
- Hot Wire Anemometer
- Water balancing instruments
- Ultrasonic Flowmeter
- Hydronic Differential Pressure Meter
- Specialised tools
- Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera
- Vibration Analyser
- Refrigerant Analyser
TAB services from Blue Star
Blue Star possesses all the above certifications and tools to perform efficient TAB services that keep HVAC systems performing in prime condition at all times. Besides which the Company possesses an envious track record of performing TAB services for many decades now, and maintaining HVAC systems in peak condition for all sizes of companies and installations, starting from office complexes to airports and mega malls.
In addition to core TAB services, Blue Star also offers duct cleaning services and energy audits and IAQ assessments to improve HVAC system performance further.
Ready to optimise the HVAC system in your facility?
Don’t wait for problems to escalate – experience the benefits of a balanced, efficient, and healthy indoor environment today. Schedule TAB services with a reputed and certified vendor right away. And unlock the full potential of your HVAC system.