Understanding HVAC test and balance reports can be a challenge, especially for busy facility managers. Here is a list of general tips for reading a T&B report. And, knowing you have limited time and likely several facilities to oversee, we’ve put together this simple checlist to help you specifically navigate your Melink T&B reports:
#1. Review the report’s cover page carefully.
Be sure the information is accurate including the facility’s location, store number if applicable, and original visit date. This is vitally important if you have multiple facilities. While you’re in review mode, confirm the names, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses on the Test And Balance Contact Information page.
#2. Concentrate on the Field Summary: Corrections pages.
This section basically is the written story of what Melink’s T&B technician(s) did at your facility during the site visit. It gives a breakdown of who the technician talked with, what kind of equipment was used for the testing and balancing, inspections and adjustments that were made, and any other important actions and observations.
#3. Consider the Field Summary: Punch List.
This is your "action steps section" of the report. The punch list details the remaining deficiencies of your facility’s HVAC/mechanical systems, along with instructions for corrections. (Please remember the corrections are necessary to comply with design specifications.) At the bottom of each punch list page is a box that states: “Melink recommends revisiting this store due to the deficiencies listed above.” It then gives options for the technician(s) to check if a revisit is necessary and the best time to do so.
Do not overlook the recommendations listed here.
#4. Read the Field Summary: Recommendations.
This section is to learn what steps your Melink technician(s) recommends you take to improve comfort and energy efficiency. The items listed here are not requirements of the design specifications.
#5. Review the Photos.
Understand that the photos section of the report is simply a gallery that correlates with the Field Summary: Punch List. The photos are listed in order of importance with the highest level deficiencies listed first. This section also cites best practices and gives credit where it is due.
#6. Read the Rooftop Inspection reports.
This report has two sections: Above Ceiling Inspection and Below Ceiling Inspection. This gives you a quick way to see all the checklist items. Melink has a labeling system for reports like this:
- The √ indicates the action was completed.
- An X indicates a deficiency. (This is noted in the Punch List section, too.)
- N/A means Not Applicable.
#7. Review the detailed readings.
The next section of a Melink T&B report has mini-reports of various systems:
- Building Air Balance
- Motor Load Summary
- Rooftop Units Data
- Air Distribution Data
- Exhaust Fan Data
- Kitchen Hood Data
- Thermostat Settings
These sections are available for those interested in digging deeper. Most important are the Field Summary: Corrections, Field Summary: Punch List, Field Summary: Recommendations and the Melink recommendation box located at the bottom of each Punch List page.
#8. Lastly, consult the Building and Rooftop Layout section on the final pages of the T&B report.
This is a key that shows where your building’s HVAC-related equipment is located. Each piece of equipment is assigned a numbered code that corresponds to review sections of the report. (The abbreviations page near the top of the report also is a helpful way to learn names of the equipment noted on these pages.)
“We want facility managers to understand how important it is to follow through on the punch list items and then have us back for a final visit, if necessary, to verify the work was completed properly. A lot of times, facility managers don’t know if the fixes were made as instructed, so a revisit is critically important. Our overriding goal is making sure the building is working properly for the owner.”
Questions? Leave us a comment below, or contact our T&B team at (513) 965-7300.