Things you should tell your HVAC Contractor

If you have recently installed or upgraded your HVAC system, chances are that a HVAC Contractor would have guided you through the different options available. In an ideal scenario, both of you would have understood the existing requirement and then picked a system that works best for you. However, in a real word scenario, there are things that you need to know to actually have this understanding of the requirement. Let’s look at some of the aspects that you should tell your contractor to help decide the best HVAC system:

Prioritization of HVAC Systems controlling the Fire Safety Equipment
While this may require inputs from firefighting system installation companies as well, but ensure that the HVAC contractor designs the ventilation system in such a way that security function overrides other functions. This will ensure that from a fire safety perspective, your HVAC system is on track.

HVAC contractors

Possibility of Integrating with Building Automation System (BAS)
You may be consulting with HVAC contractors, turnkey MEP service providers, or even fire fighting system installation companies for your building’s HVAC system. However, with utilization of smart building technologies, the one thing that you should discuss is how your BAS can be utilized with other smart components, such as fire alarm system & smoke control systems. With such an integration, requirement of additional equipment can be minimized, installation cost can be reduced, and information can be collated at a central location.

An Early Start to the Process
Once you have discussed the possibility of BAS integration with other HVAC systems, ensure that you bring in all the stakeholders, namely your HVAC contractors/MEP service providers and firefighting system installation companies early in the design process. So, irrespective of the delivery method, a successful design can be created that will avoid loss of time and reduce the scope of confusion.    

Things to keep in mind while replacing your HVAC System

If you own an office that has an air ventilation system functional for some years now, a key question on your mind is when and how do you replace this system. Do you pre-emptively upgrade to an energy efficient HVAC system or wait for your existing system to start mal-functioning before you decide to call the HVAC contractor. And because this is not a decision made lightly, let’s consider some of the aspects that you need to consider before making the shift:

Complete System Overhaul vs. Phased Overhaul
A phased overhaul of your HVAC system may seem the more attractive option of the two, considering it is easier on the pocket. However, this is not the case considering the service problems that may arise as a result of the new system interacting with your existing HVAC system. This in turn may impact the efficiency of your HVAC system, thereby increasing your maintenance cost in the long run.

Type of Contractor Selected for the Implementation
 Depending on the scale of your systems upgrade, the HVAC contractor can range from freelance contractors on one end to companies providing Turnkey Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) services on the other end. Once selected, ensure that the contractor helps you understand the type of system installations available as well as the most appropriate system for you. Only after you understand the options available to you and you have picked the once that fits the best, should the actual installation work start.

Option of Maintenance/After-sales Service
 This consideration goes hand-in-hand with selection of the HVAC contractor. With a larger MEP service provider, you can be assured of a certain service level, while with a smaller contractor, you can get better contract terms. So, an informed decision needs to be made.