In order for your building’s environmental systems to function according to plan, it is extremely important to make use of a TAB specialist. A certified TAB service will ensure that your system is installed properly and operating within the allowable parameters for best efficiency and performance. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of TAB and why it is so crucial for your business.
What is TAB?
TAB stands for testing, adjusting and balancing of your environmental systems and compressors. The testing part includes the use of specialized equipment to take precise measurements of how your system is operating. These numbers are compared to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine whether or not the system needs to be adjusted. In the adjusting stage, the technician will inspect all aspects of how the system was installed and make minor adjustments where necessary to bring the installation up to the minimum standards for operation. Adjustments may come in many forms, some very simple and others more involved. Once the system has been adjusted, it must be rebalanced. Balancing means that the technician will test the performance of all equipment working together to ensure that each component is operating at peak efficiency without interfering with any other component.
Who Is Responsible for the TAB Process?
In general, the system engineer responsible for the building will begin the TAB process. They will call on a certified TAB expert to come out and perform the initial testing. When the testing is done, the technician will file a formal TAB report with the engineer addressing any concerns within the system. Any major issues will need to be repaired by the HVAC installer or repairman. Once these problems have been resolved, the TAB service provider can conduct a re-test to ensure that the problem has been remedied. Once the system is balanced, they will issue a final report indicating any manual settings that were adjusted during the process, and make a note of any other issues that should be addressed in the future.
Why is a TAB Inspection So Important?
Having a TAB inspection completed by a TAB specialist is important for many reasons. While most of the work conducted on your system is focused on improving comfort, the TAB process has more to do with safety and cost. A system that is improperly installed or unbalanced will wear down quickly. This costs you money in your monthly operations short term, but will also cost you more in repairs over the long haul. In addition, systems with serious imbalances and leaks can pose a problem when it comes to safe operation within your building. If you ever need to make a warranty claim on any component in your system, you may need to prove that the system was installed and maintained properly during operation. Your TAB report provides a valuable paper trail of all changes made to the system and verification of all installation practices.
If you are concerned about the operation of your environmental control systems, or if you have noticed that the system has not improved even after regular maintenance and repairs, it may be time to call in a TAB specialist. Even a small imbalance can play a hidden role in keeping your space uncomfortable or running up your operating costs. Testing, adjusting and balancing will help identify any issues that may not be apparent when troubleshooting for a purely mechanical problem. In addition, a TAB report is an invaluable tool for ensuring that your system is installed according to the proper design specifications. It is the most comprehensive overview you can get for your entire environmental system. For more information, contact Compressors Unlimited today!
