We understand your building needs to work, now and into the future. This is how we will ensure that happens during the Acceptance Phase.

​

Once all installations are complete, TAB work is executed, and the temperature controls system is fully programmed and debugged by the installing contractors, we will get started on functional testing verifications. As with every phase, documentation is a critical part of our work. Deficiencies will be tracked through to resolution via a master issues log.

​

Note about facilities staff: During this phase we highly recommend having facilities staff involved where possible. Facilities personnel are welcome to join us during any of the work that we do onsite. During the acceptance phase, that will primarily be our functional performance testing. 

​

Items that we work on during the acceptance phase can include: 

1. Review Testing and Balancing Report prior to starting our Functional Performance Testing.

 

2. Functional Performance Testing is the most important activity in the Cx process. This is how you know that your building is working per the design intent. We use a technical commissioning approach, meaning that we as the CxA are the individuals on-site performing or witnessing every element of the performance testing, including point-to-point verification. This can also be easily completed during the occupancy stage.

​

Notes:

• The first component of all our functional tests is a verification that all BAS graphics are accurate. 

• During functional testing, we note any discrepancies between what we see onsite and construction documents. 

​

Prior to starting Functional Performance Testing, we develop a Testing Plan specific to each project. The considerations taken into account when formulating this plan include: 

• Equipment and systems involved.

• Needs of the Owner and occupants.

• Season in which testing will take place (included in the plan is any testing that will need to be deferred due to requirements of outside temperatures). We do reccomend testing in each Summer, Winter, and either Fall or Spring at a minimum. Each season presents unique challenges to the equipment and systems. 

• Typically we begin with the Heating and Chilled Water Systems, followed by Air Handling Units and the HVAC systems and Exhaust Fans, and finally Terminal Devices (VAVs, Fan Coil Units, Unit Heaters, etc.) and Lighting Controls.

​​

We always start with the main systems and work our way down to smaller devices. This allows us to ensure that the core system functionality is in place and working before moving down the system hierarchy list.

 

Within each of the systems testing indicated above our testing begins with basic function checks which verify sensor accuracy, valve and damper operation, t-stat mapping, and any alarms and safeties. Once those functional checks are completed, we will move onto the integrated systems testing which consists of testing unit operation and performance via the sequence of operations. Individual equipment and systems interactions are tested and verified during our commissioning process.

 

After the initial functional verification testing is completed, the construction team will respond to and correct any deficiency items identified during our testing. Once corrections have been made, we will retest each failed item to ensure that everything is working as designed and to meet your needs.