Finding a contractor for new construction of mechanical systems can be challenging. If you have a new building, the job is a bit easier because the footprint is open and there are few restrictions to the design. With an older building, replacing everything is more challenging as you assess what the new components will be and how to distribute them to provide the most efficient operation.
With these challenges, choosing the right HVAC contractor can make all the difference. A great contractor will take the time to understand your building’s unique needs, design a system that keeps energy costs down and meets all regulations, and ensure everything runs smoothly, not just during installation but for years to come.
The Role of an HVAC Contractor in New Construction
Designing and building the right commercial mechanical system is not “one size fits all”. Indoor air quality may vary throughout your facility, which requires an understanding of what will be needed to optimize efficiency and understand the local, state, and federal regulations required to perform this work.
Unlike residential HVAC systems, commercial and industrial buildings require a contractor with unique experience. HVAC requirements for a pharmaceutical business are different from requirements for office buildings or shopping centers. The best choice for a commercial HVAC contractor is an organization that can do new installations or retrofits and has a team to deliver all aspects of the work. The team should have the capabilities to provide:
- Planning, pre-construction, and construction services
- In-house design, engineering, and drafting documents
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) documents
- Steam and pipe fitting to any specification
- Orbital welding and specialty process piping
- Ductwork design and installation
- Planned maintenance agreements
- 24/7 emergency services
The advantage of hiring an HVAC contracting firm for your commercial building is their unique ability to understand the needs of the facility and the indoor air requirements and match the equipment properly to deliver heating, cooling, and humidity control optimized to the specific space.
What To Look For In a Commercial HVAC Contractor
Commercial buildings are held together by mechanical systems such as HVAC. A reliable HVAC contractor ensures these systems are installed and maintained to be efficient, safe and comply with local regulations. Poorly designed or installed systems can lead to frequent breakdowns, high energy costs and legal issues.
Well designed HVAC systems can save up to 30% of energy. That’s why you should look for a contractor who prioritizes both quality and sustainability. Some of the things you should look for in an HVAC contractor include:
Experience in Commercial Projects
When hiring an HVAC contractor, look for firms with experience in commercial construction. Specialized knowledge is crucial as commercial systems are way more complex than residential systems. Request case studies, client testimonials and portfolio of past projects to evaluate their expertise.
Licensing, Certification and Insurance
Make sure the contractor has all the required licenses and certifications for HVAC contracting work in your area. They should also have adequate insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation. These will protect both the contractor and your business from unforeseen liabilities.
Good Communication
An HVAC contractor should be a partner, keeping you informed at every stage of the project, from planning to post-installation maintenance. Clear communication minimizes miscommunication and keeps the project on track.
Familiarity with Energy Efficiency Standards
Energy efficiency is getting more important for commercial buildings. Look for contractors who are familiar with programs like ENERGY STAR or LEED certification. They should be able to recommend equipment and designs that will reduce your long term operational costs while meeting environmental standards.
Offers Comprehensive Services
A top-notch HVAC contractor should offer:
- Design and installation of HVAC Systems
- Routine and emergency maintenance
- Retrofitting older systems to current standards
- Duct fabrication and installation
A qualified commercial HVAC contractor can measure the airflow of your building and determine the size of the equipment you need, new equipment will be compatible with existing equipment. They can also design a duct system and airflow controllers to keep temperature at prescribed levels and indoor air quality optimal at all times.
What to Expect From Your Contractor Throughout the Design-Build Process of Your HVAC System
When you hire a commercial HVAC contractor for your new building project, it’s not just about getting the job done. It’s about getting it done right. You want a contractor who will partner with you, making sure your HVAC system is designed to meet your building’s needs and keeping things running smoothly from start to finish. The whole process is a journey, and a good contractor will guide you through each step with expertise and care. Let’s break down what to expect in each of these phases:
The Design-Build Process
This is where everything starts to come together. The design-build phase is all about planning and designing a system that’s tailored to your building’s needs. A good contractor won’t just show up and start working; they’ll take the time to really understand your space and its unique requirements. They’ll ask questions like:
- How will the space be used?
- How many people will occupy it at a time?
- What are the specific climate control needs for different areas?
From there, your contractor will get to work on a custom design. Here’s what that typically involves:
- Airflow: The contractor will plan out the airflow to ensure that each area gets the right amount of heating or cooling.
- Energy efficiency: The system will be designed with energy savings in mind, helping you reduce long-term operating costs.
- Compliance: The contractor will make sure the design meets all local building codes and regulations.
The contractor will also use advanced tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to map out the system, helping you visualize how everything fits together before installation even begins. This ensures there are no surprises down the road.
In addition, they’ll think about how to optimize temperature control across different areas of the building using zoning. Zoning allows for different temperature settings in different parts of the space, which helps increase comfort while reducing energy costs.
By the time this phase is done, you’ll have:
- A custom HVAC design tailored to your space
- A detailed equipment list and ductwork plans
- A timeline for when everything will be installed
This sets the foundation for a smooth, successful project that will keep your building comfortable and energy-efficient for years to come.
Construction and Installation Process
The construction and installation phase is when your HVAC system starts to come to life. Here’s what to look for during this stage:
- A Good Crew: Look for a contractor with a full team, including ductwork, pipefitting and system testing specialists. So everything gets installed right.
- Communication: Your contractor should keep you in the loop throughout the process. You’ll want to know when things are moving and if any issues pop up.
- Seamless Integration: The system should fit into your building. That means considering airflow, equipment placement and all the little things that make it work.
- Following the Rules: Make sure the contractor is up to date on local codes and regulations. So your building is safe and everything is compliant.
- Testing, Testing, Testing: Once everything is in place, the system should be tested to make sure it’s working and efficient.
If your contractor is focused on these key areas, you’ll have a great running HVAC system for years.
Post-Installation Steps
After the installation, the contractor will work with your facility team to ensure everything is running smoothly. You’ll receive training to help you identify and address any issues early on. If your system has a full replacement, everyone will be trained on how to check:
- Air conditioning system
- Heat pump
- Electric heater
- Gas furnace
- Dual fuel heat pump furnace
Training will include tips on how to identify unusual sounds or smells that could be signs of loose bolts or oil leaks. If anything looks off, contact your contractor for a system check.
If your building has a Building Automation System or Business Analytics System, your team will also be trained to monitor daily metrics. They will watch for things like temperature settings, employee access rules and lighting systems that shut off unoccupied areas. If anything looks out of the ordinary your support team will be alerted to address the issue.
This post-installation support will keep your system in top shape so you don’t run into unexpected problems and keep your building comfortable and efficient.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Every HVAC contractor should provide a maintenance and service agreement option. Mechanical systems installed and maintained properly should last 15-20 years. Without a planned maintenance schedule, the working life will be diminished.
Depending upon the facility operating hours, the system might need a monthly maintenance plan. Most mechanical contractors will suggest monthly maintenance for a few months and then adjust the schedule as they understand the facility manager’s ability to regularly check key components for proper operating levels.
In addition to ensuring you do not experience a system failure, without following service and maintenance warranty guidelines, equipment failure may not be covered, and repairs could be costly.
Commercial HVAC construction is worth doing right the first time. That’s why working with an experienced contractor through all phases of the implementation is so important.
Contact Unitemp Today!
With over 50 years of experience providing installation, service, and maintenance of commercial and industrial mechanical systems, consider calling us today.
We can create a detailed list of the costs for designing, providing BIM files, construction, installation, and training for new installations and retrofits. We also design a custom solution for adding Building Automation Systems and Building Analytic Systems, giving you the latest technology to track energy costs and the health of your system.
Contact us today to learn more about how our expert HVAC contractors can assist you through your new construction project, every step of the way!