Certified Commercial Test and Balance (TAB) Information
Certified HVAC Air Balancing for Chicago, Naperville, Hoffman Estates, Wheaton & Western Suburbs
The Final Step to Your Certificate of Occupancy Commercial Test and Balance (TAB) is more than just maintenance—it is the critical compliance step required to open your business. Whether you are managing a new tenant build-out or correcting a "problem building" plagued by comfort complaints, Northwest Energy provides the certified verification you need.
We ensure your HVAC system meets mechanical design specifications and the strict energy codes required by village inspectors across Northern Illinois.
Our Core Commercial Services
1. Occupancy Permit & Code Compliance (TAB Reports) Opening a new retail store, restaurant, or medical office in Hoffman Estates, Oak Park, or Naperville? Most municipalities now mandate a certified TAB Report before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
Inspection Ready: We verify that your system meets local mechanical codes so you can pass your final inspection on the first try.
Avoid Delays: We prioritize time-sensitive build-outs to ensure you don't face costly opening delays due to HVAC paperwork.
2. Precision Air Balancing & Diffuser Adjustment We measure and adjust the airflow (CFM) at every supply grille and return diffuser to ensure total system equilibrium.
Eliminate Hot & Cold Spots: We ensure every room receives the exact air volume required by the design, stopping common complaints like "freezing" receptionists or "sweating" customers.
Zoning Corrections: We adjust dampers to balance airflow between perimeter offices and interior conference rooms.
3. Building Pressurization & Negative Pressure Correction Is your entrance door hard to open? Do you smell kitchen odors in your dining room? These are classic signs of Negative Building Pressure.
Infiltration Control: If your building exhausts more air than it brings in, it pulls in unconditioned outdoor air and soil gases. We balance your intake and exhaust to resolve "ghost doors" and drafts instantly.
Odor Containment: Critical for restaurants and salons, we ensure proper pressure relationships to keep odors contained to the source.
4. System Performance Verification We don't guess—we test. We evaluate the overall health of your Rooftop Units (RTUs), air handlers, fans, and belts.
Design vs. Actual: We verify that your equipment is actually delivering the heating and cooling capacity you paid for.
Economizer Testing: We check that fresh air dampers are operating correctly to maximize free cooling and meet ventilation codes.
Why Chicago Businesses Choose Northwest Energy
Get Open Faster: We specialize in Commercial Tenant Improvements (TI). We work directly with General Contractors to expedite the TAB process.
Lower Utility Bills: An unbalanced system works twice as hard to condition your space. Properly balanced systems run efficiently, directly lowering your ComEd and Nicor operating costs.
Extend Equipment Life: By verifying fan speeds and amperage, we reduce strain on motors and prevent premature breakdowns during the peak of Chicago summers and winters.