Commercial Test & Balance (TAB) FAQs
Common Questions About HVAC Verification, Code Compliance, & Airflow
General TAB Services
What is Commercial Test and Balance (TAB)?
Commercial Test and Balance (TAB) is the certified process of measuring and adjusting your HVAC system to match the mechanical engineer's design. It ensures your building's heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are delivering the correct airflow (CFM) to every room.
At Northwest Energy LLC, we provide independent, third-party verification to ensure your system is compliant with ASHRAE standards and local energy codes in Northern Illinois.
Why is TAB required for my building?
TAB is not just a maintenance task; it is often a legal requirement.
Code Compliance: Municipalities like Chicago Naperville, Wheaton, and Oak Park strictly require a certified TAB report to pass final mechanical inspections.
System Integrity: It proves that the contractor installed the equipment correctly and that it performs as promised.
Energy Efficiency: An unbalanced system wastes energy by over-working fans and compressors.
Occupancy Permits & Inspections
Do I need a TAB report to get my Certificate of Occupancy?
Yes. In most Chicago suburbs, a certified TAB report is a mandatory checklist item for your final building inspection. You cannot receive your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) until a third-party agency (like us) verifies that your ventilation rates meet the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Which cities require a TAB report for inspection?
While codes change frequently, we currently see strict enforcement for TAB reports in:
Naperville
Wheaton
Hoffman Estates
Arlington Heights
Oak Park
Aurora
Don't see your city? Contact us. We stay up-to-date on all municipal codes in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Kane Counties.
How fast can I get a report?
We know construction schedules are tight. We specialize in rapid response for tenant build-outs. Once we complete the site visit, we typically turn around the certified PDF report within the same day, ready for submission to the village.
Troubleshooting Common HVAC Problems
What is "Negative Building Pressure" and why is it bad?
Negative pressure occurs when your building exhausts more air than it brings in. This creates a vacuum effect that pulls unconditioned outdoor air into your space. Common symptoms include:
Entrance doors that are hard to open or slam shut.
Drafts and cold spots near windows.
Sewer gases or kitchen odors lingering in dining areas.
We fix this by balancing your Makeup Air Units (MAU) to slightly pressurize the building.
Why is my restaurant kitchen so hot/smoky?
This is usually an imbalance between your Kitchen Hood Exhaust and your Makeup Air. If the exhaust fan is pulling out more air than the makeup unit replaces, the hood loses capture velocity, and smoke spills into the kitchen. We measure and balance these fans to ensure safety and comfort.
Can TAB fix "Hot and Cold Spots" in my office?
Yes. Inconsistent temperatures are rarely an equipment failure; they are usually an airflow distribution issue. We adjust the manual dampers and VAV boxes to force more conditioned air into the hot rooms and reduce flow to the cold rooms, ensuring even comfort for all employees.
Process & Benefits
What tools do you use for Air Balancing?
We use certified, calibrated instrumentation including:
Capture Hoods (Flow Hoods): To measure air volume at grilles and diffusers.
Manometers: To measure static pressure inside ductwork and building pressure.
Tachometers: To measure fan rotation speeds (RPM).
How often should a commercial building be balanced?
New Construction: Required immediately upon completion.
Renovations: Anytime you move walls or change the floor plan.
HVAC Replacement: Whenever a new Rooftop Unit (RTU) is installed.
Contact Northwest Energy LLC
Ready to schedule your Test and Balance? Don't let an inspection delay your opening. Contact the region's trusted independent experts.