Our Services

In HVAC systems it is necessary that air be distributed according to design requirements to insure comfort, energy conservation and a healthy environment.  Air flow volumes are measured and adjusted according to the design requirements determined by the mechanical engineer for the systems to operate at the optimum performance level.

• Test, adjust and proportion main and individual dampers in order to achieve design CFM requirements.
• Test, adjust and certify that fan equipment is running at optimum performance.
• Adjust digital or pneumatic control components to meet design specifications.
• Troubleshoot any problems we encounter.
• Input field data into report form.

Hydronic systems serve in the transfer of water in HVAC systems.  Water flow volumes are measured in hydronic systems and adjusted according to design requirements determined by the mechanical engineer to achieve desired temperatures.

• Test, adjust and regulate main and individual circuit setters to achieve design GPM requirements through the coils.
• Test and set pumps, chillers and boilers as required by the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Test and record water temperatures.
• Troubleshoot any problems we encounter.
• Input field data into report form.

Throughout the life of an air system, it is important to periodically survey the air system to verify performance, protect health and safety and ensure efficiency.   Matrix Air Balance, Inc. uses a variety of tests to detect problems and potential issues.

• Measure and record CFM values and equipment running data, as required, to achieve the system’s performance.
• All tests are performed in a “control condition” that can be reproduced at a later time.
• Input field data into report form.

Throughout the life of a water system, it is important to periodically survey the water system to verify performance, protect health and safety and ensure efficiency.   Matrix Air Balance, Inc. uses a variety of tests to detect problems and potential issues.

• Measure and record GPM values and equipment running data, as required, to achieve the system’s performance.
• All tests are performed in a “control condition” that can be reproduced at a later time.
• Input field data into report form.

Prior to construction, readings on existing system conditions/settings are taken as a point of reference for post construction balancing or to evaluate the necessities of the upcoming construction project.

• The area to be read is determined.
• Readings are taken and recorded.
• Input field data into report form.

For hard to reach places that need inspection for damage and debris, Matrix Air Balance, Inc. has a special tool for the job.  Baroscopic investigation visually confirms the existence or nonexistence of damage, debris, leakage, water, mold and any other kind of maladies.

• Determine the areas that need to be investigated.
• Use Baroscope to capture video footage of areas in question.
• Generate a report to accompany the video footage.

Air system static pressure profiles allow the air balance technician get a general idea of where the air is going in an entire HVAC system or in an isolated section of ductwork.

• The duct system to be profiled is identified and holes are drilled throughout the duct system.
• Static pressure readings are taken and recorded at each hole.
• Input field data into report form.

Fans perform very differently once they are installed into the system they are going to be serving.  A fan performance analysis will determine the efficiency of your fans performance.

• Determine the class of the fan to be analyzed.
• Measure RPM, BHP and static pressure.
• Compare field readings to a fan performance chart.
• Perform a fan static profile
• Input field data into report form.

Duct leakage testing is a method of testing the leakage rate of a specified section of ductwork.  A section of ductwork is sealed off from the rest of the system and a test fan or duct pressure machine is used to generate the required test pressure.  Projects that specify duct leakage testing have a design requirement of leakage not to be exceeded.

• Utilize our state-of-the-art duct pressure machine to the section of ductwork being tested.
• Pressurize the ductwork to the specified pressure rating.
• Record the amount of leakage that is generated by the ductwork.

• Input field data into report form.

In hydronic systems that do not have balancing stations or circuit setters where a flow reading can be measured, an ultra sonic water meter can be used to determine the GPM.  Ultra sonic water measurement is an innovative way to solve the common problem of measuring hydronic systems that were installed without water balancing in mind.

• Determine the section of pipe that will produce the most accurate ultra sonic water reading.
• Cut pipe insulation at test location and attach the ultra sonic water meter.
• Test the water flow and record the results.
• Input field data into report form.

In the food service industry the expulsion of smoke, heat and grease from cooking ensures the safety and sanitary conditions of food preparation areas.  Performance of equipment may be hindered by poor maintenance such as a buildup of grease.

• Determine the surface area of the filter manufacturer’s equipment.
• Determine the area of the opening through the ceiling to the roof for FPM across the safety linkage.
• Test, adjust and balance air flow to design requirements.
• Troubleshoot poor performance.
• Input field data into report form.

Makeup air is a vital component in maintaining a buildings pressure.  If an area is being served by an excessive amount of exhaust air, such as in the case of kitchen exhaust hoods and fume hoods, A makeup air unit is usually installed and will need to be tested and balanced.

• Determine the amount of makeup air needed for the area.
• Test and balance the makeup air system.
• Input field data into report form.

Fume hoods are box-like structures that enclose a source of air contamination.  The importance of fume hood performance is vital to safety.  Faulty performance can cause contamination of employees and laboratories.  Some materials used in fume hoods can even present a risk of explosion if not properly exhausted.

• Determine the manufacturer design setting for the fume hood door.
• Test and adjust the amount of air flow produced by the fume hood.
• Input field data into report form.

Isolation rooms are generally used in hospitals and medical facilities.  The purpose of these isolation rooms is to contain germs within the room or to keep germs out.

• Measure and calculate the cubic footage of the isolation room.
• Determine the proper amount of air changes per hour according to Title 24.
• Test and record all airflow readings and adjust airflow if needed.
• Input field data into report form.

Clean rooms are areas that are setup to maintain temperature, humidity, filtration of air particulates, and specified air flow.  These clean rooms are used for special assembly plants, laboratories, hospitals, and any facility that requires a special atmosphere.  Clean room testing procedures must adhere to Federal Standard 209 from the General Services Administration.

• Test, adjust and proportion main and individual dampers in order to achieve design CFM requirements for the special environment.
• Test, adjust and certify that fan equipment is running at optimum performance.
• Adjust digital or pneumatic control components to meet design specifications.
• Setup any specialized HVAC equipment in compliance with Federal Standard 209 from the General Services Administration.
• Check room pressure.
• Input field data into report form.

Seminars and Classes Offered to Licensed Architects and Mechanical Engineers

• Title 24 Compliance
• Building HVAC Surveys
• Air Balance
• Water Balance

Stairwell pressurization is an important aspect of fire/life-safety.  Stairwell pressurization must be tested to ensure adequate smoke control in a fire emergency.

• An acceptance test is performed and is comprised of a startup check of the system and a performance test.
• Adjustments are made to the system to ensure it is operating within the guidelines of the required regulations.
• Pressures are taken at each floor from each door.
• A PSI test is performed
• Input field data into report form.

Smoke testing is an aspect of life-safety that involves testing the amount of time it takes to evacuate smoke from a specified area via exhaust air systems.  Some projects require smoke testing and a design evacuation time is stipulated by the mechanical engineer, city inspector or fire marshal.

• A proper distance from the exit is determined and visual test is performed from this location.
• Smoke is introduced into the area to be tested by a smoke generator.
• The HVAC system is turned on and the amount of time it takes for the smoke to evacuate the test area is recorded.
• Input field data into report form.

Life-Safety systems detect smoke using smoke duct detectors and control the flow of smoke throughout a facility utilizing smoke/fire dampers when needed.  Testing the function of these systems is vital in the overall protection of occupants in buildings.

• Manually switch on and off smoke/fire dampers to verify functionality.
• Test smoke duct detectors for design static differential and FPM as required by the manufacturer.
• Survey for any damaged or malfunctioning smoke/fire dampers.
• Input field data into report form.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are designed to target much smaller pollutants and particles. Particles are trapped by the process of interception, impaction or diffusion based on the type of HEPA filters being use.  HEPA filters are general used in environments such as operating rooms, clean rooms and sterile environments.

• Verify the proper installation of HEPA filters.
• Inspect existing HEPA filters for damage or excessive buildup that would hinder performance.
• Check differential pressure across filters.
• Test, adjust and balance air flow to design requirements.
• Report the results of the test and balance.

Control systems operate the general function of HVAC components.  These controls vary from pneumatic, digital, analog, or thermal.  They have the ability to control sequences, energy efficiency, and comfort.  It is important that the function of control systems is verified to remedy any installation or factory errors.

• Manually test the operation of individual controls in a control system.
• Make any adjustments to control settings to optimize the function of the control system.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning controllers.
• Replace and restore controllers as needed to maintain performance.
• Input field data into report form.

One of the methods for detecting leakage and temperature loss is to do a FLIR scan of ductwork.  Thermal images of the ductwork are produced indicating where there is leakage by means of a temperature color spectrum chart.

• Multiple photographs are taken that each corresponds to a related FLIR scan image.
• Input field data, photographs and FLIR scan images into report form.

For hard to reach places that need inspection for damage and debris, Matrix Air Balance, Inc. has a special tool for the job.  Baroscopic investigation visually confirms the existence or nonexistence of damage, debris, leakage, water, mold and any other kind of maladies.

• Determine the areas that need to be investigated.
• Use Baroscope to capture video footage of areas in question.
• Generate a report to accompany the video footage.

When a project is completed, a report is generated to reflect the overall outcome of the testing, adjusting and balancing that was performed.  A set of CAD drawings is also created based on existing blueprints or field drawn sketches.  Our office personnel are highly skilled in the meticulous art of CAD drawing and report organization.

• Organize and account for all field reports, field notes, and existing blueprints.
• Using our CAD software, a drawing is created.
• A report of all testing, adjusting and balancing completed, general notes, equipment data and performance of equipment is generated with corresponding identification in the CAD drawings.
• CAD drawings and reports are sent out in hard copy form and via e-mail PDF when requested.

HVAC systems can sometimes produce unnecessary or excessive sounds that can transfer into adjacent areas such as office spaces, where the sounds can become bothersome to the occupants.  In extremes, excessive sound can even become hazardous, damaging hearing.  Sound testing consists of the measurement of sound pressure levels, background noise, frequencies and then recording the findings of the tests.

• Test sound level at desired scales, as required by specifications and/or mechanical engineers, to verify compliances of noise levels in areas of concern.
• Input field data into report form.

Indoor air quality testing is performed to ensure that adequate ventilation exist in the building.  High air particulate counts can cause an unhealthy environment and create hazardous conditions.

• Test air particulate count, take culture samples and send them out to the laboratory.
• Obtain culture sample results from laboratory and record the results of the test.
• Input field data into report form.

HVAC systems can sometimes produce unnecessary or excessive vibrations that can transfer into adjacent areas such as office spaces, where the vibrations can become bothersome or hazardous to the occupants.  Excessive vibrations may also promote early mechanical failure and poor performance of HVAC equipment

• Test vibration level at desired scales, as required by specifications and/or mechanical engineers, to verify compliances of vibration levels in areas of concern.
• Input field data into report form.

Cooling towers are used in chilled water systems to remove heat energy from the system.  The efficiency of cooling towers can be determined by a cooling tower performance test.

• Test the flow of condenser water through the cooling tower
• Adjust the flow of condenser water through the cooling tower to achieve the maximum heat transfer from the condenser return water to the outside air.
• Input field data into report form.

Building systems commissioning consists of verifying and recording data on the performance and efficiency of all systems in a building to ensure that they meet design requirements.

• Test the performance of all systems.
• Record equipment data and test data.
• Input field data into report form.