By: Erik S. Emblem, Administrator of TABB

Erik S. Emblem

If there is one certainty in the construction world, it's that integrity is key. Cutting corners is unacceptable; mistakes uncorrected can lead to disasters. Nowhere is this more true than in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry, given its complexity, fast-paced innovation in research and development, and government and legal scrutiny, quality must be assured.

For this reason it is important that mechanical contractors pay special attention to the testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) of the HVACR systems installed and retrofitted. Building owners, engineers and architects need assurance that the systems are operating according to the design specifications.

TAB work is extremely important in validating that these systems do just that, and that is why certified, building environmental balancing professionals should be brought into the mix. Obviously a certification isn't worth the paper it's printed on unless the work is performed by individuals who adhere to a strict "Code of Conduct."

With the complexity of the design and operation of today's building environmental systems, it is critical that not only the system balancing contractor be certified, but also that the contractor have trained, certified technicians and supervisors.

TABB was created by SMACNA and the SMWIA for that reason. No other certification program can bring all these aspects together and crown them with a first-class certification. TABB certified contractors and their employees have access to the 165 industry training facilities and eight certification labs located throughout the U.S. and Canada. TABB and its partners, the International Training Institute, TABIC Chicago and SMARTA Illinois are unmatched in providing quality trained and certified technicians and supervisors.

Attention to quality and detail should be the hallmarks of TAB work. It is not being skeptical to be cautious. Mistakes can be costly - literally and figuratively - whether it's a residential system or a multi-million dollar commercial HVAC system, balance calculations are verified by our certified professionals both at the technician level then reviewed by certified supervisors and then backed by our customer assurance program.

It goes without saying properly designed systems installed by qualified SMACNA contractors and balanced by TABB Certified Professionals will help the construction industry as a whole to stem the growing tide of litigation in this arena. Building owners will be assured that their systems are operating properly.

As the administrator of the Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau, I witness everyday ways in which labor and management can use its collective strength to better our industry. SMACNA and the SMWIA have created a win-win-win situation here. Contractors, workers and building owners all win!

Since its inception in 1999, TABB has sought to capitalize on the strength of both the SMWIA and SMACNA to ensure HVAC systems are tested, adjusted and balanced as they are designed. We now have contractors and technicians in every part of the U.S. and Canada, and continue to grow.

I commend SNIPS magazine for taking the initiative to recognize testing, adjusting, and balancing as an intricate and essential aspect of the HVAC industry. This special section produced by SNIPS explores the work performed by TAB contractors and explains their methods.

I urge the readership of SNIPS to save this section and use it as a handy reference. In addition, the Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau has a wealth of information available, and we invite you to check it out. Visit our Web site at www.TABBcertified.org or call (800) 458-6525.