November 30, 2025
Introduction
In Florida’s demanding climate, your building’s HVAC and mechanical systems work harder than most. Over time, even good systems can lose their intended performance. This can lead to higher energy costs, more strain on equipment, and complaints from occupants.
That’s where commissioning, specifically retro-commissioning and recommissioning, comes in. Both processes restore efficiency and comfort, but they apply to different situations depending on your building’s history.
If you are not sure which approach your facility needs, this guide explains the differences and benefits. It also shares real-world results from projects in Florida.
What Is Retro-Commissioning?
Retro-commissioning (RCx) involves testing, diagnosing, and optimizing building systems that builders never commissioned after construction.
In other words, it’s the first time your building undergoes a full performance evaluation to ensure all systems, HVAC, lighting, controls, and automation, operate as intended.
Key goals of retro-commissioning include:
- Identifying hidden inefficiencies and performance drift
- Calibrating controls and sensors for accurate operation
- Improving airflow balance, pressure control, and occupant comfort
- Reducing unnecessary energy consumption
- Extending equipment lifespan
When to consider retro-commissioning:
- Your building is more than five years old and was never commissioned
- You’ve noticed rising utility costs or inconsistent temperature control
- Occupant complaints are increasing
- Preventive maintenance hasn’t resolved persistent issues
What Is Recommissioning?
Recommissioning applies to buildings that were commissioned previously, but need to be re-tested and fine-tuned as conditions, usage, or equipment change.
It’s part of a proactive facility management strategy that ensures ongoing efficiency and compliance with design intent.
Key goals of recommissioning include:
- Revalidating system performance after years of operation
- Verifying energy efficiency and control sequence accuracy
- Correcting setpoint drift and control overrides
- Addressing comfort and air quality complaints that arise over time
When to consider recommissioning:
- The building was originally commissioned 3–7 years ago
- Space usage or occupancy patterns have changed
- Energy performance is declining despite consistent maintenance
- You’ve completed HVAC or control system upgrades
Key Differences
Building Type:
- Systems never commissioned
- Systems previously commissioned
Primary Purpose:
- Optimize system performance for the first time
- Restore original performance and efficiency
Typical Triggers:
- High energy bills
- Frequent comfort issues
- System upgrades
- Aging controls
- Performance drift
Documentation:
- Minimal to none
- Existing commissioning reports available
Cost Range (per sq. ft.):
- $0.30–$0.80
- $0.20–$0.60
Average ROI:
- 15–20% energy cost reduction
- 10–15% efficiency improvement
- Ideal Candidate:
- Older buildings with performance gaps
- Recently upgraded or aging facilities
The ROI of Commissioning for Florida Buildings
Whether you’re retro-commissioning or recommissioning, the return on investment is clear. In Florida’s year-round cooling climate, even small inefficiencies multiply quickly.
Typical benefits include:
- 15–25% reduction in energy costs
- Improved temperature consistency and occupant comfort
- Longer equipment life through reduced wear
- Fewer maintenance calls and reactive repairs
- Improved IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) and humidity control
Typical timeline: Most projects take 4–12 weeks depending on building size and system complexity, with measurable savings appearing within the first quarter after adjustments.
Decision Guide: Which Approach Is Right for You?
Ask these questions to find out:
✅ Was your building ever commissioned?
If no → Choose Retro-Commissioning.
If yes → Continue below.
✅ Has it been more than 3–5 years since your last commissioning test?
If yes → Choose Recommissioning.
✅ Have major HVAC upgrades or occupancy changes occurred?
If yes → Recommissioning will verify the new configuration.
✅ Are energy bills increasing or comfort complaints rising?
If yes → Either service may apply. An initial assessment from SITA can confirm the best path forward.
Case Study 1: Retro-Commissioning in Orlando Office Building
A 120,000-square-foot office facility in Orlando had never been commissioned since construction in 2010. Energy use intensity (EUI) was 27% higher than similar buildings in the area.
Findings:
- Out-of-calibration sensors
- Simultaneous heating and cooling in multiple zones
- Economizer control malfunction
Results:
- Annual energy savings of $48,000
- Payback period: 14 months
- Improved occupant satisfaction scores by 22%
Case Study 2: Recommissioning a Tampa Healthcare Facility
A 70,000-square-foot healthcare center in Tampa was originally commissioned in 2014 but faced rising energy costs and humidity issues.
Findings:
- Improper control sequences after BMS software update
- Air handling unit damper misalignment
- Exhaust system imbalance affecting pressurization
Results:
- Energy cost reduction of 17% annually
- Improved humidity control from 65% to 50% RH
- Verified compliance with ASHRAE 170 healthcare ventilation standards
Case Study 3: School District Recommissioning for Energy Efficiency
A Florida school district initiated recommissioning across four campuses, totaling over 500,000 square feet.
Findings:
- Inefficient scheduling in BAS (Building Automation System)
- Over-ventilation during unoccupied hours
- Uncalibrated CO₂ sensors
Results:
- District-wide savings of $120,000 annually
- Payback period: Under 1 year
- Enhanced learning environment through better temperature control
Partnering with SITA: Florida’s Commissioning Experts
At Southern Independent Testing Agency, we bring over five decades of experience to every commissioning project. As a family-owned firm based in Tampa, our approach combines technical precision with integrity-driven service.
We are certified by AABC, NEBB, ACG, and ITC, providing:
- Retro-commissioning for existing buildings
- Recommissioning and ongoing performance verification
- HVAC Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB)
- Building Commissioning and Air Barrier Testing
Our mission is simple: to ensure Florida’s buildings perform as designed, efficiently, reliably, and comfortably.
Conclusion
Both retro-commissioning and recommissioning can drastically improve your building’s performance and energy efficiency, but knowing which one to choose starts with understanding your building’s history.
Whether your facility has never been commissioned or simply needs to be tuned for current conditions, SITA can help identify the most effective path forward.
Ready to enhance performance and cut operating costs?
Schedule a consultation with SITA to discover how commissioning can transform your building’s efficiency, comfort, and reliability.
