November 14, 2025
Introduction
When your HVAC system isn’t performing at its best, the signs aren’t always obvious, but the costs can be significant. Inconsistent temperatures and rising utility bills can lead to wasted energy. These small issues can also cause equipment strain and discomfort for occupants.
Across Florida and the Southeast, HVAC system performance testing plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient, code-compliant, and comfortable buildings. Certified Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) professionals ensure that every component in your system operates at peak performance, protecting your investment and reducing long-term costs.
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, your building may be overdue for professional testing.
1. Uneven Temperatures and Inconsistent Airflow
Do certain areas in your building feel too hot while others remain chilly? Uneven temperatures usually indicate airflow imbalance, duct leakage, or improperly calibrated diffusers.
The cost: Unbalanced systems can waste 15–30% more energy while reducing overall comfort.
The fix: TAB specialists measure and adjust airflow to restore even distribution across all zones, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
2. Rising Energy Bills Without Operational Changes
If your energy costs are creeping up despite consistent occupancy and operating hours, your HVAC system may be overcompensating for inefficiencies.
The cost: A 10% airflow imbalance can drive up energy use by as much as 20%.
The fix: HVAC system performance testing identifies where air delivery, controls, or mechanical components are underperforming, helping your system run smoothly and efficiently.
3. Frequent Occupant Comfort Complaints
If tenants, employees, or students are complaining about temperature fluctuations or stale air, your HVAC system might not be properly balanced.
The cost: Facilities with poor comfort control can experience up to 40% more service requests.
The fix: Certified TAB technicians verify thermostats, dampers, and airflow to ensure comfort levels are maintained across every occupied space.
4. Poor Indoor Air Quality or High Humidity Levels
Musty odors, condensation, or persistent humidity can all signal an HVAC system that’s struggling to dehumidify or ventilate effectively, especially common in Florida’s humid climate.
The cost: Poor air quality can lead to health complaints, mold growth, and building damage.
The fix: Performance testing and commissioning verify proper ventilation rates, pressure relationships, and coil operation to improve indoor air quality and maintain ideal humidity levels.
5. Short Cycling or Excessive Equipment Wear
Does your HVAC system turn on and off too frequently? This short cycling often points to improper airflow, pressure imbalance, or control problems.
The cost: Short cycling can reduce equipment lifespan by 20–40% and cause premature component failure.
The fix: TAB professionals assess static pressure, fan speeds, and control sequences to correct performance issues and prevent unnecessary wear.
6. Failed Inspections or Code Compliance Issues
If your building has failed inspections or commissioning tests, the culprit may be an unverified HVAC system.
The cost: Failed inspections lead to occupancy delays and unexpected costs.
The fix: SITA’s certified team conducts HVAC system performance testing that meets AABC, NEBB, and ACG standards, ensuring full code compliance and system reliability.
7. Unexplained Moisture or Condensation Problems
Condensation on ceiling tiles, vents, or windows often means the system isn’t maintaining proper airflow or temperature control.
The cost: Left unchecked, moisture can cause corrosion, ceiling damage, and microbial growth.
The fix: TAB services evaluate temperature differentials and airflow direction to eliminate condensation and restore consistent indoor conditions.
8. Inaccurate Airflow or Pressure Readings During Maintenance
If your maintenance team notices inconsistent airflow or pressure readings, there could be deeper performance issues at play.
Why it matters: Even minor pressure imbalances can affect comfort, IAQ, and energy use.
The fix: Routine HVAC performance testing ensures airflow and pressure align with design intent, keeping your system balanced and code-compliant.
9. Difficulty Maintaining Temperature Setpoints
If your building struggles to maintain thermostat settings, controls or sensors may need recalibration.
Why it matters: Poorly tuned controls lead to wasted energy and system strain.
The fix: TAB experts test sensor accuracy, adjust control sequences, and verify system response to achieve stable setpoints across all zones.
10. Poor Ventilation in High-Occupancy Spaces
Areas like classrooms, gyms, or conference rooms require higher ventilation rates. If air feels stagnant or CO₂ levels rise quickly, your system may not be meeting design intent.
The cost: Inadequate ventilation impacts occupant health and productivity.
The fix: Performance testing confirms ventilation rates meet ASHRAE standards, ensuring fresh, healthy air in every occupied area.
11. Aging HVAC Equipment Without Verification
Even well-maintained equipment declines in efficiency over time. If your system is over 10 years old and hasn’t been tested recently, it may not be delivering peak performance.
The cost: Aging fans, dampers, and motors often operate below design capacity, wasting energy.
The fix: Regular TAB and commissioning help verify ongoing performance and extend system life through proactive adjustment and documentation.
12. Seasonal Performance Changes
Does your building cool efficiently in spring but struggle in summer? These fluctuations can signal airflow or capacity issues.
Why it matters: In Florida’s climate, small performance changes can lead to significant energy losses.
The fix: Seasonal testing verifies system response under different load conditions, keeping cooling performance consistent year-round.
13. Inconsistent Air Distribution After Renovations or Retrofits
When buildings undergo renovations or floor plan changes, duct layouts and diffuser placements are often altered, yet airflow isn’t always rebalanced afterward.
Why it matters: Even minor changes to walls or partitions can disrupt your HVAC system’s balance, causing comfort and efficiency problems.
The fix: Post-renovation HVAC system performance testing ensures airflow, pressure, and ventilation levels are recalibrated to meet the new space layout.
14. Energy Management System Data Doesn’t Match Actual Conditions
If your building automation or energy management system (EMS/BAS) shows values that don’t align with on-site readings, performance drift may be occurring.
Why it matters: Faulty sensors, miscalibrated controllers, or inaccurate trend data can mask inefficiencies and inflate energy costs.
The fix: TAB professionals validate BAS readings against field measurements to ensure accurate data reporting and true system optimization.
15. Occupant Health or Productivity Issues Linked to Air Quality
Inconsistent ventilation or poor filtration can lead to headaches, drowsiness, and reduced concentration among occupants, a hidden cost of HVAC underperformance.
Why it matters: According to the U.S. EPA, poor indoor air quality can be 2–5 times worse than outdoor air and directly impacts productivity.
The fix: Regular HVAC performance testing ensures ventilation meets ASHRAE standards and helps maintain healthy, productive indoor environments.
16. Building Pressurization Fluctuations During Different Weather Conditions
If you notice drafts, slamming doors, or humidity changes after storms or temperature swings, your building’s pressurization might be unstable.
Why it matters: Improper building pressurization allows unconditioned, humid air to enter, causing condensation and comfort issues.
The fix: Performance testing evaluates how your system responds to varying weather loads, adjusting airflows and controls for consistent pressurization.
17. Lack of Preventive Maintenance Aligned with TAB Findings
Even the most advanced HVAC systems need coordinated maintenance informed by data. When maintenance teams lack up-to-date TAB documentation, critical inefficiencies go unnoticed.
Why it matters: Without TAB data, facilities often replace components reactively instead of addressing system-wide balance or control issues.
The fix: Partnering with Southern Independent Testing Agency ensures your maintenance strategy aligns with verified TAB results, supporting long-term efficiency and reliability.
18. Delayed Cooling or Heating Response Times
If your building takes too long to reach the desired temperature after system startup, performance inefficiencies may be to blame.
Why it matters: Slow response times often indicate airflow blockages, control calibration issues, or undersized equipment operation.
The fix: Through HVAC system performance testing, technicians can evaluate temperature recovery rates and control sequences to ensure the system reacts efficiently to demand.
19. System Imbalances Between Multiple Air Handling Units (AHUs)
When a facility has multiple AHUs or zones, balancing issues between units can create uneven airflow and inconsistent pressure relationships.
Why it matters: Imbalanced systems lead to wasted energy, occupant discomfort, and accelerated component wear.
The fix: TAB professionals test, adjust, and document airflows between AHUs to ensure synchronized performance and energy-efficient operation across all zones.
20. Inaccurate or Missing Commissioning Data for New Construction Projects
New construction and renovation projects require precise testing and documentation to meet performance standards. Missing or incomplete data can lead to warranty disputes or system inefficiencies.
Why it matters: Without proper commissioning verification, even new HVAC systems may not deliver their designed capacity.
The fix: Certified TAB and commissioning teams, like Southern Independent Testing Agency, provide verified performance reports, ensuring compliance, documentation, and long-term reliability.
21. Unexplained Odors or Airflow Reversal in Critical Areas
If certain areas, like restrooms, kitchens, or labs, smell unusual or experience air flowing in the wrong direction, your ventilation and pressure control may be off.
Why it matters: Airflow reversal allows contaminants or odors to spread into occupied zones, compromising indoor air quality and safety.
The fix: HVAC system performance testing verifies directional airflow, exhaust performance, and pressure relationships to maintain proper containment and ventilation.
Conclusion
Small HVAC issues add up quickly, driving up costs, increasing wear, and compromising comfort. The good news? HVAC system performance testing can uncover these inefficiencies before they become costly problems.
At Southern Independent Testing Agency, our certified team brings over five decades of combined expertise to every project. We specialize in Testing, Adjusting & Balancing (TAB), Building Commissioning, and Air Barrier Testing, helping Florida’s commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities operate at their best.
Ready to uncover what your HVAC system is really costing you?
Schedule a consultation with SITA to restore performance, reliability, and peace of mind.
