May 27, 2025
When it comes to new construction or HVAC upgrades, building owners and contractors are often under pressure to stay on schedule and within budget. It’s tempting to look for areas to save time or money, and one area that sometimes gets skipped is HVAC system commissioning. But skipping this step doesn’t just affect performance, it can have long-term financial consequences and create operational headaches that outweigh any short-term savings.
In this blog, we’ll explain why HVAC commissioning is a critical step in any building project. We’ll walk you through what commissioning involves, highlight the real costs of skipping it, and offer insight into how this process protects your investment and keeps your HVAC systems running smoothly.
Whether you’re planning a new build or retrofitting an older structure, these HVAC commissioning tips will help you make informed, cost-effective decisions.
What Is HVAC Commissioning?
HVAC commissioning is a quality-focused process that ensures a building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are designed, installed, tested, and maintained for optimal performance.
Think of it like a performance check before putting a car on the road. Even if everything looks good under the hood, you wouldn’t drive off the lot without confirming the brakes work, the engine runs smoothly, and all systems respond correctly. HVAC commissioning does the same for your building’s climate control systems.
The process includes:
- Design Review: Confirming the system matches the project’s operational goals.
- Installation Verification: Ensuring everything is installed to spec and with proper documentation.
- Performance Testing: Running systems through real-life conditions to test responsiveness, efficiency, and reliability.
- Owner Training: Providing documentation and walkthroughs to help building staff maintain and troubleshoot systems.
When done correctly, commissioning increases the value of your HVAC investment by reducing costly inefficiencies and extending system life.
What Happens When You Skip Commissioning?
Skipping HVAC commissioning may seem like a shortcut to save time and money, but it often leads to a series of problems that snowball quickly. Here’s what you risk:
1. Increased Energy Costs
Systems that aren’t properly commissioned often operate outside their intended parameters. Maybe a sensor is placed incorrectly, or the airflow is unbalanced. These small issues force systems to work harder than they should, resulting in higher energy use. You’ll see the impact on your utility bills almost immediately.
2. Equipment Failure and Costly Repairs
Unbalanced systems place unnecessary stress on HVAC components. Over time, this accelerates wear and tear. Without commissioning, minor problems go unnoticed until they cause system failures that require major repairs or early replacements.
3. Comfort Complaints and Tenant Issues
An HVAC system that’s not working correctly can lead to hot and cold spots, humidity issues, and poor indoor air quality. If you’re managing a commercial or residential property, those problems lead to complaints, lower tenant satisfaction, and potential turnover. That means lost revenue and a damaged reputation.
Long-Term Financial Consequences
One of the most overlooked impacts of skipping commissioning is its long-term cost. Here’s how it can quietly drain your resources:
- Higher Maintenance Costs: Systems that aren’t commissioned often require more frequent service calls and emergency repairs.
- Reduced System Life: Equipment that runs under strain wears out faster, which means premature replacement.
- Missed Incentives and Rebates: Many energy-saving incentive programs require commissioning as part of their qualification process.
- Non-Compliance Penalties: In some municipalities, commissioning is tied to local codes, energy standards, or certifications. Skipping it can result in costly penalties or delays in occupancy permits.
Commissioning ensures your HVAC system meets the requirements of energy codes and sustainability standards, potentially qualifying you for rebates, tax breaks, or green building certifications.
The Impact on Building Performance
HVAC commissioning isn’t just about mechanics, it also plays a major role in overall building performance. Commissioned systems are more responsive, provide more consistent comfort, and offer better air quality. These benefits contribute to:
- Healthier Indoor Environments: Proper airflow, ventilation, and humidity control improve indoor air quality.
- Better System Integration: Commissioning ensures HVAC systems work seamlessly with lighting, insulation, and building automation controls.
- Improved Building Value: Commissioned systems make buildings more attractive to tenants and buyers, especially those focused on energy efficiency and comfort.
Real-World Results: Commissioning in Action
Consider this example. A 75,000-square-foot office building was constructed without HVAC commissioning to cut costs. Within six months, occupants were experiencing uneven temperatures and stale air. An independent test and balance firm was brought in to assess the system, revealing that supply and return air were unbalanced and controls weren’t responding properly.
After retroactive commissioning, the building reduced energy use by 18 percent and eliminated tenant complaints. The cost of re-commissioning was quickly recovered in energy savings, not to mention avoided repair costs.
Compare that to another property, similar in size and scope, that was commissioned from day one. The building received a local energy-efficiency certification, reduced annual maintenance by 30 percent, and saw HVAC-related service calls drop to near zero in the first year.
HVAC Commissioning Tips for a Smooth Process
If you’re ready to prioritize HVAC commissioning on your next project, here are some simple tips to make the process go smoothly:
- Get Commissioning Involved Early: Involve the commissioning team during the design phase to help identify opportunities for energy savings and to prevent issues before construction begins.
- Keep Detailed Documentation: Make sure all stakeholders understand the system’s goals, specs, and sequences. Good documentation helps with training and long-term maintenance.
- Work With Certified Professionals: Choose a commissioning agent certified by industry standards such as AABC, NEBB, or ASHRAE. Experience matters.
- Prioritize Communication: Keep clear lines of communication between engineers, contractors, and building owners. Commissioning works best as a collaborative effort.
- Plan for the Long Term: Use the results of commissioning as a foundation for ongoing performance monitoring and system maintenance.
Conclusion
HVAC commissioning isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Skipping it may seem like an easy way to save money, but the consequences can be far more expensive in the long run. From energy waste and repair costs to comfort issues and compliance problems, the hidden costs of skipping commissioning add up quickly.
When you invest in HVAC system commissioning, you’re investing in the efficiency, performance, and longevity of your building systems. Whether you’re planning a new build or evaluating an existing system, now is the time to prioritize this critical step.
Contact us today to learn how our team can help you streamline your commissioning process, avoid costly pitfalls, and get the most out of your HVAC investment.
