Additional HVAC Consulting Services

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system energy use is a significant component of a facility's overall operating cost. The Watson Group/E3 Designs stays current with the changes that can impact building operations:

Changing code requirements
The advent of new technology
The move toward deregulation of electric utilities
Federal and State energy directives to meet minimum requirements
(i.e. LEED®, USGBC and Energy Star)

The Watson Group/E3 Designs will assist you in identifying opportunities that will help to optimize the value of HVAC assets. From analysis and project recommendations, through the design and implementation, to commissioning and system monitoring after installation, The Watson Group/E3 Designs "life cycle approach" guarantees the desired results. We also guarantee our on-going support. We are available to assist you with a complete range of services tailored to suit your needs. Additional Support Services include:

PEER REVIEW The Watson Group/E3 Designs continues to be involved throughout the design process. We provide a critical peer review of the plans and specifications prior to sending the project out to bid. We pay particular attention to the control drawings and sequences of operation. Using our experience gained through monitoring of actual HVAC systems, we assure optimized system control for your particular application.

DESIGN ENGINEERING The Watson Group/E3 Designs offers a complete range of mechanical and electrical design services for clients that are looking for single source responsibility in their project implementation. We have established working relationships with large, multinational design firms, which have the necessary resources to successfully address any design requirements. Our extensive network will allow us to make recommendations on contractors, construction managers, and project managers based on firsthand knowledge of the local marketplace.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Even when a project is properly evaluated and designed, often what is installed is not what the client expected or paid for. Our project management services provide technical assistance to assure that the system is installed on time, on budget, and meets with the client's performance expectations.

HVAC SYSTEM VERIFICATION The final step in our commissioning process is the verification of the HVAC system operation. Picking up where the traditional commissioning teams leave off, The Watson Group/E3 Designs will download operating data continuously over the warranty period. This data will be analyzed to assure the system operates effectively over all four seasons, and summarized to build a benchmark of operations for the HVAC systems. Interactive training workshops will be held after six months and one year to help building operators fine-tune operating parameters.

HVAC LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS E3Designs will perform a complete Life-Cycle Analysis of the existing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems at your facility. The goal will be to develop a plan to address components and systems in need of immediate attention, along with the development of a capital project plan.

The first step in the analysis is to collect historical data including utility bills, original plans and specifications, and any maintenance and repair information available. A site survey is then performed to identify and inspect each HVAC component. A Life-Cycle Analysis of each system will be performed including estimates of operating, maintenance, and replacement costs as well as remaining useful life. Reports will be created describing the existing systems, including age and remaining useful life, current condition, operating efficiency, estimated replacement value, and any specific operational problems which have been identified.

With this information, The Watson Group/E3 Designs will assist in the development of capital budget requirements over the next ten years.

Recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the HVAC systems will be included based on the requirements of the client, and will include:

A Description of the Modifications
Estimated Installed Cost
Impact On Operating Costs

CUSTOMIZED BUILDING OPERATOR TRAINING PROGRAM The Watson Group/E3 Designs will develop a customized HVAC training program for building operators. Our program integrates the theories of efficient operation with the hands-on experience of the building operators and operational data collected through the building's EMS system. The benefits include:

Benchmarking of Operations
Identification of operational and maintenance improvements
Identification of HVAC capital projects
Life-cycle evaluation of potential projects
Verification of system operation at the end of the projects

ENERGY AUDIT SERVICES Energy audits may include, but are not limited to, developing, executing, and reporting on audit plans and/or performing energy and water audit services.  Additionally, data collection, data analysis, benchmarking with tools such as Energy Star, and written recommendations of suggested upgrades of electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Impact on energy consumption and pollution and alternative Energy Sources. Our energy audit services apply mainly to buildings that do not have energy management (EMS) or direct digital control (DDC) systems, usually small buildings and older buildings with pneumatic controls.

METERING SERVICES The Watson Group/E3 Designs will install metering equipment and software used for the collection of data and measurement of energy consumption through electric, gas, water or steam utilities.  The data will be used to ensure energy conservation goals are being met, and for the measurement and tracking of the cost effectiveness of energy technology investments.

For more information about our Consulting Services, please contact an E3 Designs Representative at 252-255-1843.