Performance, Balancing & Efficiency Services
Comprehensive performance evaluation, airflow measurement, temperature differential, refrigerant charge verification, and efficiency calculation.
Identify and correct efficiency losses in existing systems, coils, filters, refrigerant, and airflow.
Balance the entire HVAC system, airflow, refrigerant, and electrical, for peak performance.
Adjust system operation to match actual cooling and heating load, prevents short cycling and improves efficiency.
Balance system capacity allocation across zones and operating conditions for consistent comfort.
Optimize temperature control accuracy and response for consistent setpoint maintenance.
Optimize system runtime cycles for efficiency, too short means short cycling, too long means oversized or restricted system.
Correct erratic runtime patterns that indicate system problems reducing efficiency and comfort.
Address intermittent performance degradation and inconsistent operation in otherwise functional systems.
Identify and correct root causes of unstable system operation, hunting, cycling, and inconsistent behavior.
Fine-tune operating parameters for maximum efficiency at Georgetown's typical operating conditions.
Reduce HVAC energy consumption through systematic identification of efficiency losses.
Calibrate system operation for Georgetown's specific climate, extreme summer heat and rapid weather changes.
Correct short cycling, long cycling, and erratic cycling patterns that indicate system problems.
Advanced diagnostic testing of system electrical capacitance, identifies capacitor degradation before failure.
Comprehensive audit of system static pressure, airflow, and equipment operation against design specifications.
Tune system performance for Georgetown's peak summer conditions, 100°F+ days when systems are under maximum stress.
What a Full Performance Evaluation Actually Measures
A performance evaluation is the diagnostic foundation that other performance and efficiency services build on, a structured set of measurements taken across the whole system rather than a check of any single component. It answers the basic question of how the system is actually performing right now, in numbers, compared to what it should be delivering based on its rated capacity and the manufacturer's specifications.
The evaluation covers four main measurement areas. First, refrigerant circuit performance: superheat and subcooling calculated from pressure and temperature readings at the service ports, compared against manufacturer targets for the metering device type and current outdoor temperature. Second, airflow: total external static pressure measured at the air handler, plus CFM delivery calculated or measured directly, compared against the equipment's rated airflow requirement (typically expressed as CFM per ton). Third, temperature differential across the evaporator coil, the difference between return air temperature and supply air temperature, which should typically fall between 18 and 22 degrees for a properly functioning system under normal humidity conditions, though this range shifts somewhat with humidity levels. Fourth, electrical performance: voltage at the disconnect, amp draw at the compressor, condenser fan, and blower motor compared against nameplate ratings, and a visual and capacitance check of the capacitor and contactor.
We also calculate an approximate efficiency figure by comparing the system's measured performance against its rated SEER2 or AFUE, since a unit's rated efficiency only reflects laboratory test conditions, actual field performance depends heavily on installation quality, maintenance history, and duct system condition, all of which the other three measurement areas help explain. A system rated at 16 SEER2 that's running with a 15% undercharge and 20% airflow restriction is realistically operating closer to the performance of a 12 or 13 SEER2 unit, even though nothing on the equipment itself has changed.
The output of a performance evaluation is a written summary of measured values against target values for each of these four areas, which then directs any follow-up work, whether that's efficiency optimization, load adjustment, duct sealing, or simply confirming the system is performing well and no further work is warranted. Because this evaluation establishes a documented baseline, it's also useful before a planned equipment replacement, since it identifies whether existing ductwork and electrical infrastructure will support new equipment's requirements or need modification as part of the replacement.
Performance Evaluation: What to Know
High Bills or Inconsistent Comfort?
A performance evaluation finds what's costing you, before it becomes a bigger problem.