E – 1586 Getting What You Specify – HVAC Product Selection

The first step in getting what you specify is establishing the product selection criteria during the planning phases of a project. The specification of the product is part of the planning phase. Review of proposed substitutions of other products, the submittal review, site visits, and punch lists are all part of the contractors’ implementation phase; however, these steps are also the start of the engineer’s evaluation phase. Project closeout, occupancy of the facility, and ultimate use by the owner completes the evaluation process.

This course describes some of the basic underlying principles in HVAC product selections which start with understanding the clients needs and desires. Selecting and specifying HVAC products is a crucial part of HVAC system design; however, holding the specification at the time of submittal reviews and ensuring that the products perform in accordance with the design intent is what is where the engineer needs to be diligent in the evaluation phase of the process.