How MSC's Retro-Commissioning Process Addresses Facility Managers' Top Challenges

The Current Landscape

When IFMA surveyed facility managers on LinkedIn about their biggest challenges, several key issues emerged: tight budgets, rising prices, waste reduction, escalating energy costs, technical personnel recruitment and training, and prioritizing project funding.

Mechanical Service Corporation (MSC), a NEBB-certified Building System Commissioning provider, offers effective retro-commissioning solutions to these challenges. Defined by the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB), retro-commissioning is a systematic process that evaluates and optimizes existing building systems to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively. This comprehensive approach involves inspecting, testing, analyzing, adjusting, and optimizing building systems—including HVAC, controls, electrical, plumbing, and process systems—to meet owners' needs and operational goals.

Understanding How Building Systems Decline

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and process systems represent more than half of a new building's total construction budget and typically consume 50% or more of all energy costs. Even after initial commissioning and balancing of air and water systems, facilities inevitably begin to decline, experiencing temperature, pressure, and airflow imbalances due to:

• Control system problems

• Component failures

• Inadequate maintenance

• Calibration issues

• Unnecessary adjustments

• Temporary fixes applied to underlying problems

• Deferred repairs

  
  

This continuous decline leads to compounding issues that result in more complaints, increased service calls, higher energy costs, expensive emergency repairs, and premature equipment replacement requiring increased capital expenditures.

MSC's Retro-Commissioning Process

MSC recommends a five-phase retro-commissioning approach:

1. Assessment and Analysis: Thoroughly review as-built documentation, current operating procedures, and energy usage patterns to identify improvement opportunities. MSC interviews facility managers and maintenance staff to understand recurring problems and historical changes.

   
   

2. Testing and Verification: Conduct functional performance testing of key systems (HVAC, lighting, controls) to evaluate actual performance against intended operation. MSC often implements repairs and adjustments during this inspection phase.

   
   

3. Recommendation and Planning: Develop specific recommendations for operational adjustments, maintenance improvements, and equipment modifications based on assessment findings and testing results.

   
   

4. Implementation and Training: Execute recommended changes, focusing on operational adjustments and improved maintenance procedures. Provide comprehensive training for building staff on effective system operation and maintenance, involving maintenance personnel throughout the retro-commissioning process.

   
   

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Track the effectiveness of implemented changes over time to ensure performance improvements are achieved and sustained.

   
   

Key Benefits of HVAC Retro-Commissioning

• Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings 

  
  

  • Reduced Energy Consumption: Identifying inefficiencies and optimizing system performance significantly reduces energy use and lowers utility bills.

  • Strong Return on Investment: Energy efficiency savings typically offset the initial retro-commissioning investment within a few years.

    
    

• Improved Comfort and Occupant Satisfaction 

  
  

  • Enhanced Temperature Control: Optimized HVAC systems provide more consistent indoor temperatures, improving occupant comfort and satisfaction.

  • Superior Indoor Air Quality: Improved ventilation and filtration create healthier indoor environments, critical for occupant wellbeing.

    
    

• Extended Equipment Lifespan 

  
  

  • Proactive Maintenance: Regular system assessment identifies potential issues before they become major problems, extending equipment lifespan and reducing replacement frequency and costs.

    
    

• Adaptation to Changing Needs 

  
  

  • Flexibility: As building use evolves due to new occupants, renovations, or occupancy changes, retro-commissioning allows HVAC systems to be adjusted accordingly, maintaining efficiency and effectiveness.

    
    

• Regulatory Compliance 

  
  

  • Meeting Standards: Retro-commissioning helps ensure compliance with energy efficiency and indoor air quality regulations, reducing potential fines and enhancing facility reputation.

    
    

• Enhanced System Performance 

  
  

  • Optimized Controls: Fine-tuned control strategies improve overall system performance and reliability.

  • Balanced Airflow: Properly balanced airflow enhances heating and cooling system performance, improving comfort and reducing energy waste.

    
    

• Informed Decision-Making 

  
  

  • Data-Driven Insights: Operational data collection and analysis provide valuable insights into system performance, informing future maintenance and investment decisions.

    
    

• Sustainability Goals 

  
  

  • Environmental Impact: Reduced energy consumption and improved efficiency support broader sustainability initiatives, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals and enhancing organizational image.

    
    

• Increased Property Value 

  
  

  • Market Appeal: Efficient, well-maintained HVAC systems increase property value and attractiveness to potential tenants or buyers, potentially increasing occupancy rates and revenue.

    
    

• Resource Optimization 

  
  

  • Staff Utilization: Improved system performance and reduced breakdowns allow more effective allocation of staff resources, shifting focus from emergency repairs to strategic initiatives.

    
    

Benefits of MSC's Retro-Commissioning Services

As MSC notes, retro-commissioning (also known as recommissioning) effectively resolves problems that occurred during original design or construction while addressing issues that develop over time. This is especially valuable for facilities that have undergone renovation or experienced changes in how interior spaces are utilized.

When partnering with MSC for retro-commissioning services, clients can expect:

• Improvements in equipment function and system manageability

• Enhanced documentation and staff training

• Better indoor air quality (IAQ)

• Typical savings of 10-20% in total energy costs

  
  

A key advantage of our approach is that most fixes can be applied inexpensively during the process, with many achieved through controls changes alone—maximizing return on investment while minimizing disruption.

For more information on MSC expert retro-commissioning services, please contact us at 973-884-5000 or sales@mscnj.com.