Certifying is often mistakenly referred to as commissioning. In many cases, owners will purchase commissioning, but receive certifying services. It is important to know what you’re paying for. Project goals and budget typically determine which service is needed. If public recognition, such as LEED, is desired to illustrate that a building is sustainable and meets specific environmental goals, then certification is necessary. On the other hand, if the project goal is to ensure optimal building performance, then commissioning is the preferred choice.

1. HVAC Control Systems—
Get it Right the FirstTime! (Part 3)
Commissioning or Certifying? How to Understand the Difference

2. HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
What is Commissioning?
Commissioning is a process that brings equipment and control systems into working
condition according to the building owner’s operational needs and specifications.
What is Certifying?
Certifying is a process that officially recognizes something as possessing certain
qualifications or meeting certain standards.
COMMISSIONING VS. CERTIFYING
COMMISSIONING CERTIFYING
Investigate functionality of systems and equipment X X
Modify the control system program logic to resolve system problems X –
Optimize efficiency, improve comfort and air quality X –
Independent third-party agent required – X
Services performed prior to construction X –
Fine tuning services provide for 1 year post construction X –
One year of interactive Owner Training X –
Provides Professional Liability Insurance for system operation X –

3. HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
Certifying is often mistakenly referred
to as commissioning. In many cases, owners
will purchase commissioning, but receive certifying
services. It is important to know what you’re
paying for.
Project goals and budget typically determine
which service is needed. If public recognition, such
as LEED, is desired to illustrate that a building is
sustainable and meets specific environmental goals,
then certification is necessary.
On the other hand, if the project goal is to ensure
optimal building performance, then commissioning
is the preferred choice.
WHY DOES KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE MATTER?
BENEFITS OF COMMISSIONING
Optimized energy use
Enhanced occupant comfort
Better indoor air quality
Improved system performance
Reduced operating costs
Extended equipment life
Increased building operator
training

4. HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
Commissioned buildings are more likely to perform as intended,
experience less problems, and reduce operating costs.
Commissioning is often thought of as an unnecessary expense; however, the cost of not
commissioning will add up over time.
Studies have shown that a commissioned building will cost 10 to 20 percent less to operate than
one that is not. The Cost-Effectiveness of Commercial-Buildings Commissioning Report showed
that, on average, the cost of commissioning was paid back with a range of 1-5 years from energy
savings alone. In fact, the cost of commissioning is offset when combined with other benefits
such as, reduced change orders, fewer equipment breakdowns, and longer equipment life.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME?
+
=
Cost of correcting deficiencies
Cost of inefficient operations
COST OF NOT COMMISSIONING

5. HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
HOW IS COMMISSIONING TYPICALLY DONE
Often referred to as a
commissioning agent, a certifying
agent is usually a third party with
no ties to the project. Their focus is to
simply document what works and what doesn’t
work. The process typically ends with the
certifying agent handing over a report with a
list of items that are not working properly, and
who is responsible for fixing them (engineer/
designer/contractor/etc).
The problem with this process is that it typically
ends with a lot of finger pointing, a building
that doesn’t perform properly, and a frustrated
building owner.

6. HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
HOW SHOULD COMMISSIONING BE DONE?
True commissioning involves
actually performing the work
necessary to bring the building,
equipment and systems to a high
performance level, in regards to
building comfort and energy use.
The commissioning agent should be the most
knowledgeable person regarding the system
design and the engineering theory behind the
system operation. The agent must also be able
to physically change the control system logic to
make the engineering theory behind the system
operation practical for your facility. Additionally,
the commissioning agent should be held
accountable for the optimization of the system,
in a similar way the design engineer is
held accountable for the sizing and selection
of the system components.
Commissioning should ensure that building systems:
Maximize occupant comfort
Extend equipment life
Perform at a high level
Optimize energy use

7. HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
Commissioning through the design-build
firm working on the project achieves the
best results possible by having someone
familiar with the project thoroughly test
and fine-tune the equipment and systems.
A third-party commissioning agent may not have the
same level of commitment to the project, and could
overlook critical commissioning steps.
In addition, post-construction hassles and finger-pointing
are eliminated by choosing a single source for design-
build, fine-tuning and commissioning. All building
systems are checked before handing the building over to
the owner and continuous monitoring for the first year
assures that the building will perform as intended.
WHY IT MATTERS WHO DOES THE COMMISSIONING?

8. HVAC Control Systems—Get it Right the First Time! (Part 3) www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
The key to getting HVAC control systems right the first time is to find
the right partner. Dynamix Energy Services includes commissioning as part of the HVAC
control system design-build process. Single-source design-build, fine-tuning and commissioning
results in greater energy efficiency, higher performing equipment and maximum savings.
Count on Dynamix to provide innovative, value-based solutions for all of your energy projects.
Dynamix can help you:
• Improve your building’s energy consumption
• Enhance comfort
• Reduce costs
• Resolve your ongoing facility challenges
• Optimize control systems
• Guarantee energy operating costs
Source: http://www.des.wa.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Facilities/Energy/Commissioning/Cx_Cost%20Effectiveness.pdf
HOW DO YOU GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME?
614-443-1178 • team@dynamix-ltd.com • www.DynamixEnergyServices.com
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