The combined systems that heat, cool, and ventilate a building to keep occupants comfortable.
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning—the technology and systems that control the temperature, humidity, ventilation, and air quality within buildings. HVAC systems encompass all equipment and distribution systems for heating and cooling spaces and delivering ventilation air. HVAC design is governed by ASHRAE standards and local building codes.
HVAC is frequently one of the largest mechanical line items and a common source of bid spread because scope is split among equipment, ductwork, controls, and test-and-balance. Estimators must reconcile what the mechanical drawings, equipment schedules, and controls spec each cover so nothing falls between the HVAC sub and the electrical or controls subs, which is where costly post-award gaps appear.
During scope review, the estimator confirms that the HVAC sub's bid includes test-and-balance and BAS controls wiring, then issues an addendum question because two of three bidders excluded controls, making their numbers look artificially low.
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