HVAC Design Criteria and Guidelines

CRITERIA FOR HVAC SYSTEMS DESIGN

Over the many years of HVAC design experience, we have learned that some things either simply don't
work or, even if they do at least work, they may be more trouble than they're worth. The following systems
and design practices are not acceptable unless the application of these systems has been discussed with
the owner and the designer is satisfied that the project requires their use:

1. Rooftop systems or equipment on buildings more than 1 story in height and/or for which
reasonable roof access for maintenance and repair has not been provided.
2. Rooftop systems or equipment on any building in "snowy" climates.
3. Air-cooled chiller systems larger than 100 tons, unless required by the owner…air-cooled
chillers consume 40-60% more energy than water-cooled chillers.
4. Direct resistance electric heat, except for terminal unit heating/reheating coils when dictated by
owner requirements.
5. Two-pipe, changeover heating/cooling systems of any type.
6. Unit ventilators.
7. Window air-conditioning units.
8. Package terminal units (PTAC or PTHP) units, except for residential occupancies such as
hotels/motels, apartments/condominiums, assisted living/nursing facilities, etc.
9. VAV systems using direct expansion cooling, unless a manufactured packaged system with
integral controls used.
10. Parallel-configured fan-powered air terminal units unless dictated by the owner or for special
applications.
11. Fiberboard duct liner.
12. Fiberboard ductwork.
13. Direct buried underground ductwork.
14. Use of glycol for chilled water systems (except for process chilled water or computer room air
conditioning systems or for chilled water systems that utilize ice type thermal storage).
15. Use of chase or shaft wall construction for air ducting or plenums…air must be ducted within
shafts.
16. Air-conditioning of buildings and or spaces, other than residential occupancy, that have
operable windows.
17. Air-conditioning of commercial kitchens and food service areas (except, perhaps, spot cooling
systems).
18. In cold climates, locating supply, return and/or transfer ductwork in unheated spaces
19. In cold climates, locating HVAC heating and/or cooling equipment in unheated spaces.
19. Absorption water chillers or combustion engine-driven water chillers.
20. Passive chilled beam cooling unless dictated by the owner. Never use active chilled beams.
21. Unducted underfloor air distribution (UFAD).
22. Wireless networked DDC systems or components.

HVAC Design Guidelines

CRITERIA FOR HVAC SYSTEMS DESIGN 1