Air Balance
Air Balance is the process of testing, adjusting, and maintaining the air flow in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure proper distribution of air throughout a building. Think of it like making sure every room gets the right amount of heating or cooling, similar to adjusting water pressure in different shower heads. Professionals who do this work help buildings run efficiently, keep people comfortable, and save energy costs. This work is also sometimes called "TAB" (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing) or "Air Balancing."
Examples in Resumes
Performed Air Balance testing on commercial HVAC systems
Certified in Air Balance and TAB procedures for large office buildings
Led Air Balance team for hospital ventilation systems
Conducted TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing) assessments
Completed Air Balancing for new construction projects
Typical job title: "Air Balance Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Air Balance Technicians
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach balancing a complex multi-story building's HVAC system?
Expected Answer: A senior technician should explain the process of creating a testing plan, coordinating with building management, setting up zones, and using systematic methods to balance the system floor by floor while considering factors like stack effect and varying occupancy needs.
Q: What steps would you take if you found major design flaws during an air balance project?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how to document issues, communicate with engineers and building owners, propose practical solutions, and develop workarounds while maintaining system efficiency and occupant comfort.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What tools do you use for air balancing and how do you ensure their accuracy?
Expected Answer: Should mention common tools like manometers, anemometers, and flow hoods, explain regular calibration requirements, and discuss proper tool maintenance and verification procedures.
Q: How do you adjust air flow in a variable air volume (VAV) system?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of measuring and adjusting both minimum and maximum flow settings, ensuring proper pressure relationships, and verifying proper operation across different conditions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic measurements do you take when balancing an air system?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic measurements like air flow, temperature, and pressure, and explain how these readings help determine if a system is properly balanced.
Q: What safety precautions do you take when working on HVAC systems?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper ladder safety, personal protective equipment, electrical safety awareness, and the importance of communication with building staff.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic air flow measurements
- Understanding of HVAC system components
- Use of basic testing equipment
- Reading building blueprints
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex system balancing
- Problem diagnosis and resolution
- Report writing and documentation
- Working with building automation systems
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Team supervision
- Complex system troubleshooting
- Consultation on system design
Red Flags to Watch For
- No certification from recognized organizations (AABC, NEBB, or TABB)
- Inability to read mechanical blueprints
- No experience with testing equipment
- Poor understanding of building safety protocols
- Lack of documentation experience
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