Mechanical FAQ

---

WHAT IS HVAC DESIGN?

HVAC design (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) involves carefully placing the core components of a mechanical system such as air conditioning duct work or the condenser unit itself, such that it complies with building code regulation. Our engineers use equivalent air flow charts and calculations to ensure that the amount of air passing through the system surpasses the BCA minimums for ventilation, air quality and user comfort. Loud HVAC systems also often require noise emission compliance, which is part of an additional report that can be created by our acoustics team.

WHEN DO I NEED HVAC DESIGN?

Almost every commercial project will need some sort of HVAC system in place as per the BCA’s requirements. If your proposed design doesn’t have a system in place, then you will have to commission for one to be made. HVAC systems are especially important in commercial kitchens, office buildings and communal studios, so oftentimes a repurpose or ‘shop fitout’ will require the existing system to be closely evaluated to ensure it complies with the BCA change of use conditions.

Residential buildings also require HVAC design (especially ventilation) but the scale and scope is far more limited due to the variability in client requirements.

WHAT IS A FEASIBILITY STUDY?

A feasibility study is a market research service provided by our mechanical engineering team that involves an indepth estimate of the operational running costs of a proposed mechanical system. Our consultants perform this by considering the initial costs of implementing the system against the future value of money in operating the system. This can be done through excel calculators and accouting software which utilise complex numerical methods in determining the simple answer of whether or not a proposed design should be given the green light.

WHEN DO I NEED A FEASIBILITY STUDY?

A feasibility study is an optional service that can be added onto our HVAC design services to gain a rough understanding of how much to budget for in operating the lifecycle of the system. Otherwise, a feasibility study can be applied to just about any mechanical building design in getting a clear breakdown of initial costs, lost opportunity and financing amortisation when implementing the system. This should be considered for large commercial projects.

WHAT IS AN ENERGY AUDIT?

With HVAC systems running almost 24/7 in commercial buildings, it’s important to quantitatively assess energy usage and identify thermal leaks. Combining the efforts of our sustainability team, Dural Group utilises thermal modelling software and mechanical system analysis to identify ways in reducing operating costs which can very quickly add up if left unchecked.

WHEN DO I NEED AN ENERGY AUDIT?

An energy audit is similar to a feasibility study but takes into account quantitative energy usage of a proposed mechanical system. As an optional service, it can be added onto your proposed mechanical design to be analysed and assessed in terms of energy usage and provides valuable insights to large commercial buildings which are often the biggest energy users.