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HVAC/R and Mechanical April 14, 2021

Know when, how to specify a rooftop unit

There are some key components to recognize when designing air-cooled rooftop units

By Jon Silhol
Air Quality March 17, 2021

Combatting IAQ and health concerns

There are many ways to improve indoor air quality in buildings and to address COVID-19 fears

By Peter D’Antonio
Air Quality January 28, 2021

Effective COVID-19 mitigation for HVAC systems

There are many technologies available for HVAC systems to combat the spread of COVID-19, but not all systems apply to all building types

By Erick Phelps and Rick Wood
Boilers, Chillers September 18, 2020

Basics of hot water heating boilers

Hot water heating boilers are used widely in residential, commercial and institutional buildings

By Ian Marchant and April Ricketts
Boilers, Chillers June 23, 2020

Strategies to improve chiller plant performance, efficiency

Learn how to design chilled water systems that meet the thermal comfort demands and achieve operational and energy efficiencies

By Scott Battles, Jonathan Hulke and Stet Sanborn
Boilers, Chillers April 10, 2020

Air- versus water-cooled chilled water plants

A water-cooled chiller plant can be more efficient over the life span of the system and will be less costly than an air-cooled chiller plant

By Mark Stehney
Building Envelope March 23, 2020

Best practices for infiltration and building pressurization

Observe the mechanics of infiltration and pressurization in a building, modeling methodologies and what can be done to better account for them in air handling system design

By Kevin Ricart, PE; Rosemary Hwang, LEED AP; and Connor Harrigan
Boilers, Chillers September 23, 2019

Introduction to boilers for the entry-level engineer

Entry-level consulting engineers should understand the definition and applications of a commercial hydronic boiler

By Jacob Haddadin, EIT and Stephanie Khouri, CCJM Engineers Ltd., Chicago
Plumbing, Pumping and Pumps September 17, 2019

Pipe systems and materials: Design considerations

Choosing the right pipe system and design is essential to ensure excellence in mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and beyond

By Saahil Tumber, PE, HBDP, LEED AP, ESD, Chicago
HVAC/R and Mechanical May 29, 2019

Performance-based design: HVAC systems

Many consulting engineers base their designs on performance, thus the focus on performance-based design in many specifications for HVAC system design.

By Peter Alspach, PE, LEED AP
HVAC/R and Mechanical January 17, 2019

Efficient HVAC system design strategies

The integration of high-performance HVAC design strategies can do as much to make systems energy-efficient as specifying high energy efficiency ratings.

By Cory Duggin, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP; TLC Engineering for Architecture, Brentwood, Tenn.
Building Integration System July 31, 2018

Enhancing integration of electric and HVAC design

Know the factors to consider when working to maximize integration of electrical and HVAC system design to achieve economic and operational benefits.

By John McGonegle, PE, LEED AP; IMEG Corp., Rock Island, Ill.
Boilers, Chillers September 15, 2017

Basics of boiler selection

Boiler codes and design standards provide the basic guidelines for boiler application, design, construction, and operations.

By David Goetz, PE, and Sam Huff, Burns & McDonnell, St. Louis

A Letter From The Editor

Consulting-Specifying Engineer is written and peer reviewed by engineers and industry professionals. These engineers design, specify and commission mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), fire/life safety, lighting and controls systems for nonresidential buildings. Consulting-Specifying Engineer covers codes and standards, smart and high-performance buildings and design specifications in a variety of commercial buildings.

Amara Rozgus - Consulting-Specifying Engineer