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Air balancing report — HVAC testing, adjusting and balancing in Ottawa and Gatineau

What is an air balancing report?

An air balancing report — also called a TAB report (Testing, Adjusting and Balancing) or air balance report — shows how much air each part of an HVAC system actually delivers, compared with what the mechanical engineer designed. An independent balancing technician measures the airflow at every supply diffuser, return and exhaust grille and at the equipment, adjusts dampers and fan speeds to bring the system to design, then records the final values, the percentage of design and any deficiencies.

Engineers, general contractors, owners and inspectors ask for it at the end of new construction and fit-outs (often before the engineer's general review and occupancy), after renovations or equipment replacement, for clinics and labs that must document air changes per hour, and when occupants complain about hot, cold or stuffy rooms. GreenTech Air Balancing produces air balancing reports for commercial, institutional and residential projects across Ottawa, Gatineau and the Outaouais, following AABC and NEBB procedures, in English or French. Opening a restaurant or a small fit-out? See our air balance report for occupancy.

What an air balancing report looks like

Example excerpt with illustrative values — not from a real project. A full report also lists the instruments used and their calibration dates, the test method, and every terminal on every system.

TagLocationTypeDesign (CFM)Measured (CFM)Measured (L/s)% of designNotes
D-1Office 101Supply15014668.997%
D-2Office 102Supply15015874.6105%
R-1CorridorReturn400389183.697%
E-1WashroomExhaust7500.00%No airflow — exhaust fan EF-1 not running (deficiency reported)
Equipment data — RTU-1 (example)
Total supply airflowDesign 2,000 CFM (944 L/s) · Measured 1,960 CFM (925 L/s) · 98%
Outdoor airDesign 400 CFM (189 L/s) · Measured 392 CFM (185 L/s) · 98%
External static pressureDesign 0.75 in. w.g. (187 Pa) · Measured 0.71 in. w.g. (177 Pa)
Fan speedRecorded at final setting (RPM / Hz on VFD)
Motor currentMeasured volts and amps compared with nameplate

The acceptable tolerance is set by the project specification (commonly ±10% of design at terminals). Values outside tolerance are adjusted or listed as deficiencies.

Project & Method
Project, systems and equipment list, instruments with calibration dates, test method (AABC / NEBB), field conditions and limitations.
Airflow Tables
Every diffuser and grille: design vs measured airflow in CFM and L/s, % of design, terminal size and location. Hydronic tables (GPM, L/s) when water balancing is included.
Equipment Data & Deficiencies
Fan and pump data (RPM, Hz, static pressure in in. w.g. and Pa, volts, amps), outdoor air, deficiencies and notes, performed-by and reviewed-by sign-off.
New Construction & Fit-Outs
Required by most mechanical specifications (Division 23 05 93) and requested by the engineer before the general review and occupancy.
Clinics, Labs & Kitchens
Room-by-room airflow and air changes per hour for clinics (with reference to CSA Z317.2), fume hood testing for labs, hood exhaust and make-up air for restaurants.
Renovations & Comfort Problems
After equipment replacement, layout changes or tenant moves, and to diagnose hot, cold, noisy or stuffy rooms with measured data instead of guesswork.
Commercial & Institutional
Rooftop units, air handlers, VAV boxes, fan coils, make-up air units, exhaust fans, HRV/ERV — offices, schools, clinics, restaurants, multi-residential.
Residential
Furnace and air conditioner airflow, room-by-room supply and return, HRV/ERV balancing — for comfort complaints, renovations or when a builder or designer asks for it.
Air & Water
When the building has hydronic heating or cooling, the report can include water balancing (pumps, coils, circuit balancing valves) — priced separately so the scope stays clear.

Air balancing report — frequently asked questions

Design and measured airflow for every supply diffuser, return and exhaust grille (in CFM and L/s) with the percentage of design, equipment data (total airflow, outdoor air, static pressure, fan speed, motor volts and amps), the instruments and method used, deficiencies, limitations and sign-off.

Mechanical and general contractors at the end of a project, mechanical engineers completing their general review, owners and property managers, clinics and labs that must document ventilation, restaurants opening or replacing a hood, and homeowners with rooms that are too hot, too cold or stuffy.

A small commercial space is usually measured in one visit and the report follows shortly after. Larger buildings depend on the number of systems and on the systems being complete and running — controls, filters, doors and ceilings in place — on the day of testing.

The price depends on the scope: the number of HVAC units and terminals to measure, kitchen hoods or water balancing, access (ceiling height, lift, after-hours work), pre-readings or duct leakage testing if specified, and whether the system is ready on the day of the visit. Send us the drawings or photos and we give you a fixed price within one business day.

No. Testing, adjusting and balancing measures and sets airflow and water flow to design. Commissioning verifies that the whole system and its controls work as intended. The TAB report is often one of the documents the commissioning agent reviews.

We adjust what can be adjusted on site. When equipment, ductwork or controls prevent reaching design, the report lists the deficiency with the measured values so the contractor can correct it, then we re-test the affected items.

Need an air balancing report?

Send us the mechanical drawings or photos of the equipment — (613) 263-7916 · (819) 329-9551 · info@gtairbalancing.com. Quote within one business day.

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About GreenTech Air Balancing - Our Process and Expertise
How We Work

How To Work With
GreenTech Air Balancing

Professional HVAC Balancing Service 1
System Assessment & Technical Review

We begin with a detailed review of the HVAC systems to understand design intent, current operating conditions, and performance gaps. Our team evaluates airflow, waterflow, static pressure, and control sequences to establish an accurate baseline before any adjustments are made.

Professional HVAC Balancing Service 2
Precision Testing & Field Measurements

Using industry-standard TAB instruments, we perform precise field measurements across the entire system — diffusers, grilles, VAV boxes, terminal units, hydronic loops, and mechanical equipment. Each measurement follows recognized balancing procedures to ensure repeatable and reliable results.

Professional HVAC Balancing Service 3
Final Balancing, Compliance & Documentation

Once optimal performance is achieved, we compile a comprehensive report including measured data, compliance verification, system observations, and corrective recommendations. Our documentation is structured for engineers, consultants, and facility managers to support long-term building efficiency.