As commissioning becomes the “buzzword” for the new millennium, we need to separate this process from hvac startup. In fact, system startup or, as we call it, “system readiness,” is a contractor requirement that focuses on all the key issues required prior to the commissioning functional performance testing process. If you are in need of information on commissioning, please refer to Rebecca Ellis’ column, “Getting It Right.” If you are in need of information on startup, please read on.
As a design-build (D-B) management firm, we have created a three-ring binder full of startup sheets that we select on an as-needed basis. We have taken the information from various equipment manufacturers relative to the startup of their equipment and combined this information with other requirements pertinent to having the equipment/system ready for the functional testing process.