NAE is an independent professional investigative and forensic engineering and technology firm with expertise in Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning systems.  

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HVAC system performance deficiencies can be related to design, construction, or operational issues, or a combination of these.  In addition, HVAC system performance can degrade over time, or the building usage may have changed from the original design intent and the existing system is incompatible with new requirements.

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NAE provides expert engineering analysis of HVAC systems in commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational and residential construction.  NAE’s expert staff can determine cause & origin of system failures and performance deficiencies, including issues related to system capacity, and temperature, humidity, and pressure control.  Our services include:

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• Expert Engineering Analysis – Forensic cause & origin analysis of HVAC system and equipment failures, determination of cause of temperature, humidity, ventilation, and pressure control problems.
• Expert Review of HVAC Designs – NAE reviews new or existing designs for conformance to design intent, determine the suitability of the design for the application, and identify errors and potential inadequacies before the system is constructed.
• HVAC System Condition Surveys – NAE conducts surveys of HVAC systems to determine the condition of the system and equipment, and to assess damage.
• Recommendations for HVAC System Corrective Actions and Repairs – NAE provides recommendations for corrective actions for design and construction defects, and repairs from events such as fires, hailstorms, tornados, hurricanes, and water leaks.
• Expert Witness and Litigation Support – NAE is available for expert witness and litigation resource services in support of insurance claims and subrogation.

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A properly designed, constructed, operated, and maintained HVAC system is essential for:

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• Healthy and productive occupants
• A safe environment for occupants and visitors
• Minimum energy consumption
• Increased equipment life

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An HVAC System may be required to control the following parameters:

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• Temperature Control – Control of temperature includes the operation of both heating and cooling systems to maintain temperature setpoints in the building.  Proper temperature control is essential for happy, productive occupants.
• Humidity Control – Control of humidity includes the operation of both humidification and dehumidification systems to maintain a minimum and maximum humidity level in the facility.  Humidity control is a key element in the minimization of fungal growth, static electricity, and respiratory illnesses.
• Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality – Ventilation is the process of supplying air to or removing air from a space for the purpose of controlling air contaminant levels, humidity, or temperature within the space.  Microbial contamination is a leading cause of occupant complaints and IAQ problems in buildings today.  Poor IAQ can adversely impact the patients’ and staffs’ health, comfort and productivity.
• Building Pressurization – Building pressure control is essential for minimization of outside air infiltration – to ensure ventilation air is filtered and conditioned.
• Room Pressurization – Room pressure control is essential for containment and control of contaminants and infectious agents.  Cleanrooms, Laboratories, Surgical Suites and Isolation Wards are critical applications for room pressure control. 

Gregory G. Schober, M.S., P.E. Senior Project Director