HVAC Systems Design

HVAC Systems Design services in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and throughout the Lower Mainland, BC. Professional mechanical engineering solutions.

OVERVIEW

Energy-efficient solutions for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning that optimize comfort, energy consumption, and operational costs for commercial and industrial applications.

We balance energy targets with operator preferences to keep buildings maintainable long after handover.

  • Load calculations aligned with ASHRAE and local energy codes
  • Ventilation, smoke control, and pressurization modeling
  • Commissioning checklists and seasonal tuning support
USE CASES & APPLICATIONS

HVAC design services are essential for commercial buildings, residential towers, industrial facilities, and healthcare institutions throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and the Lower Mainland. Our HVAC systems support office buildings requiring year-round climate control, manufacturing facilities with specific temperature and humidity requirements, and residential developments meeting BC Step Code energy efficiency standards.

We design HVAC systems for new construction projects, retrofits of existing buildings, and facility expansions. Our expertise spans from small commercial spaces to large-scale industrial plants, ensuring optimal indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy performance across all project types.

BC's climate presents unique HVAC challenges—moderate winters, humid summers, and significant rainfall. Our designs account for these conditions, optimizing systems for Vancouver's specific climate while meeting BC Step Code requirements. We've helped developers achieve Step Code compliance while maintaining system reliability and operational efficiency, often resulting in lower operating costs compared to code-minimum designs.

For building owners in Vancouver's competitive real estate market, energy-efficient HVAC systems provide a significant competitive advantage. Our designs support LEED strategies and can contribute to LEED credits, help qualify for utility incentives, and reduce long-term operational costs. We balance energy efficiency with maintainability, ensuring systems perform reliably for decades while keeping maintenance costs manageable.

PROCESS & WORKFLOW

Our HVAC design process begins with comprehensive load calculations using ASHRAE methodologies. We analyze building orientation, envelope performance, occupancy patterns, and equipment loads to determine precise heating and cooling requirements. This analysis informs equipment selection, ductwork sizing, and system layout decisions.

We develop detailed design packages including mechanical room layouts, ductwork routing, equipment specifications, and control sequences. Our designs coordinate with architectural, structural, and electrical disciplines to ensure seamless integration. Throughout construction, we provide field support, respond to RFIs, and conduct commissioning activities to verify system performance meets design intent.

IFEL's HVAC design approach emphasizes practical solutions that work in the field. We select equipment based on availability in the BC market, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle costs—not just initial price. Our ductwork designs consider constructability, ensuring contractors can install systems efficiently. We develop control sequences that operators understand and can maintain, reducing long-term operational complexity.

Our commissioning support goes beyond minimum code requirements—we verify systems perform as designed and train operators on optimal operation. We provide seasonal tuning support, helping facilities optimize performance throughout the year. This hands-on engineering support helps HVAC systems deliver expected performance and energy savings, protecting owner investments and building reputations.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

Our HVAC designs comply with ASHRAE standards, BC Building Code requirements, and local municipal bylaws. We ensure systems meet or exceed BC Step Code energy efficiency targets and EnerGuide ratings. Our designs align with NFPA standards for smoke control and pressurization systems, and we coordinate with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) to secure necessary permits and approvals.

We stay current with evolving energy codes and building standards, including updates to the BC Building Code and changes to energy efficiency requirements. Our team understands the nuances of Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and other Lower Mainland municipalities' specific requirements, ensuring smooth permit approval processes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs

What HVAC design services do you provide in Vancouver and Lower Mainland, BC?
We provide comprehensive HVAC design services including load calculations, system design, equipment selection, ductwork layout, and commissioning support. Our services cover commercial buildings, residential developments, industrial facilities, and specialized applications throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, and the entire Lower Mainland region. We understand local climate conditions, code requirements, and construction practices, ensuring designs work in BC's unique environment.
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Partner with IFEL for professional hvac systems design services in Vancouver and Lower Mainland, BC.