What Does a Ventilation Engineer Do?
One of the most common questions we receive is, “what does a ventilation engineer do, and why do I need to hire one?” We’ve put together this simple guide to help you understand more about our vital profession.
Simply put, ventilation engineers install and maintain the complex air conditioning and heating systems used in large buildings. Sport arenas, concert halls, schools, hospitals, superstores, shopping centres, airport terminals, and office buildings all require this specialist knowledge to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.
Different kinds of ventilation engineers
There are many different roles in the ventilation and heating industry, all of which require extensive experience and advanced knowledge. These include:
- Heating installers and engineers who fit pipework systems and heating equipment in large buildings
- Ductwork installers and engineers who design and fit ductwork and ventilation systems in the largest buildings
- Domestic heating installers and engineers who design, fit and maintain central heating systems in homes
- Service engineers who plan and implement maintenance plans to ensure that the system works safely and effectively
- Commissioning engineers who assess and test systems to ensure that they meet their original design specs and carry out all of the required
- Control engineers who design and install the control panels for any heating and ventilation system, reducing their fossil fuel usage and lowering carbon emissions
Most ventilation engineers are dedicated to using renewable energy and reducing fossil fuels, and we’re always doing more research into new technology, such as ground source heat pumps.
When Do I Need a Ventilation Engineer?
While many residential projects don’t require a ventilation engineer, it’s often hard to know when this expertise is needed and what an engineer can bring to the process. Here are just a few of the most common reasons you might need a ventilation engineer on your next project.
- You need to understand local rules and regulations
Local ventilation engineers are the experts in the ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems in the area. If you’re unfamiliar with the rules and restrictions in a borough or county, get in touch with an engineer right away.
- You’re unsure about the site
Simply put, if you’re unsure if you need a ventilation engineer, it’s a good idea to get in touch to find out! They will visit the site and thoroughly assess it before giving you the green light to move forward. Once they’ve seen the site in person, they can also give you an accurate quote. - You need a professional
While some builders and tradespeople have some experience with heating and cooling, complex residential and commercial jobs require the professional expertise of an engineer. Don’t risk your entire project by failing to consult with an expert from the beginning.
Working with a ventilation engineer is the best way to ensure that everything goes smoothly and safely on your project. You might even say, ‘it’s a breeze.’