This presentation will explore strategies for developing functional tests and troubleshooting hot water distribution systems in multi-story, mixed-use buildings. One of the tricks in ensuring good hot water distribution is to test water temperatures at multiple points of use (POU) on each riser. By starting on lower floors with a partial load on the boiler, obvious distribution problems can be identified before moving up the building. Critical distribution points, identified in the development of functional test plans, are tested for design (°F) water temperatures and delivery time to the point of use (POU). These procedures and data points will help identify where the worst performing risers are located and allow the contractor to identify the sources and potential solutions, including rebalancing the entire distribution system. As part of this session, we will share our functional test (FT) procedures, a list of required FT tools and troubleshooting techniques for HW heaters and the distribution systems.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop and execute functional tests of domestic hot water heaters and their distribution loops.
2. Describe how to streamline the testing process by integrating the testing of HVAC and lighting controls.
3. Identify systemic problems with multi-story residential buildings HW systems early in the testing process
4. Define the data that can efficiently troubleshoot and rebalance hot water distribution systems.