A Behind-the-Scenes Look at SMP LeBlanc’s HVAC Balancing Work at Collège Lionel-Groulx

As part of the prestigious Phase 1 Expansion at Collège Lionel-Groulx in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, SMP LeBlanc was brought in to fine-tune the performance of the newly installed HVAC systems.

Working alongside HVAC Inc. and Plomberie Charbonneau Inc., we were responsible for both the air balancing and hydronic balancing, which involves adjusting airflow and water flow rates across the system to match design specifications, optimize control sequences, and ensure long-term comfort and efficiency for the college’s expanded facilities.

Wondering what that looks like in practice? Let’s dive into it.

How We Balanced Air and Hydronics at Collège Lionel-Groulx

This project came with a unique set of expectations. The building’s HVAC setup required precise coordination between two separate systems—air and water. Each one played a distinct role, but they had to operate in sync to deliver the desired performance.

On the hydronic side, interpreting the mechanical plans and shop drawings was essential. We had to make sure all water flow parameters lined up with the design intent, especially when it came to managing pressure and balancing heat distribution across various zones. That meant communication with Plomberie Charbonneau’s on-site plumbers and control technicians to coordinate the correct setpoints.

The air balancing part of the project came with its own set of hurdles. The classrooms are supplied by an H-type system, and it’s more complex than it sounds. The air system integrates a heat recovery system with a thermal wheel, which adjusts the air based on CO₂ levels in the classrooms. The H-system is managed through pressure readings taken at two-thirds of the ductwork, along with temperature sensors in each classroom.

The challenge on our part was making sure the system operated smoothly without putting unnecessary strain on the system or driving up heating costs.

And so, we had to ensure that all the components, which included 6 supply fans, 2 return fans, and 3 exhaust fans, worked in unison. The temperature and pressure controls had to align perfectly, all while using motorized dampers and motor speed control to fine-tune the airflow across the building. It was all about getting the airflow just right, while also reducing energy consumption.

Pulling It All Together: Why Balancing Both Systems Matters

The real work didn’t just stop with fixing leaks or adjusting dampers. It was about making sure both the air and water systems worked in harmony to maximize comfort while minimizing energy waste. Here’s the breakdown:

• Air balancing: By properly managing airflow and fan speed, we ensured classrooms stayed at the right temperature, no matter the weather outside.
• Hydronic balancing: We adjusted the system to prevent hot spots or cold spots in the building, while ensuring energy-efficient water circulation throughout the system.

This delicate balancing act between energy efficiency and human comfort represents the true art of modern HVAC engineering – ensuring students and faculty experience a perfectly controlled environment while the institution manages resources responsibly.

Technical Details: Cutting-Edge Equipment and Advanced Techniques

To achieve the best results, for both the air and water balancing, top-of-the-line equipment was installed:

• High-efficiency air/water heat pumps (condenser/evaporator).
• Multi-stage units designed to reduce energy consumption while keeping everything running smoothly.

These advanced equipment helped us fine-tune the systems to the highest standards, ensuring that both the air and water flows were optimized for efficiency and comfort.

Collaboration with HVAC Inc. and Plomberie Charbonneau Inc.

The teamwork between HVAC Inc. and Plomberie Charbonneau Inc. was key to making this project a success. We coordinated closely with them to ensure that all the necessary systems were ready for balancing, from fixing leaks to installing dampers. If something went wrong, they were on it, providing quick fixes and making sure we had everything we needed to move forward.

Their quick response helped minimize delays and ensured we met the project’s high standards. Together, we made sure that every aspect of the air and water balancing was handled efficiently and effectively.

Want to Optimize Your HVAC System?

We at SMP LeBlanc specialize in precise air and water balancing for complex HVAC systems, bringing technical expertise to projects across Quebec. 

For the Collège Lionel-Groulx expansion project, we performed the air balancing on behalf of HVAC Inc. and water balancing on behalf of Plomberie Charbonneau Inc. The ultimate goal of this project, as with most of our work, is to create the perfect classroom atmosphere where the occupants, and, in this case, students, can focus and learn. The properly balanced systems at Collège Lionel-Groulx now use the right amount of energy to keep everyone comfortable without wasting resources.

Get in touch with us today (here), and let us help you achieve a more efficient and comfortable environment.