Mechanical (HVAC)

Mechanical HVAC Drawings

If you are planning a major home renovation, custom built home, or home addition, you will need to find an architect who can provide mechanical and HVAC drawings. The right architect will have experience in designing efficient and direct ventilation and ductwork. It is important to remember that when it comes to heating and cooling your home, bigger is not always better. An experienced architect will be able to design a system that is both effective and efficient. Taking the time to find the right architect for your project can save you time and money in the long run.  The right architect will also be able to help you navigate the complex process of getting the necessary permits for your project and finding the right contractor and supervising construction.

What Is A Mechanical HVAC Drawing?

When creating a mechanical HVAC drawing, architects must determine the desired heating and cooling loads for the space. The type of HVAC system that will be used must be selected (options depend on the budget but can include geo-thermal, natural gas, electric, etc. Once these decisions have been made, the architect can begin to create the drawing. The drawing will need to include the location of all HVAC equipment, ductwork, vents and sensors. In addition, it is important to clearly label all mechanical components and identify any potential areas of conflict. By taking the time to create a detailed and accurate HVAC drawing, architects can ensure that the mechanical systems in their projects are installed correctly and perform as intended.

HVAC Drawings Include Information Like:

-Defusers, registers, return gilles, dampers

-Smoke / carbon monoxide

-Thermostat

-Ventilation

-Exhaust

-Symbols, legend and general notes

-Heating/cooling load summary

-Existing connections

-Humidifiers

-Equipment Location

-Equipment Specifications

-Heat loss/gain calculations

Why You Need To Hire An Architect For HVAC & Mechanical Drawings

All building projects (residential or commercial), must follow certain code requirements in order to ensure the safety of the occupants. For mechanical and HVAC drawings, this includes the National Building Code of Canada, the National Fire Code, and the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. Residential projects must also follow the National Housing Code of Canada and the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Houses. These codes lay out the minimum standards for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other mechanical systems, and they are regularly updated to reflect changes in technology and building practices. By following these codes, architects and engineers can be confident that their designs will meet the necessary safety requirements.  Plus clients know they are getting a building that is designed to have a comfortable climate that runs efficiently. 

Professional architects will be well-versed in the building codes and by-laws of the municipality or province in which they are working. This is especially important when it comes to mechanical drawings for HVAC systems, as these need to meet a number of specific requirements in order to be approved by local building inspectors. An experienced architect will know how to check exactly what needs to be included in the drawings, and they will also be able to work with the HVAC contractor to ensure that the system meets all of the necessary requirements.