RACA Journal I July 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 7
TECH TALK
BASICS OF AIRFLOW COMMISSIONING: FROM THEORY TO SITE REALITY networking associations
By Theo van der Linde, head of projects: SFI Group
The following is a transcript of a presentation of a technical talk at Cape Town SAIRAC Centre by Theo van der Linde on 14 April 2026.
Airflow commissioning is often treated as the final step in an
HVAC project – a procedural requirement to be completed before handover. In practice, it is far more significant than that. Commissioning is the point at which design intent meets reality, where assumptions are tested and where the true performance of a system is revealed.
Too often, HVAC systems are installed, switched on, and left to operate under the assumption that they will perform as intended. The difficulty, of course, is that without proper commissioning, there is no reliable way of knowing whether they actually do. This uncertainty affects everyone involved in a project, from the building owner and contractor to the consulting engineer. Proper documentation and verification are therefore essential – not only to confirm performance, but also to provide a baseline for troubleshooting, optimisation and long-term operation.
At its core, commissioning ensures that HVAC systems function according to their design. It provides a structured way to identify discrepancies, resolve issues and avoid costly callbacks. More importantly, it contributes directly to system efficiency, operational safety and the overall quality of the built environment. In critical applications such as hospitals, laboratories and cleanrooms, commissioning is not merely good practice – it is essential. In these environments, incorrect airflow or insufficient air changes can result in contamination, failed compliance or even operational shutdown.
BRIDGING DESIGN INTENT AND REAL-WORLD PERFORMANCE The value of commissioning is not limited to technical performance. It also plays a significant role in professional credibility. Contractors who demonstrate a thorough and methodical commissioning process build trust with consulting engineers, while the industry as a whole strengthens its reputation for technical competence. In a broader sense, effective commissioning contributes to the development of more sustainable and higher-performing buildings, ensuring that both occupants and processes are supported by a stable and controlled indoor environment.
All images supplied by SAIRAC Cape Town Centre
RACA Journal I July 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 7