# Division 23: Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) submittal deviations > Source: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/23-hvac/ > Deviation Check - AI submittal review for General Contractors (Aliso LLC). Division 23 covers heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems in commercial construction: air handling units, chillers, boilers, ductwork, piping, controls, and related equipment. Common CSI sections submitted for review: ## Common Division 23 CSI sections - 23 05 00 - Common Work Results for HVAC - 23 05 53 - Identification for HVAC Piping and Equipment - 23 05 93 - Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) for HVAC - 23 07 00 - HVAC Insulation - 23 09 00 - Instrumentation and Control for HVAC - 23 21 13 - Hydronic Piping - 23 23 00 - Refrigerant Piping - 23 31 13 - Metal Ducts - 23 33 00 - Air Duct Accessories (dampers, turning vanes) - 23 34 23 - HVAC Power Ventilators (exhaust fans) - 23 36 00 - Air Terminal Units (VAV boxes) - 23 64 16 - Centrifugal Water Chillers - 23 65 00 - Cooling Towers - 23 72 00 - Air-to-Air Energy Recovery Equipment - 23 73 13 - Modular Indoor Central-Station Air-Handling Units - 23 81 26 - Split-System Air-Conditioners - 23 82 16 - Packaged Rooftop Air-Conditioning Units (RTUs) - 23 83 33 - Ductless Split Units (Mini-Splits) ## The six deviation categories in Division 23 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) ### Manufacturer or Product Substitution (default grade: Blocker) The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request. HVAC specs routinely name basis-of-design manufacturers (Trane, Carrier, Daikin, York/Johnson Controls, Lennox, McQuay) with model series. Submittals proposing alternate brands must provide "or equal" documentation. Look for: - Chiller, RTU, or AHU manufacturer/model substitutions - VAV box manufacturer changes (Titus, Price, Krueger, Nailor) - Controls manufacturer substitutions (Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Distech) - Duct insulation or pipe insulation brand changes - Pump manufacturer substitutions (Bell & Gossett, Grundfos, Armstrong) Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/23-hvac/manufacturer-substitution/ ### Performance Specification Gap (default grade: Blocker) A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. Key performance parameters in HVAC submittals: - **Cooling capacity** - tons, MBH, or BTU/hr must meet or exceed spec at stated conditions - **Heating capacity** - MBH input and output at specified entering conditions - **SEER / SEER2 / EER / IEER** - efficiency ratings for cooling equipment (must meet or exceed minimum) - **COP (Coefficient of Performance)** - for heat pumps at specified conditions - **AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)** - for boilers and furnaces - **Airflow (CFM)** at specified external static pressure (ESP) - **External static pressure capability** - AHUs and fans must meet spec ESP at design CFM - **Sound ratings** - NC (Noise Criteria) level, sones, or dBA at specified distance - **AHRI certified capacity** vs catalog/non-certified ratings - **Minimum outside air percentage** or CFM - **Refrigerant type** - R-410A vs R-32 vs R-454B (environmental/code compliance) - **Motor horsepower and efficiency** (NEMA Premium per ASHRAE 90.1) - **Fan BHP (Brake Horsepower)** at design conditions - **Water flow rate (GPM)** and pressure drop for coils, chillers, boilers - **Entering/Leaving water or air temperatures** at design conditions - **Duct leakage class** (CL 6, CL 3 per SMACNA) - **Pipe pressure rating** (ANSI class, schedule) - **Insulation R-value or thickness** per ASHRAE 90.1 Table 6.8.2 - **Filtration efficiency** - MERV rating (MERV 8, 13, 14, 16) Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/23-hvac/performance-specification-gap/ ### Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit) A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package. Required certifications in HVAC submittals: - **AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) certification** - the gold standard for HVAC equipment capacity verification. Absence of AHRI certified rating is a common blocker. - **UL listing** (UL 1995 for HVAC equipment, UL 181 for duct systems, UL 555/555S for fire/smoke dampers) - **ASHRAE 90.1 compliance** (energy efficiency requirements) - **ASHRAE 62.1 compliance** (ventilation/IAQ) - **AMCA (Air Movement and Control Association)** certification for fans and dampers - **SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association)** compliance for duct construction - **NFPA 90A** compliance (air conditioning and ventilation systems) - **Seismic certification** (IBC Chapter 13, ASCE 7, OSHPD for California) - **Sound test reports** per AHRI Standard 260/270/370 - **Factory performance test** reports for chillers, AHUs, cooling towers - **TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing)** agency certification (AABC, NEBB, or TABB) - **EPA Section 608** certification for refrigerant handling - **Buy America / Buy American** compliance documentation - **LEED documentation** - refrigerant GWP calculations, energy modeling inputs - **Warranty documentation** - compressor warranty terms, parts/labor coverage period Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/23-hvac/missing-certification/ ### Aesthetic Deviation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit) A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample. Less common but applies to: - Exposed ductwork finish (spiral duct color in exposed-ceiling designs) - Diffuser and grille face style, color, or pattern - Thermostat/sensor color and style for occupied spaces - Equipment screen/louver color for rooftop equipment visible from grade - Decorative return air grille patterns Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/23-hvac/aesthetic-deviation/ ### Detail or Installation Mismatch (default grade: Fix and Resubmit) The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require. - **Duct gauge** lighter than spec (e.g., 22ga where spec requires 20ga for high-pressure duct) - **Duct connection type** (flanged vs slip-and-drive vs welded) - **Pipe material** mismatch (Type L vs Type M copper, Schedule 40 vs 80 steel) - **Pipe joining method** (brazed vs soldered, press-fit vs threaded vs welded) - **Hanger/support spacing** exceeds spec or SMACNA maximums - **Insulation type** (closed-cell vs fiberglass, vapor barrier presence) - **Drain piping** size or material differs - **Vibration isolation** type or deflection rating differs from schedule - **Refrigerant line sizing** differs from manufacturer requirements - **Controls wiring** type or protocol differs (BACnet vs Modbus vs proprietary) - **Access door** size or location differs from spec requirements - **Seismic bracing** method or spacing differs Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/23-hvac/detail-installation-mismatch/ ### Submittal Package Incompleteness (default grade: Fix and Resubmit) A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted. Commonly required items in Div 23 specs: - Equipment schedules with all performance data at design conditions - AHRI certified ratings certificates - Electrical data (MCA, MOP, FLA for each unit) - Wiring diagrams and control schematics - Dimensional/weight data for structural coordination - Sound data at design operating point - Refrigerant piping diagrams (for split systems) - Duct layout/fabrication drawings (shop drawings) - Pipe material and fitting schedule - Insulation schedule - Seismic anchorage/bracing calculations and details - Vibration isolation schedule - Balancing device schedule (measuring stations, balancing valves) - Controls sequence of operations - Controls points list (BAS integration) - Warranty terms - O&M (Operation and Maintenance) manuals - Start-up procedures and checklists --- Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/23-hvac/submittal-package-incompleteness/ ## How Division 23 deviations are graded - **Cooling/heating capacity below spec requirement:** BLOCKER (system will not meet load; occupant comfort failure, potential code violation) - **Refrigerant type not compliant with local/state regulations:** BLOCKER (EPA/state environmental code) - **Missing AHRI certification for equipment with a spec AHRI requirement:** BLOCKER (unverified performance claims) - **UL listing absent for fire/smoke dampers (UL 555/555S):** BLOCKER (life-safety) - **Duct leakage class exceeds spec:** BLOCKER if high-pressure system, FIX_AND_RESUBMIT if low-pressure - **SEER/EER/COP below spec minimum:** BLOCKER (energy code non-compliance, Title 24 / ASHRAE 90.1) - **Sound rating exceeds spec NC level:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT for office/classroom, BLOCKER for hospital/recording studio - **Missing seismic certification in seismic zone:** BLOCKER (IBC requirement) - **Motor efficiency below NEMA Premium where spec requires:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (ASHRAE 90.1 compliance) - **Filter MERV rating below spec:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (IAQ, ASHRAE 62.1) - **Diffuser/grille style mismatch:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (aesthetic) - **Missing controls sequence or points list:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (coordination issue, not safety)