TBEs are described as independent and possessing the technical expertise to perform which services?

• A. HVAC functional performance testing and TAB services
• B. Electrical system design
• C. Interior finishes inspection
• D. Fire protection review

Answer: (A)

TBEs are independent experts who verify HVAC system performance through testing, adjusting, and balancing. Their role is to provide unbiased, technical evaluation of how the building’s HVAC equipment and controls operate, ensuring the system meets the design intent and the project’s performance criteria. This includes functional performance testing—checking that equipment starts, runs, and responds correctly to control sequences—and TAB services, which involve measuring and adjusting airflow and water flow so that each space and component receives the intended amounts.

The other options fall outside this scope: electrical system design requires electrical engineering expertise; interior finishes inspection focuses on finish quality rather than system performance; and fire protection review involves ensuring compliance of fire protection systems with codes and standards.