Division 23: HVAC
Division 23 covers all mechanical systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. From ductwork and air handlers to thermostats and rooftop units, learn how to review mechanical specifications and develop accurate estimates.
🎥 Study Video
Replace with your HVAC estimating or system layout training video.
📄 HVAC Cheat Sheet
Download our Division 23 cheat sheet with equipment types, tonnage guidelines, duct gauge references, and control specs.
Download Cheat Sheet(Replace this link with your HVAC study PDF.)
💡 Instructor Insights
- Mechanical specs define ductwork sizes, types (flex/rigid), gauge, insulation, and hangers.
- Always check the air device schedule for CFM, throw patterns, and collar sizes.
- Rooftop units and split systems often reference other disciplines for power and support.
- Pay attention to control sequences — these affect what’s included in Division 23 vs Division 26.
- Include condensate piping, roof penetration details, and mechanical startup procedures in estimates.
📥 Quiz & Resources
Test your HVAC knowledge across ductwork, devices, controls, and system coordination.
- What types of duct materials are typically outlined in Division 23?
Answer: Flexible and rigid ducts, with details for gauge, hangers, and insulation type. - What should you verify on the air device schedule?
Answer: CFM, throw pattern, collar size, and installation notes for each grille, diffuser, or register. - What other divisions may be referenced for rooftop or split systems?
Answer: Division 05 (for structural supports) and Division 26 (for power and disconnects). - Why is the HVAC control sequence important for estimators?
Answer: It determines who is responsible for controls wiring and startup — HVAC or electrical. - What scope items are often missed related to condensate piping?
Answer: Roof penetrations, piping slope, and connection details — plus startup tasks like flushing and pressure testing.
Division 23: Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
🔹 Key Teaching Points
1️⃣ Ductwork Specifications
- Specs outline duct types (flex vs. rigid), sizing, gauge, hangers, and insulation.
- Be sure to match mechanical plans with spec requirements for material takeoff accuracy.
2️⃣ Air Device Schedule Review
- Each diffuser, grille, and register has CFM, throw pattern, and neck/collar size requirements.
- Schedule discrepancies lead to performance and installation issues — double-check them!
3️⃣ Rooftop Units & Split Systems
- Specs often cross-reference structural (curbs/support) and electrical (power feeds/disconnects).
- Include all pads, curbs, and rigging requirements in your estimate — don't assume it's "by others."
4️⃣ Controls & Scope Coordination
- Control sequences help determine what belongs to HVAC vs. Electrical (Division 26).
- For DDC/BAS systems, specs may outline controls vendor responsibilities in detail.
5️⃣ Condensate Piping & Startup
- Include all condensate drains, roof penetrations, and sloped piping.
- Startup procedures (flushing, pressure testing, commissioning) are often in the last spec sections.
✅ Wrap-Up Summary
- Division 23 outlines every component of an HVAC system — from duct gauge to commissioning tasks.
- Always cross-reference power, support, and control scope with Divisions 26 and 05.
- Accurate estimating means accounting for both visible and behind-the-scenes mechanical elements.