Whether you’re working on a new construction project or renovating an old building, an MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) engineer can help you optimize the performance of your building and minimize its operating costs.
There are many benefits to hiring an MEP engineer, as they are more than just HVAC, electricity, or plumbing technicians. MEP engineers specialize in at least one or all of these fields and a team of skilled engineers can integrate their areas of expertise to deliver even more services. Partnering with a solid engineering team is essential when designing a building with high-performance systems or unique requirements.
WHEN TO HIRE AN MEP ENGINEER
Standard services provided by MEP engineers include: HVAC installation and maintenance, plumbing design including storm water management, lighting design, emergency power systems, industrial exhaust systems, etc. However, MEP engineering services extend beyond the traditional boundaries of mechanical, electric, and plumbing engineering. Many different types projects require the input of an MEP engineer including:
- Smart Lighting Systems – Electrical engineers can develop smart lighting systems that provide your building with ample lighting in a way that saves on energy costs and is environmentally friendly. They can develop an easy user interface to control lighting that suits your building’s needs. A professional electrical engineer will also ensure that the lighting system works well with other systems and ensure that the building’s owner and maintenance staff can easily maintain all equipment.
- Energy Conservation – MEP engineers can implement a number of energy management solutions by automating many of the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems in your project. This will allow you to track all data from a single central command, which allows faster error detection and simplifies the maintenance process. Other energy management solutions an MEP engineer can provide to make your building more sustainable include using environmentally friendly products and incorporating renewable energy sources.
- Longevity – It’s important to construct and design a building that is durable and longer-lasting. Using the latest technologies, MEP engineers can help you build the most cost-effective electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems for your construction and renovation projects. Furthermore, with sustainability in mind, they will use high-quality materials that can withstand time, normal wear and tear, and weathering. This minimizes the need for renovations and maximizes the building’s lifecycle for years to come.
- Indoor Air Quality – MEP engineers are useful for ensuring a building, whether it’s a business or school, has good air quality. A building with poor air quality can negatively impact health, performance and productivity, and overall comfort. An MEP engineer can combat these problems by optimizing HVAC systems and controlling moisture and mold.
- Water Conservation – MEP consultants can develop mechanical and plumbing system designs that will help decrease your building’s water consumption, which in turn, will help reduce your water bill. MEP engineers can incorporate low-flow fixtures in bathrooms, insulate piping, use alternative sources of water, and structure landscape to minimize water use.
- Building Automation – MEP engineers can design automation systems that help you control and monitor your building’s performance and save on energy costs. Systems that can be automated include fire alarms, HVAC systems, lighting, and security. The proper optimization of these systems ensures the comfort and safety of occupants.
When it comes to constructing a fully optimized and efficient building, an MEP engineer can bring the expertise you need. At REX Engineering Group, we have helped design a variety of structures including hotels, schools, office buildings, retail stores, and healthcare facilities. Our highly experienced, talented group of engineers are dedicated to helping your building achieve the optimal balance of construction cost and energy efficiency.
