Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection: The HTE Group has extensive experience in designing and specifying a wide range of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems and are highly aware of the associated technical and economic issues.

The HTE Group staff have designed numerous types of heating and air conditioning systems including central steam, chilled and hot water, variable air volume, induction unit, fan coil, dual duct, multi-zone, water source heat pump and radiant heating systems, etc.

The HTE Grouphas extensive experience in designing and specifying electrical systems. We routinely design systems for lighting, power, fire alarm, security and communications systems.

We understand the importance of major issues of power engineering, including fault studies and coordination, harmonies, system efficiencies, emergency power systems, maintenance and expandability as well as how these issue affect an economical and reliable power system. We are also very familiar with local utilities, what is required to bring electrical service to a building, utility rate schedules and what measures can be taken to reduce utility bills.

Perhaps no part of the electrical design is more visible than lighting. The quality of lighting in a work environment can have a dramatic impact on productivity. The HTE Group stays abreast of the latest IES recommendations for lighting practices and uses computer software to generate point-bypoint lighting calculations to verify our designs.

Special Plumbing systems include water pressure booster systems, kitchen facilities, senior citizens homes, sump pumps and sewage ejectors, etc.

Sprinkler systems design includes wet and dry pipe and pre-action systems with fire and jockey pumps.

American With Disability Act Compliance: This is an area of increasing concern for The HTE Group clients since the Act places restrictions on the design and operation of plumbing and electrical systems. Our scope to work often includes providing for a renovated or new fire alarm and sprinkler system and means of egress, specifying new exit and emergency lighting or allowing for new plumbing fixtures (toilets, water fountains, showers, etc.). We are also available for assisting in the surveys and inspection of the existing plumbing and electrical systems and providing cost estimates for ADA compliance.

As-Built Drawings: Based on site visits, measurements of existing conditions and review of existing drawings, we prepare as-built drawings for various client uses such as record keeping, maintenance or preparation of drawings for renovations/additions.

Building evaluations: A frequent task for the HTE Group is the inspection and evaluation of existing mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire protections systems. The end results is usually the issuance of a report for recommended actions based on factors such as repair/replacement and energy costs, maintenance requirements, code restrictions, etc. The evaluations can be precipitated by the failure of a building system, the owner s desire to improve a system s
efficiency, or as a prelude to major renovations. The evaluation task often leads to our participation in implementing the recommended solution.

Building Renovations: Part of our work is providing services for renovations to existing buildings. These renovations are often due to changing space utilization requirements, changing technologies, and new legislation.

CADD Services: For those clients with CADD capability, The HTE Group provides drawings using AutoCAD software.

Construction/Administration Services; These services include review of shop drawings and other submittals, responses to requests for information , evaluation of change orders, review of operation and maintenance manuals, site visits, and preparation of final punch lists. Other services are provided as necessary.

Cost Estimation: The HTE Group prepares cost estimation at different phases of project design.

Energy conservation: We have prepared energy conservation reports (ECR), cost estimations and life cycle cost analyses to prove that ECRs are economically feasible. Some of these recommendations include:
- Improvements to architectural features: Weather-stripping or caulking walls, roofs, windows.
- Improvements of automatic temperature controls; Improving sequencing of mechanical equipment, reducing ventilating outside air quantity when buildings are occupied, eliminating outside air intake in unoccupied buildings and selection of better systems for new or renovated projects.

Feasibility Studies: We prepare feasibility studies and master plans for various types of projects such as convention centers, churches, office building and governmental facilities. Our recommendations are based on the existing conditions, future needs of the client, and adaptability of the systems as well as potential design parameters and budget considerations.

Prospectus Development Reports: The HTE Group prepares reports which include the inspection of existing conditions and the evaluation of mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, and other systems. Cost estimations are prepared for the scope of work recommended along with a schedule of recommended actions.

Replacement of Chillers, Boilers and Other Air-Conditioning Equipment: HLTB is familiar with phasing out of CFC type refrigerants, and various options for their replacements. We have prepared construction documents for the replacements of various chillers, boilers and airconditioning units.

Construction Quality Management: We have provided project management and CQM services to various government agencies. Some of these services include: