Made With Brilliance by MWB Engineering

Why Your Thermostat Isn’t the Problem with Chelsey of MWB Engineering

In this solo episode of Made With Brilliance, Chelseyann Bipat breaks down one of the most common misconceptions in building performance: if a space is uncomfortable, the thermostat must be the problem. In reality, comfort is far more complex than a temperature reading. Chelsey walks through how airflow, pressurization, humidity control, system balancing, equipment placement, and controls all work together to determine whether a building actually feels comfortable. From drafty apartments and slamming doors to lingering odors and condensation on diffusers, this episode explains why HVAC systems must be designed holistically — and why quick fixes often create bigger problems. If you’ve ever wondered why replacing equipment didn’t solve your comfort issues, this conversation reveals what’s really happening behind the walls. Key Takeaways: Comfort is not just temperature: Airflow, humidity, pressure, and stability all shape how a space feels Pressurization affects everything: Poorly balanced buildings can cause drafts, odors, and door pressure issues Air distribution matters as much as capacity: Having the right equipment size doesn’t guarantee proper comfort Humidity is becoming a growing challenge: Modern tight buildings and rising summer humidity require smarter dehumidification strategies Third-party thermostats can limit system performance: Not all smart controls allow full functionality like manufacturer systems Systems must work together: Heating, cooling, exhaust, and makeup air must be coordinated to prevent conflicts Code minimum isn’t always comfort maximum: Engineering judgment plays a critical role beyond compliance Comfort complaints are often system-wide issues: Replacing equipment rarely fixes underlying airflow or balancing problems Building controls impact usability: Poor sequencing or rushed commissioning can create long-term discomfort Holistic design prevents long-term problems: True building performance requires integrated thinking from the start Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction: Why the thermostat is usually not the problem [00:01:00] What comfort actually means beyond temperature [00:03:00] Understanding pressurization and how buildings “breathe” [00:05:00] Real-world examples: drafts, odors, and door pressure issues [00:07:00] Air distribution vs. system capacity [00:09:00] Balancing airflow in perimeter vs. interior zones [00:10:00] Rising humidity challenges in New York City [00:12:00] Condensation and the impact of tight building envelopes [00:13:00] Smart thermostats vs. manufacturer controls [00:14:00] Building management systems and coordinated controls [00:15:00] Why systems sometimes fight each other [00:16:00] Common causes of persistent comfort complaints [00:17:00] Final thoughts on holistic design and engineering judgment

Top 10 MEP Misconceptions with Chelsey of MWB Engineering

In this solo episode, Chelsey, BPA Partner at MWB Engineering, breaks down the ten most common MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) misconceptions she and the team regularly see on job sites. From oversizing HVAC equipment to underestimating return air paths, plumbing venting, and commissioning, Chelsey dives into how these recurring assumptions can compromise comfort, efficiency, and compliance. Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or owner, this episode will help you better coordinate and communicate on your next project — and avoid costly mistakes before they happen. Key Takeaways: Bigger HVAC equipment isn’t better: Oversizing causes short cycling, humidity problems, and equipment failure Return air pathways matter: Proper sizing and routing ensure comfort and performance Supply air isn’t fresh air: Outdoor air must be introduced intentionally per code Panel space doesn’t mean panel capacity: Load calculations are still essential Extending circuits isn’t always safe: Voltage drop and wire sizing can cause equipment failure Plumbing venting is non-negotiable: Poor venting leads to odors, failures, and inspection issues Hot water systems must be balanced: Without balancing, expect long waits and scalding risks Sprinkler heads can’t go just anywhere: Head spacing and type affect life safety compliance Ducts and pipes need priority in design: Leaving them last causes field issues and inefficiencies Controls and commissioning aren’t optional: Even perfect systems won’t function without proper tuning and training Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction to MEP misconceptions and their impact on building performance [00:01:00] Misconception #1: Bigger HVAC equipment solves everything [00:03:00] Misconception #2: Return air doesn’t matter [00:05:00] Misconception #3: Supply air equals fresh air [00:08:00] Misconception #4: Available panel space equals capacity [00:11:00] Misconception #5: Extending a circuit is always fine [00:13:00] Misconception #6: Plumbing venting is flexible [00:14:00] Misconception #7: Hot water systems don’t need balancing [00:16:00] Misconception #8: Sprinkler heads can be placed anywhere [00:18:00] Misconception #9: MEP can squeeze into leftover space [00:20:00] Misconception #10: Controls, sensors, and commissioning are optional [00:23:00] Final thoughts on communication, coordination, and engineer involvement

How to Stay Ahead of NYC and NYS Electrification Codes

In this episode of Made With Brilliance, Flori Muresan and co-host Jahnavi Sajip to break down the impact of two critical electrification regulations: New York City’s Local Law 154 and New York State’s Part 1240 of Title 19. Together, they unpack what these evolving codes mean for developers, architects, and engineers—and how to stay compliant as gas is phased out across the state. They discuss who’s still allowed to use gas, what types of projects are impacted, the key filing deadlines, and why developers should be taking action now to future-proof their buildings. With practical advice, technical insight, and clear timelines, this episode is a must-listen for anyone designing or constructing buildings in New York. Key Takeaways: NYC and NYS electrification laws are not the same: Local Law 154 applies to New York City, while Part 1240 applies to the rest of New York State Local Law 154 phases out gas over time: Residential buildings under 7 stories already can’t use gas (except for hot water), with full gas prohibition by July 2027 NYS Part 1240 is stricter: Starting January 1, 2026, buildings under 7 stories or over 100,000 sq ft must be fully electric, with no exceptions for domestic hot water There are a few key exemptions: Emergency generators, commercial kitchens, laundromats, hospitals, laboratories, and certain manufacturers can still use gas Electrification changes how you design: From equipment layout to load sizing, mechanical and electrical planning must account for full electrification Heat pump water heaters are the new standard: These efficient systems are replacing gas-fired hot water heaters in many new projects You must act fast to avoid being locked out: Filing your project before the code deadlines is essential if you want to preserve gas usage Electrical infrastructure may lag behind: Developers should engage utility providers early—electric service upgrades can take 2+ years Electrification can affect operating costs: Electricity is currently more expensive than gas, which may impact projected utility expenses Plan for code compliance now, not later: Waiting could delay your project by years and require costly redesigns Episode Summary: [00:00:00] Intro to Made With Brilliance and the episode topic [00:01:00] Overview of Local Law 154 and Part 1240 [00:02:00] What types of construction these laws apply to [00:03:00] Gas phase-out timeline in NYC: key dates and building types [00:04:00] Domestic hot water exceptions and viable alternatives [00:05:00] Heat pump water heaters and space considerations [00:06:00] NYC vs NYS: which projects fall under which code [00:07:00] Notable gas-use exemptions across NYC and NYS [00:08:00] NYS code is not phased: full ban starts Jan 1, 2026 [00:09:00] Propane and other fuels are also prohibited [00:10:00] Filing deadlines and permit submission strategy [00:11:00] All NYS buildings must be electric by 2029 [00:12:00] Why electric operating costs are currently higher [00:13:00] Infrastructure bottlenecks and ConEd delays [00:14:00] Developer risk if load letters are delayed [00:15:00] Summary of deadlines and impacted building types [00:16:00] Urgency of filing before holiday slowdown [00:17:00] Outro and call to connect via mwbengineering.com

Chelsey Muresan & Jahnavi Sajip on Making Sense of the Refrigerant Transition

In this episode of Made With Brilliance, Chelsey and Jahnavi break down one of the hottest—and most confusing—topics in HVAC right now: the refrigerant transition. With new regulations from the EPA and accelerated timelines in New York, developers and engineers alike are navigating a complex shift from R-410A to new refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B. Chelsey and Jahnavi explain what’s changing, who it impacts, and how to approach HVAC design under the new rules. From fire-rated shafts and ventilation challenges to system selection and cost-saving workarounds, they cover the technical and practical sides of compliance while offering clarity in a time of industry-wide uncertainty. Key Takeaways: The refrigerant transition is real—and it’s happening fast. New EPA regulations and NY state deadlines are phasing out R-410A, especially for residential and single-phase systems. New refrigerants bring flammability concerns. R-32 and R-454B require changes to ventilation, shaft design, and space planning due to their increased flammability and toxicity risk. Ventilation is the biggest design challenge. Especially in NYC, where pitched-down bottom shaft vents require careful coordination with floor heights and façade constraints. Your timeline and permit date matter. Projects permitted before January 8, 2025, may get more flexibility depending on equipment type and jurisdiction. Commercial vs. residential systems have different deadlines. Residential projects face tighter rules now, while three-phase commercial projects have more time. Branch box location and space volume impact design. Smaller spaces require careful calculation, and some manufacturers offer enclosure solutions to ease compliance. Equipment substitutions aren’t always plug-and-play anymore. Certain refrigerant-compatible features may be brand-specific, locking in manufacturers once design begins. There are still alternatives to VRF. For some projects, packaged heat pumps, water-source systems, or advanced PTACs may be more practical under the new rules. Energy modeling is still achievable. With careful equipment sizing and zoning, projects can still meet performance thresholds—even with package systems. MWB is proactively working with the DOB. They’re submitting CCD1s to explore exemptions and staying ahead of code changes to help clients minimize cost and complexity. Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Intro and why refrigerants are a hot topic [00:01:00] R-410A phaseout timeline and regulatory background [00:02:00] Key differences between New York and federal regulations [00:04:00] Permitting deadlines and phased compliance [00:05:00] How new refrigerants affect fire rating and ventilation design [00:06:00] Shaft ventilation strategies—natural vs. mechanical [00:08:00] Design trade-offs: shaft continuity, offsets, and facade penetrations [00:10:00] Heat pump vs. heat recovery systems under the new code [00:11:00] Manufacturer-specific constraints and branch box enclosures [00:13:00] Why project-specific design matters more than ever [00:14:00] Cost drivers: bottom-of-shaft venting and physical space limitations [00:16:00] Future solutions: ventilated copper, pressure testing, and upcoming standards [00:17:00] Alternate HVAC systems: PTACs, WSHPs, and pre-packaged units [00:18:00] Viability of package units in NYC winter conditions [00:20:00] Impact of backup coils on energy modeling and zoning bonuses [00:22:00] The importance of collaboration across owners, engineers, and contractors [00:25:00] New requirements: hard copper, potential future repairs, and reclaimed refrigerants [00:27:00] Final takeaways: educate early, check assumptions, and engage your engineer from day one

Inside MWB: What Architects and Contractors Ask Us Most Part 2

In this expert-led episode of Made With Brilliance by MWB Engineering, principals Flori Muresan and Jahnavi Sajip answer the most frequently asked questions they receive from developers, architects, and project owners. From identifying the biggest cost drivers in MEP systems to navigating utility coordination and planning for renovation surprises, Flori and Jahnavi break down the technical challenges that can derail a project—and how MWB’s proactive approach keeps things on track. Listeners get a detailed look into how early-stage planning, thoughtful communication, and team-wide coordination directly impact timelines, budgets, and outcomes in modern building projects. Key Takeaways: Utilities Are a Major Cost Driver: HVAC systems, electrical service upgrades, and vault installations are often the largest budget items in a project. Start Con Edison Applications Early: With New York’s electrification push, utility applications must begin during schematic design to avoid delays. Communication Begins at Kickoff: MWB conducts kickoff meetings to align teams on infrastructure needs, code impacts, and cost implications from the start. Renovation Requires Investigation: Old drawings are often inaccurate—site visits, early demolition, and field verification are key to reducing risk. Contingency Is Non-Negotiable: MEP, architectural, and structural unknowns require built-in buffer budgets, especially in renovation projects. Coordination Is Everything: Misalignment between MEP systems and structural or lighting layouts can lead to costly field conflicts if not caught early. Value Engineering Starts Early: Involving contractors during design leads to smarter, cost-efficient decisions that preserve performance and quality. Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction and overview of common MEP-related questions from clients. [00:01:00] Discussion of high-cost items including HVAC systems, electrical upgrades, and utility vaults. [00:02:00] Growing demand for electrical service and why it creates design and permitting challenges. [00:03:00] Early client communication on agency coordination and infrastructure assumptions. [00:05:00] Sharing equipment loads and coordination needs at the project kickoff stage. [00:06:00] How MWB approaches renovations: verifying systems and anticipating upgrades. [00:08:00] Common risks of relying on outdated drawings without field verification. [00:10:00] Benefits of designing in two stages—before and after initial demolition. [00:11:00] Why contingency planning should include unknowns across all trades. [00:12:00] Real-time collaboration with architecture and structure to reduce redesign during construction. [00:13:00] Clarifying that MWB’s drawings guide intent—but shop drawings drive final execution. [00:15:00] How field feedback and shop drawing reviews improve constructability. [00:16:00] When and how contractors add value through informed design adjustments. [00:17:00] Value engineering approaches that balance short-term cost and long-term efficiency. [00:19:00] Comparing systems like heat pump water heaters vs. electric coils for multifamily. [00:21:00] Final thoughts on design as a collaborative process—where clarity, alignment, and team communication create better buildings.