Mechanical Services
Optimize your building’s performance with expert mechanical engineering in efficient heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems for cold climates, sustainability, and long-term savings.
Mechanical Engineering & Consulting
The RSA mechanical team brings nearly four decades of hands-on experience to every project
We deliver mechanical system designs that are functional, efficient, and built to last. Our engineers understand that in Alaska’s harsh and variable climates, mechanical systems must do more than meet code, they must perform reliably under pressure, year after year. As such, we develop each design to the specific needs of the building and its users for comfort, sustainability, and cost-efficiency from day one.
Committed to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, RSA continually integrates the latest tools and technologies into our design process. From advanced modeling and simulation software to innovative system components that reduce energy consumption, we approach every project with a mindset of precision and progress.
Our practical, real-world expertise paired with a future-ready perspective means RSA clients can expect mechanical systems that support long-term performance, and seamless integration with overall building goals.
Plumbing
From infrared fixtures to future-ready layouts we design plumbing systems for Alaska that work, and keep working.
For over 36 years, architects and building owners have relied on RSA Engineering to deliver efficient, cost-effective plumbing engineering design services, even in Alaska’s most challenging environments.
We understand that plumbing systems are essential to a building’s function and occupant health. That’s why our designs prioritize clean water delivery and safe, code-compliant wastewater removal, all while integrating seamlessly with broader mechanical systems.
Our extensive experience with arctic plumbing systems—including power plants across the North Slope Borough—means we know how to prevent cold-weather failures before they happen. That knowledge translates to smarter solutions for you in both rural and urban developments statewide.
RSA also brings sustainability to the forefront. Our LEED-certified professionals and team-based approach support green building design that meets performance goals. Denali’s Eielson Visitor Center was the first LEED Platinum certified facility in Alaska. We engineered water-saving systems to support long-term conservation in a location a long way from potable water production.
HVAC
From radiant floors to responsive controls, we design HVAC systems that perform in Alaska’s most demanding conditions.
RSA Engineering is a statewide leader in HVAC system design, with specialized expertise in high-efficiency buildings and cold-climate performance. Our engineers design to ASHRAE standards to ensure systems are safe, sustainable, and optimized for comfort and performance.
We stay current with the latest HVAC innovations and apply them when they provide clear value to balance cutting-edge solutions with cost-effective results. Notably, RSA was among the first firms in Alaska to implement under floor air distribution (UFAD), and we continue to bring forward-thinking solutions to every project.
With today’s reliable condensing and high-efficiency systems, our team regularly achieves up to 90% efficiency. RSA also brings unmatched expertise in energy-efficient building controls, thanks in part to having former control contractors on staff. This allows us to design systems with precision and collaborate seamlessly with contractors to optimize real-world system performance.
From large commercial facilities to public institutions, RSA delivers HVAC designs that are efficient, reliable, and built to last.
Fire Protection Systems
Including sprinkler systems and specialized suppression agents, we design fire protection systems that are effective, code-compliant, and built to safeguard what matters most.
At RSA Engineering, fire protection is never an afterthought, it’s a core part of our design process. We take pride in specifying fire protection systems that align with the building’s specific hazards and the owner’s operational needs. It doesn’t matter if it’s a commercial facility, public space, or remote infrastructure, our team will ensure the system chosen is both practical and protective in order to meet performance goals without overcomplication or unnecessary cost.
With extensive experience and specialized training, our engineers stay current with evolving fire codes, technologies, and best practices. We design with all major sprinkler types and suppression agents in mind. This means the right solution is applied to every unique environment.
Our hands-on knowledge and practical approach will help you confidently evaluate system options while maintaining safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Waste Heat Recovery
RSA Engineering is a recognized leader in waste heat recovery (WHR) system design, with more experience in this field than perhaps any other firm in Alaska.
Our expertise includes extensive work on power plants throughout the North Slope Borough, where we’ve developed systems that deliver significant energy and cost savings for nearby schools, public facilities, and remote buildings. In isolated regions, RSA designs WHR systems with simplicity and reliability in mind so they can be operated by local personnel with minimal oversight.
Notably, at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, our team engineered a system that recovers both jacket water and exhaust gas heat, providing exceptional energy recovery in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Our approach combines real-world experience with today’s most advanced technologies. At RSA, we utilize equipment like variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps to optimize heat recovery and ensure efficient heat distribution across facilities. Whether it’s integrating WHR into new construction or retrofitting existing systems, our engineers focus on maximizing performance and long-term value.
Energy Modeling
RSA has been integrating energy modeling into our design process for over 20 years. From concept design-level load calculations to advanced comparative analyses; energy modeling helps us deliver high-performing, energy-efficient buildings that meet—and often exceed—owner and code-driven building performance goals.
Energy modeling is most impactful early in design, informing decisions on:
- Building orientation and massing
- Envelope assemblies and insulation
- Glazing system performance
- HVAC and ventilation strategies
- Internal loads from lighting, equipment, and occupancy
Once basic parameters are set, our models simulate real-world factors like solar gain, outdoor conditions, and internal schedules—supporting accurate HVAC systems sizing and deeper energy insights.
We regularly perform comparative modeling against ASHRAE 90.1 baselines to evaluate energy savings, lifecycle costs, and ROI—critical for owner decision-making.
Whether targeting a specific Energy Use Index (EUI) or optimizing whole-building performance, RSA brings the experience and technical rigor to deliver lasting energy results.
Controls
At RSA, we understand that even the most efficient HVAC system can’t reach its full potential without well-designed, intelligently integrated controls. Controls are the backbone of high-performance, energy-efficient mechanical systems—and we design them for simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
Not only do we design sophisticated digital systems, but we also understand providing the right level of control. In some situations, a simple electric control system may be more efficient than a digital system just because local staff can understand and operate it to keep the facility operating properly.
With facility managers balancing multiple responsibilities, our control systems are built to be intuitive and easy to operate, reducing the time and effort required to manage building performance. Our standard design strategies include:
Occupancy-based temperature setbacks
- Variable-speed equipment sequencing
- Demand-control ventilation
- Adaptive reset strategies
- Advanced monitoring and trending
Our team includes several former controls contractors, giving us practical, hands-on knowledge of how to design and implement systems that work—not just on paper, but in the field. We actively collaborate with contractors throughout construction and commissioning to ensure systems are fine-tuned for long-term efficiency and reliability.
Whether integrating controls into traditional HVAC systems or advanced technologies like VRF, geothermal, or heat recovery, we focus on real-world operability and maintainability. RSA aligns designs with owner expectations, agency standards, and the needs of facility staff to deliver tailored, lasting, and cost-effective solutions.
