News - United CoolAir

December 7, 2017 by Matt Hanson

Portable Temporary Mobile Cooling Units

Most of the time HVAC units installations occur in a particular location where they live out their usefulness. However, there are other times when commercial heating, cooling, and dehumidification can be the right solution. Situations sometimes arise where the requirement of HVAC units is short term. This is where a portable/temporary/mobile cooling or heating unit can be the perfect solution.

Sometimes mobile temporary HVAC units replace a permanent unit when shutting them down for a period of time. Other times it might be a special event such as a large tent gathering. This sometimes encompasses natural disasters or even healthcare facilities. The instances where portable commercial cooling can be used are infinite. Manufacturing spot cooling, plant shutdowns, emergencies, and telecommunication rooms to name a few.

United CoolAir Mobile Units

Portable units are usually, but not necessarily on wheels and placed in any commercial building or space and even outdoors and powered by a generator. United CoolAir produces units that range from 3–30 tons. Larger units are sometimes trailer mounted to provide quicker transportation to a particular job site. This makes them a valuable resource when there is a call for these types of situations.

While most portable HVAC units are air-cooled, water or chilled water are occasionally used. Although cooling and heating units involve a huge market share, they also use dehumidification. In this case, dedicated heating units look very similar to their counterparts. Rugged United CoolAir units are so due to their metal construction. Furthermore, rental companies stock up on these exceptional units as part of their fleet. However, if renting a unit for more than a few times, anybody can purchase these portable units factory direct. This can lead to enhanced cost savings.

Advancements are ongoing in the portable A/C industry such as United CoolAir’s mobile units that provide UV-C light to disinfect airborne pathogens. In order to meet today’s portable HVAC needs, new products will continually arise on the market.

November 8, 2017 by Matt Hanson

A Flexible Alternative for Portable Environmental Control

The remediation industry has long relied on traditional equipment like mechanical dehumidification and desiccant systems. This is for the removal of excess moisture from flooded and fire-damaged buildings and environmental control. In many cases, these are the better choice for drying out the high moisture situations in preparation for later renovations. Still, a controversy persists whether or not air conditioning can is useful as effectively as a dehumidifier.

The answer is most definitely yes, but it depends on the unit type and application of environmental control. However, moisture removal is only one of the reasons why portable air conditioning should be a serious contender for remediation projects. Just as important as moisture removal is space conditioning during the renovation phase of the project.

How Mechanical Dehumidification Works

Portable air conditioning is not just for cooling outside tents and temporary facilities. When using the right type of portable air conditioner, it will not only dehumidify the facility but should also condition the space for the repair phase of the project.

In simple terms, dehumidification is the removal of water vapor from the air. This occurs by lowering the air temperature to its dew point, where it condenses for easy removal. Efficient dehumidification relies on two basic concepts. First, the air must be chilled as low as possible in order to effectively remove the moisture that is in the air.

This happens through the refrigeration cycle of both dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Air cooling happens as it passes over a cooling coil and a drain pan captures the moisture from the air as it condenses on the coil. Second, the ambient room or space temperature should as high as practical so that it can absorb the maximum amount of moisture from the space. This occurs by reheating the air as it returns to the room, and is done differently by air conditioners and dehumidifiers. This cycle continues until spaces have reached the desired temperature and humidity levels.

Dehumidification Versus Air Conditioning Systems

A key difference between dehumidifiers and air conditioners is how the heat from the refrigeration cycle is processed. Dehumidifiers use the heat generated by the refrigeration cycle to immediately heat the air re-entering the space. This results in dry, warm air leaving the unit.

Air conditioners, on the other hand, reject the waste heat away from the space, usually to an external air-or water-cooled condenser. The conditioned air returns to the space dry but cooler. Since maintaining a warmer ambient is important for dehumidification, good quality portable air conditioners are available with supplemental electric heating coils. This is also true in heat pump models to reheat the cooler, dry air.

The temperature is controllable with accurately for efficient dehumidification, and the availability of heating and/or cooling is useful during the reconstruction or renovation phase. Another key difference between dehumidification units and air conditioners is the way they control sensible and latent heat. Sensible heat is essentially the air temperature within the space and latent heat is the additional heat in the form of moisture in the air, the relative humidity (RH).

An air conditioner measures and controls temperature, cooling the space until the thermostat reaches its set point. A dehumidifier removes moisture until the humidistat reaches the desired RH level.
The sensible-to-latent heat removal ratio for a dehumidifier is 50-50 while an air conditioner is closer to 70-30. In other words, dehumidifiers ring out more moisture, but they generally have poor to no control of space temperature. Air conditioners have great control of space temperature but remove moisture at a lesser rate.

Which System Is Better?

If your only interest is maximum moisture removal in the shortest time, straight dehumidification is probably the better choice. But when moisture removal is lower and spaces will require renovation or some type of post-construction, a portable air conditioner should be your number one selection.

Portable commercial air conditioners can easily reach 2,000 CFM for a five-ton unit when in the cooling stage. However, to improve the moisture removal characteristics, lowering the fan speed by up to 50% improves its dehumidification performance. By slowing the warm, moist room air traveling over the cold evaporator coil, additional moisture can be removed.

Portable air conditioners are available in a variety of configurations and sizes as high as 30 tons for even the largest of buildings. Smaller units can have wheeled bases making them easy to transport and position. Additionally, their narrow cabinet design will pass through a standard 3/0 door opening without modification.

The Additional Benefits Of Portable Air Conditioning

The key to any job site is to maintain Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) during reconstruction and renovation. Portable air-conditioning systems offer the restoration and remediation industry an excellent tool to assist in the safe and efficient completion of restoration projects.

It’s commonplace during renovations to seal the affected area by turning off the air conditioning and isolating the airflow from the rest of the building. The goal is to maintain a negative pressure in the workspace (or positively pressurize other areas). This is to prevent the migration of air contaminants from work areas to occupied areas.

Portable air conditioning units will retain a controlled environment by maintaining specific relative humidity and temperature conditions, and they can also effectively filter the circulated air. That means the same unit that removed the initial moisture also provides an ideal workspace environment. Worker productivity maximization and space conditions improve through dust control.

The Importance of Conditioned Spaces

Conditioned space is critical for building materials and finishes applications. The installation of hardwood floors and wood paneling requires the normalization of materials at the right temperature and humidity to prevent warping or later expansion/contraction.
Controlled humidity will protect metal surfaces from oxidizing and help wall coatings dry faster and more completely. Renting a single unit for moisture removal and space conditioning is generally less expensive and requires less set up time.

Equally important is the prevention of mold and fungus. Molds like Aspergillums can grow on modern building materials such as gypsum board and ceiling tile if allowed to remain wet for more than 72 hours. Spores become airborne during repair and/or disturbance of the building and have low settling velocities, remaining in the air for long periods of time. A portable air conditioner continues to dehumidify the space and filter the return air as long as space conditioning occurs.

Selecting the Portable Air Conditioner That’s Right for Your Application

Portable air conditioning units are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The purpose-built dehumidifier units are available through rental distributors are generally small in capacity. As an example, quality manufacturers like United CoolAir Corporation offer one of the largest selections of portable systems. These units have multiple capacities capable of conditioning even the largest of commercial spaces.

Portable horizontal air conditioning systems are the most popular and have the widest range of sizes and arrangements. These smaller horizontal units provide needed flexibility and are useful for indoor or outdoor installations. Typical cooling capacities can reach as high as 15 tons and include the option for electric heating.

Narrow Design Aides in Mobility

Since mobility is paramount for these units, they are narrow in design to navigate doorways and entrances. This includes integral unit-mounted forklift pods or casters for easy mobility. For the really large projects or where it makes sense to replace multiple smaller systems with a single unit, consider a larger, high capacity system. With sizes ranging up to 30 tons of cooling, these units include up to 80 kW of electric heating.

Narrow in design, they are easily positioned using the built-in lifting pods are stacking is possible if necessary. Trailer-mounted units are also an option for outside installation. Also available are vertical portable air conditioning and heating units. While not as popular as horizontal models, they offer both bi-directional free blow and ducted operation. Most find this a great application in large open spaces.

Typical sizes can range from three to 30 tons with up to 60 kW of heating. These narrow footprint units are easy to transport and move into position using the forklift pod. Installation can be inside or out as conditions allow.
With the right manufacturer, you can select from standalone in-line blowers and heaters. These units work in conjunction with larger tonnage portable air conditioners for more reheat capability and longer flexible duct runs.

The Future of Environmental Control

Today’s portable air conditioners are easy to install with features like Camlock power connections, duct collars, built-in circuit breakers, and more. Many include multiple ducting options with high static pressure for long duct runs. Quality units are also equipped with an internal thermostat and offer an option for remote control if required.

Always choose a reputable portable air conditioning brand with a proven track record of performance. They are your number one source for getting a unit that best fits your application. However, not all portable air conditioning units construct to the same standards. It is not uncommon to find traditional building air conditioners, or even rooftop designs, modified for portable use.

Summary

These units exist for stationary installation and cannot withstand the continuous movement and transportation requirements necessary for portable equipment. When used in portable applications, they are prone to refrigerant leaks, component failures, and reduced life expectancy.

Finally, it’s also important to evaluate the suppliers of portable air conditioning rental equipment available in your area. While most will be helpful in getting you started, choose one that will help you select the right size, type of equipment, and accessories for your application. Technical support exists in the event of a malfunction, and if they carry an inventory of equipment should it be needed quickly.

May 17, 2017 by Matt Hanson

United CoolAir Hires Veterans

It just takes a company to give someone a chance! We all appreciate those who serve our country and United CoolAir certainly does. The company has taken steps to include veterans in developing their workforce. Teamwork, respect, and triumph over adversity are skills obtained thru military service; these skills benefit companies in numerous ways. The story of the Wertz brothers is one of many successes attributed to hiring veterans at United CoolAir.

Joshua Wertz joined the Army right out of high school deriving inspiration from his uncle who also served. Upon returning to stateside, he tried making a living in North Carolina. However, jobs remained elusive, especially for infantrymen returning from Afghanistan, but he found work as a part-time bouncer. He decided to return to Pennsylvania to live with his father, (a Blacksmith), taught his son to work with metal. Joshua also received training in welding and metal fabrication at York Technical Institute. He eventually found work at a local foundry, only to have his hours cut to 30 per week. This made it very difficult to manage everyday expenses.

Job Fairs are a Key to Success

One day, Joshua’s father directed him to a job fair at the York Career Link. There he learned about United CoolAir and toured the manufacturing facility. Joshua accepted a position with United CoolAir in May of 2016, operating the Brake & Punch Press within the Sheetmetal Department. “Everything started going upwards after I got this job. Other employers were reluctant to hire veterans, especially those that have been recently deployed” expressed Joshua. He now has the resources to buy a car and lease an apartment. Needless to say, he is very thankful for the opportunity given to him by the United CoolAir Corporation.

Joshua’s positive experience with United CoolAir led to his brother D’Artagnan joining the United CoolAir team. D’Artagnan, who goes by “D”, is also an Army veteran and is active in the Reserves. As a trained diesel mechanic for hydraulic systems, he also struggled to find employment due to negative stereotypes evolving veterans. He eventually found a job as a heavy equipment operator for a York area construction company; however, the days were long and D’Artagnan missed working with his hands. He very much likes his job running the Shear in the Sheetmetal Department. He says “the days just fly by”, while relating to similarities of an organization that he experienced in the military.

Veterans’ are an asset to United CoolAir, and we value the talents of the Wertz brothers. Furthermore, several other veterans that have joined our team as well. The Wertz brothers are just one of many success stories and we are grateful they took a chance with us. Finally, advice from Joshua for other veterans returning from military service, he said “Never second guess yourself”.

March 25, 2013 by Matt Hanson

Targeting the HVAC Retrofit Market

United CoolAir Corporation (UCA) is repositioning itself to stand out in the high-growth retrofit air conditioning marketplace. Namely by adding the tagline “All-Indoor Solutions,” which calls attention to the fact that all UCA equipment mounts entirely indoors. For example, our units require no roof or pad space. UCA manufactures a wide range of equipment styles for practically any retrofit application.

With many aging buildings, especially in urban areas, older systems need replacement by more capable units meeting new efficiency standards. Because many of these old units were installed at the time during building construction, they are difficult to replace. Specifically, “A high proportion of the multi-story buildings in cities like NYC, Boston and Chicago have floor-by-floor air conditioning systems that are difficult to access.

The problem is not removing the old system out but rather replacing the system at a reasonable cost. “In most metropolitan buildings, space is unavailable for exterior condensing or rooftop unit mounting,” said United CoolAir President Neil Tucker. Mr. Tucker remarked that often owners, contractors, and even some consulting engineers tend to focus on equipment cost rather than the Total Installed Cost. You must include the additional charges for special permits, crane rental, rigging, building modifications, equipment modifications, and labor. In order to make these changes, the new HVAC equipment must only cost a small fraction of the entire project.

UCA’s All-Indoor Solutions include unique characteristics separating them from other suppliers of retrofit cooling equipment. Please see a list of the characteristics below.

UCA offers a variety of equipment styles and sizes that tailor to fit practically any building requirement. In other words, the design of UCA equipment is adaptable to the most difficult installations at a lower installed cost.
Configurations include horizontal, vertical, ceiling grid, VAV, and even dedicated outside air systems.
Air conditioners mount entirely indoors requiring no rooftop space, slab, or special exterior condensing section mounting. Furthermore, unit availability includes air-cooled, water-cooled, chilled water, and heat pump configurations.
The equipment modular design allows for disassembly for transportation. However, most sections fit through standard doorways and elevators, eliminating the need for expensive building modifications, rigging, or crane rental.
The equipment retains the exterior architectural appearance of the building, especially with historical structures.
Theft and vandalism are practically eliminated without the added expense of special security systems or cages.
The units refrigerant is factory charged during production. This means there is no piping, brazing, evacuation, or refrigerant charging in the field which realizes a lower installed cost.
Systems are made-to-order allowing us to place air paths, electrical connections, and refrigerant lines that match existing hookups. In fact, contractors can completely install a number of our systems in as little as a weekend, minimizing workplace disruption.
UCA equipment maximizes indoor space by taking advantage of closets, small rooms, and ceiling spaces. The equipment protection from harsh outdoor weather extends its operating life, and this eliminates high maintenance fees for outdoor servicing.
UCA uses standardized parts and components allowing routine maintenance completion at very cost.

Summary

United CoolAir leads in the manufacturing of indoor packaged and splittable light commercial air conditioners. Their “unique comfort solutions” develop around an innovative modular all-indoor design. UCA began manufacturing air conditioning equipment in 1988 for military applications along with highly specialized HVAC systems for commercial applications.

Presently, UCA manufactures a broad line of air conditioning systems that include horizontal ceiling mount, vertical systems, and outside air systems such as EZ-Fit and Renovator. They also manufacture a full line of portable air conditioners and heating systems for the rental industry. For more information about United CoolAir, please call 717-843-4311 or visit www.unitedcoolair.com.

September 7, 2012 by Matt Hanson

EmblemHealth EZ-Fit Renovation Project

HEALTHCARE AIR CONDITIONER REPLACEMENT TURNS INTO SIMPLE OPERATION

Photo of Emblem Health Building — Emblem Health Building

Renowned for the quantity and variety of tall buildings towering over the Manhattan skyline is New York City. Many of these structures are at a point where age has taken its toll on mechanical systems and requires replacement. Even if they are still operational, today’s new air conditioning systems are more energy-efficient, making it cost-effective for change-out.

You might not think this is a big deal because this occurs every day but New York City, like many large metropolitan areas, is a little bit different from a smaller city. In smaller cities like say White Plains, NY mechanical systems are generally easier to access. In New York City, replacing a large system often requires demolition, cranes, rigging, and a lot of extra work.

They hired us for a project at an EmblemHealth facility located in mid-Manhattan around 35th and 7th avenue. The building construction occurred in the early 1970s and the mechanical systems have been running for over 25 years. Since it is a hospital, maintaining ideal comfort conditions is critical. The AC system replacement happened quickly and with the least amount of disruption to the patients, service providers, and staff.

Floor-by-floor Replacement Solution

Like many tall buildings, space conditioning AC installation is floor by floor rather than large central units. Many of the systems were installed during the building construction where access was not an issue. Removing the old systems is generally not a problem because the units disassemble proceeds by whatever means available and scrapped. Getting the new units to their installation location is where the fun begins.

The EmblemHealth building had four existing units spread out from the basement, main floor, and at an upper level. Sizes ranged from 45 tons and the replacement units would be the same size. MWSK Equipment is a manufacturer’s rep located on 7th Avenue in lower Manhattan. They service the five boroughs and have had a lot of experience in squeezing air conditioning systems into tall structures.

Replacement happens without Building Modification

“Often the HVAC contractor has to do a lot of preparation work in order to fit an AC system through small passageways. Larger units may have to lift by crane to upper floors and require rigging, permits, and building modification. If they take it through the building, the unit may have to be delivered partially disassembled and reassembled on-site. Sometimes walls and doorways opening allow access,” said Freddie Taruc, Sales Manager at MWSK. Regardless of the entry method, the installation cost can easily exceed the unit’s cost. This is especially true when you measure man-hours and special equipment necessary to complete the job. Of course, there’s the additional time needed for demolition, installation, and final repairs.

Taruc said they needed to get the replacement units in quickly and with as little building modification as possible. They naturally selected their best candidate for the job—United CoolAir EZ-Fit units. “United CoolAir makes cooling equipment uniquely designed for our market. They manufacture a class of air conditioners with many flexible features that allow negotiation through narrow doorways and halls. Furthermore, they also require no evacuation and charging after installation,” said Taruc. Tareq Batarseh, PE, LEED AP Associate for Robert Director Associates Consulting Engineers (RDA) is the specifying engineer for the latest EmblemHealth project and is no stranger to these kinds of retrofit installations.

“Each room has its challenges, some rooms have height restrictions and width restrictions,” said Batarseh. “United CoolAir units have the ability to connect to existing piping and ductwork with minimal modifications”. He likes the flexibility in United CoolAir’s system design and their ability to modify the cabinet sizes as needed. These are two major reasons why they are an approved manufacturer for EmblemHealth.

Healthcare Facilities Unique Challenge

Unlike most commercial buildings, Healthcare facilities are generally active 24 hours each day. The retrofit scheduling included two weekends with two units replaced each weekend. John McBride, Design Engineer for JFK & M Consulting Group made sure the replacement work would not interrupt the facility’s busy weekend schedule. The old equipment removal happened on Friday and the bringing in of replacement units with minimal interference with hospital operations transpired.

Summary

The modular sections were quickly reassembled and connected to the existing hookups. Since the units were pre-charged at the factory, they eliminated brazing, evacuation, and charging in the field saving many hours of valuable labor. The units were operational by Monday morning at the start of the new week,” said McBride. This latest installation went smoothly much to the credit of the easily-handling modular units, resealable refrigerant connections, and factory-charged sections.

This came as no surprise to Joe Ptak, Chief Building Engineer for EmblemHealth, who was first introduced to United CoolAir units. They installed the first units in his building and have not looked back since. “I was very pleased with the performance of their units then and I recommended using United CoolAir systems for all the other EmblemHealth mechanical system replacements,” said Ptak. He said they have other facilities ready for the same treatment in the near future.