#replacement Archives - United CoolAir

Every day there is a commercial HVAC system that is starting to fail as it reaches the end of its lifespan. Even well-maintained systems have components that will wear out. On top of that, the needs of a building change overtime as perhaps more people occupy the space. There could also be a change in office equipment or hours of operation. In fact, the life span of the typical HVAC system is only from 15–30 years. This is why an HVAC retrofit could be the best way to solve this unending problem.

Early Warning Signs of a Failing HVAC System

The first warning signs of a system that is starting to diminish is a noticeable change in the comfort level and changes in IAQ. Also, there could be an increase in the energy costs associated with the building. The rising costs of repairing and maintaining an HVAC system is also a sign that it might be time to consider an HVAC retrofit.

The Problem with Retrofit and Replacement of Existing Equipment

Most commercial HVAC systems are installable as packaged rooftop units or located in a basement or mechanical room. This presents s huge problem of having to hire cranes or major demolition to a building. Many times, a retrofit replacement unit is too large to move through hallways to their final destination. Complicating the process is the disruption to occupants as replacement can take a long time to complete. The cost of replacement equipment along with business down time is enough to discourage many facility managers to complete the update.

Finding the Best HVAC Retrofit Solution

Fortunately, there is a way to avoid all the drawbacks of a retrofit or replacement HVAC system. United CoolAir creates modular replacement HVAC units that can fit through standard doors and hallways and then reassembled. Additionally, this retrofit process is most often accomplished over a weekend. With United CoolAir units, HVAC retrofit and replacement is a easy process.

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.