#retrofit Archives - United CoolAir

September 8, 2021 by Matt Hanson

How HVAC Retrofit Can Benefit Commercial Buildings

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.

July 2, 2021 by Matt Hanson

Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement

The sustainability of a commercial building depends greatly on the performance of its air conditioning system. Furthermore, regulations are increasingly requiring that buildings maintain a healthy supply of fresh outside air. These systems are required for the comfort of occupants and for critical functions like server rooms and other sensitive equipment. Eventually, every HVAC system reaches the end of its lifespan and building managers face the reality a commercial air conditioning installation & replacement solution.

Even with regular maintenance and repairs no HVAC unit will last forever. To complicate the matter, replacing an HVAC system often includes significant alterations to a building’s structure. Any cooling and heating unit accounts for a significant amount of the cost to the building. With all of these concerns it is essential to explore all options when replacing a cooling system

How to know when it’s time to replace

The age of the HVAC system is one of the factors to consider since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends replacement after 10 years of use. Frequent breakdowns are yet another factor when thinking about replacement. This is due to the 50% rule that if half or more of your costs are in repairing the unit it makes financial sense to replace it. An excessively noisy system is yet another warning sign that the system may need replaced.

Benefits of replacement

There are many benefits to upgrading to a newer energy efficient air conditioner. With the increasing cost of energy, significant savings become achieved by upgrading. Newer systems are more efficient and therefore do a better job of controlling temperature and humidity while also improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Newer systems also use better refrigerants such as the replacement of R-22 with R-410A. In the future there will be even more efficient refrigerants. Also, worth considering is that a new HVAC system will have a warranty which can save money on costly repairs. Finally, the Government often supply’s tax incentives for the purchase of newer higher efficient systems.

Split vs Packaged

Most commercial buildings contain split systems that use ductwork with an outdoor condensing unit pared with an indoor evaporator system. Many of these units were installed when the building was under construction presenting a problem of needed demolition to walls when replacing the units. There is often lot of expense in replacing these types of units because of building alterations but also hiring of equipment to lift the unit on to the roof. Packaged units on the other hand also use ductwork but here the condenser and evaporator reside within a single unit. Many times, there is not enough room outside to place the retrofit unit. Most packaged units operate outside but indoor packaged units like the ones produced by United CoolAir also exist. For this reason, an all-indoor packaged unit can save money on air conditioning installation & replacement when factoring the total install cost.

March 20, 2018 by Matt Hanson

Retrofit Replacements

It is estimated that there are over 5 million buildings available for HVAC retrofit upgrades and retrofitting. While 70% of commercial buildings built prior to 1980 have not had any HVAC improvements. With changes in building codes, government guidelines, technology, IAQ and environmental standards many building owners face an excess of challenges. For example, one of the issues that building owners have little control over is the cost of energy. Current rates range from 6.5 cents to over 12 cents dependent on area. All forecasts show tremendous growth over the next few decades. HVAC related building power costs now account for 40% of consumption. This means efficiency advances and cost savings will be vital for owners.

Projected Energy Growth

During new construction when HVAC systems were originally installed; size, weight, ease of installation and refrigerant were of no concern. Large chillers were lowered into basements before construction was finished, and rooftop units were installed using machinery already onsite. Now twenty to thirty years later things are more complex. No longer is there open access or a crane onsite to simplify upgrading an HVAC system.

With an importance on green building, what is the best answer? Buy a replacement rooftop unit and spend thousands of dollars on installation. However, the installation could cost half of the cost of the replacement unit. For instance, how do you remove and retrofit large tonnage chillers from a basement in a dense urban area?

At the same time, there are products to solve these retrofitting problems. Selecting an off the shelf or stock unit will not be a perfect fit like the initial installations. United CoolAir adapts units to make retrofit projects simple and easy to install. Choosing a splittable system that can move through a standard 32-inch doorway into a standard elevator resolves to get the units inside an existing building. This will also diminish the total cost of installation by using less manpower; overcome other technical issues that would be necessary for the installation of standard commercial units. What can make these EZ-Fit units even more attractive is they can fit above the ceiling or in a mechanical room?

The Indoor Advantage

By bringing your units indoors you can gain valuable roof space for green projects such as solar panels or a living roof. Additionally, units are serviceable indoors at any time; support longer unit life; reduce damages from storms, vandalism or even theft of valuable copper destroying your units.

Owners can expect a shorter ROI, lower energy costs and an overall lower lifecycle cost. Concerns from building owners vary from too costly, tenant interruption, and no funding among others. In today’s climate, governments along with others are providing programs to lessen the financial worry. As a result, PACE bonds, leasing, and energy programs like Potomac Edison provide fantastic incentives to become more energy-efficient. Potomac ED’s program provides up to 50% rebate of the purchase price, excluding taxes for each VFD installed capped at a total of $250,000. These programs give building owners every reason to retrofit their outdated HVAC systems.

Repair or retrofitting is going to become more widespread than new construction in the upcoming years. Retrofitting your old high energy-consuming system with unique features split unit can make a retrofit project as simple as screwing in a light bulb.

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.