Advantages of Air Handling Unit (AHU) Refurbishment Compared to Replacement:
- Reduced cost compared to purchasing new units
- More environmentally friendly by re-using existing equipment
- Minimal equipment downtime
- Existing services are typically unaltered
- Minimal disruption to the building’s normal operation
Even if a building owner has done a good job maintaining their air handling unit, there comes a time when it needs to be replaced or completely refurbished. It is at this point, when the unit has begun to perform poorly and deteriorate, where maintenance costs begin to mount.
Old, worn-out units also turn into energy hogs. Casing leakage alone can be as high as 10-15%. Inefficient constant volume fans, corroded coils and failing components add to the energy cost.
Cost Savings: Where refurbishment is feasible, this may be chosen as an option to replacement. With refurbishment there is a significant cost savings. Depending on the extent of the work, the refurbished unit costs are typically only 20 to 30% of the cost of a replacement unit.
Environmentally Friendly: Refurbishing existing equipment and extending it’s useful life is great sustainable solution. Units can last an additional 15 to 20 years.
Minimal Downtime: Building owners want as little disruption and downtime as possible when dealing with air handling units. Downtime costs money, so a solution that will save money in the short and long term is essential.
Existing Services Unaltered: By refurbishing an existing unit most of the services to that unit can remain intact. Duct work, piping and electrical service costs are significantly reduced.
Minimal Disruption: In many cases sealing and re-pitching condensate pans, chamber floors and other surfaces is all that is needed to update an AHU. In those cases, only 6 – 8 hours of downtime is needed (typically in the evening and night) over a two day period. That’s it. The unit can run during the day between shifts. If additional equipment needs to be replaced or updated then schedules can be altered to make that happen with minimal disruption.
Related Blog Post: Air Handling Unit Refurbishment | A Viable Solution
Case Study: Aquis – Case Study – Boston College
Related manufacturers: AQUIS
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