MAINTENANCE, REFURBISHMENT & REGENERATION


Breathe new life into your building with HVAC upgrades


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Refurbishing and upgrading mechanical ventilation systems can enhance performance and reduce their impact on the planet, while also enhancing the indoor environment for occupants. Ralph Davies, head of sales for Carrier HVAC Service, explains more


t’s estimated that around 80% of the buildings we have today will still be in use by 2050 . To meet the UK real estate sector’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre- industrial levels, 87% of the improved


performance must come from these existing buildings. With more than 750,000 medium-to-large- scale existing HVAC units, including Air Handling Units (AHUs), and Fan Coil Units (FCUs), requiring technology upgrades in the UK, achieving efficiency and decarbonisation targets has never been more pressing. Air Handling Units play a crucial role in mechanical ventilation across commercial buildings. AHUs efficiently draw fresh air from the outside, purify it through filters, and use coils to heat or cool the air, ensuring optimal indoor temperatures. However, like any mechanical equipment, the effectiveness and efficiency of AHUs decreases over time. Refurbishing and upgrading AHUs, rather than


replacing them, presents building owners with a compelling solution.


The case for refurbishment and upgrades


The decision to refurbish and upgrade existing AHUs rather than replace them hinges on several factors, including cost, operational disruption, and environmental responsibility. Refurbishment provides a cost-effective


alternative to full-scale replacements, which is particularly valuable for businesses operating under tight budgets or phased capital expenditure plans. It allows resources to be allocated more strategically. Additionally, refurbishment typically involves fewer logistical challenges, such as road closures or site access for new equipment deliveries. For buildings that require continuous operation, such as hospitals, offices, and schools, minimising downtime is often a priority. On-site AHU refurbishment ensures minimal disruption, allowing daily operations and occupant comfort to continue uninterrupted. The financial benefits of refurbishment are also significant. Research in the field suggests that restoring and upgrading components can extend an AHU’s lifespan by 10 years or more, delaying the need for future replacements and ensuring long-term cost savings. When combined with a regular maintenance schedule, refurbishment becomes an integral part of a sustainable life cycle asset management strategy.


Enhanced building performance and indoor environments Along with extending


operational longevity,


refurbishing AHUs can enhance the overall performance of an HVAC system. Upgrading outdated components such as fans, filters, coils, air purification systems, and controls can significantly improve energy efficiency, resulting in more consistent temperature control and lower energy consumption across the system. Another major advantage is improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Newer and more advanced components can help building owners meet standards such as BS 40102 which provides guidelines for assessing a building’s health and wellbeing, focusing on IEQ, including indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, and overheating prevention. More recently, Eurovent published recommendations for CO2


concentration and minimum outdoor


airflow rates to ensure acceptable IAQ in non- residential buildings.


By upgrading filters and incorporating advanced air-cleaning technologies, refurbished AHUs can more effectively remove airborne contaminants, allergens, and pathogens, creating a healthier indoor environment.


Green credentials and compliance


These upgrades not only offer healthier indoor spaces but also help buildings align with sustainability standards such as LEED and BREEAM certifications. Carrier’s life cycle asset management approach includes energy audits and evaluating the performance of both FCUs and AHUs against modern efficiency benchmarks. Understanding this baseline helps identify impactful upgrades that can drastically reduce energy use.


FCU refurbishment project


A recent refurbishment project in a historic London building highlights the practical benefits of this approach. CIAT, part of Carrier Global Corporation, undertook the refurbishment of 145 CIAT COADIS LINE fan coil units, performing a comprehensive inspection and service process. Each unit was assessed, with repairs or upgrades to filters and fan motors made as necessary. The components needing replacement were responsibly recycled or repurposed, and where feasible, energy-efficient upgrades were introduced to enhance overall system performance and sustainability.


This case illustrates how refurbishment, when


paired with intelligent asset management, minimises waste, reduces disruption, and extends the operational life of the FCUs, while delivering tangible cost savings and sustainability gains.


Life cycle asset management


Carrier’s life cycle asset management approach offers a holistic, future-focused


solution to HVAC maintenance and refurbishment. Emphasising planned, ongoing service maximises equipment performance over its entire life cycle. Using predictive analytics and condition-based monitoring, Carrier’s technicians can make informed decisions on when and how to refurbish AHUs and FCUs, reducing energy waste and extending the life of the equipment. A key aspect of this approach is a focus on sustainability. Refurbishment leverages existing equipment which reduces the demand for raw materials and emissions associated with the production processes. This ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ mentality aligns with the principles of the circular economy to minimise waste and environmental impact.


The future of service and maintenance


In our increasingly digitally connected world, HVAC systems can now be managed via software and cloud-based platforms, such as Carrier’s Abound HVAC Performance. With the use of artificial intelligence, service technicians can analyse real-time data, extract insights, and pre-empt issues before they escalate into costly breakdowns. It’s clear that a reactive approach to service and maintenance is no longer sufficient. The future of maintenance lies in balancing proactive asset management and predictive service solutions with sustainable refurbishment. Carrier’s life cycle asset management approach facilitates smarter, data-driven decisions about a customer’s HVAC system, helping to reduce costs, environmental impact, and downtime. As the drive toward sustainability intensifies,


refurbishing AHUs and other HVAC equipment offers a crucial opportunity for the industry to adopt a circular economy model. Revitalising aging systems is more than just a stopgap, it’s a long-term strategy that maximises the performance of the systems installed and should aim to give the best return with the available budgets whilst advancing environmental stewardship. To find out more about Carrier’s life cycle asset management approach, please visit https:// www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk/service/


8 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER DECEMBER 2024


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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