ENERGY SAVING
Upgrading outdated components such as fans, fi lters, coils, air purifi cation systems, and controls can signifi cantly improve energy effi ciency, resulting in more consistent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 concentrationand minimum outdoor airfl ow rates to ensure acceptable IAQ in non-residential buildings. By upgrading fi lters and incorporating advanced air- cleaning technologies, refurbished AHUs can more eff ectively remove airborne contaminants, allergens, and pathogens, creating a healthier indoor environment.
Compliance These upgrades not only off er healthier indoor spaces but
also help buildings align with sustainability standards such as LEED and BREEAM certifi cations. Carrier’s life cycle asset management approach includes energy audits and evaluating the performance of both FCUs and AHUs against modern effi ciency 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 benefi ts 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 fi lters and fan motors made as necessary. The components needing replacement were responsibly recycled or repurposed, and where feasible, energy-effi cient 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 and energy savings, with sustainability gains on top.
Asset management Carrier’s life cycle asset management approach off ers 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 In an increasingly digitally connected world, HVAC systems
Carrier's BluEdge technician servicing an AHU. Download the ACR News app today
can now be managed via software and cloud-based platforms, such as Carrier’s Abound HVAC Performance. With the use of artifi cial 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 suffi cient. 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 intensifi es, refurbishing AHUs and other HVAC equipment off ers a crucial opportunity for the industry to adopt a circular economy model. Revitalising ageing 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.
Upgrading and refurbishing AHUs can enhance their performance.
Refurbishment provides a cost-eff ective 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.
www.acr-news.com • January 2025 19
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