Tech Credit Union

Tech Credit Union’s unique architectural design required creative HVAC solutions

Business Challenge

The architectural design of the facility prevented traditional ductwork installation above the building. Instead, the return air ductwork was run underground from a mechanical room to the offices in the building. In the event of heavy rain, the combination of water and air velocity pushed water from the return ductwork into the supply ductwork, causing the ceiling tiles in the offices to drip and deteriorate.

The Air Comfort Solution

As an immediate and temporary solution to the problem, sheet metal workers in Air Comfort's in-house shop fabricated drain pans to collect the water, and it was piped to an outside drain. Because of the design of the building, a permanent solution required creativity.

The permanent solution took advantage of the ductwork already in place. It called for the creation of five zones that controlled the air temperature in five areas of the building: three distinct areas for office spaces, one area for the lobby and public restrooms and a fifth area for a computer room. The air conditioning units were placed on the roof of the building and replaced the old units in the mechanical room that were twenty-five years old and nearing the end of their useful lives.

The units chosen for each zone were based off of calculations that determined the heating and cooling needs for that area. In addition to new units, Air Comfort also installed wireless Honeywell DDC Rapidzone control systems and within nine days the entire building was air-conditioned.

The Result

The installation of new equipment reduced the building's energy usage, as well as maintenance and repair costs. The water problem in the ductwork was eliminated. The new control system and zoning dampers allow for more precise control of air temperature. Each of the five zones has its own system so the whole building is not affected if one of the zones experiences a problem. And with the units now on the roof, the mechanical room can be used for much needed storage space. According to executive vice president, Rich Lundstrom, "Air Comfort did exactly what they said they would do, and it works."