Case Study

Client: Commercial Office Building (50,000 sq. ft.)

Industry: Commercial Real Estate

Location: Minnesota

Services Provided:

· HVAC System Maintenance

· Preventive Maintenance Program

· Energy Efficiency Assessment

· System Upgrade Recommendations

Challenge

The client, a large commercial office building, had been experiencing issues with their HVAC system. Employees complained of inconsistent temperatures, especially during peak hours, and the system struggled to maintain optimal airflow. In addition, the building’s energy costs had been increasing steadily over the past few years. The management team wanted to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall comfort for tenants without investing in a complete system overhaul.

The building's HVAC system was aging and required more frequent repairs, leading to unscheduled downtime and increased maintenance costs. The management team reached out to AD Stanley for a comprehensive solution to address these ongoing issues while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Solution

AD Stanley conducted a detailed evaluation of the HVAC system to understand the root causes of the issues. Our team performed a series of inspections, including:

1. System Diagnostics and Performance Testing:

•   We checked all major HVAC components, including the chillers, air handlers, ductwork, and thermostats, to identify performance inefficiencies.
•   We assessed airflow patterns throughout the building to pinpoint any areas experiencing inadequate ventilation.

2. Energy Efficiency Assessment:

•   Our technicians performed an energy audit to evaluate energy consumption and identify areas where energy was being wasted.
•   We used advanced tools to measure the system's efficiency and pinpointed issues like refrigerant leaks, worn-out seals, and poorly calibrated sensors.

3. Preventive Maintenance Implementation:

  We implemented a preventive maintenance program to address minor repairs and optimize the system’s overall performance. This program included:

•  Cleaning air filters and coils
•  Inspecting refrigerant levels and refilling as necessary
•  Sealing duct leaks to prevent energy loss
•  Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and energy consumption

4. System Upgrades and Recommendations:

•   Based on our findings, we recommended specific upgrades, such as replacing outdated thermostats with smart, programmable thermostats that could be controlled remotely.
•  We suggested the installation of energy-efficient variable-speed fans to improve airflow and reduce energy use during non-peak times.

5. Ongoing Monitoring and Support:

•  We set up a monitoring system to track the system's performance over time and ensure that it continues to operate at optimal efficiency.
•  AD Stanley committed to providing quarterly inspections and regular performance evaluations to ensure that all components continued to function correctly.

Results

After completing the HVAC evaluation and implementing our recommendations, the results were clear:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency:

•   Energy consumption dropped by 18% within the first six months, thanks to the new energy-efficient components and optimization efforts.
•   The building's energy bills were reduced by approximately $15,000 annually, providing significant savings.

2. Enhanced Comfort:

•   Temperature consistency improved, with tenant complaints about fluctuating temperatures reduced by 40%.
•   Air quality also improved due to the removal of contaminants and the replacement of air filters, leading to a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment.

3. Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs:

•   The preventive maintenance program minimized the need for emergency repairs, and unplanned downtime was reduced by 30%.
•  Regular check-ups helped catch minor issues before they became significant, saving the building management team money on costly repairs.

4. Sustainability and Long-Term Benefits:

•  The energy-efficient upgrades contributed to a lower carbon footprint, helping the building reduce its environmental impact and meet sustainability goals.
•  The building now has a more reliable HVAC system that will continue to serve tenants effectively for many years to come.

Testimonial

"Working with AD Stanley has been a game-changer for our building. Their thorough assessment and proactive maintenance plan not only saved us money on our energy bills but also made a noticeable difference in the comfort of our tenants. We were particularly impressed with their professionalism and the ease of working with their team. We’re confident that the upgrades and ongoing service will continue to keep our HVAC system running smoothly for years to come."

Gregg - Building Manager, Commercial Office Complex