Challenges & Needs
A multi-tenant, three-story commercial building in the West 1604 area required a new commercial HVAC vendor after experiencing ongoing performance concerns with an aging rooftop unit. The primary system serving the south zone of the building was a 50-ton Carrier rooftop unit that had exceeded 20 years of service. Declining performance, reliability risks, and increasing maintenance concerns made RTU replacement the most responsible long-term solution.
This was Shafer Mechanical’s first time servicing the property. The property management team needed a partner who could quickly assess the building, deliver a high-capacity solution, and operate with precision in a multi-tenant environment. Maintaining tenant comfort, meeting optimal temperature and humidity ranges, and minimizing disruption were critical priorities. Budget planning and long-term maintenance strategy were equally important, as tenant satisfaction directly impacted lease renewals.
Solution & Process
Shafer Mechanical began with a full site evaluation and job walk to understand the building layout, equipment design intent, and building automation integration requirements. Based on the size and complexity of the facility, the team recommended replacing the aging unit with a new 50-ton Carrier rooftop system designed to support modern controls and zoned airflow.
The system included a Variable Air Volume configuration with vertical supply and vertical return, allowing air to move efficiently through stacked floors and duct risers. A 20 HP belt driven blower motor paired with a Variable Frequency Drive enabled precise duct static pressure control based on demand from terminal units serving multiple tenant suites . This setup allowed the system to deliver only the air needed, improving comfort control, reducing energy usage, and limiting mechanical wear.
Project managers, account managers, and service technicians worked together to coordinate vendors, equipment, and materials before installation. This preparation-first approach ensured that once everything was in place, technicians could execute the job efficiently and safely. The project required close collaboration between Shafer Mechanical’s service and projects teams, particularly to integrate the VAV controls and ensure seamless system communication.
Throughout the process, the client received clear updates and transparent communication. Every decision was explained so the property management team understood how the system would support tenant comfort, compliance, and long-term reliability.
Results & Impact
The new rooftop unit was installed and commissioned successfully, restoring dependable cooling across the building while meeting temperature and humidity setpoints. The VAV system now provides precise zone control, quieter operation, and measurable energy savings
The client was highly satisfied with the outcome and the level of coordination throughout the project. As a result, they moved forward with a full HVAC service agreement covering the entire building. Shortly after completion, a neighboring commercial property took notice of the quality of work and requested Shafer Mechanical to service their facility as well.
This project represents a larger-scale version of the work Shafer Mechanical performs every day, delivered with the same attention to detail, teamwork, and accountability. By doing the right thing, staying transparent, and respecting the client’s time and trust, Shafer Mechanical established a long-term partnership with an ideal commercial customer and reinforced its reputation as a reliable HVAC provider for complex commercial facilities.
