Challenges & Needs
A prominent property management company was experiencing repeated failures in their HVAC system, specifically with their compressors. Instead of identifying the root cause, previous service providers were simply swapping out compressors, which led to ongoing system failures. This persistent issue significantly affected the tenants, leading to unreliable air conditioning and, ultimately, a loss of business. The situation became untenable for tenants, who were struggling to maintain comfortable working conditions, prompting the property management company to seek professional help.
Solution & Process
When our team was brought on board, we decided to reassess the entire system. We reviewed the original design specifications and identified that the supply air duct had failed and had been altered over time by previous service providers. This caused the compressors to continually fail. Our solution involved redoing all of the supply ductwork, reopening, and rerouting the return ducts to allow the unit to operate according to its original specifications. We also performed a comprehensive air balance across the affected area, ensuring optimal performance for the multiple tenants relying on this system. Finally, we made necessary adjustments and confirmed the unit was functioning properly.
The property management company chose us due to an existing relationship with one of our account managers, where trust had been established through previous work. Additionally, our quick response time and consistent communication set us apart from other service providers. Throughout the project, the property management company experienced top-notch service, marked by expertise in ductwork engineering, fast response times, and seamless communication.
We also encountered unexpected challenges, such as the absence of mechanical plans for the building. Due to remodeling and repurposing over the years, the building lacked original drawings, and we had to learn the intricacies of the HVAC system without a clear history of previous work. Despite these challenges, we resolved the issues effectively.
Results & Impact
Since completing the project, the HVAC system has been fully operational without any recurring failures. The original problem, which caused multiple compressor breakdowns, was successfully addressed, bringing peace of mind to both the tenants and the property management team. Our ongoing communication and availability helped the property management team provide updates to their tenants, which strengthened the trust and relationship between them and their tenants.
Future Considerations
Our relationship with the property management company has grown significantly since the project. We now manage the plumbing and HVAC systems for 10 to 15 of their other properties around the city. We highly recommend doing your due diligence when purchasing a new building by having Shafer Mechanical come out and do a building inspection of the plumbing and HVAC systems. Especially in older commercial buildings where you do not have a prior history of work done.