Overview
With over 35 years of HVAC experience, Melink collaborated with a national grocery retailer to assess HVAC issues across 83 sites. Leveraging their extensive expertise, Melink conducted a thorough evaluation to identify and address critical and moderate-level concerns, as well as issues related to the Energy Management System (EMS) communication. The assessment revealed that critical concerns could severely disrupt operations or performance, while moderate concerns, though less immediate, could worsen over time. Prompt recognition of these issues allows for timely intervention, preventing hazards, minimizing operational disruptions, and optimizing system performance and longevity.
Results
Numerous high-level concerns were identified across the evaluated sites, posing significant operational and safety risks. Alarming issues included broken belts and excessively worn components jeopardizing HVAC efficiency and functionality, non-functioning units or key components such as compressors compromising overall performance, and damaged coils and unit components reducing operational efficiency and presenting potential hazards. Additionally, exposed electrical components were found, posing fire hazards and necessitating immediate corrective measures to ensure safety and prevent disruptions in the operational workflow.
Apart from critical concerns, many evaluated sites exhibited moderate-level issues that could gradually impact system performance. These included dirty or missing filters, such as economizer and outdoor/air filters, compromising air quality and overall system efficiency. Dirty components, including coils, blower wheels, and evaporators, were found across various sites, diminishing system effectiveness and cooling capacity. Additionally, 24% of the sites had deficiencies with Energy Management System (EMS) communication, including non-functioning EMS and the inability to control units through the online EMS interface, indicating potential inefficiencies in energy management and system control.
Conclusion
An evaluation of HVAC systems across 83 sites for a national grocer revealed key findings. Approximately 67% of the sites had at least one deficiency needing routine maintenance. Critical deficiencies, such as broken belts, damaged coils, and exposed electrical components, were found in 24% of the sites, jeopardizing functionality and safety. Over half of the sites (53%) had moderate-level deficiencies, with 90 issues identified in total.
Urgent action is needed to address major operational deficiencies and safety risks. Routine maintenance and cleaning are necessary to mitigate the impact of dirty filters and components. Rectifying EMS communication issues is crucial for effective energy management and system control. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance strategy and investing in repairs will ensure HVAC system functionality, safety, energy efficiency, and enhanced customer comfort across the retail sites.
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