PHASE 1 OVERVIEW
A Midwest financial institution’s main branch was battling extreme humidity, threatening employee comfort, customer satisfaction, and critical equipment. Our in-house engineering team and lead technician, Dylan Wynn, uncovered the issue: oversized HVAC units failing to manage moisture. In Phase 1, completed during winter, we retrofitted the system to restore control. With spring’s arrival, Phase 2 will add dehumidifiers to ensure a permanent fix, showcasing our ongoing commitment to the institution’s success.
THE CHALLENGE
- Persistent Humidity Issue: A Midwest Financial Institution faced extreme humidity for 6 months, worsening over 3 years, with some offices reaching 75% humidity daily.
- Oversized Equipment: Existing HVAC units, installed 3 years ago, were oversized for the building, as identified by our team, causing rapid setpoint attainment and poor humidity control.
- Previous Vendor Failure: The previous vendor installed new equipment but failed to resolve the humidity issue, leading the institution to sever ties.
- Outdated Controls: Current pneumatic mercury control system lacked precision to manage oversized equipment and humidity effectively.
- Operational Constraint: Equipment reached setpoint too quickly, shutting off before sufficient moisture removal, requiring extended runtime and reheat to avoid overcooling patrons.
- Urgent Need: The institution desperately sought a permanent, effective solution to restore comfort and functionality.
OUR APPROACH TO THE SOLUTION
Our team tackled the challenge with a clear, proven process to deliver a lasting solution:
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UNCOVERING THE ISSUE:
Our in-house engineering team and lead technician, Dylan Wynn, conducted a detailed heat load analysis, revealing that brand-new HVAC equipment, installed 3 years ago, was dramatically oversized, causing the humidity trouble. This critical step validated our concerns and set the stage for success.
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CRAFTING A CLEVER PLAN:
In Phase 1, completed during winter, we adjusted the current units, installed our Brisk Automation Control System, and paired it with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) retrofit on the facility’s air handler unit. This upgrade optimized performance and energy use, addressing immediate humidity issues without costly replacements.
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MAKING IT HAPPEN & PLANNING AHEAD
The Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) retrofit on the air handler unit slowed the fan. This change extended the runtime, which helped improve moisture control. We implemented Phase 1 seamlessly, keeping the institution operational. With spring’s warmer weather, Phase 2 will add dehumidifiers to eliminate humidity issues, delivering lasting comfort permanently.
“After years of struggling with unbearable humidity and no answers from others, Oklahoma Chiller stepped in and turned things around. Their clever solution saved us from yet another replacement and finally gave us control of our comfort and a reliable space—we couldn’t be more grateful!”
Results
Our retrofit solution vs. installing new equipment during Phase 1 slashed costs by 60% – delivering a budget-friendly solution.
- Heard and Understood: Unlike other vendors who missed the mark, we truly listened to the customer’s concerns, getting to the heart of the humidity problem.
- Smart Diagnosis: Our detailed heat load check confirmed the HVAC units were oversized, giving us the insight to craft the perfect solution.
- Cost-Saving Solution: Phase 1’s Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) retrofit and controls made existing units work better, saving significant costs.
- Path to Permanent Success: With Phase 1 stabilizing humidity in winter, planned dehumidifiers in spring/summer will make sure our customer has a lasting, comfortable environment.
Below is a screenshot of what the interface of the front-end automation controls display looks like. The customer can log in to the remote monitoring software. They can check the system’s function in real time from anywhere.
