When the HVAC unit at your factory no longer works efficiently, it’s usually because of poor maintenance or an improperly sized unit. And if your current system is up-to-date on scheduled servicing but still leaves much to be desired, that means it’s time for an upgrade.
However, upgrading the HVAC unit at any industrial setting isn’t as easy as taking it out and replacing components with higher specs. Your facility’s upgrades should be retrofitted to meet current and future needs. Here’s what to you should consider before upgrading your industrial HVAC in Melbourne.
Consideration #1: Load Calculations and Zoning
So your current HVAC unit isn’t the right size for your factory, but what is? To find out, you need a thermal load calculation, which estimates how much more cooling or heating is required to ensure a comfortable temperature.
For an accurate load calculation, industrial HVAC installers consider:
- Square footage of the area
- Insulation levels
- Maximum number of employees working at a time
- Electronics, lighting, and appliances
- Local climate and variations in seasonal temperatures
Thermal load calculations matter greatly when upgrading an industrial HVAC system because factories, warehouses, and other production facilities have varying heat loads. Things like staff, chemical and mechanical processes, and machines create heat, so it’s important to account for them in any load calculation.
Similarly, zoning is an important strategy in industrial settings to maintain efficiency and a comfortable temperature. It allows building managers to determine which areas require greater cooling or heating to achieve a suitable temperature for staff and machinery.
Consideration #2: Access, Roof, and Ducting Constraints
When upgrading the HVAC system in your factory, you’ll have to work within limitations like accessibility and roof space. Your factory’s roof structure and layout can limit where you install the ductwork and unit. HVAC experts will customise the ducting to work with the building’s dimensions and avoid interfering with machinery.
There may also be constraints on access, like no rooftop space or narrow corridors. These factors can complicate delivery, installation, and maintenance, especially in older industrial buildings. These may have structural restrictions, particularly if they’re based in inner-city suburbs, so it’s important to plan where the new unit and ducting will go.
Consideration #3: Electrical Capacity and Control Integration
If you’re upgrading the HVAC unit to accommodate a future expansion, it’ll likely require higher electrical loads. This can overload outdated electrical infrastructure at your factory without a proper assessment and relevant changes.
You should also be able to integrate the controls for your upgraded unit with the current building management system. In some cases, upgrades to your HVAC can require modifying your existing switchboards, which is where experienced installers like ONJ Services can help. Industrial electricians can upgrade your factory’s electrical system so it’s equipped to power a new unit.
Consideration #4: Compliance and Safety
Any upgrades you make to your industrial HVAC system should meet current regulations. This includes AS/NZS 1668 and AS/NZS 3000 standards for air conditioning and electrical systems. It should also comply with local regulations, like WorkSafe Victoria requirements, to address safety concerns regarding emergency ventilation and indoor air quality.
To make sure your upgraded HVAC system complies with Australian standards and Victoria regulations, you can consult industrial electricians. They’ll conduct an inspection, help you secure relevant council permits, and sign off on modifications.
ONJ Services Guides You Through the HVAC Upgrade Process
At ONJ Services, we’ll guide you through the HVAC upgrade process, which includes five key steps:
Assessment: We’ll evaluate your existing HVAC system to determine the difference in performance required versus what it delivers.
Design: Our engineers will design a custom HVAC system based on the assessment of your factory, using 3D modelling to ensure the design aligns with access constraints.
Equipment Selection: We procure high-efficiency heat recovery systems, heat pumps, and other HVAC components for increased energy savings and compliance with local standards.
Installation: Our licensed industrial electricians install all the HVAC components, from the ductwork and electrical connections to the control systems.
Testing: We test the upgraded system to see if it has integrated with the existing control system and operates efficiently. We also devise a maintenance plan to reduce downtime.
ONJ Services specialises in industrial electrical work ranging from HVAC installation and maintenance to equipment wiring, refurbishing, and repairs. With decades of industry experience and a 2-hour emergency response time, we’re the right professionals for the job.