Upgrading an old or inefficient HVAC system can be one of the most challenging projects facing facility managers and owners. In addition to operational obstacles, they face the daunting task of researching and selecting the right service providers, after which the project must be closely managed and coordinated to minimize costs, workplace disruptions and tenant inconvenience.
Which is why facility managers and owners around the nation turn to MSS Project Management Services.
Widely recognized as an industry leader, MSS is happy to take on the headaches of upgrading outdated HVAC systems. We act as the owner’s agent on every project, managing costs as if the money were our own. We put the latest technology in the hands of the best and brightest project managers and engineers in the industry. And our analytical capabilities allow us to see the needs of each individual customer as clearly as we see the needs of the project.
A mid-sized, privately owned company with unrivaled HVAC expertise in systems, engineering, controls, and single location solutions for multiple location properties, we are big enough to handle even the most complex projects and yet nimble enough to respond quickly without the burdens of corporate red tape.
Less work, less hassles, less time wasted and more money saved. When it comes to HVAC project management, nobody is up to the challenge like MSS.
Project Management Expertise
- HVAC system design
- CAD-generated piping, ductwork and control system drawings
- Building energy analysis
- Project management
- Heating and cooling load calculations
- Building system assessments
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CASE STUDIES
FEWER HEADACHES
When a national hotel chain wanted to convert one of their newly acquired properties from one hotel brand to another without affecting guests or day-to-day hotel operations, they turned to the expert project managers and engineers at MSS.
THE SCOPE:
After in-depth analysis, MSS determined that the project would require extensive upgrades to the existing HVAC system, including the addition of rooftop ventilation and make-up air units to provide tempered fresh air for the guest room corridors. MSS was simultaneously engaged to upgrade the air-conditioning units in the hotel public space and 400 guest rooms.
MSS replaced one corridor make-up air system, added a new make-up air system and replaced eight rooftop air-conditioning units. We also installed three new 10-story stairwell pressurization systems to meet the new brand standard and life safety codes. In addition, we replaced the packaged terminal air-conditioner units in the guest rooms with water source heat pumps, which required a new condenser water loop, cooling towers, pumps, boilers and automated controls.
THE RESULTS:
The design of the water source heat pump system offered lower initial costs than a central plant design and achieved annual cost savings over the packaged terminal air-conditioner units that were replaced. To realize even greater operational savings, the cooling tower fans and condenser water pumps incorporated the use of variable frequency drives, which allow the operation of this equipment to match system demand. And thanks to careful planning and scheduling, all work was coordinated with the room renovation schedule and conducted while the hotel was operational.
Ultimately, MSS was able to increase guest comfort, improve efficiency and reduce costs without affecting hotel operations.
Capabilities: Project Management
LOWER COSTS
In any sales environment, efficiency translates into lower costs for consumers and higher profit margins for stakeholders. When a national pre-owned auto retailer contacted MSS to upgrade their aged air-handling system, we realized that they could achieve substantial cost-efficiencies by switching to a new system that complied with updated code guidelines as well.
THE SCOPE:
The MSS team carefully studied the site and determined that three inefficient 40-ton air-handling units used in the service department should be removed along with all associated ductwork. We then installed six 25-ton, 100 percent outside air units with mixing boxes and custom factory curb adapters to fit the existing curb size and drop location. A 20-ton air-handling unit serving the paint shop was also removed and replaced with a seventh outside air unit.
THE RESULTS:
The use of outside air units with mixing boxes allowed our client to control the percentage of outside air provided while keeping the supply airflow rate constant. This boosted efficiency by preventing outside temperature variances from forcing the unit to work harder than necessary.
The original engineering design also called for the contractor to cover up the old penetrations from the 40-ton units that were being replaced, cut all new penetrations and provide structural reinforcements. By using custom curb adapters, MSS was able to utilize the existing roof penetrations from both the old supply and return openings, saving the owner at least $40,000.
Capabilities: Project Management
GREATER CAPABILITIES
At the dawn of the 20th Century, owners and builders weren’t concerned with energy conservation. But a century later, times have certainly changed. Thanks to our full spectrum of capabilities, MSS was chosen to upfit this historic hotel to take advantage of numerous incentives offered by the local power company.
THE SCOPE:
MSS conducted a detailed examination of the property, paying careful attention to the numerous opportunities for energy savings through the implementation of efficient solutions. It was determined that two 50-horsepower motors on the open loop condenser water pumps and two 60-horsepower motors on the closed loop condenser water pumps were old and extremely inefficient.
MSS installed new high-efficiency motors, variable frequency drives with bypass panels and three percent AC line reactors, which limit the magnitude of inrush currents caused by transient voltages on the AC power lines. In addition to preventing variable frequency drive failures, line reactors help reduce the effect of power surges, extend component life and prevent circuit breakers and fuses from tripping.
We also integrated a building management system (BMS) with a comprehensive sequence of operation control strategy for the new condenser water pump variable frequency drives.
THE RESULTS:
MSS provided the hotel owner with turnkey project management services, including equipment procurement, hiring subcontractors, providing engineering services and commissioning. The variable frequency drives will save the property owner in excess of $30,000 annually from reduced energy costs with a two-year payback period. MSS also coordinated with the local energy company to provide the owner with over $32,000 in rebates and incentives.
Capabilities: Project Management
