Page 62 - 2018 SDCA Project

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

The existing systems seem to have been installed relatively recently

and appear in good working order and maintained well. There will be

some ductwork reconfiguration and possibly re-zoning required for the

renovations. In conjunction with this, we recommend that all ductwork

be cleaned and all existing equipment be tested and balanced and

commissioned to ensure everything is working properly. Thermostats

and set points should be reviewed and revised to ensure the comfort of

the occupants, but also not to waste heating or cooling energy.

In the future, when these systems get to the end of their useful life and Existing HVAC equipment in attic

need replacement (probably 10 to 15 years), we recommend that a

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system be investigated for

replacement. This system might also be appropriate for the new Annex

Building (see Annex).

VRF works on the same principle that most of our single family

residences use. We are all familiar with the split systems that have that

noisy condensing unit with the big rotating fan sitting outside which is

linked to that indoor air handling unit that sits in our attic, basement or

closet somewhere in our house and from which extend those

octopus-like ducts into the various rooms.

VRF System and Components SDCA 62