Why Coil Care Matters

HVAC Rooftop UnitYour HVAC rooftop unit (RTU) coils are the heart of your ventilation system. They drive heat exchange, airflow, and ultimately, the quality of the air your students, staff, and occupants breathe. Over time, however, coils can become clogged, corroded, and inefficient—hurting both IAQ and energy performance.

The IAQ Connection

  • Dirty coils = dirty air. Dust, biofilm, mold, and debris trapped in coils can harbor bacteria and allergens that circulate through the building.
  • Moisture control. Clean, well-functioning coils dehumidify effectively, reducing the risk of microbial growth and “musty” odors indoors.
  • Airflow integrity. Optimized coils restore design airflow levels, ensuring outside air is properly mixed and filtered—critical for meeting ASHRAE 241.

The Energy Efficiency Connection

  • Lower energy bills. Fouled coils force compressors and fans to work harder, driving up utility costs. Refurbished coils reduce strain and improve heat transfer.
  • Peak performance. Restored coils bring units back to near-factory performance, extending equipment life and delaying costly replacements.
  • Sustainable operations. Optimized systems consume less electricity, lowering your carbon footprint while freeing up budget for other priorities.

Before You Replace, Refurbish

Too often, schools and facility managers assume that a struggling air handling unit must be replaced. That’s not always the case:

  • Refurbishing coils can bring equipment back to “like new” performance.
  • Optimizing system operation ensures better IAQ and lower costs.
  • Protective coatings extend coil life and prevent recurring issues.

Before making a major capital investment in a new unit, it’s smart to rule out the option of refurbishing and protecting the one you already have.

Commissioning and Testing: The Hidden Key

Even a perfectly cleaned and refurbished unit can’t guarantee results without proper testing and balancing. That’s where commissioning comes in.

Why Commissioning Matters

  • Catch hidden issues. A unit may look fine but fail to deliver proper airflow, pressure, or temperature.
  • Ensure compliance. Standards like ASHRAE 62.1 and ASHRAE 241 depend on proven ventilation rates.
  • Establish a baseline. Commissioning shows how your system is actually performing—not just how it was designed.

What We Look For

  • Damper functionality. Outside air and return air dampers must open, close, and modulate correctly.
  • Duct integrity. Leaks, cracks, and loose connections waste conditioned air and reduce ventilation effectiveness.
  • Air leakage sealing. Sealing ducts prevents energy loss and ensures air reaches the spaces that need it.
  • Airflow verification. Confirming that supply, return, and exhaust airflow match design specifications is essential.
  • Control system checks. Sensors, actuators, and thermostats need calibration to keep the system in sync.

The Benefits of Commissioning and Duct Sealing

  • Healthier, more consistent indoor air quality
  • Reduced energy waste from leaks and malfunctioning dampers
  • Improved comfort across classrooms and workspaces
  • Extended equipment life through reduced strain and balanced operation

The Roadmap to ASHRAE 241 Compliance

Our process provides a clear path from inspection to compliance:

  1. Inspect – Evaluate coils, ductwork, dampers, and controls for visible and hidden issues.
  2. Test – Measure airflow, pressure, ventilation rates, and leakage points.
  3. Identify Gaps – Compare findings against ASHRAE standards and design intent.
  4. Implement Solutions – Refurbish coils, seal ducts, optimize dampers, or add IAQ upgrades.
  5. Verify Compliance – Re-test to confirm improved IAQ and energy performance.

What we uncover during commissioning determines the best path forward—with the ultimate goal of meeting and exceeding ASHRAE 241.

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