Value Delivered
To help increase energy efficiency and enhance patient comfort, EMCOR Services Mesa Energy provided Providence Tarzana Medical Center with two new air-handling units. Both met the seismic, air pressure, and other standards established by local codes and California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD).
Because this installation impacted critical patient care areas, such as the surgical suites, the replacement had to occur with minimal downtime. To achieve this, we prepared the new units for operation while the existing units remained in service.
Our expert rigging management also helped ensure optimum patient and street level safety. By carefully planning and organizing, we were able to complete the switchover to the new system in only six hours.
The new air handling units offer increased energy efficiency and better system control; as well as a new level of protection from seismic events.
Client Objectives
The client wanted to replace old air handling units with more energy-efficient equipment.
Solutions
Our solution included watertight units that are seismic-certified by the International Building Code to meet OSHPD criteria, featuring:
- Structural steel base
- Standing seam double walls
- Double-wall high-density fiberglass insulation (walls, floor, ceiling)
- Factory-mounted humidifier steam dispersion tubes
- Premium efficiency motors pre-wired to factory-mounted variable frequency drives (VFDs)
- Copper-tube, aluminum-fin cooling coils
- Insulated stainless steel drain pans
To prepare for rooftop installation, EMCOR Services Mesa Energy:
- Performed concrete testing
- Installed seismic stands
- Connected and sealed duct supports
- Put in flashing at all roof penetrations
We then rigged the new air handling units into place. Once the units were in place, we:
- Connected them to the building’s systems via new insulated ductwork and piping
- Ran conduit and wire from the center through the roof
- Mounted new disconnects on each air handling unit
- Wired them to the VFDs
- Installed a separate power circuit for the HVAC controls
- Installed conduit and fire alarm wire for the smoke detector
- Connected to the facility’s control system for operation
- Provided complete system start up and training, as well as appropriate drawings, panels, devices, programming, and graphics
- Demolished and removed previous air handling units with ductwork and piping
- Filled, sealed, and caulked all roof openings for optimum insulation and waterproofing
Client Background
Providence Tarzana Medical Center is a 245-bed, not-for-profit medical center serving the San Fernando Valley.