The importance of AHU refurbishment

Hidden among the complexities of commercial buildings, the air handling unit (AHU) works relentlessly behind the scenes. This essential yet often overlooked system ensures that the air we breathe is clean and conditioned for optimal indoor comfort. HALO HVAC services director Peter Hornby explains the benefits of air handling unit refurbishment. 

Over time, however, even the most robust AHUs become worn out, dirty, clogged, and inefficient, leading to high energy consumption. This is where AHU refurbishment steps in—a savvy transformation that revitalises the entire building environment. 

Why AHU refurbishment is essential 

With HVAC systems consuming about 40% of a building’s total energy, refurbishing an AHU is a strategic move towards decarbonisation goals. By refurbishing an AHU, energy use can be reduced by 20-50%, maintenance costs are lowered, and rapid returns on investment are achieved. For tenants and investors, this means cleaner air, consistent comfort, and reduced utility bills—a trifecta of benefits that enhances building appeal and value. Refurbishment allows for retrofitting AHUs with cutting-edge technology, such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and Electronically Commutated (EC) Fans, significantly improving energy efficiency, reliability, and operational costs. As buildings transition to renewable heat pump technologies, installing new AHUs can be costly and disruptive. Upgrading existing AHUs to comply with L2 and ErP regulations avoids the chaos of a complete overhaul and allows for customisation to meet a building’s unique requirements. Beyond technical benefits, AHU refurbishment profoundly impacts indoor air quality (IAQ), a critical factor for occupant health and well-being. By effectively filtering pollutants and maintaining optimal humidity and temperature, a refurbished AHU creates a comfortable, productive environment. Evolving building regulations make refurbishment vital to ensure AHUs meet compliance standards, minimising legal risks and preventing hazards. Regulations require commercial ventilation systems to supply at least 10 litres per second of fresh (clean) air per person. Refurbishment ensures compliance with these standards, protecting both occupants and owners. 

What is involved 

AHU refurbishment projects vary in scope, depending on the condition of existing equipment, client objectives, and project requirements. Key goals such as enhancing energy efficiency, improving comfort, and extending the lifecycle guide the refurbishment process. This involves meticulous cleaning, parts replacement, and system optimisation, ensuring the AHU operates more effectively than before. A critical step is thorough validation and condition surveys, adhering to guidelines from CIBSE Guide M, BESA, RICS, GovS004, and others. Specialist companies like HALO HVAC conduct on-site evaluations, offering detailed reports that highlight compliance and energy-saving opportunities. These assessments empower building managers and owners to make informed decisions about their assets and sustainability targets. Once the initial assessment is complete, pre validation ensures that all new components meet the correct specifications and overcome access constraints. The process includes safe and sustainable waste management when removing existing components and cleaning internal areas. Structural modifications to the AHU accommodate new components such as EC plug fans, coils, and f ilters. Finally, post-validation confirms that the design conditions and return on investment (ROI) have been achieved. The timeframe for refurbishment varies, with smaller units taking 1-2 days to upgrade, while larger projects may take longer. 

Benefits for commercial buildings 

In a world prioritising energy conservation and environmental impact, refurbishing an AHU reduces energy consumption and enhances reliability while extending its lifespan by up to 20 years—a savvy move for any commercial building owner. This upgrade boosts your building’s efficiency, making it breathe easier, perform better, and stand the test of time. Smooth, uninterrupted operations are the lifeblood of commercial buildings. AHU refurbishment minimises breakdowns and reduces downtime, keeping your business running seamlessly. Whether you’re an institutional investor, global corporation, property management firm, government body, or public sector organisation, refurbishing an existing AHU is an astute investment. It brings clear advantages: better performance and significant cost savings. Choosing refurbishment ensures your building stays competitive, meets future demands, and supports sustainability.