Transforming Aging Air Handlers into Measurable Facility Performance Gains
Challenge
Trinity Health St. Francis sought to improve facility performance and reduce energy consumption by addressing aging air handling infrastructure. As part of a broader energy-efficiency initiative, the organization needed to modernize critical HVAC assets while maintaining the reliability and comfort healthcare environments demand.
Continuing to operate outdated air handling units risked energy waste, rising operating costs, and declining system performance. The facility needed a practical path forward to improve efficiency, extend equipment lifespan, and support long-term sustainability objectives while maintaining dependable building operations. Mantis partnered with the team to develop a solution aligned with those goals.
Solution
To help St. Francis improve efficiency and long-term operational performance, Mantis implemented a targeted air handler refurbishment strategy focused on modernizing key HVAC systems rather than pursuing a full replacement.
The approach followed three clear steps:
- Assess existing air handling equipment and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
- Convert two hot-deck/cold-deck air-handling units into two-zone VAV units with reheat capability.
- Upgrade critical components, including steam coils, chilled-water coils, fan arrays, reheat coils, dampers, and controls, to improve efficiency, system operation, and overall facility performance.
By modernizing essential HVAC infrastructure, St. Francis improved energy performance while avoiding the ongoing costs and inefficiencies associated with aging equipment.
Results
The refurbishment project helped Trinity Health St. Francis reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improve critical HVAC performance. The organization gained a more efficient operating environment that supports long-term facility goals.
Performance Outcomes:
- $130,000 in incentives captured
- $50,000 in annual savings achieved
- 180,000 kWh reduced annually
- 28,000 therms saved annually
- 5.4-year project payback achieved