The task of replacing a building chiller is one that maintenance and engineering managers tend to avoid as long as possible. A building chiller is frequently one of the most expensive pieces of mechanical equipment in the building.
Its removal and replacement is disruptive, requiring the modification of portions of the building's piping system, and in some cases, removal of entire walls or ceilings. It is a time-consuming process, frequently requiring a year or more from the time the replacement decision is made until the new chiller is in place. If the facility has critical loads that require year-round chilled water, managers must make arrangements for temporary cooling systems.
Moving cautiously is important when facing the potential costs and disruption associated with a chiller replacement, but there are other factors that must be taken into consideration. A recent article in Building Operating Management magazine addresses some of those factors and how understanding their impact on a particular installation is important to reaching the optimum decision.
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