Why cooling needs a calculation
Cooling load depends on more than floor area. Sun on windows, lighting, people, computers and kitchen or lab equipment all add heat. An undersized system never catches up on a hot day. An oversized one cycles on and off, and humidity control suffers.
Our engineers calculate the load and size the equipment accordingly.
System types
- Rooftop units with cooling coils
- Split systems with indoor air handlers and outdoor condensers
- Ductless mini-splits for small zones and server rooms
- Chilled water systems for larger buildings
- Heat pumps that heat and cool
- Dedicated cooling for IT rooms, running year round
Installation details
Refrigerant piping must be clean, leak tight and properly supported. Handling of refrigerants is regulated, and our crew follows the applicable requirements. Condensate has to drain somewhere, and drain lines in an Alberta winter can freeze if routed outdoors, so we plan them carefully.
Outdoor units need clearance for airflow and protection from snow and hail. Noise toward neighbours or patios is another consideration for placement.
Our own electricians supply power and disconnects, and the building automation team sets schedules and setpoints, so cooling is not running on empty offices.
Plan ahead
Server rooms are a special case. They need cooling even in winter, so a system that relies on the main building plant being on may not be enough. We design dedicated cooling when the equipment calls for it.
Adding air conditioning to an older building can mean new electrical capacity, roof or wall openings and structural checks. We review all of these early so there are no surprises.
Lead times for cooling equipment vary through the year. Ordering in late winter or early spring helps ensure units arrive before the summer rush. Regular filter changes and coil cleaning keep systems efficient, and our maintenance service can take care of that for you.