FCU Replacement Project
TOP LINE RESULTS…
- Replacement of outdated Fan Coil Units (FCUs)
- More efficient airflow
- No disruption to client's operations
- A quality installation completed ahead of schedule
When M&E assets reach the end of their life cycle, they work less efficiently, require more energy to perform and become costly to run, with full scale replacements being the best long-term solution for building performance and energy management.
This was the case for the Fan Coil Units (FCUs) on site throughout the third floor, with the equipment being outdated and requiring replacing. Due to the current pandemic, the office space was vacant, presenting the perfect opportunity to complete a project such as this without causing any disruption to our client's operations.
As the incumbent maintenance provider and the site being managed by a longstanding client, we were approached to provide a solution, with our proposal being the replacement of the old equipment with Ability units to improve the efficiency of the built environment while also cutting down the energy demands and associated costs with running the equipment.
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Within our proposal, we detailed the different stages of the project through a project programme, accompanied with risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) to ensure that all work was completed safely.
This programme was essential due to SOWGA not being the only contractor completing works on site, with a partner of SOWGA's being managed throughout the works to fit the pipework insulation and ducting once the fan coil units and associated pipework was installed. There was also a Category-A fit out being completed on site, with effective communication and planning required between SOWGA and others to ensure all work was carried out efficiently in unison.
However, this project was not without its set of challenges, with all issues being raised to SOWGA directly due to being the main contractor within the building as a result of being the maintenance provider for the site. Our client liaised with us over all matters including ones relating to the fit-out for us to communicate on their behalf, something that we achieved without issue on behalf of our client to ensure that the works were completed to their required specifications.
There were also challenges regarding delivery, with the FCU grilles being delayed due to Brexit, with this potential issue needing to be navigated by the project team to ensure any disruptions caused by this unavoidable circumstance were mitigated. While completing the project, it was also discovered that due to lack of use during COVID-19, the riser valves were unable to hold water as they should, with the quick identification from our project team leading to the valves being replaced immediately with no interruption to proceedings.