Edinburgh Insurance Company Call Centre – AHU Refurbishment

Project Overview

A long-standing client approached CLP Air Group to assess six large, 30-year-old AHUs at an insurance company’s call centre in Edinburgh. Initially, another contractor was handling the refurbishment, but due to several complications, CLP was asked to conduct a full condition survey and provide a quotation for the required works.

The assessment revealed multiple issues, including:

• Ageing AHUs nearing the end of their operational life.
• Underperforming units causing poor air quality due to low air volumes.
• Blocked and corroded frost coils.
• Leaking access doors reducing system efficiency.
• Large, inefficient belt-drive centrifugal fans with old motors showing signs of bearing damage.
• Logistical challenges, as the AHUs were installed when the building was constructed, making full replacement impractical.

Meeting the Challenge

Following the survey, CLP Air Group proposed a refurbishment plan to enhance performance while overcoming the installation limitations. The scope of work included:

• Fitting new frost coils to replace the corroded ones.
• Removing inefficient belt-driven fans and motors, replacing them with high-efficiency EC fan walls and control panels.
• Repairing all leaking access doors and panels by installing new door seals and gaskets.

The client approved the proposal, and CLP moved forward with a carefully planned execution strategy.

Innovative Design and Installation

• Conducted airflow readings and evaluated original design data to determine the necessary air volumes.
• Worked exclusively out of hours over six consecutive weekends (Friday 17:00 – Sunday 17:00) to ensure minimal disruption to the operational call centre.
• Managed logistical constraints, transporting all components through the building via site lifts and staircases.
• Installed 150 EC fans across the six AHUs, ensuring each unit met modern performance and efficiency standards.
• Coordinated with on-site BMS engineers every Sunday to validate control signals and component functionality.

Results

CLP Air Group successfully completed the refurbishment within the strict timeframe, significantly improving air quality, energy efficiency, and system reliability. The upgraded AHUs now deliver the required air volumes to meet the client’s operational demands.

Client Feedback

“We were delighted with the service received by CLP Air Group. They stepped in to assist at late notice and carried out the work to an excellent standard. Carrying out the works they did, in such a short time frame, was very impressive.”