I spent a small fortune when I built my new place on HVAC approx 13yrs ago. We installed an ARES tempered makeup air system for the kitchen that uses a gas fired furnace to “heat” the makeup air during winter months and an evaporative cooler to “cool” the makeup air during summer months (most of the year we just vent the outside air to save money when the temps are comfortable). In the dining room we had a local contractor recommend a hydro-air system with air handlers in our drop ceiling and a Peerless boiler that we also use for our hot water. We have upgraded our exhaust fans in recent years and have been having problems with the makeup air unit. Furthermore, I am told that the gas for all 3 condensors for our dining room A/C is soon to be outlawed and cannot get replacement condensors. My buddy told me that this is a HUGE job as all the handlers would have to be replaced as well.
I guess my question is if anyone else is in this situation where they re-invested in a new system and any advice they would have to do it right the second time around (split systems, etc.) Not sure at what point it has it gone past it useful life so I am looking for any advice.
Thanks!
We almost never use makeup air systems Most pizza shops even with a dining room can be handled with a compensating hood that brings untempered air directly from the out side that air never enters the room. Some air from the A/C is used.
We would be happy to look over your systen and see if we can do better. We have planed and equipper thousands of pizza operations nation wide.
George Mills contact at pizzaovens@aol.com
With respect to your refrigerant change… get some other opinions. There are substitutes for the old refrigerants (mostly R-22). If your old system used mineral oil or alkylbenzene oil you need to deal with the oil “issue.” Most tech’s are going to tell you that you need to change out 100% of the oil to POE oil (or that it can’t be done), however one of the major compressor manufacturers says a 20% replacement of mineral/alkylbenzene oil with POE oil will work. … Changing the filter/dryer each and every time the system is opened is very important. Changing refrigerant may result in 10 to 15% capacity loss however. Again, recommend other opinions if you need to retrofit.
Edit: Found the Honeywell info: https://www.honeywell-refrigerants.com/americas/applications/r-22-retrofit-solutions/