Project Overview

When a commercial office premises came to us with an ageing chiller system that was becoming increasingly unreliable, it was clear that a like-for-like repair was no longer the right solution.

The existing Trane chiller had been in operation for over 20 years and was running on R22 refrigerant, a substance that has since been phased out due to its environmental impact. With parts becoming increasingly difficult to source, repair costs continuing to mount, and the system's overall performance declining, the decision was made to invest in a full system replacement. Following a thorough assessment of the site's specific cooling requirements, the new Trane CGAX 026 HE LN was specified as the most suitable replacement, delivering improved efficiency, modern refrigerant technology, and long term reliability for the years ahead.

The goal was simple, future-proof the site, improve efficiency, and provide a reliable, comfortable environment for the staff working there every day.

The Challenge

Replacing an ageing chiller system is rarely straightforward, and this project was no exception. The new Trane CGAX 026 HE LN came with a different footprint and connection arrangement to the original equipment, meaning the project couldn't simply be a straight swap. Careful planning and on-site coordination were required across both the pipework and electrical infrastructure to ensure everything aligned correctly with the new installation.

On top of the technical challenges, the works needed to be carried out with minimal disruption to the client's day-to-day operations. In a busy commercial environment, keeping things running smoothly while major HVAC works are underway requires experience, professionalism, and precise project management, all of which our team delivered throughout.

Scope of Works

The project was delivered as a comprehensive, full turnkey solution from initial planning right through to final commissioning and handover.

• The first stage of the project involved the careful removal and safe disposal of the existing R22 chiller system. Given the environmental regulations surrounding R22 refrigerant, this was handled with the utmost care and in full compliance with current legislation, ensuring that the decommissioning process was carried out responsibly and without risk to the site or surrounding environment.

• With the old system removed, attention turned to the supply and installation of the new Trane chiller. Sourcing and installing the right replacement system for the site's specific requirements was paramount, and the CGAX 026 HE LN was selected to deliver maximum efficiency and long-term reliability, a modern, high performance unit built to meet the demands of a busy commercial office environment for years to come.

• Because the replacement unit featured a different footprint and connection arrangement to the original equipment, significant pipework modifications were required to suit the new layout. This involved a detailed reassessment of the existing pipework infrastructure and careful rerouting to ensure a clean, professional, and fully functional installation that would stand the test of time.

• Alongside the pipework modifications, a series of electrical alterations and reconnection works were carried out to integrate the new Trane chiller fully into the building's existing electrical infrastructure. This required close coordination between our engineers to ensure everything was completed safely, efficiently, and in line with current electrical standards.

• Physical adjustments were also made on site to accommodate the new unit's footprint. Where the original chiller had occupied a specific space, adaptations were needed to ensure the new equipment sat correctly and securely within the plant area, a detail that required careful measurement, planning, and skilled on-site work to execute properly.

• Finally, once the installation was complete, the Trane chiller underwent full testing and commissioning carried out by Trane Technologies UK. This comprehensive commissioning process ensured that every component of the new system was operating exactly as intended, at peak performance, and fully ready for handover to the client with complete confidence.

The Result

The results speak for themselves. The building now benefits from a modern, high-efficiency chiller system that delivers on every level. Energy efficiency has been significantly improved, meaning lower running costs and a reduced environmental footprint going forward. The reliability issues that had been plaguing the site are a thing of the past, with the new Trane chiller offering consistent, dependable performance throughout the year.

From a compliance perspective, the site is now fully up to date with current refrigerant regulations, removing the legal and operational risks associated with running an R22 system. Maintenance requirements have also been reduced considerably, freeing up time and budget that was previously spent managing an increasingly problematic ageing unit.

Perhaps most importantly, the system was successfully commissioned ahead of the summer months, ensuring that office staff could work in a cool, comfortable environment right when they needed it most.

Could Your Site Benefit From an Upgrade?

If your commercial HVAC equipment is ageing, unreliable, or still operating on obsolete refrigerants such as R22, now is the time to act. Left unaddressed, these issues only become more costly and disruptive over time, and with tightening regulations around older refrigerants, the window to plan a managed, cost-effective replacement is narrowing.

The team at William Austin has decades of experience delivering commercial HVAC upgrades of all sizes, and we're here to help you find the right solution for your site and your budget. Get in touch today for an honest, expert assessment of your current setup.