The induction unit supplies primary air to smaller delivery or terminal units as part of an induction system. The utilization of nozzles in the terminal unit, as opposed to fans, is the primary characteristic that sets induction units apart from other systems. Why should these systems be replaced?
The air passing through the terminal devices at such a high velocity can make them loud. There have been problems with moisture and static air pressure in some buildings. Facility managers are often forced to look into induction unit replacement due to general deterioration.
Need custom-designed induction units? Contact us at EB Air Control to get floor-mounted and perimeter ceiling-mounted induction units.
Replacing Induction Units
Many buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1980s still use the outdated induction-based air conditioners. They were initially placed in each room or space. These quieter, more effective options—which should not be mistaken for fan-driven systems—don’t require blowers, fans, or moving parts and can last for many years.
Facility owners and managers must make a difficult choice when these units gradually lose efficiency. They can replace outdated induction units with more contemporary models or take on large-scale, expensive renovation projects to replace the HVAC system.
While both solutions have advantages, many are choosing to replace their outdated induction units with more modern, quieter, more efficient models because of the reduced capital costs and relative ease of doing so. This is because recent design advancements have made this possible.
Induction Unit Replacement Options
Induction unit replacement for a new kind of system is the first choice for customers. Operators of buildings have the option to convert to a fan and coil system, but that would involve putting in new ducting. Finding room for the additional ductwork is difficult if the induction units were included in the building’s original design or if it was constructed before central HVAC systems were commonly used.
A different choice is a ductless split system, which employs a big exterior unit and smaller interior units. The fact that this is functionally and aesthetically comparable to the induction system may appeal to the occupants. Furthermore, these technologies use extremely little energy. The drawback of a split system is that there is no air exchange, hence ventilation needs to be considered.
Replacement with New Induction Units
Replacing the induction system with a new, updated model is the easiest solution. This is a common approach taken by facility managers. Thankfully, technology has advanced, and managers can now observe upgrades that result in energy efficiency gains of over 30%. The fact that buildings may be modified one terminal unit at a time—a crucial feature for high-use structures like hospitals—justifies sticking with an induction system.
Compared to those manufactured in the 1970s, induction systems now are significantly quieter and more energy efficient. There are more alternatives available. One of the two alternative induction methods is a Variable Air Volume (VAV) system. It prevents cold dump by delivering varying air volumes, as the name implies.
A fin-and-tube heat exchanger, which is normally suspended from the ceiling, is the component of a chilled beam system. Active and passive chilled beam systems are the two types available. Since the active chilled beam gets its principal air from a central air handler, it operates more like the induction systems from bygone eras.
In summary
The necessity to replace outdated induction systems has contributed to the recent spike in interest in chilled beam and induction systems. Replacement options have proliferated with advances in technology.
Any induction unit replacement vs maintenance case study would suggest that after a while replacing the system becomes a feasible option. Whichever system your customer chooses, by updating their HVAC system, they will take advantage of the industry’s ongoing pursuit of innovation. EB Air Control offers the best induction options for your structure. Contact us today!
