Retrofit Options Using WCPU for Older Commercial Buildings

Upgrading the HVAC system in older commercial buildings — aging office towers, legacy retail centers, mid-century malls, hotels, and mixed-use properties — can be challenging due to space constraints, structural limitations, and high disruption costs. Water Cooled Packaged Units (WCPU) offer one of the most practical, cost-effective, and high-performance retrofit solutions for modernizing outdated air-cooled rooftop units, inefficient chilled water systems, or obsolete PTAC/window units.

Top Retrofit Advantages & Implementation Options with WCPU:

• Replace Aging Rooftop Units Without Major Structural Changes Remove old, leaking, inefficient rooftop packaged units and install compact indoor WCPU in existing mechanical rooms, converted storage areas, or newly created floor utility closets — no need for costly rooftop reinforcement, crane rentals, or extensive roof membrane repairs.
• Floor-by-Floor or Zone-by-Zone Modernization Ideal for multi-tenant older buildings: Install independent WCPU on each floor or tenant suite, providing precise control, individual metering, and phased retrofits without shutting down the entire building — perfect for occupied high-rises and retail podiums.
• Connect to Existing or New Condenser Water Loop Many older buildings already have condenser water risers from previous chilled water or water-source heat pump systems. Reuse these risers with minimal upgrades (new pumps, strainers, treatment program) to supply multiple WCPU — a fast, low-disruption path to high-efficiency cooling.
• Hybrid Retrofit Approach Keep portions of the central plant (cooling tower, pumps) while replacing end-user units with modern WCPU — combines proven infrastructure with new, reliable, energy-efficient packaged equipment for dramatic energy savings.
• Significant Energy & Cost Reductions Upgrade from 8–10 EER air-cooled units to 14–18+ EER WCPU systems, often achieving 30–50% electricity savings, lower demand charges, and reduced maintenance — delivering payback in 4–8 years in most retrofit projects.
• Improved Comfort, IAQ & Noise Control New WCPU deliver better dehumidification, support high-MERV filtration, maintain positive pressure, and operate quietly indoors — transforming outdated, noisy, unevenly cooled spaces into modern, tenant-pleasing environments.
• Minimal Tenant Disruption & Fast Installation Indoor placement and modular design allow phased installation during off-hours or low seasons, keeping businesses operational throughout the retrofit process.

Common Successful Retrofit Scenarios for Older Buildings:

• Replacing failing rooftop units in 1980s–2000s office towers
• Upgrading inefficient central chilled water systems in legacy hotels
• Modernizing PTAC-heavy mid-rise commercial buildings
• Revitalizing older shopping centers with high energy costs
• Converting to tenant-metered cooling in multi-tenant properties

Choosing WCPU retrofit options breathes new life into older commercial buildings — combining superior energy efficiency, long-term reliability, flexible tenant control, and lower total retrofit cost compared to full central plant replacements or new rooftop systems.

Future-proof your aging property with WCPU retrofits — a smart, proven strategy that boosts net operating income, increases tenant retention, enhances property value, and meets today’s sustainability and comfort expectations.