As award-winning commercial heating, hot water and ventilation specialists, Lord Combustion Services are experts in retrofitting heating, hot water and ventilation systems.
We provide innovative solutions by modifying existing systems, marrying new technologies including renewables and control strategies with older ones to provide efficient refurbished systems.
Lord has specialised in developing techniques to undertake works within occupied buildings, replacing essential items of equipment such as within operational hospitals, schools, warehouses and sports venues whilst maintaining essential heating and hot water services.
One of the most common questions we get asked by our clients who have underperforming heating systems is whether it would be better to install a completely new system or upgrade their existing one.
When deciding between upgrading or replacing a commercial heating system, you need to consider several business-specific factors, including the age of your current system, budget limitations, operational requirements, disruption needs, specific performance issues, building constraints and long-term facility plans.
Each client’s situation is different, but retrofitting commercial heating, hot water and ventilation systems can offer several significant benefits compared to full replacements. Here are a few:
Cost benefits
Retrofitting your commercial heating system rather than replacing it can require a lower upfront investment (typically 30-50% less than a new system costs). You might also be able to benefit from rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.
Gradually modernising your system will spread capital expenses over time, and you may get a quicker return on your investment through energy savings if you do not have to wait to replace your entire system.
Environmental benefits
At Lord, we are committed to supporting your path to net zero by offering innovative solutions that reduce your carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency. A great example is a hot water system upgrade project we carried out at Edgbaston Stadium.
Retrofitting can reduce waste by extending the life of existing equipment, decreasing embodied carbon (the carbon footprint of manufacturing new systems) and minimising construction debris going to landfill.
With proper retrofitting it is possible to achieve similar energy efficiency improvements as you could with new systems.
Operational benefits
Retrofitting can cause less business disruption than a full system replacement. You can phase it to align with your budget cycles or seasonal downtime and preserve compatible infrastructure such as ductwork and electrical systems.
Retrofitting is also a great idea if you need to address specific efficiency bottlenecks as you can target precise improvements without replacing your whole system.
System performance
Lord often transforms older systems by fitting modern controls and sensors and implementing zoning improvements that yield significant energy savings. We regularly implement zoning at schools, for example, to enable them to control areas individually to suit occupancy times.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can dramatically reduce fan and pump energy use and heat recovery add-ons can capture previously wasted thermal energy.
Building-specific advantages
Retrofitting can be a good solution if you are working with historic buildings where structural changes are limited.
You can avoid potential complications with existing structural elements and target specific comfort or air quality issues without a complete overhaul.
Are you considering upgrading your commercial heating, hot water or ventilation system?
At Lord Combustion Services, we have a team of nearly 50 staff serving more than 1,000 customers across the West Midlands from our base in Oldbury.
We offer a wide range of energy-efficient equipment to suit any business need and budget, and our expert team can handle installations quickly and efficiently, including retrofitting new appliances to existing systems.
We can carry out an in-depth review of your existing systems and the individual needs of your business and suggest a range of tailor-made solutions to suit your budget.
If you would like to know more about how we can you support you with your heating and hot water systems, please get in touch.
Contact Lord Combustion Services today by calling 0121 544 4191 or emailing service@lordcombustion.co.uk.
