Hvac for wharehouse/flex

[Matt Concannon]

I purchased a 40,000sq ft sports facility that does not have a/c.  The building was built in 1996.  Quality heavy steel frame construction. 20’ at the low side and 25’ at the peak.  It has typical fiberglass insulation.  Any advice on adding a/c?  Any rough idea on costs?  I do have access to a local wholesaler for the equipment.  I have access to a low cost commercial electrician(friend).   But not sure my regular handyman who installs my hvac on my residential units can handle something this big.  Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated . 

[Henry Clark]

Get with a commercial HVAC company that also does dehumidifiers.

1.  Positive/negative air pressure test

2.  Duct pressure/leakage test

3.  Temperature gun reading all over the place, inside and out.  Look for temperature transfers.

4.  Beams- if the ceiling is open access to the beams, have the temperature gun test on them.  See if the installers put heat transfer tape between the metal roof and the metal beams so heat doesn't transfer inside the building.  If they didn't, discuss spray foaming the beams to keep the heat out of the facility.

5.  Humidity- determine if you need a dehumidifier.  The drier the air is the Cooler the building will feel, even at the same temperature.  This will help your AC cool your building easier.

6.  Entrances- if you don't have foyers, put them in.  This will help with both summer and winter.

7.  Check all of the windows.

8.  Put solar or shade on the south facing walls or roof.  

9.  How is the 40,000 sq ft generally split up, or is it mainly a large open area?  If you have some smaller areas of 1,000 to 5,000 sqft, recommend you use Splits.

Attach several pictures of building inside and out.  Are you keeping it as a sports facility?  Changing inside configuration?  Give more info.