Permanent HVAC vs Temporary Climate Solutions: 4 Considerations

General Contractors (GCs) running a busy commercial construction site have three fundamental goals: avoid delays, save money, and keep the client happy. Unfortunately, an effective climate control strategy is often overlooked but can be the key component standing in the way of achieving those goals.

When it comes to climate control think beyond just making the crew comfortable. It is essential in expediting specific tasks, such as drying poured concrete or ensuring glue used in carpet and flooring installations is ready for the next step. Contractors and owners tend to use the permanent HVAC system during construction because it is available. While this is an easy and simple approach, there are inherent risks that all stakeholders should weigh before approving an early startup:

1. Increased wear and tear - Permanent HVAC’s filters are not designed to sufficiently protect against excessive amounts of dust and debris, and the system is forced to ‘inhale’ far more of these particles than it was designed to handle, leading to reduced equipment life, lower operating efficiency and potential equipment damage which may not be covered by the warranty.
2. Voided warranties - HVAC systems are extremely expensive, and warranties help keep repair costs manageable. Warranties initiate when HVAC operation commences; therefore, if your crew uses the house system prior to client move-in, site owners are left with shorter than expected warranty periods. And because they are not made for use in harsh construction environments, utilizing these systems for temporary heating, cooling, and dehumidification that falls outside the HVAC’s normal operating parameters may void the warranty before the building is even completed.
3. Health risks for future occupants - Dust and debris collected within the house system during construction can result in decreased air quality that can continue long after a structure has been completed. These somewhat harmful fragments and smidgens leftover from the build-out can make their way into tenant spaces, and lead to ongoing health-related claims and complaints.
4. Increased operating costs - Using the house system during construction will also typically result in higher running costs when compared to temporary systems, as it is far less efficient to switch on a building-wide system, particularly in an unfinished building where insulation and sealing have not been completed. In fact, an operating cost comparison between a commercial HVAC system and a temporary climate solution within a 70,000 sq.ft. building with 15’ ceilings over a 30-day period reflects a house system cost of $38,500 vs. that of the $32,300 use and rental rate for temporary equipment, resulting in more than $6000 in monthly savings.

The Temporary Solution

The use of temporary heating and cooling systems reduces the contractor’s job-related risk and liability by effectively keeping temperature and air quality-related problems under control. Rather than possibly damaging the house system or voiding its warranty, you can actually save money by choosing a temporary climate solution.

Expediting schedules is critical for every project team. We've engineered hundreds of systems to help speed up the drying process of drywall mud and self-leveling concrete, like Gypcrete. Applying the right technology in the right way can make the difference between being on time or in the red. 

By utilizing energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly equipment specifically configured for the project, you can combat extreme temperatures in any building situation, avoid HVAC shutdowns and protect warranties, all while providing the optimum climate to cure coatings, manufacture products, and operate comfortably. Not only are Polygon’s temporary conditioning systems versatile, but they also provide clean, continuous ventilation, and can be powered with oil, gas, and electric heating. Polygon also provides easy, cost-effective installation and on-site servicing.