The Scope

A multi-story municipal building in Ellenville, NY experienced a complete loss of air conditioning during peak summer heat. The issue stemmed from a failed compressor in the original 60 Ton rooftop unit, installed in 1994. With building operations impacted, the town needed a fast, reliable solution that would minimize disruption and restore comfort as quickly as possible.

The Challenge

The project involved several complex elements that required ACT’s full range of planning, coordination, and technical skill.

• The failed unit sat 10 feet above a five-story rooftop, making accessibility a serious logistical challenge.
• The existing system was outdated, requiring the identification and sourcing of a compatible compressor.
• The compressor failure caused an acidic burnout, which introduced corrosive contaminants into the refrigerant lines — requiring careful remediation to protect long-term system performance.
• Execution involved close coordination with a crane company, custom rooftop scaffolding, and efficient sequencing across multiple trades and departments.

These are the kinds of jobs where ACT’s skilled planning, expert-level work, and culture of safety make the difference.

Our Response

ACT managed the project end-to-end — from sourcing and design to safe installation and recovery.

Our team:

• Located a compatible compressor and confirmed all system integration specs
• Designed and installed custom scaffolding to safely reach the rooftop unit
• Coordinated with a trusted crane partner, ensuring seamless scheduling and clear communication between all trades
• Brazed in new valves, removed all acid residue from the lines, and restored system integrity from the inside out

Throughout the job, ACT maintained clear communication with the building’s leadership and ensured all work was performed to our exacting safety and quality standards.

The Outcome

ACT successfully restored the building’s cooling system with minimal disruption to operations.

The rooftop unit is now back online, operating cleanly and efficiently, with an extended service life thanks to thorough remediation.

This project also serves as a reminder: even in tight budget years, planned maintenance is less disruptive and more cost-effective than emergency response. ACT’s Priority Maintenance Program (PMP) helps municipalities and commercial buildings stay ahead of system failures — extending equipment life, reducing surprise repairs, and ensuring facility comfort year-round.

Acknowledgements

We want to thank the team at this Hudson Valley municipal building for their collaboration and trust. Their proactive engagement, clear communication, and partnership made this complex job a smooth and successful project.