The Scope

After years of maintaining aging R-22 rooftop units, a middle school in the Pelham School District moved forward with a full HVAC modernization. The goal was clear: upgrade system efficiency, improve comfort, and complete the work before students returned for the school year.

ACT was brought in to replace four rooftop units and adapt the system to meet modern performance and safety standards.

The Challenge

This wasn’t a plug-and-play equipment swap. The project involved:

• Demolition of aging ductwork and careful removal of old hot water piping
• Structural adjustments, including reinforcement for heavier equipment
• Coordinating with the crane rigging crew in a tight urban location
• Exposed duct insulation that required durable, weather-sealed protection

Perhaps most notably, each unit had to be removed and replaced by a specialty crane company experienced in urban-area lifts. That level of coordination demands precision across trades, careful scheduling, and a team that knows how to keep the jobsite moving safely and efficiently.

This is where ACT’s skilled planning, expert work, and culture of safety make the difference.

Our Response

ACT led the full scope of system removal, preparation, and installation. Key project actions included:

• Demolishing old ductwork and hot water lines with clean separation and material removal
• Partnering with an experienced crane operator to safely lift four RTUs in a densely populated area
• Reconnecting new equipment to existing hot water piping and adapting to a newly designed duct layout
• Installing a structural steel beam on one curb to support added equipment weight
• Insulating and sealing exposed rooftop ductwork to prevent heat loss and moisture intrusion

Throughout, our team maintained clear lines of communication with the district, subcontractors, and the crane crew — keeping every moving part on schedule.

The Outcome

The project was completed on time and ready for the new school year. With newly installed, properly insulated, and efficiently integrated HVAC systems, the school opened its doors with reliable climate control in place — improving comfort, energy efficiency, and system reliability for years to come.

Acknowledgements

We’re grateful to the district and their project team for their trust and partnership. Their coordination, responsiveness, and support made this complex upgrade a smooth and successful one — and we’re proud to have played a role in preparing their building for the school year ahead.