VRF Archives | Controlled Air, Inc.

Microgrid, Middletown CT | Middletown Recreation Center

Controlled Air Inc. — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:52:17 +0000

Middletown Recreation Center Embraces a Resilient and Sustainable Future with a New Microgrid

In a significant step towards energy independence and sustainability, the Middletown Recreation Center has completed the installation of a new microgrid system. This project is a cornerstone of the city’s broader efforts to modernize its infrastructure and ensure the community’s safety and comfort, particularly during extreme weather events.

The new recreation center, built on the former site of the Woodrow Wilson Middle School, is not only a hub for community activities with renovated gyms and pools but also serves a vital role as a designated heating and cooling center during power outages. The microgrid is the key to this resilience, allowing the facility to operate independently of the main power grid.

The system is a complex, hybrid energy solution designed and engineered by Clarke Energy in collaboration with other partners. Controlled Air, Inc. worked with Clarke Energy to create an energy-efficient solution that integrated a Yanmar combined heat and power (CHP) unit and a Yanmar gas heat pump (GHP) system. The core of the microgrid is the 35kW CHP unit, which provides both electricity and high-efficiency hot water for showers and the pool. This is complemented by a solar photovoltaic (PV) array that generates renewable electricity, with a battery energy storage system (BESS) to save surplus energy for later use. A backup gas-fueled generator from Kohler provides an additional layer of resilience, ensuring the facility can remain powered for extended periods.

This innovative system is designed to provide both parallel power during normal operation and “island mode” capability during a grid outage. The entire system is managed by a centralized microgrid controller, which optimizes the different energy sources for maximum efficiency and reliability. The project is expected to reduce the center’s carbon dioxide emissions by 192 tons per year, aligning with the city’s goals for a more sustainable future.

The Middletown Recreation Center microgrid is an excellent example of how communities can invest in infrastructure that not only serves their daily needs but also provides critical support in emergencies. It represents a forward-thinking approach to energy management, combining sustainability with an unwavering commitment to public safety and resilience.

The Middletown Recreation Center’s new system is fully protected by a 20-year parts and labor contract. Controlled Air and Yanmar are committed to providing a reliable, long-term, and energy-efficient solution by guaranteeing dedicated parts and service for the equipment.

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VRF Installation, Simsbury CT | Ethel Walker School

Controlled Air Inc. — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 17:45:25 +0000

Ethel Walker School is located in Connecticut on a 175-acre campus sits amidst farms and meadows. For more than 100 years, The Ethel Walker School has been an all-girls school for grades 6-12 plus postgraduate education.

This past summer Controlled Air, Inc. Worked with A.P. Construction to provide the HVAC portion of recent new building for a campus expansion. Controlled Air installed a Variable Refrigerant Flow System (VRF) system.

The VRF system included 29 exhaust fans, 16 electric duct heaters, (4) cabinet unit heaters and six (6) electric unit heaters as well as one (1) 1.5-ton Lennox mini split heat pump system with low ambient and wall mounted indoor evaporator units with a programmable thermostat. We also installed Seven Lennox VRF outdoor heat recovery system with Six (6) 16-ton outdoor heat pumps, two (2) 10-ton outdoor heat pumps, sixty-four (64) one-way indoor cassette units, five (5) compact 2×2 indoor cassette units, five (5) 3×3 indoor cassette units, one (1) high static ducted indoor unit, two (2) vertical air handler ducted indoor unit, and eight (8) outside air ducted air handler units.

A new Johnson Controls FX-80 Supervisory front-end controller was installed with a Web-based user interface complete with enclosure and accessories. 85 touchscreen programmable controllers were also installed to allow for customized controls in each of the rooms.

This extensive VRF system allows for individualized controls for all dorms and classrooms. Lennox VRF systems allow for customized heating and cooling schedules. They can also operate in a wide range of temperatures, from -13°F (-25°C) for heating to 126°F (52°C) for cooling. Lennox VRF systems use heat recovery technology to move heat from areas that need cooling to areas that need heating, which can be an efficient way to condition spaces. The inverter-driven compressor can also reduce energy use by adjusting its speed based on demand from each indoor unit.

Additionally, we furnished and installed two (2) Mitsubishi Water Source Heat pumps and two (2) corresponding heat exchangers for the domestic Hot water system, this included circulators, buffer tanks, storage tanks and an electric swing heater.

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VRF Installation, New Haven CT | Friends Center for Children School

Controlled Air Inc. — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:20:53 +0000

Controlled Air, Inc. is thrilled to be part of this wonderful project alongside O, R & L Construction. Friends Center for Children provides much needed early childcare and education for kids 3 months to 5 years, year-round. They aim offer a safe affordable place for children while also paying teachers a livable wages.

The new facility located in an old cinema building plans to open Fall of 2024.

The movie theater has been closed for some time and although the building has undergone a complete renovation, one of the theater rooms have been left operational so that they can host movies.

Controlled Air installed four Daikin Comfort VRV systems which include air cooled heat recovery, 9 concealed ducted indoor units, 7 indoor ceiling cassettes, 5 suspended indoor ceiling cassettes, and BACnet Communcation panel with remote controllers.

An AAON DOAS with heat pump and 2-stage compressor, modulating gas reheat, VFD supply and EC condenser fan speed control. There will be 2 electric wall heaters, as well as circulator pumps, and hot water coils. Additionally, radiant floor heating for first floor rooms A-01 to A-04 was also installed.

A new Johnson Controls FX-80 Supervisory front-end controller with a web-based interface will be installed to provide for easy monitoring and controls.

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Tax Credit Available on Yanmar Gas Heat Pumps Ends in 2024

Controlled Air Inc. — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:44:07 +0000

We want to remind everyone that the Gas Heat Pump (GHP) systems manufactured by Yanmar qualify for the 30% tax credit, as well as for direct payments to tax-exempt entities, under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This tax benefit only applies to systems installed by December 31, 2024. Due to equipment timing and scheduling we highly recommend that you start the ordering and installation process immediately in order to complete installation by the December deadline. The project must be installed under specific requirements and may require prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements depending on the size of the project and other specific considerations.

Yanmar GHP is considered a mechanical cogeneration product and should be treated as “Combined Heat and Power system property” (CHP) for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 48, under the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Please consult with your tax professional for additional requirements, information and to verify your qualifications.

GHP is a great solution for upgrading HVAC systems in historical buildings with older electrical systems, minimal electrical load, or where there isn’t the opportunity to upgrade the electrical system for newer high-efficiency traditional HVAC systems. Gas systems require less electricity therefore sometimes making it the best option for converting older buildings. Additionally, they are perfect when only single-phase power is available or when electrical systems can’t be updated due to delays, cost, or availability.

In calculations, the Gas Heat pump systems saved 25-30% on cooling and 50% on heating as compared to an electric heat pump system.

Don’t hesitate to call or email for more information about GHP or a custom energy solution for your facility. We are always happy to do a walk-through of your facility and make suggestions on the more efficient way to upgrade your HVAC. Download Our GHP Flyer

Learn More about our Gas Heat Pump Solutions

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VRF, Rooftop Units and Controls, Plantsville CT | LiveWell Care Facility

Controlled Air Inc. — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:10:02 +0000

Controlled Air is part of a 50 million expansion at Dementia-focused LiveWell in the Plantsville section of Southington. LiveWell is a not-for-profit care provider that is solely focused on providing services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Its 8-acre campus features nursing, assisted living, and adult day facilities.

The new facility will add more assisted living beds and community services, to help support those with dementia who aim to stay at home longer. The project also will increase campus capacity from 133 to 141 residents.
Construction at the LiveWell campus started in 2022. The work is being done in phases, with three new facility buildings and modifications to the existing facility. The entire project is on track to be finished by mid-2024.

Controlled Air has installed multiple systems in three new facility buildings, including gas/electric Aaon rooftop units and make-up air units; two Lennox VRF systems with heat recovery in each of the new River Homes buildings with 15 to 16 ducted indoor units and multiple high wall units for each system; and 2 to 4 outdoor units ranging from 8 to 10 tons. Each new facility is equipped with a Johnson Controls FX building management system. The project has been work intensive with tight deadlines. Controlled Air assigned our senior project manager and foreman to make sure the deadlines are met with the quality that Controlled Air is known.

Lennox VRF® systems are a flexible solution that is ideal for a wide range of applications and commercial buildings. Lennox VRF makes customized comfort easy and efficient. Lennox VRF® Heat Recovery units offer simultaneous heating and cooling. The heat recovery process moves heat from spaces requiring cooling into spaces requiring heating, maximizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Keep your eye out, more information will be coming soon.

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VRF Installation, Bridgeport CT | University of Bridgeport Bauer Hall

Controlled Air Inc. — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 14:37:16 +0000

Bauer Hall was a major renovation of an old house which was converted to offices for the Universities use. The home had been vacant for many years and required a complete renovation. We worked alongside RAM Building Group. Controlled Air, Inc, furnished and installed a Lennox VRF system which included 2 outdoor units, 23 indoor units with 6 bring floor standing and 17 ceiling cassettes.

A Johnson Controls building controls system was also installed with a FX80 supervisory front end controller to allow for per room temperature controls.

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VRF Installation, Darien CT | St. Thomas More Church

Controlled Air Inc. — Thu, 30 May 2019 18:05:03 +0000

In this major renovation we worked alongside A. PappaJohn Company, a contractor located in Norwalk, Connecticut. St. Thomas More required a complete upgrade to the parish facilities. The focus of the renovation activities have been on the installation of the infrastructure to support the numerous systems inside the building which were inefficient and obsolete. The church is temporarily using the parish hall as their place of worship during the renovation.

For this project we began with a complete demolition of old equipment. We then installed a Daikin VRF Heat pump system which included 14 ducted indoor ceiling cassettes, and two outdoor Heat Pumps. As well as one outdoor air handler, and 11 electric wall heaters. The church also requires a Burnham V904A oil-fired knock down boiler with manual reset high limit and low water cut off.

The equipment will be completed integrated with a Johnson Controls FX80 supervisory front-end controller, web based user interface and a BACnet interface to the Johnson Controls BMS system.

Daikin’s systems integrate advanced technology to provide comfort control for maximum energy efficiency and reliability. VRV IV provides a solution for multi-family residential to large commercial applications desiring heating or cooling. The VRV IV is the first variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system to be assembled in North America.

BENEFITS of Daikin

Can operate up to 41 indoor units on a single piping network
Modular and lightweight – enables flexibility in system layout and installation
Refrigerant cooled inverted technology to avoid influence from ambient temperatures
Integrated inverter technology deliver maximum efficiency during part load conditions and provide precise individual zone control
Heat exchanger coil wraps around on all 4 sides of the unit to increase the surface area and efficiency
Corrosion resistance 1000hr salt spray tested Daikin PE blue fin heat exchanger
Design flexibility with long piping lengths up to 3,280 ft. total and 100 ft. vertical separation between indoor units
Designed with reduced MOP to optimize installation cost
Digital display on the unit for improved and faster configuration, commissioning, and trouble shooting

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Controlled Air, Inc. is now a Yanmar Dealer

Controlled Air Inc. — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 17:07:48 +0000

At Controlled Air, Inc., we are proud to represent YANMAR CHP and VRF in the Connecticut area. Based on YANMAR’s 30-plus year history of design and manufacturing experience in Energy Systems equipment and over 300,000 installations worldwide, we have the confidence in YANMAR’s CHP and VRF equipment, technical training and support to recommend it to our customers.

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VRF Installation, Shelton CT | Office Building

Controlled Air Inc. — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 19:50:25 +0000

The River Road project is a new construction office complex. They wanted to provide comfort, efficiency and temperature management to all office locations. It was a custom design build project in which Controlled Air, Inc. performed all calculations and engineering required. We installed a VRF system with variable speed compressors for heating and cooling on demand with heat recovery. Heat Recovery allows the system to capture heat from warms rooms and rather than expelling it outside, than transfer that warmth to a cool room that requires heating. Unlike a traditional heat pump that only moves heat one way, a Lennox VRF heat recovery system is able to operate indoor units in both heating and cooling modes simultaneously.

The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat recovery system serves the parking level, ground floor, 2nd floor and 3rd floor. The installed system includes 10 VRF Heat Recovery outdoor condenser units; 34 Med Static ducted indoor units; and 108 indoor Cassettes varying in size between 2×2 and 3×3 with a compact 360-degree airflow design for uniform air distribution.

Additionally we installed two (2) Aaon RN 25 rooftop units with heat wheel defrost, digital compressor, high turndown natural gas heat section with stainless steel heat exchanger, variable speed condenser fans with head pressure control, modulating hot gas reheat and nonfused disconnect switch. The AAON units supply the required fresh air to the indoor VRF units and recovers the energy from the exhaust air.

Our in house controls department will install a Johnson Controls system with a FX-80 web-based user interface supervisory front-end controller. The system will control the two AAON rooftop dedicated outdoor air units and monitor the temperature in the areas served by the four ductless splits. Additionally the BMS will monitor the VRF system, and act as a gateway for remote connection, monitoring and trouble shooting.

Learn More about our Gas Heat Pump Solutions

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HVAC and VRF, Rocky Hill CT | Surgery and Medical Center

Controlled Air Inc. — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 14:57:03 +0000

Controlled Air, Inc. was excited to work with AZ Corporation on the newest orthopedic surgery center in Rocky Hill, Connecticut with 7 operating rooms and 1 procedure room. This was a new build project that required strict standards to adhere to the ASHRAE requirements for any medical center, such as increased air change outs and HEPA filtration. The project has three phases: Phase 1, The Core; Phase 2, Surgery; and Phase 3, Medical Office Building.

Just to give you an idea of the enormity of this project, it required over 58,000 ft. of ductwork with a combination of insulted and non-insulated. A brief overview of just some of the HVAC equipment we installed includes:

Seven AAON units with humidity control, return air bypass, energy efficient dehumidification and economizers; one AAON units with a premium efficiency motor, economizer with power exhaust and a VFD; one AAON unit with an Energy Recovery wheel, premium efficiency motor, and 2 motors on 2 VFDs; and two 25 Ton High Efficiency Lennox RTUs with variable volume air flow and economizers. All new RTU’s installed use R-410A refrigerant per the EPA requirements.
We also installed six (6) Sterling Linear Radiant Hydronic Ceiling Panels. Radiant Panel ceiling systems are an energy and cost saving method of heating. They provide distributed heating radiantly rather than by forced air providing a “draftless” environment.
2 PK Gas fired condensing boilers with Axiom Condensate Neutralization Tank and Nuro touch-screen control system.
8 Nortec Humidifiers, The industry’s most precise humidifier. An isothermal system that produces mineral free, odorless, sterile steam from any water type.
Ceiling Grid System by Titus which allows for the building of critical environment spaces with flexibility. Each system is custom engineered to meet the requirements of codes and guidelines, such as ASHRAE Standard 170 and the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) ‘Guidelines for Design and construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities.’

The Expected completion date is 10/31/2018.

What is always challenging about medical facilities and pharmacies, are the extensive regulations for air changes, filtration, as well as humidity and temperature controls. Unlike office buildings where the building requires consistent settings throughout the building, medical facilities can have different requirements per area. Surgical rooms and pharmacies, have different settings from the offices and also from each other. It take extensive controls and programming to make sure each area functions as required.

Learn More about our Commercial HVAC Solutions

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