Expertly Upgrading Hospital HVAC Systems for Delnor Community Hospital’s Emergency Department

In September 2013, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Illinois embarked on a critical renovation of its Emergency Department. The hospital’s Emergency Department is a bustling hub, operating 24/7 to provide urgent care to the community. Recognized for their commitment to high-quality patient care, the hospital aimed to replace their Emergency Department’s outdated air handling unit with minimal disruption to its vital emergency services.

As a result, they would need state-of-the-art hospital HVAC systems that could reliably support the demanding environment of an emergency department. Any disruption in this department could have severe implications, not just for the hospital, but for the many patients depending on its services.

With this in mind, Delnor Community Hospital sought an HVAC partner capable of delivering a seamless upgrade with no margin for error. To achieve this, Delnor Community Hospital enlisted the expertise of Gunn & Pegelow, a leader in HVAC solutions known for their innovative approach and reliable execution. Explore a few of the challenges faced in the renovation process and how the Gunn & Pegelow team overcame them with their expertise.

The Challenges Gunn & Pegelow Faced When Addressing The Historical Hospital HVAC Systems

The renovation posed several challenges. The primary challenge at the forefront of the team’s mind was upgrading the Emergency Department’s HVAC system without interrupting patient care. The existing system was not only outdated but also posed a risk of becoming unreliable, which could lead to decreased efficiency and compromised air quality, critical in an emergency setting.

Furthermore, the hospital required a solution that could be installed swiftly and seamlessly, minimizing the risk of downtime. It was clear that the project needed meticulous planning, an innovative solution, and flawless execution to ensure success.

Finding an Innovative HVAC Solution

Gunn & Pegelow proposed an innovative solution to meet these challenges: the installation of a MarCraft Custom Penthouse System and Air Handling Unit, combined with a BTU Company Humidifier. The chosen system was designed for factory assembly, ensuring that all components, including the air handling unit, water piping, humidifier piping, and electrical systems, were pre-installed for single connectivity. This prefabricated approach was essential to minimize on-site work and reduce the potential for disruptions.

The recommended three-pronged solution offered several key advantages for modernizing the historic hospital HVAC systems.

  • Factory Assembly — By assembling the system off-site, the risk of errors during installation was minimized. Every component was tested and verified before delivery.
  • Rapid Deployment —The pre-fabricated system could be installed quickly, adhering to the hospital’s tight schedule.
  • Single Connectivity — Simplified electrical and piping connections reduced the complexity and duration of on-site work.
hospital hvac systems
hospital hvac systems

An Overview of Gunn & Pegelow’s Process

A critical path for the project was established, focusing on the timely receipt and installation of the Penthouse in September, with the goal of achieving complete startup and operation within two weeks of equipment delivery. Discover the meticulous process Gunn & Pegelow followed to ensure a successful implementation, from start to finish.

Exploration and Design

Gunn & Pegelow initiated the project by working closely with the hospital’s engineering team to understand the specific needs and challenges of the current hospital HVAC systems. This phase involved detailed discussions and site assessments to gather all necessary information.

Iterative Solution Development

Based on the gathered data, Gunn & Pegelow developed a comprehensive and iterative solution. The MarCraft Custom Penthouse System was chosen for its reliability and ease of installation. The team worked on consolidating detailed CAD files and drawings within a week, further expediting the design process.

Bid Creation and Partnering

Gunn & Pegelow created a detailed bid and partnered with local mechanical installers to ensure seamless execution. This collaboration ensured that all aspects of the installation were handled by experienced professionals. Local partnerships were critical in ensuring rapid response times.

After-Sale Support

Post-installation, Gunn & Pegelow provided support to ensure the hospital HVAC system’s optimal performance. This included adjustments to guarantee the system’s efficiency and a promise to provide check-ups and immediate response to any issues.

A Seamless and Successful Implementation

The factory fabrication of the primary heating, cooling, humidification, and air delivery systems, along with the complete installation of piping and electrical systems, was instrumental in meeting the project’s stringent timeline. This approach not only minimized on-site disruptions but also ensured a high-quality installation.

As a result, the project was completed with almost no interruption to the Emergency Department’s operations, ensuring continuous patient care. The new system now offers a reliable and efficient solution, ensuring consistent air quality and temperature control. The project not only met but exceeded the hospital’s expectations, providing a robust solution that would serve them well into the future.

Explore Comprehensive HVAC Solutions With Gunn & Pegelow

When Gunn & Pegelow arrived on-site they brought HVAC equipment expertise — and a promise to safeguard the heart of the hospital’s emergency services. Whether you’re involved in healthcare, commercial, industrial, or residential projects, Gunn & Pegelow is your trusted partner for reliable and innovative HVAC solutions.

Our proven track record, exemplified by the success at Delnor Community Hospital, speaks volumes about our capability and commitment. From initial consultation to post-installation support, we are committed to delivering solutions that meet the unique needs of each and every project.

Contact us today to elevate your next project with our comprehensive HVAC solutions. Let us bring our expertise and transformative impact to your HVAC systems. Your success is our commitment.