Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center

Upgrading Aging HVAC Infrastructure to Support Expanded Career Programs

Superior Mechanical completed a major HVAC upgrade at Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, replacing 88 water-source heat pumps, installing new rooftop equipment and a second cooling tower, and supporting new and renovated instructional spaces throughout the facility. Superior’s years of experience maintaining the building also helped the team identify an existing pump issue during the project.

The Challenge

Pickaway-Ross was undertaking a broader facility improvement project that included both aging equipment replacement and new instructional space. Much of the existing HVAC equipment dated to the mid-2000s, and the facility had secured funding to replace 88 water-source heat pumps located above ceilings throughout the school.

At the same time, the career center was updating and expanding several program areas. A former carpentry lab was converted into a robotics lab, while a new carpentry lab with 25-foot ceilings was created to support more advanced construction projects. The work also included new rooftop HVAC equipment and an additional cooling tower.

Analysis and Solution

Superior maintained the facility for years and knew how its mechanical systems performed in daily operation. During the project, the team identified an existing pump that was not adequately matched to the system. Superior measured the impeller and checked motor amperage to help determine the appropriate replacement equipment.

Superior then executed the project plans and specifications while addressing existing conditions identified during the work. The project included replacement of 88 water-source heat pumps, installation of two rooftop dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) units, and a new cooling tower. Superior was not responsible for the DOAS controls but coordinated with the separate controls contractor as part of the overall project.

The additional cooling tower allowed the facility to alternate between the two towers and provided greater flexibility in how the system operated. Superior also installed new heat pumps to support the area converted into the robotics lab.

The Results

The project replaced a substantial amount of aging HVAC equipment while supporting Pickaway-Ross’s updated and expanded instructional spaces.

Superior Mechanical’s long familiarity with the facility also proved valuable during construction, allowing the team to identify and address an existing pump issue and help ensure the replacement equipment was properly matched to the system. The additional cooling tower also gave the facility greater flexibility in how its system operates, while the overall project supported the center’s evolving technical programs and learning spaces.

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