SONOMA, CA. — Peterson Mechanical, Inc. (PMI), a Sonoma-based, design/build plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractor, recently completed major energy upgrades to 8 buildings on the Solano Community College Fairfield campus. In addition to energy savings, the installation included a real time touchscreen monitoring system located in the Student Center, which will allow students to visualize and understand building systems in real time.
The upgrades include the conversion of HVAC systems from Constant Air Volume (CAV) to Variable Air Volume (VAV). This conversion required new sheet metal medium pressure duct work (to replace the existing duct board), new heating coils, new variable frequency drives (VFDs) on all air handlers, occupancy and CO2 sensors for air quality monitoring in classrooms.
Upgrades are estimated by PMI to provide up to $250,000 in annual energy savings to the school district. PG&E rebates for the utility retrofit are expected to fall between $250,000 and $450,000.
Functioning as the prime contractor, PMI brought Henley Architects and Associates into the project as Architect of Record. Ancillary work was performed by DPR Construction. PMI energy upgrades included adding a Delta direct digital control system installed and programmed by Trinity Controls. The digital controls replaced existing pneumatic controls.
Serving the greater Bay Area, PMI is a mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC, plumbing and refrigeration for commercial, industrial and residential markets. The company provides design, construction and service. PMI serves a wide variety of market sectors, including Healthcare, Technology, Education, Office Space, Hospitality, Winery, High-Rise and Low-Rise Residential. Founded in 1915, the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary.