Wandell Elementary School

LAN was retained to design a new air conditioning system at the Wandell Elementary School for Saddle River Public Schools. The project scope included conversion of the existing steam boilers and steam heating distribution system to a hot water system, as well as the installation of a new variable refrigerant flow heat pump and a dedicated outdoor air system that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation throughout the entire building.  

The existing fourteen year old boilers were reused and converted from steam to hot water, and new pumps, controls, and piping were installed for the new hot water heating distribution system and to feed an existing hot water system in a newer wing of the building. The existing steam unit ventilators, air handlers, convectors, etc. were removed throughout the school and new hot water piping was installed to feed new finned tube radiation and cabinet heaters for perimeter supplemental heating. New ductless split heat pump units were installed throughout the building to provide year-round full heating and cooling. 100% outdoor air roof mounted units were installed to provide required air conditioning, heating, and ventilation.  

Roof mounted air systems were also installed to serve the gymnasium, locker rooms, and multipurpose room. These new units are energy efficient and save the district operating costs by providing the ability to bring in only the minimum required amount of outside air. The new equipment has direct digital controls and a web-based building management system for control, monitoring, and alarm of the mechanical systems. 

The project was put on an accelerated schedule, with much of the demolition and new work being completed over summer recess to minimize disruption for the school and its students.