When HVAC systems fail early, it’s often blamed on heavy usage, aging equipment, or deferred maintenance. In this case, none of those were the real issue.
A nonprofit youth center was facing unexpected HVAC failures—despite having equipment that should have had many years of useful life remaining. With limited budgets and a mission-driven organization to support, repeated equipment replacements weren’t sustainable.
They called Trimark to assess what was actually going wrong.
During a comprehensive installation audit, our team identified multiple installation errors that had gone unnoticed for years:
Incorrect flue sizing: The system had been installed with a 2.5” flue, even though the manufacturer’s installation manual clearly stated that size was incompatible with the unit. This caused excessive system strain and directly contributed to early failure.
Failed compressors on newer RTUs: Two rooftop units only 12 years old had already experienced compressor failure—well before the end of their expected service life.
Improper electrical installation: A split system had been installed with the wrong size breaker, increasing the risk of electrical damage and unsafe operation.
These issues were not identified during routine maintenance visits by the previous contractor because installation specifications were never verified.
Rather than immediately recommending replacements, Trimark conducted a detailed Install Audit, reviewing:
Manufacturer installation requirements
Electrical and mechanical specifications
System setup and component compatibility
This approach allowed us to pinpoint root causes—not just symptoms—before the client invested further in repairs or new equipment.
By uncovering these hidden installation mistakes, the youth center was able to:
Understand why equipment was failing prematurely
Avoid repeating the same errors with future installations
Make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and long-term planning
Most importantly, the audit helped protect future capital investments—critical for a nonprofit operating with limited resources.
Installation errors often stay hidden until systems fail years earlier than expected. Routine maintenance alone doesn’t catch these problems.
A Trimark Install Audit helps organizations:
Avoid paying for someone else’s mistakes
Extend the life of existing equipment
Reduce unplanned capital expenses
Improve safety and reliability
Looking Ahead
Before investing in new HVAC equipment, major repairs, or long-term maintenance contracts, an installation audit can reveal costly issues hiding in plain sight.
If your facility is experiencing unexplained failures—or you simply want confidence that your systems were installed correctly—Trimark can help.
