When overseeing vast portfolios of aging infrastructure, a critical challenge looms: the degradation of asset value driven by deteriorating Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and unsustainable energy costs. While the initial impulse may be to prioritize costly, full-system replacements, the smart, sustainable solution lies in strategic retrofitting, specifically targeting the core failure point: your HVAC system.
The reality is that legacy buildings must compete with modern, high-performance facilities. When tenants and occupants prioritize health and efficiency, an aging asset with compromised air quality and skyrocketing utility bills quickly becomes a liability. This is particularly true in the post-pandemic era, where IAQ has become a non-negotiable metric of building quality and resilience.
The Dual Threat for Aging Infrastructure: Corrosion and Contamination
According to Buildings magazine, older infrastructure presents significant IAQ challenges stemming from its foundational systems. The most critical issue lies within the HVAC coils and internal components. Over time, these systems face a dual threat:
- Corrosion and Efficiency Loss: In environments with high humidity or industrial pollutants, evaporator and condenser coils are prone to corrosion and fouling. This degradation weakens the critical bond between the fins and the copper tubing, severely impeding heat transfer. An inefficient coil forces the HVAC system to run longer and harder, wasting energy and accelerating equipment wear.
- Microbial Contamination: Damp, aged coil surfaces become ideal breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and bacteria. When the HVAC system is the source of contamination, poor IAQ becomes unavoidable, as it circulates particulate matter and potentially harmful biological agents throughout the occupied space. This directly impacts occupant health and productivity, diminishing the asset’s value.
For an asset owner, replacing an entire HVAC system is often prohibitively expensive and disruptive. The alternative targeted, high-performance retrofit strategy is essential for achieving modern performance metrics without the massive capital outlay.
The High-ROI Retrofit: A Solution-Focused Approach for Aging Infrastructure
Coat Zone’s advanced coatings are engineered to transform existing HVAC units into high-performance, long-life assets. This makes them the cornerstone of an intelligent retrofit strategy for aging infrastructure. Our solutions offer a proven path to simultaneously recover efficiency and dramatically improve IAQ.
1. IAQ and Efficiency Recovery with CoilSafe Plus®
To address the internal threats to efficiency and health, we recommend CoilSafe Plus®. This proprietary, ultra-thin, inorganic coating is applied directly to the coils. It then wicks deep into the structure to restore the critical heat transfer bond.
- Efficiency: By restoring heat transfer, CoilSafe Plus® can help bring systems closer to their original factory efficiency. This often results in measurable reductions in kilowatt-hour usage and lower operating costs—the goal of any successful retrofit.
- IAQ and Corrosion Defense: As an antimicrobial solution, CoilSafe Plus® creates a glass-like barrier that resists the adhesion of mold, mildew, bacteria, dirt, and debris. This permanent defense fights coil fouling and preserves optimal airflow. It also directly addresses the primary source of biological contaminants within the HVAC system, thereby improving IAQ for aging infrastructure.
2. Asset Preservation with ThermalBlock™
For units exposed to the elements, our ThermalBlock™ coating provides the external defense necessary to complete the retrofit. Applied to exterior cabinets and ductwork, this thermal radiant barrier blocks up to 93% of solar heat. By reducing the thermal load on the unit’s exterior, ThermalBlock™ reduces HVAC run-time, significantly extending the unit’s useful life and lowering energy consumption, especially during peak demand periods.
The combination of internal protection (CoilSafe Plus®) and external thermal defense (ThermalBlock™) delivers an integrated, lasting retrofit solution that costs a fraction of unit replacement while providing a rapid, measurable ROI.
Secure Your Consultation Today
Leaders in the infrastructure sector cannot afford to let their aging assets become financial or health liabilities. A strategic HVAC retrofit using advanced coatings is the definitive way to improve IAQ, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your critical equipment.
Don’t wait for the inevitable costly replacement cycle. Engage in a solution-focused conversation about protecting and optimizing your portfolio.
Schedule a consultation with Coat Zone and one of our approved dealers today to learn how our coatings can secure your asset’s future.
Sources
- Buildings. Breathing New Life into Old Buildings: Addressing Indoor Air Quality Challenges in Aging Infrastructure. [https://www.buildings.com/resiliency-sustainability/health-wellness-iaq/article/55323230/breathing-new-life-into-old-buildings-addressing-indoor-air-quality-challenges-in-aging-infrastructure].