For mechanical contractors, large-scale retrofit projects come with complex challenges—tight schedules, phased installations, and the pressure to keep building systems operational throughout construction. One of the biggest obstacles is managing interior climate conditions when permanent HVAC systems are shut down or being replaced.
Whether a hospital is undergoing a chiller upgrade, a data center is adding redundancy, or a commercial building is replacing air handlers, the stakes are high: interior environments must stay functional, materials need protection, and tenants expect continuity. That’s where REIC Specialty Rentals comes in.
Our team delivers temporary cooling systems to support mechanical contractors during retrofit projects. These systems keep clients cool, comfortable, and compliant while you focus on providing the upgrade.
Why Temporary Cooling is Critical During Retrofits
Facility retrofits often involve partial or complete shutdowns of existing HVAC systems. If a temporary replacement is not available, the downtime can result in:
Overheating of Occupied Spaces
Office buildings, retail spaces, and healthcare facilities depend on consistent cooling to stay operational. Even a few hours without AC can cause indoor temperatures to soar in summer.
Equipment Failures
In high-heat environments, sensitive electronics, IT systems, and medical equipment can malfunction or degrade.
Project Delays
Heat-related productivity loss and material damage (e.g., adhesives or finishes failing to set) can cause schedule slippage and costly rework.
Compliance Violations
Certain environments—like labs or healthcare facilities—must adhere to temperature, humidity, and air quality standards to pass inspections or maintain certifications.
By deploying temporary cooling systems, mechanical contractors can avoid these issues and maintain continuity while performing upgrades.
The REIC Advantage for Mechanical Contractors
Since 2022, REIC’s Specialty Rental Division has been a trusted partner for mechanical contractors managing complex retrofit projects. We specialize in mission-critical climate control, offering the experience, equipment, and responsiveness contractors need to succeed under pressure.
Consultation & Custom Engineering
Every facility is different. We work closely with your team to:
- Analyze cooling loads and square footage
- Assess power availability and access constraints
- Recommend equipment sizing and ductwork configuration
- Ensure airflow paths match client layout and staging requirements
Our team provides turnkey climate solutions that integrate seamlessly into your retrofit project plan.
Job Site-Ready Cooling Equipment
Our rental fleet includes:
- DX cooling units (5–25 tons) for targeted zone conditioning
- Portable air conditioners for server rooms, offices, or medical bays
- Evaporative coolers for large open-air or semi-conditioned areas
- Chiller systems for water-cooled applications
- Air movers, ducting, and filtration to manage air distribution and quality
All units are maintained to commercial-grade standards and ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
Rapid Deployment & Technical Support
With 19 locations across North America, we provide:
- Fast delivery and setup assistance
- 24/7 technical support and emergency response
- On-site troubleshooting and system monitoring
You can count on us to stay engaged throughout the duration of your retrofit—not just during installation.
Scenario: Temporary Cooling for a Manufacturing Chiller Upgrade
The Situation: A mechanical contractor is tasked with replacing two aging chillers at a 400,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility during the peak of summer. The project is scheduled to take 10 days, but the facility must remain fully operational throughout. Without supplemental cooling, internal temperatures are projected to exceed 95°F, threatening production schedules, equipment integrity, and worker safety.
The REIC Solution:
In this scenario, REIC Specialty would deliver a customized temporary cooling solution to bridge the gap during the chiller replacement. The plan would include:
- Deploying two 25-ton DX cooling units to supply supplemental chilled air
- Installing air movers and ducting to distribute cool air strategically to the most heat-sensitive production zones
- Integrating refrigerant dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent condensation or material degradation
- Providing 24/7 system monitoring and support, ensuring equipment operates at peak performance throughout the project
The Outcome:
With REIC’s temporary cooling solution, the facility would maintain full operational capacity without overheating risks. Production output would remain stable, sensitive equipment would be protected, and the mechanical contractor would successfully complete the chiller upgrade on time and without disruption, earning client satisfaction and avoiding costly downtime.
When Mechanical Contractors Need Temporary Cooling
Temporary cooling systems aren’t just for emergencies—they are a strategic tool for retrofit success. Typical scenarios include:
HVAC System Replacement
Chillers, AHUs, RTUs, and cooling towers are critical systems that often require full shutdowns. REIC’s portable solutions fill the gap.
Phased Mechanical Upgrades
We offer modular cooling support for multi-phase retrofits that can be repositioned or scaled up/down as each phase progresses.
Occupied Building Renovations
Even as you work behind the scenes, tenants in hospitals, offices, retail stores, or schools expect continuous climate control.
Commissioning & Testing Support
Ensure consistent indoor conditions during commissioning, TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing), and system validation.
Emergency Backups
If an unplanned HVAC failure occurs mid-project, we can deploy emergency cooling quickly to prevent disruption or loss.
Supporting Your Workflow from Start to Finish
We understand the demands placed on mechanical contractors during major retrofit projects. That’s why we designed our support model to be flexible, responsive, and contractor-friendly:
Flexible Rental Terms
Whether you need climate control for three days or three months, we offer scalable solutions that match your timeline and budget.
Power and Access Planning
We help identify appropriate power sources and configure ducting and cabling to minimize disruption to the job site.
Adaptable Solutions
Do you need to shift cooling zones or scale up coverage during a change order? Our systems are easy to reposition or expand as your needs evolve.
Compliance-Ready
Our systems meet commercial indoor air quality standards, and we provide documentation to support health and safety audits when required.
Why Downtime Isn’t an Option
Today’s commercial buildings are increasingly sophisticated and occupied—even during major upgrades. Whether you are working on a medical center, data hub, educational campus, or office complex, the expectation is clear: keep it running.
While your crew handles ductwork, valves, and system integration, REIC handles climate continuity, so you never have to choose between progress and performance.
Avoid Disruption, Earn Client Trust, and Deliver With Confidence
Mechanical contractors juggle tight schedules, complex scopes, and high-stakes environments. With REIC Specialty Rentals as your climate control partner, you can:
- Stay on schedule during HVAC shutdowns
- Prevent material damage or equipment loss
- Maintain environmental compliance
- Improve client satisfaction and retention
- Take on larger or more complex retrofit projects with confidence
Get Started with REIC Today
If you are planning a facility retrofit and expect downtime in the cooling system, let’s talk. Our team is here to help you scope, plan, and execute a custom cooling strategy that keeps your project—and your client—moving forward.
Contact REIC Specialty Rentals today at 1.888.356.1880 or visit our website for a custom quote.