Mechanical Space

All mechanical firms, architects & builders need to address this area with their customer.

Treat these systems much like your own home system. EPS designs these systems to fit indoors in a small room. Of all dehumidification systems, we offer the smallest "footprint" to take up the least amount of space, therefore all of the equipment is to be located inside; we do not build rooftop equipment (other than the outdoor condensing package).

Mechanical space for these systems has always been one of the most overlooked aspects of these projects. Why is this so important?

1. A mechanical (room) space not allocated or sized too small to house the system can create problems for the installing contractor and for the pool room itself.

2. Clearances must be left to access panels for installation and serviceability. 36" from access panels and compressors is recommended.

3. Clearances are required to ensure the ductwork (supply and return ducting) is sized appropriately to move the proper air flow in and out of the pool room. Ductwork that is choked down, or has numerous "turns" and "square throats" because there wasn’t enough room -- will not allow the proper air flow/air turnovers to reach the pool room, and subsequent condensation could occur. AIR FLOW IS CRITICAL TO PREVENTING CONDENSATION.

4. Crawl Space Mechanical areas: All Crawl Spaces must be sized appropriately, and conditioned and insulated to house this equipment.

5. Attic Spaces, Garages, Closets, etc.: Once again, we recommend the appropriate mechanical space be designed into new construction. Crawls, Attics, Garages, etc. are generally not recommended; however, if they are utilized, they need to be insulated and conditioned, and the appropriate clearances left for the system and the air delivery system attached to the unit.

6. Second floor/attic mechanical rooms. A secondary drain pan is required under the unit. Again, take into consideration necessary drains, plumbing, and electrical, venting, combustion or make up air, & serviceability, and preventive maintenance involved in these projects, and follow your own local/state/national codes. This system cannot be located in closets, under stairwells, garages that are not heated. REMEMBER you have all of the above and ductwork as part of your system. EPS generally recommends (for 2-12 Tons) about 12 feet by 6 feet of mechanical space. Much depends upon how your duct system will be designed and where you want to locate equipment. For all 30-60 Ton Systems, please call EPS directly for mechanical space requirements.

MECHANICAL SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Please check our checklist first.

4-12 TONS

2ft X 6ft: IF USING NATURAL GAS TO HEAT
10ft X 5ft: IF USING ELECTRIC, HOT WATER COIL OR GEOTHERMAL HEATING
Failure to leave appropriate mechanical space will result in installations that do not meet the required specifications or ductwork requirements and can create air flow and serviceability problems. EPS will not guarantee any DRY-AIR system not installed to our mechanical specifications.
Do not run plumbing across the front of the unit.
Supply can be to the right, left, or top.
Return can be to the right or left.
Plumbing is always on the left hand side of the unit.
Compressors are always on the right hand side of the unit.

2-12 TON SYSTEMS: WITHOUT 'DE' COIL

ON GRADE APPLICATIONS: WITH INLINE GAS or PROPANE DUCT HEATER

ON GRADE APPLICATIONS: WITH HOT WATER COIL OR ELECTRIC DUCT HEATER

BELOW GRADE APPLICATIONS: WITH INLINE GAS / PROPANE DUCT HEATER

BELOW GRADE APPLICATIONS: WITH HOT WATER COIL or ELECTRIC DUCT HEATER

15-25 TON SYSTEMS

The 'DE' COIL is NOT applicable to these systems

ON GRADE APPLICATIONS: WITH HOT WATER COIL OR ELECTRIC FOR HEATING

ALL MECHANICAL SPACE REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FOLLOWED FOR ALL DRY-AIR INSTALLATIONS TO ENSURE ROOM FOR PROPERLY SIZED AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (DUCTWORK) AND TO MEET ALL CFM/ASHRAE REQUIREMENTS FOR POOL ENCLOSURES. ROOM IS ALSO NECESSARY FOR SERVICEABILITY.