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When a major education and community complex in the Midlands needed to replace its ageing air conditioning system, the facilities management team called in Yee Group. The facility, which supports schools, sports clubs and community groups, required a modern, energy-efficient solution to provide reliable heating and cooling throughout its extensive classrooms, sports hall and meeting areas.
The client’s primary goal was to improve comfort levels and reduce energy consumption while working within a defined budget and limited installation window. The company’s engineering team began with a comprehensive assessment of the existing VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system, evaluating options that would balance performance, sustainability and cost.
Rather than recommending a full system redesign, project managers identified an innovative way to maximise existing infrastructure. By installing new equipment from the same manufacturer, the project could reuse key components — including refrigerant pipework, condensate drains and control cabling — without compromising performance or reliability.
This smart reuse approach offered three immediate benefits for the client:
Understanding the operational pressures of this busy educational environment are a result of working in schools for more than 4 decades, the contractor planned the installation in two carefully managed phases.
Phase One, completed during the Spring half-term, focused on the critical server room where cooling is essential to protect IT infrastructure. Four under-ceiling cassette units were replaced with high-efficiency models, ensuring continuous system uptime.
Phase Two involved the replacement of two outdoor units and eight indoor units serving classrooms and teaching spaces. Work was completed efficiently and safely, with all systems tested and commissioned ahead of schedule.
Although designed as a like-for-like replacement, the new inverter-driven VRF systems represent a step change in energy efficiency. Unlike older models, inverter technology automatically adjusts motor speed to match the exact heating or cooling load. The result is smoother operation, reduced power consumption, and lower running costs — all while maintaining consistent comfort levels across the campus.
The upgraded VRF air conditioning system has delivered measurable benefits for the client:
Simon Chapman, Group Managing Director at Yee Group, praised the project delivery team:
“The installation was completed seamlessly, on budget and on schedule. The client can now enjoy a more efficient, sustainable system that will deliver long-term savings.”
This project highlights how Yee Group helps education and community facilities modernise ageing HVAC systems responsibly. Through smart engineering, careful planning and technical expertise, the team delivered a tailored VRF solution that reduced environmental impact while enhancing the day-to-day experience for users of the Learning Campus.
The key challenge for the appointed air conditioning installer Yee Group was working in a relatively small space alongside a number of other contractors. Since the building was previously a private residential house before being converted to a Medivet practice, the rooms were comparatively small.
Jak Parnell, Yee Group Project Manager stated, “We are well practiced in working quickly and alongside other contractors – in fact we sometimes have to install air conditioning equipment in vets’ practices during opening hours – so in fact this was very straight forward. Supplying materials and equipment to site was closely managed due to the restrictions on space and the quick turnaround required of 12 days”. Working with an experienced contractor like Yee Group brings many benefits not least the fact that the air conditioning system carries a 7-year guarantee.
The refurbishment is generating positive feedback from both staff and clients. Mr Pinching says; “The place feels light, bright, and really comfortable now. We have created functional and visually appealing spaces, which has enhanced the overall experience for both animals and their owners, ultimately improving the quality of care provided.”
- Significant cost savings by reducing the amount of new materials required.
- Faster installation, minimising downtime and disruption to daily campus activities.
- Sustainable outcomes by reducing waste and extending the lifespan of compatible system elements.
- Improved energy efficiency, cutting operational costs and supporting carbon reduction goals.
- Enhanced comfort and reliability in specialist classrooms, sports areas and meeting spaces.
- Predictable maintenance and long-term system resilience, ensuring peace of mind for the facilities manager.
