Howard University
Aci Delivered Rapid-Response Service During Record Cold Snap
Howard University engaged ACI in the winter of 2017, a year that saw unusually low temperatures and significant freezing. For a university that supports hospitals and student facilities, these weather conditions can prove to be catastrophic. ACI was quick to respond with top technicians and leading HVAC solutions to support the university’s critical systems. The dedication, responsiveness, and best-in-class workmanship led to a long-term engagement.
Customer Background + Scope
- Leading university in Washington, D.C.
- Over 12,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
- Complex network of hospital and student facilities
- Campus spans 257 acres
- Central plant with 8 boilers that support entire campus
Challenge
Howard University’s students and patients rely on their complex HVAC system to remain operational. The university needed a partner to provide rapid-response emergency service during abnormally cold conditions. The cold snap caused numerous issues throughout their facilities including failing boilers, gas valves that needed replacement, and pipes that were too damaged by the cold to distribute steam. Getting the hospitals back online was an urgent priority.
Solutions
- ACI was quick to respond with an ASME-certified team that mobilized eight self-contained 1000hp high pressure mobile boiler rooms to the jobsite
- The team quickly identified the customer’s needs and recommended high-efficiency satellite boilers
- Welder and apprentice crews were ready to provide re-tubing services at any hour
- Hospitals and student facilities were brought back online within hours
What Happened Next
As a direct result of the quality service they received, Howard University engaged ACI long-term as a trusted partner that can be relied on to keep their complex facilities running. The temporary boilers and piping have since been replaced with permanent solutions and ACI continues to provide routine maintenance and rapid-response emergency service as needed.
Quote
“The winter of 2017 proved to be an extremely challenging time for our campus. When we needed them most, ACI delivered. They were willing to work through the night to ensure that our systems were up and running and we were immensely impressed with the service we received.”
– Howard University