Project Summary
A tenant space at an industrial park in Lady Lake lost heat when its aging HVAC system developed a compressor failure. The equipment was mounted on a steel frame above an open breezeway, adding an access challenge to both diagnosis and replacement.
United Refrigeration, Heating & Air confirmed the compressor failure through electrical testing and replaced the existing system with a new 3.5-ton Bryant packaged air conditioner with electric heat. The installation restored heating and cooling while keeping the equipment in its existing overhead location.
Project Snapshot
Location
Lady Lake, Florida
Industry
Industrial Park / Commercial Tenant Space
Service
Suspended HVAC Package Unit Replacement
Equipment
3.5-Ton Bryant Packaged Air Conditioner with 8 kW Electric Heat
Controls
New Honeywell 8000 Thermostat
Completion
February 2026
Warranty
5-Year Compressor, 1-Year Parts, and 1-Year Workmanship Warranty
Project Overview
The service call began with two noticeable problems: the tenant had no heat, and the thermostat display was blank. The existing package unit was approximately 14 years old and suspended above a breezeway between buildings.
During the initial inspection, our technician found a tripped breaker and checked the unit’s wiring for damaged insulation or areas where wires had rubbed against other components. The wiring checked out. After resetting the system, the electric heat operated, but the heat pump did not.
Further testing revealed that the breaker tripped when the compressor attempted to start. Using a megohmmeter, an instrument that checks electrical insulation, our technicians confirmed that the compressor had shorted to ground.
A refrigerant acid test did not detect acid contamination. This helped establish the condition of the system before recommending the next step. With a confirmed compressor failure in equipment that had already served approximately 14 years, replacement offered a more practical investment than installing a new compressor in the aging unit.
The overhead mounting location also required additional coordination. Our team needed to remove the failed equipment and install its replacement on the existing steel support frame above the breezeway.
Work Performed
Our commercial HVAC team completed the following diagnostic and installation work:
Inspected the electrical system: Checked the tripped breaker, thermostat operation, and unit wiring to narrow down the cause of the heating failure.
Confirmed the compressor failure: Used a megohmmeter to verify that the compressor was shorted to ground.
Checked for refrigerant contamination: Performed an acid test before recommending replacement.
Removed the existing equipment: Removed the aging package unit from its overhead steel frame.
Installed the replacement system: Positioned a new Bryant 3.5-ton packaged air conditioner on the existing frame.
Provided electric heating: Installed the replacement equipment with 8 kW electric heat to serve the tenant space.
Updated the controls: Installed a new Honeywell 8000 thermostat.
Completed startup testing: After 15 minutes of operation, checked line and control voltage, electrical current draw, operating pressures, and indoor and outdoor temperatures. All recorded readings were within specifications.
The new equipment uses R-454B, a lower-impact refrigerant the HVAC industry is transitioning to for new systems.
Results Delivered
The completed installation restored heating and cooling to the tenant space with a new packaged system and updated thermostat. Startup testing confirmed that the equipment was operating within specifications before the project was completed.
The owner also received a clear explanation of the failure. Electrical testing confirmed the damaged compressor, while the acid test provided additional information about the refrigerant’s condition. Together, those findings supported an informed replacement decision.
The new system is backed by a five-year compressor warranty, a one-year parts warranty, and a one-year workmanship warranty.
For industrial properties, equipment mounted overhead can be difficult to access and easy to overlook between service calls. Regular inspections help owners track its condition and identify developing problems. Our warehouse HVAC maintenance guide explains common service needs and warning signs, while United’s commercial HVAC maintenance plans provide ongoing equipment inspections.
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Need Commercial HVAC Replacement?
A failed compressor can leave you deciding whether to repair aging equipment or replace the system. A thorough diagnosis helps you understand the problem and choose the right next step for your building.
United Refrigeration, Heating & Air provides commercial HVAC repair and replacement services for industrial parks, warehouses, and other commercial properties in Lady Lake, The Villages, Ocala, and surrounding Central Florida communities.