Project Summery
HVAC Replacement
Stiles Services was contracted to remove an aging rooftop HVAC unit and replace it with a new, high-efficiency 10-ton Daikin rooftop unit (RTU) at the Athens Church Huntington Road Campus. The existing system, which had been in operation for approximately 40 years, had reached the end of its serviceable life and was no longer providing reliable climate control for the facility.
The project involved coordinating a crane lift to safely remove the existing rooftop unit, setting the new Daikin heat pump system onto the existing curb, installing a new fused disconnect, integrating updated low-voltage controls, and fully wiring the unit into the building’s control system. The installation was completed within a single day to minimize operational disruption to the church and ensure continued comfort for staff and congregants.
This replacement represents one phase of a long-term facility improvement plan focused on upgrading outdated HVAC infrastructure throughout the property.
See below for the full case study
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Athens Church
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Athens Church Huntington Rd Campus
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Commercial HVAC – 10 Ton RTU Replacement
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Daikin Heat Pump System
Daikin Model# DSH1204D000001S; Curb Adapter; Fused Disconnect; Low Voltage Controls
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Single Day Project with Crane Coordination
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40+ Yr old ineffcient Unit converting to new Technology
The Challenge
When the church purchased the property, they inherited an HVAC system consisting of more than 60 rooftop units—many of which were original to the building and approximately four decades old. While the facility has served the congregation well, the aging equipment created ongoing reliability concerns, higher operating costs, and increased risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Due to the scale of the system and the number of units involved, replacing all equipment at once was not financially feasible. Instead, the church adopted a multi-year phased replacement strategy aligned with annual budget allocations. This approach required careful prioritization of which units to replace based on age, performance, service history, and risk of failure.
The specific unit addressed in this project had become increasingly inefficient and unreliable. Parts availability was limited due to the age of the equipment, and the unit no longer met modern efficiency standards. Additionally, rooftop access and crane coordination required precise planning to ensure safety, avoid damage to the building, and minimize disruption to church operations.
The challenge was not simply replacing a piece of equipment—it was delivering a reliable, modern solution within budget constraints while maintaining operational continuity for a high-traffic facility.
The solution
After evaluating the existing system and structural conditions, Stiles Services recommended installing a new 10-ton Daikin rooftop heat pump system. The new unit was properly sized for the commercial space and selected for its energy efficiency, durability, and long-term reliability.
The project scope included:
- Safe removal of the existing 40-year-old rooftop unit
- Crane coordination and lift planning
- Installation of the new Daikin RTU onto the existing curb adapter
- Installation of a new fused disconnect
- Upgraded low-voltage controls integration
- Electrical and mechanical tie-in to the building’s system
- Full system startup, testing, and commissioning
Our commercial install crew, project manager, field technicians, and crane operator worked in coordinated phases to complete the entire replacement in a single day. This minimized downtime and ensured the building’s climate control was restored quickly.
Careful planning and communication were critical. By coordinating crane logistics, staging equipment efficiently, and preparing all materials in advance, the project was executed safely and on schedule.
The Benefits
The installation of the new Daikin 10-ton rooftop unit delivered immediate and long-term advantages for the church:
Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern heat pump technology significantly reduces energy consumption compared to 40-year-old equipment. The upgraded system lowers operational costs while delivering improved heating and cooling performance.
Increased Reliability: Replacing obsolete equipment eliminates the risk of recurring breakdowns and emergency service calls. The church now benefits from dependable climate control, particularly during high-occupancy events.
Reduced Maintenance Costs: New equipment reduces the need for hard-to-source replacement parts and frequent service calls. Improved component access also enhances serviceability for future maintenance.
Proper System Sizing & Performance: The unit was selected and installed to properly match the demands of the commercial space, ensuring consistent airflow, temperature stability, and occupant comfort.
Long-Term Capital Planning Progress: Each phased replacement moves the church closer to its long-term goal of modernizing all 60+ rooftop units across the property.
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Proper sizing for commercial space, improved service access, long-term reliability
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Saves money in effciency, improves system reliability, reduces emergency service calls
The Team's Take
This project represents more than a routine equipment replacement—it reflects a strategic, long-term partnership. The church has committed to modernizing an aging HVAC infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way, and this installation marks another milestone in that process.
By continuing to replace units systematically, the church reduces risk, stabilizes operating expenses, and improves the overall reliability of the facility. Projects like this demonstrate the value of proactive planning rather than reactive emergency replacements.
Our team is proud to support the church’s mission by ensuring their facility remains comfortable, safe, and operational for staff, members, and guests. With each unit replaced, they move closer to completing a comprehensive modernization of all 40-year-old systems inherited with the property.
