When should temporary cooling be running for a chiller shutdown?

Before the existing chiller goes offline, and until the new equipment is commissioned and stable. Build in time to test the changeover in both directions.

What equipment does a planned chiller shutdown usually need?

Portable chillers for the chilled-water loop, spot coolers or portable HVAC for isolated rooms, dehumidifiers where humidity matters, and generators with temporary power distribution if building power isn't enough.

How far ahead should we reserve rental equipment in Texas?

Early, especially for work between May and September, when rental availability tightens.

Why use the same contractor for the chiller work and the rentals?

Because the shutdown is the most fragile part of the job. When one team runs the mechanical work and the temporary cooling and power, the crew that disconnects the old chiller knows exactly what the temporary setup is carrying.

Shutdown planning

Temporary cooling for planned chiller shutdowns

Zebrix Group plans and provides temporary cooling and power for planned chiller shutdowns across Texas, including Greater Houston. We size portable chillers, spot coolers and generators to the building's real load, have them running before the existing chiller goes offline, and keep them in place until the new equipment is commissioned and stable.

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1. Decide how much load to carry

Start from the building's actual peak cooling load in tons, then decide what has to be carried in full and what can run warmer for a few days.

Full load for spaces that can't warm up at all: data rooms, labs, healthcare and secure facilities.
Partial load where occupied areas can run a few degrees warmer for the duration.
Spot cooling for isolated critical rooms when the rest of the building can ride it out.

2. Match the equipment to the job

Portable chillers connect to the existing chilled-water loop and are the standard choice for a central plant outage. Spot coolers and portable HVAC units serve individual rooms. Dehumidifiers protect spaces where humidity matters as much as temperature. Generators and temporary power distribution cover the electrical side.

3. Schedule backwards from the shutdown

Temporary equipment should be delivered, connected and running before the existing chiller goes offline, with time to test the changeover in both directions. Rental availability tightens in summer, so reserve early for work between May and September.

One team for the work and the rental

Because Zebrix is also the HVAC and mechanical contractor, the people who size and connect the rental are the same people who understand the system it is carrying. There is no hand-off between a rental company and a mechanical crew.

Certified and licensed. SBA-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), Texas VetHUB certified (VID 21829539), and TDLR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor license TACLA00169073C. Based in The Woodlands, serving Greater Houston and Texas.

Frequently asked questions

When should temporary cooling be running for a chiller shutdown?: Before the existing chiller goes offline, and until the new equipment is commissioned and stable. Build in time to test the changeover in both directions.
What equipment does a planned chiller shutdown usually need?: Portable chillers for the chilled-water loop, spot coolers or portable HVAC for isolated rooms, dehumidifiers where humidity matters, and generators with temporary power distribution if building power isn't enough.
How far ahead should we reserve rental equipment in Texas?: Early, especially for work between May and September, when rental availability tightens.
Why use the same contractor for the chiller work and the rentals?: Because the shutdown is the most fragile part of the job. When one team runs the mechanical work and the temporary cooling and power, the crew that disconnects the old chiller knows exactly what the temporary setup is carrying.