Furnace motor replaced in Palo Alto. The old motor was removed — the unit now runs quietly and smoothly

Motor Replacement and Vibration & Noise Reduction Upgrade

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Building Type: Eight-story multi-unit building

Client Relationship: Ongoing HVAC service provider (5+ years)

Project Overview

This eight-story multi-unit building operates with a central rooftop chiller that supplies cooling to individual in-unit air handling systems. The installed equipment uses an older mechanical design featuring dual-shaft motors with impellers mounted on both axes. While functional, this legacy setup historically caused recurring mechanical failures, elevated vibration levels, and noticeable operational noise.

Scope of Work

• Replacement of the defective dual-shaft motor
• Mechanical inspection of impellers and mounting components
• Installation of vibration-absorbing acoustic insulation mats

The sound-damping mats were strategically installed to reduce vibration transfer and mechanical resonance within the unit housing. This solution addressed immediate noise concerns while improving overall operational stability.

Result

Following the upgrade, the client reported a significant reduction in noise and vibration. The improvement was immediately noticeable and positively impacted occupant comfort.

Key Insight

This project demonstrates how targeted vibration control measures, combined with proper mechanical repairs, can substantially extend the performance and usability of aging HVAC systems.