Airedale by Modine is apparently targeting the US education sector, promising improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and rapid disaster response – but is it just another sales pitch aimed at gullible schools?
Airedale by Modine seems keen to woo US schools with its IAQ services, offering everything from equipment start-up to disaster emergency response. The company emphasises the importance of proper equipment installation and operation for "peak performance" and investment protection. It seems a healthy learning environment is now a selling point – one wonders what snake oil they were peddling before.
The timing of this push is interesting, given the increased scrutiny on school ventilation systems following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many schools are now under pressure to upgrade their HVAC systems to improve air quality and mitigate the spread of airborne illnesses. Airedale by Modine is likely hoping to capitalise on this increased demand and the available funding.
The core offering revolves around service and maintenance plans, promising priority service, optimised system efficiency, and reduced running costs. They assure "occupant and owner satisfaction" alongside less carbon emissions. Laudable, of course, but the devil, as always, is in the detail – and the fine print of the Service & Maintenance Plans Brochure.
It's worth noting that Modine, the parent company of Airedale, is a well-established player in the HVAC industry. Airedale, acquired by Modine in 2015, specialises in precision cooling and air conditioning solutions, particularly for data centres and other mission-critical environments. This pedigree lends some credibility to their claims, but it's still essential to examine the specifics of their offering.
Airedale by Modine highlights its start-up services, including pre-startup inspections and commissioning, which they claim will ensure proper installation and functionality. Factory start-up apparently even qualifies units for their "factory labour warranty". One can download the Start-Up Service Brochure for further investigation, but whether it’s more than a glorified checklist remains to be seen.
Warranty options are also touted as a way to "extend the life" of equipment, providing coverage against defects and priority troubleshooting. The company emphasises its "unique expertise" in maximising uptime and improving energy efficiency through its service plans. Is this unique, or just good practice?
Planned maintenance is indeed crucial for preventing breakdowns and enhancing system optimisation, which, according to Airedale by Modine, leads to reduced energy costs and a longer system lifespan. The emphasis on preventative maintenance aligns with industry best practices.
In the event of "severe storms or natural disasters," Airedale by Modine offers a Disaster Emergency Response service to address disruptions to IAQ. Their technical and field service teams stand ready to assist, even offering phone support.
This disaster response offering raises some eyebrows. While providing emergency assistance is commendable, the potential for converting emergency assistance into long-term contracts always exists.
Are Airedale by Modine playing a vital role, or just playing games?
