How HVAC Contributes to Health and Wellbeing Behind the Scenes

Most people don’t give heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems a second thought unless something goes wrong. Yet, behind the quiet hum of a comfortable space is a dedicated team of specialists whose work is vital for keeping workplaces and community buildings healthy and comfortable. Their efforts also play a crucial role in preserving heritage sites. Vishal Chandra, HVAC Manager at Citycare Property, understands this better than anyone.

“Our work is invisible by design,” Vishal says. “If we’re doing it right, you won’t notice us, but you’ll feel the difference.”

That difference is especially critical in sensitive environments like galleries, libraries, and heritage buildings, where temperature, humidity, and air quality must be precisely controlled throughout. Vishal’s team has delivered some of the most technically demanding projects in Christchurch, including the Pioneer Recreation Centre, Upper Riccarton Library, Christchurch Art Gallery, Te Hononga Christchurch Civic Building and they also maintain many of the Christchurch City Council facilities.

In some of these projects they have even replaced an outdated steam humidifier with a modern electric humidifier system. The job was completed within a few hours of downtime per area. Precision planning and tight coordination with customers made it possible.

“We had to work fast and clean,” Vishal recalls. “Many of our sites are operational buildings, with high foot traffic, and we can’t disrupt operations. So, we always must be planned, methodical and execute with precision.”

At the Upper Riccarton Library, the team played an integral role in the design and build of its HVAC system upgrade, provided guidance on selecting equipment to meet verified criteria and installed large air handling units and zone-controlled variable air volume (VAV) system to improve comfort for staff and visitors.

“We even custom-ordered fabric ducting that could be hidden between existing ceilings,” Vishal adds. “It had to blend in completely. You’d never know it was there.”

At the Sign of the Takahe, a heritage site, they installed radiant heaters that matched the building’s aesthetic, coordinating with both the lessee and heritage advisors to ensure every detail was right including the colour of the units.

Working in operational buildings presents unique challenges. Time constraints are tight, and systems often need to be installed or upgraded without interrupting daily activities. Vishal’s team has worked overnight to install ductwork, ensuring everything is spotless and functional by morning. At QEII, they removed old chillers and installed new heat pump chillers, fabricating stainless steel pipework to meet the client’s specifications.

One of their most complex projects involved aligning building management system functions with the design intent at Environment Canterbury. Working with the customer, the team identified performance issues, proposed targeted solutions, and are now upgrading and testing the system to meet the building’s demands. “We had to understand how every component integrates and make sure it works as intended.”

Quiet operation is another priority, especially in public spaces. The team ensures manufacturers’ maintenance requirements are followed and proactively recommends upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce noise. They also balance energy use with sustainability, recommending systems that are environmentally responsible and tailored to the building’s specific needs.

“HVAC is a major consumer of energy,” Vishal explains. “It’s also one of the most expensive systems in a building. But it’s essential for compliance, for comfort, and for health. We work with our customers to ensure that they can use their systems most efficiently. We also proactively provide customer data, asset condition, and advice before they become expensive problems.”

Safety and quality are embedded in every project. The team prepares detailed methodologies, selects the right people for each job, and arrives fully equipped for the job. They audit their work, encourage hazard reporting, and foster a strong safety culture. Customers appreciate their transparency, reliability, and minimal disruption during installations.

“We build trust by doing the job right,” Vishal says. “We work closely with other consultants and contractors, and we’ve received great feedback from our customers.”

Vishal himself has decades of experience in the HVAC industry, and his team are highly skilled, but what makes him most proud of his team, is the attitude they bring to work.

“We’re a team that has a can-do attitude. We have the skills and apply our expertise to the highest standards no matter how big or small the job is.”

“We take our responsibility seriously. We know it’s important work that we do because it contributes to the wellbeing of people, even if they never see it.”