Denommee Installs Heavy-Duty Rooftop Make-Up Air Unit at New England Biomedical Lab

Project Spotlight: Rooftop Make-Up Air Unit for Biomechanical Lab

Maintaining clean, well-ventilated indoor air in sensitive laboratory settings is essential—not just for comfort, but for compliance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Recently, Denommee Plumbing, HVAC & Electric completed a high-profile mechanical and HVAC installation at a commercial biomedical lab located in New England. The project centered around a multi-ton rooftop make-up air (MUA) unit, custom-fabricated galvanized ductwork, and the use of professional rigging and crane services.

This installation was part of a broader initiative to improve indoor air quality, eliminate negative pressure, and ensure a stable air environment for employees and sensitive lab operations.

📐 What Is a Make-Up Air Unit?

Make-up air units are specialized HVAC components that bring fresh, tempered, filtered air into a building to replace exhausted indoor air.

Industries that use high-powered exhaust systems—like commercial kitchens, industrial labs, manufacturing plants, and cleanrooms—risk creating negative air pressure without these systems. That can lead to:

Doors slamming or being hard to open
Dangerous backdrafting of combustion appliances
Excess dust or pollutants entering from outside
Temperature and humidity imbalances
HVAC inefficiencies and wear

A make-up air system solves these issues by rebalancing the building’s air pressure—supporting occupant health, equipment reliability, and code compliance.

🔧 Behind the Build: What This Project Involved

This project required extensive coordination, fabrication, and rooftop mechanical work.

📍 Project Location:

Industrial Biomedical Lab – New England

🛠 Scope of Work Included:

Installation of a multi-ton rooftop MUA unit
Rigging and crane lift to safely position the unit on new structural curbs
Custom fabrication and field installation of hundreds of feet of square ductwork
- Duct sizes included 48" x 24"
- Duct runs mounted as high as 30 feet above floor level
Weather-sealed roof penetration to maintain building envelope integrity
Integration with existing lab HVAC controls and exhaust systems
Airflow commissioning and performance testing
A tri-fan configuration on top of the unit for powerful exhaust and intake handling
Galvanized sheet metal ductwork, including a curved elbow transitioning into the lab’s supply duct
Elevated steel curb supports and rubberized vibration isolation bases
A clean rooftop layout, demonstrating attention to drainage clearance and structural integrity

This installation demonstrates Denommee’s capability to deliver technical HVAC solutions that meet stringent performance and compliance requirements.

💼 Why Businesses Need Commercial Make-Up Air Systems

If your commercial or industrial building uses ventilation, exhaust hoods, fume extraction systems, or high-capacity HVAC, you may already be dealing with the effects of negative building pressure—even if you don’t realize it yet.

Make-up air systems help:

🔄 Balance air pressure for a more stable indoor environment
🧪 Reduce air contamination from outdoor sources or other zones
🌡️ Improve heating/cooling efficiency by pre-treating fresh air
💨 Boost IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) for employee health and regulatory compliance

They are particularly essential in industries like:

Biomedical and pharmaceutical labs
Commercial food production
Manufacturing and fabrication shops
Commercial kitchens and restaurants
Warehouses and distribution centers

🧰 Why Choose Denommee for Your Commercial HVAC Installation?

At Denommee Plumbing, HVAC & Electric, we bring more than just tools to the job—we bring experience, strategic planning, and craftsmanship.

What Sets Us Apart:

✅ Full MEP estimating and planning services
✅ In-house metal fabrication capabilities
✅ Licensed crane and rigging coordination
✅ Code-compliant installations and permitting
✅ Efficient project management from start to finish
✅ Dedicated support for commercial and municipal clients

Whether you’re installing a new MUA system or retrofitting one into an existing facility, our team delivers 5-star HVAC results tailored to your needs.

📍 Serving Massachusetts & Southern New Hampshire

Denommee Plumbing, HVAC & Electric proudly serves commercial, industrial, and municipal clients across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, with a reputation for precision, safety, and professionalism.

We have extensive experience with:

Biotech and pharmaceutical facilities
Food and beverage processing plants
Industrial warehouses
Multi-tenant commercial properties
Government buildings and schools

If your facility needs to meet environmental codes, enhance worker comfort, or reduce energy usage, we can help you design and implement the right system.