In light of our recent HVAC issues, it is not surprising that library users are feeling the cold, or the heat, too much in certain areas of the Library. The building has four roof-top units (RTUs) that are part of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. They produce warmer or colder air and circulate it through the building. One of the four RTUs is currently circulating air only, not heating or cooling. This cause hot or cold spots in the Library, as the three fully-functional units struggle to keep the average temperature in the building within set limits. The outdated control system on the HVAC in the Library does not allow the kind of granular control that would mitigate the hot or cold spots.
The good news: the project to replace the HVAC RTUs and control system, along with some reworking of air ducts and air balancing, should go out to bid this week. We are awaiting the final set of specifications from KJWW Engineering for the project before publishing the invitation to bid.
The bad news: until the project is done, the best I can do is remind you to wear layers when coming to the Library. With the changing weather, the indoor air temperature is unpredictable.
Showing posts with label HVAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HVAC. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
One Down, Three Cooling
The news is not good. One of the HVAC roof top units (RTU's) is no longer functioning. With a price tag of about $5,000 to fix and the HVAC Replacement Project specifications and bid package slated to go before the Board of Trustees tomorrow night, the Library will limp along with three functional units. The age of the RTU that is down is a factor in the cost of the repair, making replacement parts expensive and difficult to find.
Please be aware that this will only exacerbate the problem of hot and cold spots in the Library, as the remaining RTU's struggle to keep the temperatures down in the building. Because our antiquated control system does not allow for granular control of air handling, the options for dealing with this problem are limited.
Wear layers and bear with us as the Library addresses its aging infrastructure issues.
Please be aware that this will only exacerbate the problem of hot and cold spots in the Library, as the remaining RTU's struggle to keep the temperatures down in the building. Because our antiquated control system does not allow for granular control of air handling, the options for dealing with this problem are limited.
Wear layers and bear with us as the Library addresses its aging infrastructure issues.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Expansion Planning Tabled
The Library Board of Trustees, at a special meeting on November 1, 2011, voted unanimously to table expansion planning for a possible 2012 referendum. With the feedback from Open Forums and comments received online and in person, the Trustees discussed at length the community’s library needs and the current economic situation. The prevailing sentiment from the community of “yes, but not now” on library expansion was the determining factor in this decision to table further planning for now.
In September, four Open Forums elicited feedback from the public on possible library expansion. Results, including online and in-person comments received, were distributed to the Board of Trustees and posted on the Library’s website and here. After an extensive discussion at the October regular meeting, the Board of Library Trustees set a special meeting to address the timeline for expansion planning. At that November 1 special meeting, the Board tabled expansion planning by unanimous vote. At the Board’s instruction, the timeline for an expansion planning process will be re-examined in spring 2012, to respond to any changes in the building or economic situation.
In the 20 years since the current library was built, population of the district increased nearly 400% to more than 75,000 residents. In the same time period, attendance is up over 600%, checkouts 845%, reference questions 2,020% and program attendance 2,241%. Public computer use, not tracked prior to 2004, is up 1,160% in the last five years. This places enormous pressure on the Library, both for service and on the physical facility.
Next, the Board of Library Trustees will comprehensively examine the aging Library facility and mechanical systems, estimating cost and prioritizing the repair and/or replacement of systems necessary to maintaining a functional library for the next 7-10 years. At more than 20 years old, the expected life of many of these systems has been met or exceeded. Ongoing issues with the HVAC system, elevator, windows and roof must be addressed with the limited funds available.
In the meantime, physical space limits providing Library services to meet community needs. With a facility that is 1/3 the recommended size to serve today’s population, there is no relief in sight for the space crunch within the Library. The challenge of balancing the diverse needs of library users, from library materials to program space to study tables to public computers, continues in the foreseeable future.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Rain Stopped But HVAC Is Down Again
This building's issue with systems continue.
The roofing company will be working on our "new" roof again. It is under warranty. We're working with them to resolve the problems permanently. On the flat portion of the roof, there's some pooling of water that seems to be seeping into the seams during heavy rainfall, which, as you know, has been happening frequently.
One of our HVAC units, the one for which we have trouble getting parts due to its age, is not working today. It's a bit warm in Youth Services and Technical Services at the moment, but thankfully the mild weather is to our advantage for now.
Updating the building systems is rapidly becoming critical. But with a price tag in the six figures, the choices for doing the project are grim. Either it's included in a referendum package for voter approval next year or the Library takes out a loan and cuts services drastically to make the payments. No easy answers for our aging and outdated building systems.
The roofing company will be working on our "new" roof again. It is under warranty. We're working with them to resolve the problems permanently. On the flat portion of the roof, there's some pooling of water that seems to be seeping into the seams during heavy rainfall, which, as you know, has been happening frequently.
One of our HVAC units, the one for which we have trouble getting parts due to its age, is not working today. It's a bit warm in Youth Services and Technical Services at the moment, but thankfully the mild weather is to our advantage for now.
Updating the building systems is rapidly becoming critical. But with a price tag in the six figures, the choices for doing the project are grim. Either it's included in a referendum package for voter approval next year or the Library takes out a loan and cuts services drastically to make the payments. No easy answers for our aging and outdated building systems.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Cooling Down Inside
A temporary fix has been made to the air conditioning. The temperature on the upper level of the Library is going down.
On par with the kind of day it's been, several offices were still not getting any cooling once the fix was made. Fortunately, a simple but time-consuming reset of thermostat modes corrected the problem. Cool air is flowing into all parts of the building again!
On par with the kind of day it's been, several offices were still not getting any cooling once the fix was made. Fortunately, a simple but time-consuming reset of thermostat modes corrected the problem. Cool air is flowing into all parts of the building again!
More A/C Issues at the Library
The Library's air conditioning is not functioning on the upper level of the building. The lower level is still cool, though.
The part necessary to fix the problem is not readily available. In the meantime, the service technician is attempting a temporary fix while we wait for the part. With the system being over 20 years old, breakdowns are becoming more frequent. With the anticipated weather for the next few days, we'll be thankful to have even a temporary fix.
Stay tuned for updates!
The part necessary to fix the problem is not readily available. In the meantime, the service technician is attempting a temporary fix while we wait for the part. With the system being over 20 years old, breakdowns are becoming more frequent. With the anticipated weather for the next few days, we'll be thankful to have even a temporary fix.
Stay tuned for updates!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Boilers, Compressors and Head on Maintenance Candidates
The saga of the Library building's systems issues continues. The boiler is down and awaiting repairs. The HVAC compressor on Unit 1 is down and awaiting repairs. The parts for both repairs have been ordered. The HVAC repair should occur this week, according to the estimated arrival date for the parts. The boiler parts will take 3 more weeks. In the meantime, ambient temperatures in the Library will depend on the weather. The advice we are giving staff and customers is to dress in layers for the next 3-4 weeks when you come to the Library!
On a positive note, the first interviews for Head of Maintenance are underway. We received over 160 resumes for the position, many from highly qualified candidates. From the great pool of applicants, I am confident that a Head of Maintenance will be hired within the next month and working within the next six weeks or so.
Personally, I am looking forward to having someone other than me climbing the ladder to the roof to look at the HVAC unit and crawling on the floor of the Boiler Room to peer into the boiler with the contractors.
On a positive note, the first interviews for Head of Maintenance are underway. We received over 160 resumes for the position, many from highly qualified candidates. From the great pool of applicants, I am confident that a Head of Maintenance will be hired within the next month and working within the next six weeks or so.
Personally, I am looking forward to having someone other than me climbing the ladder to the roof to look at the HVAC unit and crawling on the floor of the Boiler Room to peer into the boiler with the contractors.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
HVAC Issues Again
The aging Library building and its systems strike again:
The HVAC problem is with the valves that control the flow of refrigerant in Unit 1, which cools the northeast quadrant of the building. This is one of four units that cool the building. The Library's HVAC contractor is working to isolate the issue and hopefully replace just the valves rather than the whole compressor unit (which would entail a crane and huge expense). Of course, this is not under warranty.
In the meantime, Unit 1 has been bypassed for cooling but the fans/blower will continue to run. That should keep the affected areas at a reasonable temperature until the full repairs can be made. With the weather forecast for tomorrow, I'm grateful for that.
The ongoing expenses of the aging building and its systems are having a negative impact the operating budget. The boiler needs repairs prior to the beginning of the heating season. Keep your fingers crossed that the elevator doesn't break down again too...
The HVAC problem is with the valves that control the flow of refrigerant in Unit 1, which cools the northeast quadrant of the building. This is one of four units that cool the building. The Library's HVAC contractor is working to isolate the issue and hopefully replace just the valves rather than the whole compressor unit (which would entail a crane and huge expense). Of course, this is not under warranty.
In the meantime, Unit 1 has been bypassed for cooling but the fans/blower will continue to run. That should keep the affected areas at a reasonable temperature until the full repairs can be made. With the weather forecast for tomorrow, I'm grateful for that.
The ongoing expenses of the aging building and its systems are having a negative impact the operating budget. The boiler needs repairs prior to the beginning of the heating season. Keep your fingers crossed that the elevator doesn't break down again too...
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