Our team reports the HVAC system has successfully been filled and the water is beginning to circulate. As it does, it will begin chilling, and AC service should be available by about 7pm.
Barring any unforeseen problems, this should be our final update regarding this project.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while this important project was completed.
We are pleased to confirm our team reported that work on the budgeted valve replacements has been completed. Maintenance is in the process of filling the system now. There are several miles of pipe that have to be filled and the process does go slowly to reduce stress on the lines, but they expect to finish that process and return normal HVAC operations to service by the end of the day.
Due to the logistics and variables involved, they do not yet know the exact timing. As the lines are filled, they have to monitor closely for any leaks, and air has to be completely bled out of the lines before they can start circulating hot or cold water.
But as the progress and more information comes available, we will keep this post updated.
They intended to be refilling the HVAC system on Monday, and expect that service will be restored some time on Tuesday September 29th. The exact timing depends on repairs continuing without any surprises.
If anything changes expectations, we will update this post.
So, our team has confirmed work will begin as anticipated on Sunday September 20th. This will accommodate the planned replacement of key isolation valves that need to be operational for the heating season. (See the original post below for more information about the project.)
Neither heating or cooling will be available until the system is refilled, which we expect will be sometime on Tuesday September 29th.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR ABOUT 9 DAYS
This will accommodate the planned replacement of key isolation valves that need to be replaced. (See the original post below for more information about the project.)
We will be watching the weather very closely for any sudden heat waves or cold snaps. The biggest challenge comes after September 15th when communities such as Park Tower have a legal obligation to provide heat and maintain particular temperatures due to the Chicago Heating Ordinance. There is no such obligation with AC. So, we can’t wait to long around or after that calendar date. And right now, despite a few warm days, the range of tempts appear to be near the bullseye for the best of what we were hoping for. Not too hot, not too cold.
We are very aware that, particularly on the side of the building with sun exposure, there will be discomfort at times, particularly when it is sunny. But we are watching the weather and will avoid moving forward if we are seeing extreme heat on the outlook.
Our team is ready to replace our primary Heat Exchanger valves in the Boiler Room, and the Isolation Valves in the Chiller Room.
This is work previously budgeted and approved by the PT Board, just awaiting a time between the heating and cooling season to be scheduled and completed.
Our staff will be watching the weather closely, but as of now expects this work to take place mid to late September with cooler weather. We want to let everyone know so you are aware this is planned and can be as prepared as possible since no heating or AC will be available while this work is underway. Once they see a reasonable opening where the outdoor weather is averaging from about 55 to around 75 for lows and highs, they will get this work done so it is completed before we are deep into the heating season.
All together, they will need the system to be down for about 7-9 days depending on how challenging the old valves are to remove. The work locations are already not very accommodating for such extractions, but sometimes the bolts anchoring old equipment can be rusted from decades of humidity and condensation.
When they begin the jobs, it will take a full work day to drain the system, about 4 to 5 days to do the work and about 2 days to refill and bleed the air out of the system, before kicking on the pumps and returning the system to regular operation. It’s very important this is done carefully and without rushing, so we avoid unnecessary ancillary damage to the network of pumps, pipes and valves that are interconnected.
FOR EXAMPLE – if we were to start the draining on September 20th, we would expect be able to restore the system latest by September 29th at the end of the day.
It is our goal to watch the weather closely, and if we see a reasonable time frame opening up, to start getting the word out with at least a 3 to 5 day heads up.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to let us know. Stop by our office anytime, or you can e-mail our team at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com or call 773-769-3250.
