In several recent postings we referred to the “Chiller Teardown Project”, which is maintenance work our team recently embarked upon.

The first chiller is almost done, and they plan to begin work to the second chiller next week. So, should warm weather come upon us, we expect to have cooling available.

We’ve understandably had a couple questions about this. The Chiller Teardown was not a budgeted project for the PTCA 2016/2017 Fiscal Year.

At the March 14th Board Meeting, management presented proposals for this project, which is essentially a forensic overhaul of the building’s chillers. These machines are part of the network of devices which provide cooling to the building and homes in Park Tower. There are two chillers which cycle between each other during cooling season, and work to cool the chemicals and water which run through the building’s HVAC lines.

The chillers are relatively young, having each been installed about a decade ago. For long term health and maximum energy efficiency, the manufacturer (York) recommends such work before or when the chillers reach 10 years of age. During this process they are almost completely gutted and deconstructed in place, allowing a deep cleaning and repair to parts of the machine which would otherwise remain inaccessible and completely unseen. A 100% inspection is performed and every seal, gasket, bearing, o-ring and any other conceivable parts are cleaned, lubricated and/or replaced. Then the chiller is put back together and tested.

“Chiller Part Work In Progress”

In recent years, management and the Budget & Finance Committee have considered this work as a part of the annual budget recommendations to the Board. Last year we believed we would be able to get one more season out of them before the work would be necessary. We tentatively expected this work to take place next Spring (2017) at total cost of about $80,000. However, each winter we have basic preventative maintenance done, which includes routine cleaning, repairs, adjustments and a thorough inspection and testing process. When completed this winter, our team with Johnson Controls strongly recommended the teardown not wait any longer. Given the conditions they observed while performing the seasonal maintenance, they strongly advised the work be done this Spring.

After meeting with them and our engineering staff, Management concurred and set out to get competitive proposals. The rest is history, with the Board approving a proposal by Johnson Controls, who was the lowest bidder at about $71,000.

“Chiller Part Being Readied For Re-installation”

Completing this maintenance will help lengthen the lifespan of the chillers, and will keep them performing as efficiently as possible. A longer lifespan means less dollars being spent over the long term, and keeping them operating as efficiently as possible helps save both water and electricity.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact the office.