Building on the Best

The Library’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system is undersized and has degraded substantially over time.

Engineers from OLA Consulting Engineers did an extensive study on the Library’s current system, which was installed in 2007. The geothermal well system cannot maintain a constant water temperature, especially during extreme air temperatures in the summers and winters. The well field capacity is undersized, and lacks water level controls and appropriate alarms. The building’s A/C units are undersized and have deteriorated, making it impossible for the Library to cool adequately during the summer months and warm during the winter.

The system has continued to degrade over time. The well pumps have a history of regular failures and continue to fail; one well has been completely decommissioned. One AC unit, which serves the Adult Library and Mezzanine, needed major repairs in 2020 and recently failed again.

This project will move to a reliable solution replacing aging infrastructure and address new design features and renovations, including

• New rooftop AC units to condition library’s upper levels
• Replace failed AC-5 unit
• Utilize an Air-Source heat pump/chiller for lower floor systems
• Install new rooftop solar photovoltaic system
• Add second supplemental boiler
• Provide an HVAC unit for new program areas on the renovated lower level
• Install radiant ceiling panels along all glass for perimeter, reheat coils
• Rezone interior and perimeter spaces
• Replace lower floor geothermal AC Units with indoor Air Handling Units
• Cooling and Heating provided by Air-Source Heat Pump/Chiller (70 tons)
• Reconfigure HVAC for renovated program areas in the rest of the building

This project will replace aged and failing HVAC equipment, improve comfort throughout the building, and offer greater system reliability and reduced maintenance.