The bad news for Johnson Elementary School is that there was a failure in the facility’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system this year. The even worse news, according to Assistant Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Anthony Fratto, is that the repairs didn’t hold.

 

The good news? The portion of the HVAC system is about to be replaced.

 

“There was a complete failure in part of the HVAC system,” said Fratto. “We actually repaired it last winter, but the repairs didn’t hold. At this point, it’s beyond repair and needs replaced.”

 

Although Fratto said it is an item that wasn’t budgeted for, it’s already been bid out and approved. HCBOE Clerk of the Works Neil Quinn said Casto Technical Services out of Saint Albans will handle the project. Director of Maintenance for Harrison County Schools Joe Ammons said the cost to replace the “chiller” is roughly $90,000.

 

A chiller is a machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This liquid can then be circulated through a heat exchanger to cool air or equipment as required. It should provide a better level of comfort for students and staff at the school

 

“We’re hoping to get a few decades of use out of this system. You’re looking at a lifespan in the 15 to 20 year range with 25 years usually being the max,” said Fratto.

 

According to Quinn, the entire HVAC system isn’t a waste. He said the heating part still works.

 

“The chiller is situated on the roof. The old one goes back to the time when Mr. (Barry) Buffington was principal. The age of the one being replaced is about 20 years old,” said Quinn.

 

Work should begin this summer.

 

Click HERE for another BOE-funded project story.

 

Editor's Note: Existing Johnson Elementary School "chiller" unit is shown on top of the facility.