ADAMS, Mass. — It's the coldest time of year, and one of the town's HVAC systems is out of order. 

 

One of the town's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems needs repair or replacement, said Town Administrator Nicholas Caccamo, during the Selectmen's meeting Wednesday. 

 

The building has three heating units, each serving a designated section: the southern, the middle (primarily where radiators are located), and the northern sections.

 

Upon inspection, the HVAC unit, located on the roof, was "red tagged" and shut down, cutting off heat to the northern end of the building, after a natural gas smell was detected, Caccamo said. 

 

The assessor's office has been relocated to the third floor and the clerk is utilizing additional electric space heaters until the issue is addressed, Caccamo said.  

 

"I think it's really important to note the graciousness and the flexibility that the [town] clerk's office and the assessor's office have exhibited," he said. 

 

Caccamo presented the board with two quotes for service from Jamrog HVAC, a contractor used by many town buildings — one replaces the defective heat exchanger and the other replaces the rooftop unit. 

 

"That system is probably original to the 1996 renovations. It's about a 30-year lifespan. That's a pretty good run with that. The new systems are just more efficient," he said. 

 

"In fact, the utility companies will offer a rebate, a little over $10,000 if you do install these new systems. So, it'll take down the total dollars spent on the project." 

 

Replacing the defective heat exchanger would cost about $7,995, including labor and materials. 

 

However, the age of the system could mean additional repairs may be needed in the future, so the town will eventually have to pay the cost associated with a new unit, Vice Chair Ann Bartlett said. 

 

The cost for a new rooftop system was quoted at $30,995; a $12,660 rebate from the Mass Save Commercial Heat Pump Program, reducing the cost to $18,895. 

 

"It makes a lot more sense to go with a new one. There's been quite a bit of technology since one that was put on the roof," Selectman Joseph Nowak said. 

 

Additionally, the unit is outside so has faced weathering over the years, he said. 

 

It was emphasized that the cost for a new system is uncertain because of unknown variables, including prevailing-wage labor rates, equipment needs, and other repairs. 

 

The town will not want to go over budget, and with any major project, there should be a 10 percent contingency, to ensure the town does not have to make additional allocations later, Caccamo said. 

 

Any funds not used are returned to free cash. Budgeting up to $65,000 would be on the high end to ensure the system can be purchased, installed, and to cover any other repairs associated with the project, such as drywall and additional pipe fittings to replace the leaking pipes, he said. 

 

Caccamo will be in communication with Jamrog to get more accurate cost estimates that include  prevailing-wage and will discuss the project with the Finance Committee. 

 

The board requested a reserve fund transfer for the replacement of the rooftop system, of an amount to be decided by the Finance Committee once additional figures come in. The town has $175,000 in reserves. 

 

During the meeting, resident Cathy Foster, said the aging HVAC system has been something the town has known about for several years. 

 

At previous town meetings, voters approved funding for capital projects three years in a row. Foster questioned whether any funds remained for this project.

 

Finance Committee Chair Carol Cushenette said the committee has a detailed accounting of how the funds were spent.

 

Caccamo, who came on as town administrator in November, said this information is new to him and that he plans to discuss it further with the Finance Committee.