HVAC Update

By Elizabeth Greenwood, Green Sanctuary Committee

A year ago, we decided to be proactive and replace Westside's HVAC unit, which is nearing the end of its service life, before it failed and left us too hot in the summer or freezing in the winter. Finding the replacement unit has been a long, arduous process, but that process is now complete, and the Board has approved the purchase of a new unit. Yay! This new unit will be installed sometime in the next month or so, once the contract is executed.

Much appreciation is extended to the Westsiders who contributed to our recent capital campaign to raise funds for this new HVAC unit. Although we did not raise enough to purchase the most eco-friendly model, a heat pump, which would have incurred additional installation charges for electrical upgrades, we are getting a gas package unit that is more energy efficient than our old gas unit was when it was new. We will likely see some decrease in our electric consumption and a reduction in our carbon footprint. TVA, through its "Smart Energy Starter Kit" will provide for free a programmable thermostat which will help bring down our electric bill.

Installation of the new HVAC unit will be overseen by Charles S. and Len W. with the help of Dave G. and Jerry T. We are responsible for removing the wooden fence that currently surrounds the unit and then erecting new fencing once the new unit is in place. If you would like to help with these projects, let Dave and Jerry know.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to the capital campaign for the HVAC replacement and to everyone who has put their time, energy, thoughtfulness and personal resources into this effort, especially Craig B. and Yetta J. who got it started last year. A project like this takes community involvement, and at Westside we have that sense of community to get things done!