Community center to get new heating and air-conditioning system

A faulty heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center has made it difficult to control the temperature of rooms inside. But relief appears to be in sight.

Last week, the Encinitas City Council awarded a $443,800 contract to the firm Jackson and Blanc to replace the HVAC within the next year.

According to a staff report on the item, the current HVAC is in danger of failing.

If the city hadn’t pursued a new system and the HVAC sputtered out, the center would have been without heat or air conditioning for several months due to the time it takes to request proposals and order equipment, the report states.

“The contractor maintaining the HVAC system has advised staff the chiller (significant part of HVAC system) is deteriorating and needs to be replaced since parts are no longer available,” the report says. “Several controllers have failed and staff cannot control room environments, resulting in customer complaints and higher utility costs.”

The report goes on to note the 12-year-old HVAC is also inefficient and requires quite a bit of staff time to maintain.

The city oversees the center, which is located at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive.

Of the $443,800 cost for the new HVAC, $393,751 came from the city’s general fund.

The remaining $50,049 was drawn from a parking-lot improvements fund. The fund transfer deferred planned asphalt removal, sealing and striping at two city parks until next year.

The current HVAC’s energy consumption is $84,911 annually. The replacement system will reduce energy use, so it’s estimated the bill will fall to $69,835 yearly.

Additionally, because the new system will use less energy, the city will be reimbursed $13,331 from SDG&E under an incentive program.

Council members voted for the HVAC without discussion, and public speakers didn’t weigh in. The agenda item was on the consent calendar, which is typically reserved for routine items.

A city representative in charge of the project could not be reached for comment.