KINGSTON >> Renovations at the Andy J. Murphy III Midtown Neighborhood Center are largely completed, with final costs expected at over $1 million, city officials said.

Megan Weiss-Rowe, director of city communications and community engagement, said the city has made great progress on the Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center so far ...

Weiss-Rowe said that the city is currently seeking bids to upgrade the heating and cooling system at the Broadway facility. The project cost is expected to be about $35,000, she said.

In all, including that upgrade, the cost of renovations is expected to total $1,037,450.50, Weiss-Rowe said. The Common Council has authorized spending up to $1,286,000, she said.

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The work for the cooling and heating system is expected to include a new steam valve, two temperature sensors, boiler controls, outside air temperature sensor, incorporation of controls into the existing boiler control, and new electrical wiring.

This work will provide for better control of office temperatures in the upstairs Recreation Office space, Weiss-Rowe said. Our previous work that provided for large ceiling fans in the gymnasium has helped to reduce air stratification and created a more comfortable recreational space.

In June, the Common Council and Mayor Steve Noble agreed to borrow an additional $550,000 for repairs and rehabilitation work at the center at 467 Broadway after City Engineer Ralph Swenson told them structural damage found in the 19th century building was worse than expected.

With the new funding, the city paid Ganem Contracting Corp. $646,246 to install exterior gutters on the building and fix structural damage. Ganem, based in Saratoga County, was the sole bidder for the job.

The city also paid J&J Sass Electric of Kingston $34,639 for work at the center, including the installation of new large ceiling fans. The general contractor, PCC Contracting, was paid $262,312.

Swenson has said the structural damage was discovered after repair work already had started. He has said the original plan was to repair the existing built-in gutters on the building, but that plan had to be changed.

The renovation project at the Murphy center, named for the late former city parks and recreation superintendent, began in September 2015. PCC Contracting was awarded a $508,875 contract to address exterior masonry deterioration at the building, as well as inadequate roof drainage and structural framing deterioration in the balcony end supports in the gymnasium area.

The building, which dates to 1873, initially served as an armory.

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Kingston's Midtown center rehab project cost likely to top $1 million - The Daily Freeman

QUINCY, FL (WTXL) --The community is helping a Gadsden County senior citizen live on her own by raising money to buy her a heating and cooling unit.

An online effort has been underway for about a month now to help Willie Cobbs, a 91-year-old woman from Quincy.

"She still cooks for herself, she still can drive," said Skye Christian. "She's just a very compassionate person."

Christian met Cobb last month at her home in Quincy.

"She's been blessed to live to be 91 years young, and she's outlived everybody," she said. "I just felt compelled to help her, because she doesn't have anybody else."

Christian started to raise money online. The goal is to raise $3,500 to buy and install a heating and cooling unit. She and others pitched in to get Cobb space heaters during the winter months.

"Right now, it's cold, but we had to do something that would help her long-term, where she won't be sitting in any type of extreme weather."

In Gadsden County, about 200 people take advantage of Gadsden Senior Services, but the organization admits it can't meet every need because of funding.

"There's always money needed for a match, because we're going to only receive so much through the federally funded programs," said Berta Kemp, board chair for Gadsden Senior Services.

The organization is part of a 14-county agency that is dependent on federal and community money.

"Our seniors here in Gadsden County are very important to us, and we want to make sure when it's cold, that they are kept warm -- and when it's hot, that they are cool," Kemp said.

"We don't want to have anybody left behind," Christian said, "and we want everybody to feel like we love them."

Gadsden Senior Services does offer home energy assistance for low-income senior, but they must meet certain criteria.

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) is federally funded. Eligible households can get up to $600 per season. To be eligible for assistance, households must have:

- a documented healing or cooling emergency

- at least one individual age 60 or older in the home, and

- a gross household annual income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines

To contribute to Christian's fundraiser for Cobb, click HERE.

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Gadsden County Senior Gets Help from Community - WTXL ABC 27

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Asap Air Air Conditioning and Heating is a reputable AC and Heating contractor in Houston Heights. They are a family-owned and operated heating and air conditioning company offering top-grade customer service in the Greater Houston, TX area. Clients can get in touch with them for competitively priced services. We strive to deliver award winning AC and Heating services in Houston. All our technicians are factory-trained and certified.

At a luncheon, organized to familiarize clients with their products, their Chief Executive Officer said, We welcome you to Asap Air Air Conditioning and Heating, a one-stop solution for all AC related worries. We are the most preferred provider of AC and Heating installation service in Houston, TX. Our location in Houston Heights offers us the privilege to serve even the furthest corners of Greater Houston area. Our services comprise installation, repair, and even replacement of air conditioners. At home, everyone craves for a luxurious and comfortable environment.

Providing quality service is their priority. With their service costing 20 to 30 percent less than that of their competitors making, they are the most sought after AC installer in Houston, TX. They have trained technicians who are certified to operate in residential and commercial areas and guarantee that the tasks they perform are beyond comparison. All their Air conditioning needs ranging from assisting their clients in buying the most appropriate product to installing it in their residential or commercial building; they exist to make their clients life easier and comfortable. They are a family business and to maintain their reputation, they hire the best and never outsource.

The Chief Executive Officer added, We are an award-winning provider of AC and heating services in Houston Heights. In the event that your residential air conditioner fails to function properly, you only need to call our professionals. They will troubleshoot the problem and fix your unit in no time. When your HVAC system in Houston, TX requires service, you can still call our experts. Our technicians will resolve all the issues and fix your residential and light commercial system within no time. We have no business subcontracting our job out to other companies. All our technicians are adequately experienced, and industry trained, and are hired after conducting a thorough background check.

Asap Air Air Conditioning and Heating delivers expert, reliable and economical AC and heating maintenance services. They are an award-winning service provider offering unmatched customer services at attractive rates in the greater Houston area. They have skilled and experienced technicians to meet all their clients needs. They will diagnose and perform the necessary repairs or replacement on their clients residential or light commercial system. The offer the best air conditioning repair services in Houston.

About Asap Air Air Conditioning and Heating

Asap Air Air Conditioning and Heating are often a call away to address issues pertaining air conditioning or heating systems installation, repair, and maintenance. Their technicians will make the necessary adjustments, replacement or repairs. They provide services for both residential and light commercial systems. They deliver the best air conditioning services in Houston.

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Asap Air A/C and Heating Providing Best AC Installation, Repair and Maintenance in Houston - Satellite PR News (press release)

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) proposed a $15 million program on February 7 to accelerate the use of renewable heating and cooling technologies statewide.

Renewable heating and cooling technologies not only provide environmental benefits, but they can achieve energy bill savings, increase customer comfort levels, and offer health benefits, compared to conventional heating and cooling technologies, the Cuomo Administration said.

The new policy framework released by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) would provide rebates $6,000 for a typical residential consumer, intended for the installation of ground-source heat pumps.

New York has made great strides to combat climate change by supporting the use of new technologies and growing our clean energy economy, Governor Cuomo commented in an official statement. We will continue to make green investments that will encourage the use of clean, affordable energy to reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable communities throughout the state.

Currently, fossil-fuel-based thermal energy primarily natural gas, propane, and oil is the main energy source for space heating, space cooling and domestic hot water in the residential and commercial sectors. It is responsible for approximately 32 percent of New Yorks energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions is integral to the Governors.

The NYSERDA framework, the Renewable Heating and Cooling Policy Framework: Options to Advance Industry Growth and Markets in New York, sets out policy options and market-based solutions for the next few years, and identifies approaches for longer- term action.

Several barriers currently stand in the way of widespread market adoption of renewable heating and cooling technologies, the Office of the Governor noted: These include higher upfront costs than conventional technologies, cost-effectiveness challenges, inadequate access to low-cost investment capital, limited customer awareness and confidence in the technologies, and a range of supply chain barriers to growth

In addition to the rebate, the framework identifies a range of options for the next few years to lower costs, reduce barriers, and grow the market for this technology, including:

The framework also explores methods to implement renewable heating and cooling mandates for public buildings, new construction, and renovation.

The expanded use of renewable heating and cooling technologies is critical to helping New York reduce greenhouse gas emissions, commented Richard Kauffman, chairman, Energy and Finance, for New York State. The policy framework outlines several opportunities that we can explore for the best path forward in our efforts to expand the reach of clean energy throughout our state and curb climate-changing emissions.

NYSERDA, which developed the framework, will work with stakeholders and launch renewable heating and cooling programs in 2017 upon approval by the Department of Public Service, as part of the Clean Energy Fund.

Once approved, NYSERDA expects to offer the rebate program in this spring. NYSERDA, DPS, and the New York Power Authority will be collaborating to advance the framework.

This proposal will help to streamline the implementation of renewable energy technology all across New York State, said NYYPA CEO Gil Quinines, adding, By undertaking screenings and feasibility assessments for geothermal heat pump projects, we will accelerate their installation and expedite achieving a clean energy economy for all New Yorkers.

Roger Downs, Conservation director, Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter, commented, The Sierra Club applauds Governor Cuomos leadership in energy efficient technologies such as geothermal. Geothermal heating and cooling represents one of New Yorks best and most cost-effective strategies to achieving our net zero energy goals and deserves the same financial encouragement as other desirable energy sources like wind and solar.

NYSERDA will accept written comments on the policy framework through close of business on March 10. It will also conduct a webinar on March 2, at 10:00 a.m. Parties interested in submitting comments on the framework or participating in the webinar, should contact NYSERDA atrenewableheatingandcooling@nyserda.ny.gov

Originally posted here:
New York State Considers $15M Rebate Program for Installation of Ground-Source Heat Pumps - Energy Manager Today

WHY CHOOSE ALASKAN HOME SERVICES?

Alaskan Home Services has over 40 years of experience in providing home and business owners with the best quality service for all their air conditioning, heating and plumbing needs. We are a family owned and operated business servicing Phoenix, AZ. We will continue to be an industry leader by consistently providing our customers greater comfort and savings by delivering the most cost-effective services available combined with the most efficient, highest-quality products on the market. We are proud to offer excellent plumbing services, as well as HVAC installation and repair in Phoenix, AZ.

We provide free estimates on all new systems!

Because we operate our own metal shop, we are often able to take our customers from system failure to new AC installation in less than 24 hours. Our goal is to provide fast, affordable HVAC & plumbing installation and repair services, and we will always work to restore your heating, cooling, or plumbing systems quickly, effectively, and affordably.

If you need HVAC installation & repair in Phoenix, AZ or Plumbing repair services, please give Alaskan Home Services a call! (602) 252-7526

Homes in Phoenix, AZ could be losing up to 50% of their total conditioned air through leaks in the ducting. Heating and cooling your home can account for over 40% of your total monthly energy bills, and so leaking ducts could account for a significant waste of energy each month!

Alaskan Home Services is one of the few companies in Phoenix, AZ that happily offers the innovative, environmentally-friendly method of duct sealing known as Aeroseal. By utilizing this product, we can effectively seal ducts and eliminate holes, cracks, or leaks that could contribute to high energy bills without restricting the interior diameter of your ducting. First, we perform a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of the entire ducting system and locate any leaks along seams or through small holes. By sealing the ducting system, we can use air pressure to force Aeroseal molecules through these small holes, where they expand and effectively plug the leak without coating the inside of the ducting, which can reduce airflow.

We also provide the following installation, repair, and maintenance services for your homes heating, cooling, or plumbing systems:

Read more here:
#1 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Service Company in Phoenix ...

With the finalization of the 2018 International Energy Efficiency Code (IECC) performance path, home builders now have option to bury ducts in fibrous insulation in vented attics in all climate zones. While the practice has been used by builders in many areas of the country for years, it was less prevalent in hot/ humid climates because of concerns about condensation. Following extensive field research to identify the appropriate R-value and duct tightness to prevent condensation in those climates, builders can now use the practice with confidence nationwide, giving them an additional compliance option for delivering energy efficient, high performance homes.

According to data from the Department of Energys (DOE) Building America Program, buried ducts in vented attics can save energy in homes. DOEs data shows deeply buried ducts are 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than unvented attic systems with closed cell spray foam. Moreover, the practice is a less expensive alternative (see chart).

For slab-on-grade houses and two-story houses with open floor plans, installing ducts inside conditioned spaces can be a challenge, as ducts within floors, chases or dropped ceilings can have considerable cost implications for builders and bulkheads concealing ductwork may not be acceptable to buyers. Building unvented attics for housing HVAC systems is a viable alternative, but its costly and involves special installation procedures. Installing ducts conventionally above the attic insulation is a more straightforward energy approach, but comes with a significant energy penalty. A buried duct system strikes the balance between ease of installation and reduced heating/cooling loads and may allow for lower capacity and lower costs for HVAC equipment.

General Criteria for Buried Ducts under the 2018 IECC The recently-approved provisions of the code allow three options for HVAC ducts buried within ceiling insulation in vented attics: the general option, the deeply buried option and an option for buried ducts considered inside a conditioned space.

The general option allows supply and/or return ducts to be fully or partially surrounded by ceiling insulation. For the general option, the code doesnt specify a minimum amount of insulation above the duct as long as the sum of the insulation value above and below the duct is at least R-19 total, excluding the duct R-value. There is also no minimum level which ducts must be buried into the insulation.

For deeply buried ducts when using a simulated energy performance analysis, the code permits a duct insulation value of R-25 be used in the energy model for sections of ducts that comply with the general criteria. In addition there is a requirement that the ducts be located directly on the ceiling or within 5.5 inches of the ceiling and be surrounded by ceiling insulation of at least R-30. Ducts must also be covered in at least 3.5 inches of ceiling insulation.

Finally, when using a simulated energy performance analysis, deeply buried ducts may be considered as ducts inside a conditioned space, and must comply with the general buried duct criteria and have an air handler that is located inside the conditioned space (not in the attic). Further, the duct leakage must be within prescribed limits and the R-value of the insulation above the duct must be at least the proposed ceiling insulation R-value minus the R-value of the duct insulation.

Although adoption of the 2018 IECC may be years away in some jurisdictions, as builders become increasingly familiar with this option, they may want to use it immediately, rather than waiting until their states adopt the new code. The IRC does not preclude use of products and practices which arent specifically referenced in prior versions of the code. Because some builders may be unfamiliar with the practices of burying ducts in vented attics, Home Innovation Research Labs has developed a TechSpec to provide an overview of the key attributes and implementation details for transitioning from a traditional duct design to a buried duct system. The TechSpec includes detailed tables and illustrations that explain specific select climate zones.

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Buried Ducts Are Code-Approved Nationwide - Builder Magazine

By Julianne Cuba

Brooklyn Daily

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Talk about overdue books!

The long-shuttered Brighton Beach Library is finally re-opening on Feb. 13 after it closed for renovations more than a year ago.

Officials expected to be lending out books again by last fall, but work took longer than expected and bookworms had to choose from a limited selection of paperbacks from a bookmobile outside the locked library just two days a week so the news couldnt be more exciting, said one local writer.

Yay, good news, good news. I cannot believe it. I will be there, said Joseph Ben-Po, best known for his 1990 play predicting that Donald Trump would become president. I am writing two plays.

The Brooklyn Public Library closed its Brighton First Road stack house last winter so contractors could upgrade its heating and cooling system, bring in new furniture and computers, and install energy-efficient lighting a roughly $1.5-million renovation according to a system spokeswoman.

But installing the climate-control system took longer than anticipated, prolonging the opening date from early December to mid-February, she said.

And one lifelong Brighton Beacher who grew up going to that library said she cant wait for its grand opening so she can bring her family again.

Absolutely all the time as a kid, as an adult, bring my niece and my nephew, said Vivien Diaz.

The Brighton Beach Library isnt the only one to experience long-overdue openings the Park Slope branch was delayed because of construction setbacks, and a termite infestation is slowed the Fort Hamilton branchs re-opening in the mid-aughts.

Posted 9:33 am, February 10, 2017

2017 Community News Group

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An (almost) open book: Brighton Beach library to reopen on Monday - Brooklyn Daily

Garretts Heating & Cooling in Collinsville, Illinois is a family owned and operating business that has been serving customers for over 25 years. We are a full-service air conditioning and heating contractor company and an authorized dealer of American Standard units. We work on all makes and models including top brands like Comfort Maker, Honeywell, Tempstar, York, G. E. Bryant, Coleman, Lennox, and Trane. For new construction projects, we can install a custom central air system that meets high-efficiency standards. If your existing system is not functioning properly, we will diagnose the issue and fix it if at all possible. To keep your heater and air conditioner in top shape, we offer preventative maintenance. Whether your furnace is gas or electric, we have the ability to work on it.

Service appointments are often available same day or one day. Our service trucks are fully stocked with all the tools and parts needed to complete most jobs. There is a 30-day warranty on all service work, 1-year warranty on most parts and 1-year labor warranty on installations of new air conditioners and heaters. We are open 7 AM to 7 PM daily and also offer 24-hour emergency service. There is no extra charge for evening or weekend calls.

To ensure the best service, we maintain our Master Mechanical license from the ICC and EPA certification. We are also licensed by the state and insured. Owner Herbert Garrett really loves this job and really tries to make sure all customers are happy by doing the best job he can.

We offer senior discounts and accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Call today for a free estimate on installation of a new air conditioner or heater.

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GARRETT'S HEATING & COOLING | INSTALL & REPAIR

New York residents may soon be eligible for some extra cash through a new clean energy proposal from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Focusing on renewable heating and cooling technologies, the proposed two-year, $15 million program would provide rebates for the installation of ground source heat pumps.

Besides the rebate, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, has released a draft policy framework for expanding the renewable heating and cooling industry. The proposal hopes to help New York reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030, according to a release.

Because some of the new technology is not cost-competitive with more conventional energy sources like natural gas, propane and oil, the state would provide rebates of about $6,000 for a typical residential consumer to install the more energy-efficient alternative.

"New York has made great strides to combat climate change by supporting the use of new technologies and growing our clean energy economy," Cuomo said in a release. "We will continue to make green investments that will encourage the use of clean, affordable energy to reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable communities throughout our state."

Besides the rebate, NYSERDA's new policy framework proposal includes ideas to lower costs and reduce barriers in the clean energy market. Some of those ideas include more community outreach, developing a streamlined permitting process and integrating renewable heating and cooling in new housing developments and campuses.

The policy framework is open now for public review and comment. NYSERDA will accept written comments through the close of business on March 10. Those interested in submitting comments should email renewableheatingandcooling@nyserda.ny.gov.

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State proposes renewable heating and cooling technology rebate program - Auburn Citizen

KIMT 3

Officials are seeing an increase of use at Edgewater Pavilion KIMT 3 At that time none of that money came from tax dollars, but within the last few years taxpayers have put their money towards a heating and cooling system and some installation which came to around $20,000. Adams says he thinks folks in town are using ...

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Officials are seeing an increase of use at Edgewater Pavilion - KIMT 3