Commissioners looking to replace HVAC, roof at courthouse

by Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

The Perkins County Commissioners will take on two infrastructure projects this spring and summer—overhauling the building’s heating and air conditioning system, along with a new roof.

HVAC

The commissioners have signed a letter of commitment with Trane Technologies from LaVista to conduct a study of the courthouse’s current HVAC system. Trane will present the report, along with system recommendations, to the commissioners within 60-90 days of April 3.

The current Kewanee steam boiler heating system at the courthouse was manufactured in 1941 and rebuilt in 1999, according to an assessment of the system by Farris Engineering from Sidney that was completed in September 2022. 

The system is charged with heating the three-story courthouse that has a finished area of 15,480 square feet. The system, according to Farris, has exceeded it expected useful life. 

“While still operational, the boiler and its accessories are in poor condition,” according to the Farris study. 

Heat is currently transmitted to the facility primarily by cast iron steam radiators and piping, which are also in poor condition, with many leaks. Along with the steam radiators, electric cove heaters have been installed in various locations for supplemental heating over the years. 

“Steam piping in some areas of the facility have been abandoned due to leaks that are not feasible to repair,” the report stated. 

The air conditioning for the building is currently provided by 11 residential style split systems and five ductless  split systems, according to Farris. 

The air conditioning units vary in age, and condition. However, the anticipated useful life for the equipment is approximately 15 years, with approximately 50 percent of the current equipment at the courthouse exceeding the service life estimate, according to Farris. 

Another drawback of the current system, according to the Farris report, is the building does not have a building-wide control system, with temperatures control provided via local thermostats. 

Farris gave a few recommendations in the report for the commissioners, who provided the information to Trane. Some of the options for replacement of the system could include the following: residential style split system, with an estimated cost of $595,000; and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) with an estimated cost of $1,080,000. 

The commissioners have money set aside to complete the work, and also plan to utilize cost-share funds from the federal government to offset the cost of the new units. 

Roof

The roof at the courthouse is also nearing its end of life and will be replaced this summer as well. Approximate cost for the new roof, which includes a tar, rubber liner and rock setup, will be a little over $49,000.