New HVAC and renovations for dormitory residents

  • Published
  • By Robby Hedrick
  • 75 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Dorm residents of Bldg. 361, which mainly houses the 388 Maintenance Operations Squadron and Component Maintenance Squadron, will be receiving a new Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit beginning in Feb. 2009. 

The project which is scheduled to last seven months received funding from Air Force Material Command and is expected to affect approximately 55 dorm residents. 

The current HVAC system is a two-pipe system that uses the same piping for heating and cooling using the same coil. This system will be replaced with a four-pipe system divided into two heating pipes and two cooling pipes with each set using its own coil. 

"We have received a lot of calls concerning the current HVAC system throughout the individual rooms during both seasons, and in the mechanical room," said Mr. Bill Miller, Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineering Requirements project manager. "The calls were due to leaks in the rooms from rusted branch lines or totally clogged coils." 

Although it is a lengthy project, dorm residents will see a tremendous benefit. 

"A better heating and cooling system will provide the residents more comfort and control of the temperatures in their rooms as well as being more efficient," said Merry Stowell, Unaccompanied Housing Manager. 

The project will require those residents to relocate to Bldg. 523 and when the project is completed the relocation of those residents back to Bldg. 361 will be discussed with the respective first sergeants and command chief. 

To alleviate the excess moving of some Senior Airmen who reaching their three years of service between now and July, they will be approved to move off base beginning now.
Both groups of Airmen are being provided a government paid move to help ease the transition to their new rooms. 

"Each resident is being provided a government paid move that can be used either for a Do-It-Yourself-Move or a contract move once they have met with a Traffic Management Office representative," said Mrs. Stowell. 

The new system will be monitored by Energy Management Control Systems to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness. 

Along with this project the various dormitory buildings have been authorized repair of walkways, handrails, interior painting, exterior door projects and carpet replacement. 

"Bases compete for Quality of Life funding and we were thankful and surprised, to say the least, to be able to not only get one project funded but five projects ," said Mrs. Stowell. "The HVAC project and the other renovations that are being planned for various dorm facilities will not only improve the QOL, but also provide an essential benefit to the interior and exterior appearance of our facilities and comfort to residents as well."