More efficient Civic Center heating system sought by city

McMinnville Civic Center once again has heat! Along with having heat, long-term plans are in the works to replace the old heating and air conditioning system.

According to Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown, the facility currently has adequate heat to get it through the remaining winter months thanks to Bob?s Heat and Air Conditioning Company, which replaced the burners last week.

While the short-term plans to get the facility much-needed heat are complete, long-term plans to replace the heating system are underway.

?Mr. Armer McGrabe of TVA toured our facility yesterday and did a complete assessment of our HVAC system,? said Brown. ?Mr. McGrabe will be making a recommendation for the type of replacement system we should purchase and install.?

There are four types of systems that will be evaluated including gas pack, heat pump, geothermal and dual fuel. Each will be evaluated and the results presented to Brown and McMinnville?s elected officials.

While McGrabe is checking out the different systems, McMinnville Electric System is trying to help with the financial part of replacing the units. Because McMinnville is a Three Star City, MES contacted the state of Tennessee Three Star Energy Division. After reviewing the facility?s current situation, the city may qualify for a zero-interest loan if replacing the system shows adequate energy savings.

To determine if the facility would have the energy savings to qualify, Bill Estes, an independent engineer hired by Three Star, recently completed an energy audit of the Civic Center. His audit included evaluating the 14 units, ceiling radiant units, exhaust fans and intake fans.

?It?s up to him and his audit whether we quality for the zero interest loan,? said Brown. ?During his audit, he did comment that he truly believes we would qualify.?

Along with the results of the audit, which will be ready in two weeks, Estes will also recommend the type of unit system that could be used to obtain the energy savings.

Once all the information is received, elected officials will have to chose which system to go with and prepare the bid documents.