Boiler Update: Mid-work

As we reported on September 13, the boiler that failed on us last December is currently undergoing replacement. This project continues on schedule. Here is what has happened over the last month: 

The Trefz Mechanical crew removed the defunct boiler in mid-September. In order to get the pieces out, they had to build a custom dolly, narrow enough to fit through the basement door. Incredibly, each section was removed by two men! 

Dumpster at St. Martin's

Custom cart made to haul the boiler components out of the basement

Old boiler components (800 lb. cast iron!) in dumpster, pending recycling

As mentioned in the previous message, the one boiler will be replaced with two compact and energy efficient boilers. A new concrete pad was set, and the new boilers have been installed.

Two new boilers on their concrete pad. Ever seen the inside of a boiler before?

Back/control side of new boilers.

New exhaust ducts are being installed to connect to the existing chimney. You can see the U-hangers in the photos above.

New piping set for installation.

Jake and Kevin are assembling the new piping on site.

Important improvements included in the work are the introduction of more thermostats and valves, so that heating can be better-controlled to provide heat when and where it is needed in the Parish House - rather than the all-on-in-every-space as we have had in the past. The new boilers are 83% energy efficient (vs. 60-70% estimated efficiency of the old boilers), which will result in operating cost savings and support St. Martin's commitment to sustainability.

The Rev. Jarrett Kerbel explains the new control valves for zoned heating.

  

New thermostats have popped up around the building.

This work is estimated to be completed, with the church and parish house heated by the two new boilers, by mid-November. In the meantime, the remaining older boiler is being started up this week.

All will agree that this work is necessary and of obvious value to the parish, as it permits our buildings to be used. Yet, it should be noted, the work is difficult, and the components are expensive. The entire project will cost about $200,000, per the following cost breakdown:

Labor – $34,000

Material – $27,200

Electrical – $5,200

Insulation – $7,800

Control – $15,500

Major Equipment – $54,000 (The heat-exchanger is about $2,500. The rest is the two boilers and boiler control.)

Commissioning – $3,600 

Permitting (allowance) – $3,000

Contingency (allowance for unforeseen scope)* – $30,000

Engineering Fees – $24,800

Total: $205,100  

*note that it is hoped that $10,000 to $15,000 of the contingency will not need to be spent

Thank you for your patience during this time. We'll continue to keep you updated on our progress.

Blessings,

Dave Harrower, properties committee chair

Boiler Replacement Work to Begin!

As many of you know, one of the church's two boilers in the basement of the Parish House, which provides heating to the Parish House and the sanctuary, broke down irreparably last winter. There are two boilers so that the second can be relied upon if the first one fails. And, indeed, this is how heat was provided for the remainder of the winter. Yet, the absence of a functioning back-up boiler was a source of stress to the rector and staff last winter.

On behalf of the vestry, the properties committee initiated a process to have design documents prepared for replacing the boiler that was down, taking the opportunity to provide new equipment that is significantly more energy-efficient than the boiler which is being replaced. The scope includes additional work to improve the effectiveness and control of the steam distribution system.

The project was bid, and awarded to Trefz Mechanical, Inc., which firm will begin the replacement work next week - the week of September 17, 2018. The process begins with demolition of the old boiler, which is anticipated to take about two weeks. This will entail removal of the old boiler's components (out the basement door leading onto the Cricket Club driveway) into a dumpster to be located on Willow Grove Avenue. NOTE: please respect that this dumpster is not a public convenience to which you may bring in old junk from your basement; it is for metals only, and disposing of other items into it will increase the cost by contaminating the dumpster contents, which are to be recycled. The work area will be protected with plastic sheeting to contain dust.

Thanks for your patience regarding the potential inconvenience of noise and commotion during this demolition work, and the subsequent installation of the new boiler system. We anticipate having the new boiler functioning by Thanksgiving. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Harrower, chair of the properties committee (DaveHarrower@gmail.com)