Eight new HVAC units were installed on the school roof on Monday, February 11, in spite of the steady snowfall, and will be fully operational by the end of this week, ensuring heat throughout the winter season and air conditioning for the spring and summer months. Installation of new LED lighting in every classroom and in outdoor entrance-ways and perimeter fixtures will also get underway this week and continue for several weeks. The new LED lighting and HVAC units have been obtained through a combination of grant and loan programs totaling nearly $255,000, offered through the State of New Jersey Office of Clean Energy and financed by South Jersey Gas.
“We are very thankful to have been approved for a second time to receive clean energy funding through this state program, which has enabled us to complete the replacement of all of our original HVAC units that had reached the end of their lifespan,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “The new HVAC units and LED lighting for our classrooms and outdoor areas will make our school more energy efficient and will result in some $21,000 in annual energy savings to benefit the school for years to come.”
ACS received its first energy upgrade funding through a state grant program in the fall of 2015, which was used to obtain six new HVAC units and new LED lighting in the gymnasium and in common areas, including hallways, foyers, bathrooms, locker rooms, and the school office. That first grant paid for 70% of the cost. An interest-free loan through South Jersey Gas enabled ACS to pay its 30% share over a three year-period. Oblen said that ACS will be paying off its share of that first grant this month. She said electricity savings realized from the new, more energy-efficient HVAC units and LED lighting fixtures will be used to pay for the school’s portion of these new grant and interest-free loan programs.
Oblen also expressed her appreciation to Hutchinson Mechanical of Cherry Hill, who is the designated state contractor, for directing and coordinating the acquisition of the grant and loan programs and for its professional expertise in the installation of the new equipment.