More improvements needed to save energy, costs

NORWAY — Town Manager David Holt reported at the December 20 selectboard meeting that completion of Phase I of an energy-improvement project at the town office may not reap as many savings as anticipated. 

"The energy project is as far done as it was originally planned to be," Holt told selectmen.

"In the course of doing it," he said, the energy company TCorp, Inc. "discovered  things that were wrong with the [HVAC] system. To fix the rest of those will cost an additional $2,800 [or more]." 

Holt said once the improvements are made, the town will see some additional savings in oil. 

Last week, Holt reported that the town had completed Phase I of making the town office more energy-efficient, which include updating the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. According to Holt, a project of this kind has not been completed since the building was constructed in the late 1980s. 

The nearly $30,000 project is being funded through a retro-commissioning pilot program funding provided by Efficiency Maine and with funds from the town's building account. 

In order to complete the commissioning of the new automation system and balance the air distribution throughout Norway's town office, Holt said 11 new dampers and diffusers will need to be installed. 

Holt said TCorp's President Peter Tousley has commented that he'd like to see Norway be able to complete it's recommissioning project sooner rather than later. 

By recommissioning the equipment at the town office, Holt said the town is not only saving money on energy costs, but is creating a healthier work environment for its employees and visitors.

According to Tousley, repair of the existing insulation in the attic is also "a real must-do," he wrote in an e-mail to Holt. 

"We are bringing in minimal outside air to manage the delivery air temperature, but getting the system balanced properly will help with perceived drafts," Tousley said. 

Holt said he's still trying to determine how to pay for the additional improvements. He said the town may need to add the project to next year's budget in order to complete it. 

"I don't want to go ahead and spend money we don't have," Holt told selectmen. 

Holt said that the project has been a tremendous effort for the town but will be worth the time and investment, especially as colder weather approaches. 

"Energy savings will only be noticeable until we make these final repairs," Holt said. 

Edited on December 28 to correct the cost of the project.