The Regenstein Library has begun renovations on the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems on floors two through five that will last until the beginning of January.
This new set of renovations, which is an extension of an ongoing ventilation systems upgrade that the Regenstein has undertaken in the past few years, will focus on supplying the library with new controls for the previously installed systems.
“The project will replace all the variable air volume mixing boxes, add direct digital controls, and replace all ceilings. In addition, the ducts will be cleaned and the flexible duct work will be replaced,” said James Vaughan, assistant director for access and facilities for the library.
The University Board of Trustees will decide June 2 on the amount of funding to allocate to the project. If the Board decides to fund the project, the renovation might also include the installation of sprinkler systems on the specified floors.
“The new system will be more energy efficient [and] it will also address a number of complaints users have made concerning HVAC in Regenstein,” said Vaughan, adding that library patrons should experience a marked improvement in air flow and temperature.
Vaughan also cited the building’s age as a main factor in planning the renovations. The Regenstein was built in the 1970s, and many of the facility’s systems have since become outdated, Vaughan said.
The HVAC renovations come during the Library’s efforts to update many of the facility’s other systems.
“This is actually the tail end of a project that has been going on for the past few years,” said John Pitcher, the library facility manager.
The planned renovations should not interrupt student access during the remainder of spring quarter, according to Vaughan, but construction crews will begin work during the day on air handlers over the summer.
The construction would affect all portions of all four floors, but the inconvenience should be minimal.
“We will publicize the work schedule so that readers know which area will be noisy [and lack air] while the work is occurring,” Vaughan said.
