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Town office ERVs under recalibration review; library solar panels to be installed, energy improvements funding under consideration
Summary
Select Board heard that energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs) at town buildings may not have been properly calibrated, leading to higher electricity use; library solar installation is imminent and funds previously encumbered for energy improvements may be redirected within ARPA categories.
Tamworth's building and grounds update at the Aug. 26 Select Board meeting covered multiple facility and energy items: recalibration of energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs), impending solar-panel work at the library, and decisions about funding for additional ERVs or other energy improvements.
An independent inspector reported that the ERVs at the library had not been properly calibrated for the initial six months after installation; the inspector found the airflow was substantially reduced and said recalibration could reduce electricity use. Town staff confirmed the library ERVs would be recalibrated by the original installer. The town's preliminary six-month comparison showed propane savings but a net increase in electric costs, driven by higher electric usage during the same period; staff cautioned that the uncalibrated ERV period complicates direct comparisons.
The board reviewed a pending quote for roughly $23,000 (from December) to install three ERV units in the town office; staff said they are awaiting an updated estimate. Funds for energy improvements were partially encumbered in the operating budget (approximately $8,000) and partly held from ARPA allocations (approximately $15,000). Staff reminded the board that ARPA funds must be used in ways consistent with the originally encumbered category (energy improvements on town buildings), though unused funds in the category could be redirected within the same broad realm.
Separately, the town reported that solar panels are scheduled to be installed on the library roof starting the day after the meeting; staff will provide site access to the installer. The board asked staff to track updated cost estimates for ERV work and return when new quotes and calibration results are available. The Energy Committee emphasized that ERVs are intended chiefly for indoor air quality and workforce comfort; energy savings were described as a possible but uncertain side benefit until calibration and a full 12-month energy profile can be reviewed.
No binding contract was approved at the meeting; staff will return with updated estimates and calibration results before advancing additional ERV installations.
