Committee backs $12,200 HVAC split-system for Girl Scout wing

Narberth staff recommended installing split-system HVAC units in the Girl Scout wing after identifying the existing attic-mounted central unit as less accessible for maintenance and less energy-efficient for intermittent occupancy.

"It'll give us a better sense of control," Jeff (public works staff) said, explaining that split systems would let users cool the room when needed rather than running a building-wide system seven days a week. He told the committee the low bid for the split-system approach was about $12,200, a figure that falls below the borough’s formal bidding threshold.

Committee members asked whether the alternative was a standard central air unit; staff replied the attic equipment was harder to access and repair and that the split-system option avoids disturbing the existing system. Speaker 2 moved to recommend the HVAC work for council approval; Speaker 1 seconded and the committee voted to forward the recommendation.

Staff said the HVAC replacement is covered in the borough’s multi-year capital planning for this building and that other rooms will be addressed in future years as part of that plan. The committee will put the recommendation on the council agenda for final authorization.