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Energy committee to analyze library heat-pump energy use after extreme cold
Summary
Sharon Energy Committee members said a heat pump at the Kimball Library, which lacks a fossil-fuel backup, used substantially more energy during recent cold weather; the committee agreed Chair Ryan Haac will analyze heating degree days, energy use, and comparative fuel costs.
The Sharon Energy Committee agreed Jan. 27 that it will analyze winter energy use at the Kimball Library after members reported elevated consumption during recent extreme cold. Chair Ryan Haac said he and a colleague are reviewing how the ducted heat pump performed and will compare measured energy use against heating degree days and the expected cost of traditional heating fuels to better understand operating costs.
Ryan said cleaning coils annually is important for ducted heat pumps and noted a scheduled pre-season maintenance did not occur, which may have affected performance. Cat Buxton reported that at a CAP-IT meeting in Hanover she learned Hanover High is exploring Dartmouth’s Thermal Energy Network project as a low‑carbon option that “holds a great deal of promise” for producing heat and cooling without burning fossil fuels. The committee did not take formal action; Ryan will follow up with Shana about the unit’s functionality and prepare the analysis for a future meeting.
