Jim Donchess
Mayor e City of Nashua
To: Board of Aldermen
Filed With: Patricia Piecuch, City Clerk
From: Jim Donchess
Date: July 6, 2016
Re: Emergency Replacement of 60 Ton Condensing Unit at Nashua Public Library
Pursuant to 5-90 (G) of the NRO, | have authorized emergency replacement of the failed 2003 condensing
unit at the Nashua Public Library. Replacement will be performed by Palmer & Sicard, Inc. of Exeter, NH in
an amount of $46,075. Palmer & Sicard is under contract with Nashua Public Library for HVAC maintenance
and repair.
By way of background, the unit failed on July 1, 2016. A Palmer & Sicard technician was called and upon
inspection of the unit the following was found. Stage 1 compressor had tripped the breaker. Attempts to
start it failed. It is bound up internally and will need to be replaced. They also discovered that the unit lost
all of its oil and refrigerant due to a broken capillary tube on the oil compressor control. Compressors 1 and
2 are hooked up in tandem. This failure has also contaminated the stage 2 compressor. The oil control
would also need to be replaced. Repair is estimated in the $16,500 to $20,000 range. Due to the age of this
unit our recommendation is to replace it.
The initial lead time for replacement was quoted as 6 weeks but Palmer & Sicard has since confirmed that
they can have a new Carrier 38AH-064—6 60 Ton R22 460V 3 Phase condenser with low ambient kit in 7-10
days. The timing of the work is critical since we are in the hottest season and customers, staff and library
materials will be affected until this repair has been completed. Since the existing unit is not working Palmer
& Sicard can begin removal and prep for installation of the new compressor as soon as a contract is signed.
Attached is a quote from Palmer & Sicard for purchase and installation of a replacement unit. Funds are
available in General Fund, Escrow Funds, Major Capital Outlays/Improvements. This was set up specifically
to fund the cost of AC Equipment at Nashua Public Library based on age and repair frequency of the
equipment.
Thank you,
cc: Nashua Public Library
229 Main Street * PO Box 2019 + Nashua, New Hampshire 03061-2019
603.589.3260 ° fax 603.594.3450 * NashuaMayor@NashuaNH.gov
www.NashuaNH.gov
