Energized Learning Experience

Hamden adds new HVAC with student help

At CCM, we’ve advocated for replacing HVAC systems in our public schools because of the important function they serve. Children simply learn better in healthier environments. But HVAC replacements have benefits anywhere they can be upgraded, including benefits to energy savings. Hamden was just able to secure funding for new HVAC units that will save them money long term.

In a program that combines education and energy, the town Engineering Department partnered with two interns from Hamden High School’s HECA Program (Hamden Engineering Careers Academy), Alexi Clouse and Ishnan Khan to draft the existing condition and start the design process, according to a press release from the town.

From that release, they say that HVAC units at the Town of Hamden Government Center are at the end of their operational lifespan of 20 years, and would need to be replaced.

Fortunately, in the time since they were last installed, the technology has improved to the point that they expect that “upgrading will result in approximately 25 percent energy savings, or a reduction in carbon emissions of at least 10 tons per year.”

Just to put that in perspective, that is $250 dollars in savings for every $1000 that would have previously been spent.

They will also be upgrading the exterior of the building, which they say will add to the energy savings.

With the help of Congresswoman Rosa Delauro the town was about to secure $425,000 in federal funds for the project.

“It takes a great team of brilliant people to make a project come together,” Hamden Engineering Careers Academy Program Student Alexi Clouse said. “HECA greatly helped me improve my skills and allowed me to be successful during my internship. I am glad to have experience working on real world problems,” said

Hamden Engineering Careers Academy Program Student Ishnan Khan said, “I believe everyone needs to follow the path that leads to their passions, no matter how challenging or unique. Both HECA and this apprenticeship prepared me for the real world and inspired me to continue on my own journey. Truly grateful for this opportunity to serve my town.”

There will be obvious benefits to replacing their aging HVAC systems. Like in our schools, it will improve the air quality, and improve the daily lives of all that work in the building. But thanks to technological improvements, it will also help energy expenditures. In Hamden, that is a lesson to be learned, in their High School and Town Building.