In December of 2022 I reported to you that the radiant heating system pipes in the cement floor began leaking in several places. The system served us well for fifty-seven years. It was ideal because it only provided heat eight feet from the floor, and we weren’t heating the air into the rafters. We needed to seek a temporary heating system until a permanent system could be designed.
Kevin Maldarelli (buildings and grounds) has been working these past two years meeting with vendors and heating contractors to come up with designs that will serve us into the future. Rob Callahan (finance) has asked us to contribute one additional week donation each month so we can put aside funds for this project. I would now like to update you on where we are with this project.
First, our mini-split air conditioning system is over 35 years old and has started to leak, along with many other concerns in the aging system. The system was warranted for ten years so we certainly got our monies worth out of the system. The first step in the two-step process of a permanent heating solution is to replace our air conditioning system with heat pumps. This will allow us to have both heating and cooling for the church. We hope to begin this installation before Christmas, and it can be done in just two weeks.
We live in New England and heat pumps would not sufficiently heat our church when temperatures plunge below 32 degrees. Step two will be to install circulator vents in the church that would push hot air into our worship space when temperatures are below 32 degrees. This will be installed in the spring of 2025.
In the meantime, we will continue to use the warehouse blower now in the sanctuary to carry us through until the permanent system is in place. I know that several of you who sit in front were hoping we would move faster and get rid of the blower. Kevin has kept on top of investigating solutions that will carry us into the future. We need to make sure we have the best possible solution for our heating and cooling needs.
This project will cost $112,000.00. I wish to thank all those who have contributed $42,077.00 towards this major expense. As Rob Callahan stated in his report, we will give ourselves an interest-free loan from our savings to realize this project. However, we must replace these funds so that we are prepared for future needs. If everyone is able to give 1 week more per month, we should be able to raise an additional $72,000 over the next year and replenish our savings to ensure the vibrancy of the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart