Last year on the first day of school, temperatures in parts of the San Fernando Valley topped a sweltering 100 degrees. And though all classrooms in Los Angeles Unified have air conditioning, many of those systems are several years past their life expectancy.

Now, the district is undertaking massive list of $342 million in bond-funded critical repair projects for heating and air conditioning, or HVAC, systems. Nearly a third of the total, about $107 million, will be spent in the San Fernando Valley, which often sees the hottest temperatures in the Los Angeles area.

We have 30,000 classrooms. All of them are air-conditioned, said Mark Hovatter, the LAUSDs chief facilities executive. Of those 30,000 classrooms, we get a lot of trouble calls.

On a recent weekday morning, Hovatters office already had received 776 calls for service, a third of them in the Valley, and it wasnt yet noon. A typical school day might see 200 such calls, but the number this day was higher as custodians cleaning classrooms in preparation for the start of school checked air-conditioning units. The plan is to check every classroom in the district before school starts, said Angelita Khazei, deputy director of maintenance and operations.

Most of the air conditioning that were getting trouble calls on now are for units that are in excess of 25 years old, when the average life of an air-conditioning system is 20 years, Hovatter said. So were already five, six, seven years beyond the expected useful life for a large number of the air-conditioning units.

The need to upgrade these systems has been growing, and the amount the district spends on overtime work for emergency fixes has been rising, too. In 2015, LAUSD spent about $400,000 on overtime for system repairs by district staff; that rose to $670,000 last year, Hovatter said.

Worse situations are when you have a major system that goes down, and lots of classrooms are out, Hovatter said. That obviously becomes our absolute highest priority. But we just have systems that are old, and they just break down. On hot days, theyve got to run continuously. They dont get a chance to rest, and they just wont hold up.

A resolution passed this month by the school board requires that every classroom has working air conditioning, or that those without are prioritized for work. The highest priority are systems that serve a lot of classrooms or are at elementary schools, Hovatter said, because younger students are more susceptible to the heat.

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Times have changed. In the 1950s, air conditioning wasnt the standard in schools; now it is. Air-conditioned gyms used to be a luxury, Hovatter said. Now the district is working on making sure every district school has a gym that is air-conditioned (though some practice gyms dont have air conditioning). Gyms also are serving as backup classrooms when the AC goes out in regular classrooms on hot days, Hovatter said.

The list of projects is long, stretches across the district and will take time. The two largest projects are at Valley schools: a $17.2 million system at Richard E. Byrd Middle School in Sun Valley and a $12.5 million project at Van Nuys Elementary School, both slated to finish in 2021.

Some schools, like Byrd Middle School, need a complete new system. The last projects are expected to wrap up in 2022, but about three-fourths of the 67 schools on the list for repairs and new systems are scheduled to have the work done by the end of 2020. Projects at a dozen district schools have been completed, and projects at 26 schools are under construction now.

At Nestle Elementary School in Tarzana this week, Senior HVAC fitter Albert Del Toro and HVAC fitter William Van Lohn with the districts maintenance and operations division were making the final checks on a new system theyd recently installed in one of the classrooms. Del Toro closed the classroom door that led outside, and the temperature displayed on the thermostat steadily dropped.

We just have so much work going on right now, Del Toro said. Theres tons of units that were replacing.

Del Toro pointed up at the ceiling. This used to have ductwork that ran across. Its an eyesore, he said. Removing all that hardware had made the room more spacious and brighter. The new systems are much quieter and turn on with motion detectors rather than timers, he said, saving energy.

At Nestle, about 25 to 30 classrooms, plus other spaces like the library and offices, are set to get new HVAC units. Its a big project, and though some classrooms will be upgraded in time for the coming school year, the entire $3 million project wont be done until summer of 2020, according to the districts plans.

Air conditioning is one of our highest priorities, Hovatter said. Its not just unpleasant. Its, I cant teach today because I dont have air conditioning.

This story has been corrected to reflect that LAUSD has 30,000 classrooms, not 33,000 as the district had previously stated.

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As heat bakes Valley, LAUSD classrooms will cool off with $107M in upgrades - LA Daily News

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Home Improvement Series 4/4: Weather Stripping for Energy Efficiency

Meredith TerHaar, WZZM 10:57 AM. EDT July 30, 2017

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - The WZZM Weekend Morning News team is in the midst of a 4 week series about simple home improvement projects you can tackle yourself. We're getting some help from the experts at Home Repair Services.

Home Repair Services offers an extensive list of free classes at their 1100 South Division location in Grand Rapids. They even offer walk-thru inspections to look for necessary repairs for any homeowner living in Kent County.

Throughout this series Self-Help Program Coordinator Mike Zamarron will offer tips and assistance to show that it is in fact possible to take on many home improvement projects yourself.

This week, Mike shows Laura how to install weather stripping on a door frame. This easy improvement can result in significant savings on your heating and cooling bills.

For a schedule of classes and to learn more about Home Repair Services and what they offer, click here.

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.

2017 WZZM-TV

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Home Improvement Series Week 4: Weather proofing - WZZM

"No matter how well the air conditioning system is maintained, cleaned and repaired, it does have a life span," said Mitch Kenney, owner of Colepepper Services. "It will get to a certain age where it just cannot function effectively to lower humidity levels and keep the home cool and comfortable when it's hot and humid outside."

Homeowners need to be aware of some signs that might indicate that the central air conditioning system is reaching or has reached, the end of its life and it may be time to consider replacing it.

Even if the unit does not need replacement, getting it repaired or serviced can boost its efficiency and save money.

For San Diego residents who would like help diagnosing their air conditioning issue, the professionals at Colepepper Services are ready to assist. To find out more, visit http://www.colepepperservices.comor call 1-619-838-1322.

About Colepepper ServicesColepepper Services, rated A by the Better Business Bureau, is a third generation family-owned and operated plumbing, heating and cooling business serving San Diego and surrounding areas. Backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, Colepepper offers plumbing, drain and sewer repair, toilet repair, water filtration and gas leak detection. Colepepper Services has been awarded Best Plumbers in San Diego by Expertise, the Super Service Award by Angie's List, and Top Rated Elite Service Provider for HomeAdvisor. For more information, call 619-838-1322 or visit http://www.colepepperservices.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather RipleyPresident, Ripley PR865-977-1973hripley@ripleypr.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3-signs-the-home-air-conditioning-system-needs-to-be-replaced-300486744.html

SOURCE Colepepper Services

San Diego Plumber – Service and Repair For The Homeowner

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3 Signs the Home Air Conditioning System Needs to be Replaced - PR Newswire (press release)

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Bensalem, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/12/2017 -- Dowd Mechanical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., a trusted AC repair company in Bucks County, strives to help residents avoid any issues with their HVAC system by offering preventative maintenance. Property owners that are looking to avoid problems can turn to this company's experienced team for quality service.

Having a broken air conditioning unit in the heat of the summer can make a homeowner miserable. Dowd Mechanical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. wants homeowners to make sure that they understand the importance of preventative maintenance. AC units are expensive, so taking care of them all-year-round will help keep energy bills down and save owners from having to pay for repairs.

Some ways that Dowd Mechanical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. supplies clients with preventative maintenance is by changing the oil, replacing the belts, changing the filters and also reading the manuals. By making sure that all of these items are in order, property owners are likely to save money and have a comfortable home this summer.

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Property owners in need of air conditioning installation in Bucks County or wish to learn more about preventative maintenance should call Dowd Mechanical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. at 215-240-1284 or visit http://www.dowdhvac.com/ for more information.

About Dowd Mechanical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.Dowd Mechanical, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. was established in 1997 and is family-owned and operated. They provide air conditioning and heating services to all Bucks County and Montgomery County, PA, residents and businesses. Please visit them on the web at http://www.dowdhvac.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/preventative-maintenance-from-dowd-mechanical-heating-and-air-conditioning-inc-helps-homeowners-avoid-hvac-issues-831223.htm

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Preventative Maintenance from Dowd Mechanical, Heating and Air ... - Digital Journal

First Call Heating & Cooling, Inc., is a Wisconsin (WI) Heating, Cooling, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Geothermal Heat Pump, Ductless Mini-Split, Fireplace and Furnace repair, service, replacement and maintenance Company located in Racine area. First Call Heating & Cooling, Inc. employs only the best technician for air conditioner repair and, furnace repair as well as all air conditioner replacement, furnace replacement and boiler replacement in Racine WI, Kenosha WI, Sturtevant WI, Somers WI, Caledonia WI, Union Grove WI, Franksville WI, Pleasant Prairie WI, Woodworth WI, Oak Creek WI, Bristol WI, Benet Lake WI, Russell WI, Winthrop Harbor WI, Kansasville WI, South Milwaukee WI, Franklin WI, Zion WI. So when you ask to find "A good heating, air conditioning or service company near me," you've come to the right place. To set-up a repair service estimate or replacement estimate, call 262-634-9025. First Call Heating & Cooling, Inc. services all furnace, AC, humidifier, filter, thermostat and water heater brands including Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Amana, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Crown, Frigidaire, Gibson, Goodman, Lochinvar, Maytag, Weil McLain, A O Smith, Kohler, American Standard, GeoExcel, General, Aprilaire, Honeywell, White Rodgers, Dynamic and Skuttle.

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AC Repair Service Racine WI | First Call Heating & Cooling ...

Peak Heating & Cooling Inc., is Minnesota's (MN) #1 Heating, Cooling, Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, ductless mini split, and furnace repair, service, replacement and maintenance Company located in West Metro. Peak Heating & Cooling Inc. will send you only the best technician to fix your plumbing problem, air conditioner repair and, gas or propane (LP) furnace and heater repair as well as your air conditioner installation, furnace, boiler replacement, and tankless hot water heaters installation. Peak Heating & Cooling Inc. provides emergency service to Chanhassen MN, Eden Prairie MN, Chaska MN, Minnetonka MN, Edina MN, Excelsior MN, Wayzata MN, Plymouth MN, Shakopee MN, Bloomington MN, Mound MN, Prior Lake MN, Victoria MN, Waconia MN.. To set-up a repair service or replacement estimate, call (952) 401-1195. So when you ask to find "A good heating and air conditioning repair or service company near me," you've come to the right place. Peak is an authorized factory dealer of many brands and services all furnace, AC, humidifier, filter, thermostat and water heater brands including Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Amana, Crown, Gibson, Goodman, Lochinvar, Weil McLain, AO Smith, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, American Standard, General, Aprilaire, Honeywell, and White Rodgers.

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AC Repair Service Chanhassen MN | Peak Heating & Cooling Inc.

KTNV Las Vegas

Good Samaritan repair company fixes elderly man's AC free of charge KTNV Las Vegas An 84-year-old man suffered without air conditioning for nearly a week as the Las Vegas valley still baked in broiling heat. I was living off of fans, David Vagnoni said. The only relief, if you can call them that, were fans, blasting from the floor ...

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Good Samaritan repair company fixes elderly man's AC free of charge - KTNV Las Vegas

Kenwood Academy students have complained that CPS is letting their school fall apart. View Full Caption

DNAinfo/Sam Cholke

KENWOOD After months of complaints about cleanliness and maintenance issues at Kenwood Academy, students, parents and teachers are promised some relief from Chicago Public Schools.

Principal Gregory Jones said in a letter to parents Tuesday night that CPS committed to getting rid of mice and roaches that led to the school's two heath code violations in less than a week in March, and he said the district also will repair the broken heating and cooling system.

The announcement cameWednesday as students and parents planned to take their complaints about CPS and custodial contractor Aramarks maintenance of the building at 5015 S. Blackstone Ave. to the Chicago Board of Education.

Amaya Lorick, an incoming senior and student council president, said shes frequently seen mice in the choir room and elsewhere in the building.

Sheand other students said they frequently need to bringcoats because the air conditioning appears to be on in some classrooms all year round, while other rooms stay uncomfortably hot regardless of the time of year.

The third floor is crazy hot, and not everyone has the luxury of having a teacher with a fan, Lorick said.

She said shes upset because Kenwood is a top-performing school, and some students choose it over selective-enrollment schools because of its academic center and wide range of advanced placement classes. CPS is failing to provide the basics for the buildings upkeep, she said.

Ciara Evans, senior class president, accused CPS and Aramark custodians of not cleaning out the vents over the summer, which exacerbatesproblems with the heating and cooling system.

She said the issues with mice in classrooms and roaches in the locker rooms haveonly gotten worse since last year.

Health inspectors found mice droppings throughout the school, damaged ceilings and other issues on March 24 and again on March 31 during a follow-up inspection.

The report was a wake-up call to some parents, who have joined students in their complaints to CPS and the School Board.

Gordon Mayer said his son, who is a junior, came home complaining of conditions at the school and got concerned after talking to his teachers.

Teachers in the school noticed there was leaking and some disgusting brown liquid was leaking from the ceiling, Mayer said.

He blamed Aramark for failing to keep the school clean and CPS for not investingmoney to get the heating and cooling system working, even after the state paid for new chiller units.

An Aramark spokeswoman on Wednesday said their custodians are doing their job and the ongoing issues at the school are largely due to CPS management of pest control and building maintenance.

Our top priority is to work with district staff to maintain a clean, safe and comfortable learning environment for all students, faculty and staff at Kenwood High School, said Karen Cutler, a spokeswoman for Aramark.

She said Aramark has kept the same custodial staff that has worked at the building since before CPS turned over most custodial services to the company in 2014, and they have consistently met the cleanliness standards set.

A spokesman for CPS did not respond to requests for comment.

Jones said CPS facilities management took responsibility for many of the issues at the school during a Tuesday night meeting and promised to correct them.

He said CPS will repair the existing heating and cooling system and will clean out all of the vents.

Jones said CPS will increase pest control visits to once a month until the issues with mice are completely gone.

He said Aramark will also review its staffing at the school to determine if it needs to change how it cleans the school and has assigned a new custodial manager.

Parents and studentsstill are expected to go to the School Boardmeeting to voice concerns about how long it has taken the issues to be resolved.

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After Mice, Roaches Found, CPS Vows To Clean Up Kenwood Academy And Fix AC - DNAinfo

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Utica AC Repair, HVAC Service | Main Heating & Cooling, Inc.