FAYETTE — There continue to be headaches associated with the wood pellet boiler at Fayette Central School that was installed just before the start of this school year.
The boiler was taken off line Nov. 25 due to the chimney exhaust fan and motor needing repair or replacement. About a week and a half ago, the boiler was repaired and resumed heating the school. However, Town Manager Mark Robinson said that he was dissatisfied with the repair.
“We attempted to put in balance with parts sent by the manufacturer,” he said.
Robinson explained that the exhaust fan’s purpose is to separate particulates in the smoke and reduce emissions. It was not working correctly, and the boiler was shut down on Sunday, Dec. 8.
SMART Heating, the manufacturer from the Czech Republic, has been engaged and has assured Robinson that a new exhaust fan and motor will be shipped to Fayette. It is expected to arrive this Friday, with installation to take one half day or less.
The boiler’s warranty covers the replacement of the exhaust fan and motor, said Robinson. He complimented SMART Heating for responding quickly to the town’s request.
With the wood boiler offline, an oil boiler that is normally used as a backup became the primary heating source. Another oil boiler at the school has been decommissioned.
There has been $16,000 in the school’s heating budget for pellets. Some of that may have to be budgeted for oil, but Robinson was hopeful that there wouldn’t be extra heating expenses.
“If the motor comes in as expected, we can stave off that overexpenditure,” he said.
Robinson added that it was unfortunate that the problems occurred during a colder than normal stretch of weather, and that it wasn’t the boiler per se that was the problem.
“I absolutely think it will be a worthwhile investment for the town. It just needs to prove itself,” he said.
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