Article Summary: A failed repair attempt on the 25-year-old furnace at the Washington Township Center, which caused a fire alarm to activate, has prompted the board to authorize a full replacement of the aging unit. Further repairs to the building’s air conditioning system are on hold until the new furnace is installed.

Township Center HVAC Key Points:

• A repair attempt on the aging furnace resulted in an electrical short and smoke, triggering a fire alarm.

• The 25-year-old unit was subsequently deemed unrepairable by a vendor.

• Supervisor Mike Stanula has authorized its complete replacement, with installation of the new unit pending.

BEECHER, IL – The Washington Township Center is set to receive a new furnace after a recent repair attempt on its 25-year-old system failed and set off the building’s fire alarm.

During the August 4 board meeting, Supervisor Mike Stanula reported that a vendor attempting to fix the furnace caused an electrical short. The resulting smoke was significant enough to activate the fire alarm. After a second unsuccessful repair attempt, the vendor determined the quarter-century-old unit could not be salvaged.

Given the furnace’s condition, Stanula authorized its complete replacement. The township is currently awaiting the installation of the new unit.

The furnace failure has also delayed other necessary maintenance at the facility. Stanula noted that once the new furnace is installed, the vendor can proceed with needed repairs to the building’s air conditioning units. The new security cameras recently installed at the center are working properly, with the project nearly finished pending the arrival of a part for an interior door lock.