Dora schools to replace HVAC equipment, systems

Dora Consoidated Schools will replace aging heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and systems and install a new roof as part of $2.7 million project designed to produce utility bill savings for the district.

The district contracted with Yearout Energy, an Energy Services Company headquartered in Albuquerque, for the replacement and repair project, according to a Yearout news release.

Yearout spokesperson Tammy Valentine said the project is in final approval stages, but a date for the beginning of constuction has not been set.

The project costs will be covered through energy and operational cost savings through a Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract, the news release stated. In all, Dora Schools are projected to save considerably in annual operating costs, as well as by prolonging the life of facility equipment, according to the news release.

Dora Schools Superintendent Brandon Hays said the district knew its HVAC systems were aging and roofs were in need of repair. In addition to Yearout, he said, the school system also worked with the Roosevelt County Electric Coop to identify opportunities for energy savings.

The coop also worked with Yearout to make arrangements for the project.

Yearout performed an “investment grade audit” of several facilities across the Dora Schools campus to identify and co-develop facility improvement measures, according to the Yearout news release.

In addition to the HVAC and roof improvements, the project will also repair building leaks that waste energy and upgrade electrical infrastructure, and take other measures, according to the news release.

“Yearout Energy is proud to partner with this community-focused school district,” Yearout Account Manager Tara Trafton said in the news release. “Our team is assisting the district to achieve their infrastructure improvement needs, save annual costs, and create a more inviting space through these upgrades.”

In the news release, Hays added, “We’re looking forward to reaping the benefits from the annual savings and the facility upgrades for the building users, as well as our community for years to come.”