Fwd: HVAC

[Joe Mack]

Methinks that we need to get the new ARC Committee involved pronto and we should get RDH out here as well. This is gathering momentum. I dont want to communicate distrust of American Heating but they have a lot to gain on this and we need some 'indifferent' eyes on this.

thanks

Joe

I copy Tom Hellie on this to keep communicatsion bi-directional.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Thomas Hellie <the...@linfield.edu>
Date: Sun, Mar 29, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Subject: HVAC
To: va...@kinliving.com <va...@kinliving.com>
Cc: Ed Long <ewl...@gmail.com>, Juli Stratton <jstra...@gmail.com>, julie...@gmail.com <julie...@gmail.com>

Hi,

I saw in Friday's weekly report that you urge early communication about HVAC replacement. According to American Heating, Inc., which installed our original equipment, we must replace it soon, and in fact several owners are already encountering significant problems with their old equipment.

I am writing about HVAC on the fourth floor of The Vaux, where my wife and I own Unit 401. I'm told that floors 1-3 are facing replacement as well, but I have no informed knowledge of their issues.

As you know, several unit owners on the 4^th floor of Raleigh are exploring options to replace our HVAC equipment. American Heating has provided estimated prices for heat pumps for all 12 of the units on the 4^th floor. So far, four of our owners are likely to move forward on this. Several others have expressed interest, but we still have some questions for the vendor and are also trying to get a competing bid.

Although they have not been directly involved in the Raleigh discussions, two owners on 4^th Savier have reached out to me with questions and one of them is eager to replace his equipment ASAP.

Here are some issues for 4th floor owners, only partly answered so far:

1. Because existing Lennox HVAC units varied in size, and perhaps for other reasons, the "curbs" in which they sit were custom-built. Replacement equipment will require "curb adaptors" which each add 200-300 pounds of weight, or curb replacement, which will require new sealing on the roof.
2. Heat pumps may require electrical upgrades because existing wiring may be insufficient. The more traditional combination HVAC units are more attractive to several of us and are unlikely to require new electrical work, but I've heard second-hand that the City of Portland is reluctant to approve permits for these less energy-efficient units. I haven't confirmed this, however.
3. HVAC replacement for these large units will probably require the city's examination and approval of the weight-bearing capacity of the roof. It's not  clear to me whether the city has its own engineer determine this or whether the vendor identifies mechanical engineering assistance. The vendor has told us to expect expenses related to city permits, etc.
4. Regardless of whether we obtain heat pumps or combination units, the replacement will require a large crane and street closure adjacent to the buildings. This will be quite expensive, both for the crane and for the street closure permit, over $10,000 per day. American Heating says it can do four units per day, and that's one reason our owners hope to coordinate in doing these at the same time, thus splitting the cost of the crane and permit.
5. None of us owners have expertise on these matters. We are mostly retired, with backgrounds in law and education, not project management, engineering, or construction. We will appreciate any professional advice or help that can be provided by Kin Living or our HOA. And because of the scope of this project, which includes alterations to the roof and perhaps to wiring, we fear it's an issue for the entire building as well as individual unit owners.
6. We want to do this soon, before our current HVAC equipment is inoperable.
7. Finally, because I formally presented this matter at the recent Board meeting, I am now being contacted by other residents who seek information and guidance. I have neither the expertise nor the desire to be the Vaux's point person or project manager for this; as a unit owner I too need I information guidance from those who are more qualified.

Please let me know if you wish to discuss this by phone or wish to see the preliminary estimates we received from American Heating. Obviously we aren't yet ready to submit any proposals for architectural review.

Thank you.

Thomas Hellie

Unit 401

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[DIANA DREW-FLEMING]

As board liaison to the ARC Committee I concur with you Joe.  I will say that I think this is too big a project for an ARC Committee staffed by volunteers.  I would say we need to reach out to RDH as well as Kin Living to get some questions answered by professionals.

The question for me is:  who is the person to reach out to RDH/Kin Living?  ARC board liaison or board chair or someone else?

I will do it just need to hear agreement from board.

Diana 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 29, 2026, at 12:30, Joe Mack <jmmc...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Joe Mack]

Agree

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[Tim Ackley]

Same here.

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Tim Ackley

2335 NW Raleigh Street Unit 139

Portland, Oregon 97210

 

Cell: 480-694-7059

Email: tim.ack...@gmail.com

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[Joe Mack]

I will be happy to work with you on this, Diana

On Sun, Mar 29, 2026 at 3:20 PM 'DIANA DREW-FLEMING' via vauxofficers <vauxof...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

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[wor...@finitearts.com]

Agree on pulling pros into definitive discussion about 4th floor HVAC projects.  Let’s talk about it on the 7th.  — H

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