Even in the midst of high steaks and pressing deadlines we in construction still find ways to keep a sense of humor.

This is especially true when the solution to a problem is simpler than at first glance:

Mercy Health used hydronic exchangers linked to the permanent boiler system.

Corey Bettenbrock of Rudolph-Libbe contacted me a few weeks ago with an unusual request for a winter job site. You may remember Corey from our piece about adapting hydronic heat for a permanent boiler system. Well, the phone call turned out to be for the same project at Mercy Hospital Perrysburg. The conversation began like this:

Corey: “Heath, we have a bit of a situation you can probably help with over here at Mercy.”

Me: “Sure thing sir, what do you have going on?”

Corey: “Well, we have a data room that is starting to get a little hot. We are seeing the temperatures begin to rise close to 90 degrees. We think we need some form of temporary air conditioning to protect the equipment.”

The system worked so well the data room was getting a little too warm.

Me: “Umm Corey, I am not sure if you realize this, but as I sit here in my truck speaking with you, my display is reading -7 degrees Fahrenheit and there are 40 mile an hour winds. My suggestion, open an window, ha ha.”

Corey: “Ha ha, yeah we thought of that but unfortunately that is not an option and we need to keep that temperature in check. We are thinking we need a couple of tons of temporary air conditioning.”

Me: “No problem at all Corey we have…”

With no windows to open, Rudolph-Libbe needed to get AC.

All jokes aside, the solution turned out to be a very simple one.

A couple Qwikkool KIB 1.1 ton units were enough to keep the data room at a safe temperature. Operating on one standard 110v 20amp circuit, these portable units need very little power and can easily fit most needs and budgets. Mission accomplished.

The timing of this need may be humorous, but not having the right equipment when a problem arises is not. We applaud people like Corey who, instead of hoping things will get better, address issues before they become problems. Thank you to Corey and the entire Rudolph-Libbe Mercy Perrysburg crew. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of your successful project.