Tracey,

A lot more information is needed to get any kind of estimate that
would be even accurate or approximate.

If you have not done so you need to have a full assessment of the
current environment within the structure, the engineering issues
(ducting, central power, water, drains, etc.), and architectural
issues. The best HVAC installations within historic structures blend
these disciplines into a comprehensive plan and that is what generates
the specifics needed for a project budget.

A frim that just does HVAC installations will have a tendency to
oversell what you may actually need. And there have been a number of
low cost solutions to environmental control that can be considered
before or in concert with any major HVAC project.

You are far, far better off in getting grants and funding to do the
research and studies first.

And environmental control via an HVAC system just isn't a matter of
turning it on and letting it run. Sysytem, particularly new ones, need
a shake-down period as well as a program in place to "ramp" the RH in
the weeks between the dryest season in Winter and the most humid
period in the summer and then back to Winter again. I dealt with HVAC
issues and new systems when I was at Colonial Williamsburg some years
ago - so I am familiar with the general climate and region where your
musuem is located.

If you need a referral for a knowledgable conservator to consult with
feel free to contact me off of the list.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, CA


On 1/23/08, Tracy Sullivan <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi everyone. We are interested in installing an HVAC system in our facility, a 3-
> story historic house dating to 1785. I have no concept of how much such a
> thing would cost. Could anyone give me ballpark estimates based on their own
> experiences? Also, if you could recommend a company in the Washington, DC
> area, that would be great.
>
> As always, your help is much appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> Tracy Sullivan
>
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If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).