Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 13, 2007

Twenty-two Metrorail Stations to Get New Air Conditioning Chillers

Twenty-two Metrorail stations will receive 60 new chilled water air conditioning units over the next two years. Metro expects to award these $7.6 million contracts to modernize these units this spring with rehabilitation and replacement expected to begin in the fall and winter of 2008 to 2009.

Chilled water air handling units (air conditioning units) are located within the underground portion of the Metrorail system to provide cool, dehumidified air in the stations during the summer. For over 20 years, 34 of these units have been in service at the Union Station, Foggy Bottom, Farragut West, McPherson Square, L’Enfant Plaza (lower level), Federal Center SW, Capitol South, Eastern Market, and Potomac Avenue Metrorail stations. Each station contains three to six air conditioning units.

The efficiency of these units have been compromised due to excess rust, preventing the proper flow of air. As a result of difficulty in maintaining these older units, Metro officials have deemed it necessary to replace them.

The new air conditioners are modular with better internal access capabilities. They contain an improved two-stage air filtering system and have energy- efficient fans. The new air conditioning units will require fewer repairs over the course of their expected service.

“Over the last few years, we have done everything we can to maintain these original air conditioning units, however, we recognize now is the time to replace them,” said David Couch, Metro’s Manager Director of Engineering and Project Management. “Our customers should know that during the summer, even with the air conditioning units working properly, our stations may still feel warm. During the summer, external heat flows into our train stations, and when you combine heat with the movement of passenger trains and body heat from our customers, it is likely to feel warm. However, the new air chiller units will still help reduce temperatures inside train stations.”

Metro will also rehabilitate 25 chiller units at the Farragut North, Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan, Bethesda, Medical Center, Union Station, Glenmont, Farragut West, Pentagon, Crystal City, Federal Center SW, Potomac Avenue, Columbia Heights, Georgia Avenue-Petworth, Benning Road, Capital Heights, Clarendon and Ballston Metrorail stations.

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News release issued at 12:00 am, December 13, 2007.