Heat pump installation at Hubbardston library encounters permitting and fire-sealing issues

Trustees received an update on the library’s new heat pumps: installers have mounted units on the exterior wall, but the contractor did not submit the necessary building permit for interior mechanical work, trustees were told. Town staff raised additional concerns that holes drilled for refrigerant piping and conduit were not properly fire-stopped and that suspended ceiling tiles had not been reinstalled to maintain fire breaks.

Library staff reported she has asked the installing contractor to correct those deficiencies; the contractor will return next week to perform fire-stopping and ceiling repairs and to submit the missing building permit. Trustees were also told the HVAC company is awaiting National Grid work to provide three-phase power (a utility pole/power service), and staff noted that National Grid paperwork has required repeated follow-up because initial submissions contained errors.

Trustees said they will confirm that the contractor files the required permits and completes the fire-protection work before final acceptance of the installation. Staff also said she will ensure documentation and any required code inspections are obtained and filed with the building department.