VA FIELD STATION NEEDS-APRIL 11 REPORT BY THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON OPERATIONS OF VA HOSPITALS-Continued TOTAL Senator CRANSTON. Also, Mr. Miller, in response to the air-conditioning matter we were talking about, you said that the air-conditioning exists in terms of window units in some of these hospitals. Would you provide for the record a report on the window units that exist or do not exist, station-by-station, and an analysis of their effectiveness if you can do that? Mr. MILLER. Yes, sir. [Subsequently, the Veterans' Administration submitted the following information:] A REPORT ON THE WINDOW AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS THAT EXIST OR DO NOT EXIST STATION-BY-STATION IN VA FACILITIES AND AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR EFFECTIVENESS 1. Window-type air conditioning units are utilized to varying degrees in practically all of the existing VA hospitals except: a The new hospitals that have been built since approximately 1960. b. Existing hospitals that have been air conditioned subsequent to their construction. Central plant-type systems using chilled water distribution and central air handling units were utilized for the most part and window air conditioners were used sparingly in miscellaneous small support buildings. 2. Existing hospitals that have been totally air conditioned by window units as a result of a C of H&DF project are as follows: Bay Pines, Fla. Biloxi, Miss. N. Little Rock Ark. 3. Existing hospitals that qualify for total air conditioning by OMB guidelines that have not been authorized by Congress are: These stations have all been partially air conditioned by piece meal projects as available funds permitted. Extent of window units at each hospital is not presently known since authorization for limited installation is granted to the individual hospital director. 4. The effectiveness of window units is less than desired, however, they have been utilized where funds were not available to provide better systems. The room air conditioners have several major limitations which limit their effectiveness. Briefly, these major limitations are the noise generated in the occupied area; lack of ability to provide high efficiency air filtration; lack of ability to provide humidification in the heating cycle; and adequate dehumidification in the cooling cycle; appearance in occupied area and on exterior of building; no positive ventilation; increased energy consumption, etc. 5. The use of window airconditioning units is considered to be a substandard type of system where the life expectancy of facilities is in excess of 20 years. 11. Bedford, Mass. 12. Boise, Idaho. 13. Boston, Mass. 14. Brecksville, Ohio. 15. Brockton, Mass. 16. Buffalo, N.Y. 17. Canandaigua, N.Y. 24. East Orange, N.J. 26. Fargo, N. Dak. 27. Fayetteville, Ark. 33. Grand Junction, Colo. 34. Gulfport, Miss 35. Hot Springs, S. Dak. 36. Indianapolis, Ind. (Cold Spring Road Division). HOSPITALS NOT CENTRALLY AIR-CONDITIONED AREAS A/C BY PACKAGED TYPE UNITS OR WINDOW UNITS N/A ZZZ XXXXXDX DXDX = X DD DDXXXXX »»»XXXX×××× Other- Laboratory supply fiscal, service |