Masaryk Towers, located at 51-101 Columbia St in New York, NY, is a significant affordable housing development that recently underwent a comprehensive retrofit. Originally built in 1966, this 21-story building with 1104 apartments was retrofitted in 2023 and installed eFlow-Constant Airflow Regulators to enhance its facilities and living conditions for residents.
Project Background
Masaryk Towers, a prominent fixture in New York’s affordable housing landscape, has served its community since 1966. The recent retrofit is part of ongoing efforts to modernize older buildings, ensuring they meet contemporary standards for safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Project Details
The retrofit of Masaryk Towers was completed in 2023 and involved significant upgrades to its infrastructure. This 21-story building houses 1104 apartments, all of which benefited from the modernization efforts. The project included installing advanced ventilation systems and eFlow-Constant Airflow Regulators for automatic airflow balancing, improve air quality and energy efficiency.
Stakeholders and Roles
The retrofit was a collaborative project with key contributions from various stakeholders. eFlow products, specifically 3” Constant Airflow Regulators (CARs) adjustable to 10-30 CFM, were installed in every kitchen and bathroom exhaust of each apartment. The products were sold directly to RSI Remediation Specialists Inc. (RSI), who also handled the installation process.
Technical Insights
A crucial element of the retrofit was the installation of eFlow Constant Airflow Regulators in each apartment’s kitchen and bathroom exhaust systems. These CARs ensure consistent and efficient airflow, which is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and reducing energy consumption.
Benefits of Installing Constant Airflow Regulators
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Maintains a consistent flow of fresh air, reducing indoor pollutants.
- Energy Efficiency: Helps in reducing heating and cooling costs by ensuring optimal airflow.
- Enhanced Comfort: Provides a healthier living environment for residents.
Conclusion
The retrofit of Masaryk Towers is a testament to the importance of modernizing affordable housing to meet current standards. The project not only preserves the affordability of these homes but also significantly enhances the quality of life for its residents. As urban housing continues to evolve, projects like Masaryk Towers set a precedent for future developments.
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Photo Credits: Courtesy of appartments.com
Flow-CAR FACTS
eFlow-CAR is a simple solution to balancing ventilation systems. Constant Airflow Regulator is a device that automatically regulates airflows in ventilation systems to constant levels. The passive control element responds to duct pressure, and requires no electric sensors, pneumatic sensors or controls. eFlow-CARspromote high indoor air quality and energy savings.
- UL 2043 Classified
- Composed of fire resistant UL 94 ABS plastic
- Diameters offered: 3”, 4″, 5”, 6”, 8″, 10″
- Operating Pressure Range: 0.08 to 2.4 in w.g. (20-600Pa)
- Airflow settings: 15-765 CFM
- Temperature Limits: -22° to 140°F (-30° to 60°C)
- Suitable for both supply and exhaust applications
- No external power supply needed
- Field Adjustable CFM set point
- Capable of maintaining constant airflow within +- 5% for nominal airflow throughout the target operating pressure range of 0.08 to 2.4 in.
- Standard for Energy Efficient Compliance
