EVERETT — Snohomish County is investing $1.5 million in federal funds to update HVAC systems in community libraries and senior centers to support their facilities as warming, cooling or cleaner air centers.
With American Rescue Plan Act money, 22 locations across the county, including Everett Public Libraries, Sno-Isle Libraries, the Lake Ballinger Center and the Monroe Community Senior Center, will get HVAC system improvements, the county announced Thursday.
“During weather-related events, we definitely see an increase in library use,” Everett Public Library Director Abigail Cooley said. “Having an updated HVAC system to keep our building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter will absolutely benefit the community.”
Climate change is fueling more severe weather. Extreme heat is the leading cause of death among all weather-related hazards in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In 2021, a heat dome claimed 138 lives in Washington, including 15 in Snohomish County.
Smoke from wildfires has also become an increasing hazard, and is the largest source of particle pollution in Washington, according to the state Department of Ecology.
HVAC improvements will vary by facility, with some recipients having major system upgrades and others using the financial support to purchase highly efficient air filters for wildfire season, according to the county.
Most home filters have Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values of 1-4. Medium efficiency filters can have ratings from 5-12. Facilities receiving funding have the opportunity to purchase high efficiency filters with a rating of 13, which can remove as much as 95% of particles passing through the air filtration system, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Updated HVAC systems will also support community members seeking warmth, as many did earlier this week when Everett-area overnight temperatures dropped below 34 degrees. The National Weather Service predicts warmer temperatures the next few days, with a high of 53 for Everett on Friday. A storm system arriving this weekend could lead to minor flooding in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.
The Snohomish County Public Safety Hub keeps an updated list of warming, cooling and cleaner air center locations.
“To effectively address emergent needs, we must be proactive in strengthening our community’s resilience,” county Department of Human Services Mary Jane Brell-Vujovic said in a press release. “This is one important step in making sure all parts of the county are equipped to provide protection for individuals and families during extreme weather and air-quality events.”
Eliza Aronson: 425-339-3434; eliza.aronson@heraldnet.com; X: @ElizaAronson. Eliza’s stories are supported by the Herald’s Environmental and Climate Reporting Fund.
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