Geothermal Cooling System Installed for Winnick House

March 20, 2006 - A new geothermal central air conditioning system is scheduled to begin operating in the summer of 2006 in the historic mansion that serves as the administrative center of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. It will reduce costs, consume less electricity, operate quietly and improve the appearance of the building that serves as the visual centerpiece of the campus (no more unsightly window a/c units). Energy savings are estimated at 15 percent. The geothermal system will be beneficial for the environment because its use of groundwater, a renewable resource, results in reduced consumption of electricity.

The system will draw groundwater from a 250-foot-deep well near the Dollhouse in front of Riggs Hall. The water will be used to remove heat from the air at Winnick House (the administration building) and will be discharged back into the ground through two wells at the base of the Great Lawn, near Humanities Hall.

The installation of the geothermal system is being funded as part of an $8 million gift from 1969 C.W. Post alumnus Gary Winnick to renovate the Campus’ historic mansion.