Please be sure to check your circuit breaker box for any switched off or tripped breakers BEFORE calling the office for air-conditioning repairs. As a reminder to all, Shadowood owns and maintains the heating and air-conditioning systems. All repairs are performed during normal business hours by the association at no direct cost to unit owners or tenants.

Shadowood uses an energy-management system (EMS) to minimize electricity costs. The EMS randomly cycles air-conditioning units off (but not the interior furnace fan) depending on the total energy load throughout the property. To maximize the available air conditioning, do not do laundry, use your ovens or otherwise use large amounts of electricity during these times (typically from 6 - 10 PM weekdays). Our air-conditioning system is designed to reduce the indoor temperature up to 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature, so do not expect 70 degrees inside when it is 100 outside.

Please refrain from calling the office for repairs unless you have no air conditioning at all. Before you do call, always check the circuit breaker panel near your front door for any tripped circuits, ensure that your thermostat is set for COOL(ing) and that the temperature is set at a comfortable level.

Note: It's best to keep your thermostat at a constant, comfortable temperature all the time. Lowering the thermostat after 5 PM increases electricity demand and limits the amount of time air conditioners operate. Please do not install programmable or other thermostats without contacting the SCA management. The thermostats and all HVAC equipment belong to, and are maintained by, Shadowood.

Only unit owners in good standing with paid assessments will be offered air conditioning. Delinquent unit owners will have their air conditioning service suspended until assessments are current.

"No Air Conditioning" calls are NOT provided as an emergency service after business hours and on weekends; however, after-hours service calls are available but each service call is charged to the unit owner at SCA overtime charges. Only unit owners, and not tenants, may authorize after-hours service calls. Please consider waiting to file a "No Air Conditioning" call until normal business hours (Monday - Thursday 9 - 5). All after-hours no air conditioning call and other emergency calls must be phoned in on the Shadowood main phone line at 703-620-5444.

If your air conditioner is not operating or its output is weak: The Association owns and operates an energy-management system (EMS). The EMS is connected to all units and cycles air conditioners off periodically throughout the day. The system may turn your compressor off for a few minutes each hour, but it will eventually return to service. If your unit is not cooling at all, please report the problem to the office. NOTE: The air-conditioning system at Shadowood is designed to reduce indoor temperatures by no more than 20 degrees.

2008 Budget

The Shadowood Condominium Association Board of Directors voted unanimously and approved the final 2008 budget (find it here). Please note that the 10 percent increase in condominium fees will be allocated to funding increased spending on deferred maintenance, nearly $600,000 contributions to reserves and for the large heating and air-conditioning (HVAC) upgrade project. Despite the increase, Shadowood's condo fees remain among the lowest in all of Reston, particularly among properties of our age and condition. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to president@shadowoodcondos.com.

Hot News Archives from year 2008

Energy-Management System / Air Conditioning Quick Checks

2008 Budget