Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - On one of the hottest days of the year, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s new HVAC unit failed, leaving one building without air conditioning until Saturday evening. The breakdown occurred Thursday evening when the motor in the six-month-old system burned out. Although the unit is still under warranty, repairs could not be completed until Saturday.
On Thursday, Niagara County was one of three in Western New York under a heat advisory, with temperatures reaching into the 90s.
The medical center addressed the issue on its website and social media:
Cooling System Update – July 25, 2025
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is currently addressing an unexpected mechanical failure involving a motor in our central cooling system, which has temporarily affected air conditioning in parts of the building.
We have activated our response plan to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone in the impacted areas. This includes the use of fans and portable air-conditioning units, distribution of water and ice, and deployment of coolers for necessary cold storage.
Our facilities team is working closely with HVAC contractors, and repairs are expected to be completed by 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26.
Hospital President and CEO Joseph Ruffolo told WBEN on Friday evening that only one building was affected, including the medical surgery floor and the intensive care unit. The air conditioning was expected to be out for about a day and a half.
“Our team went to Home Depot early this morning to buy fans. Over 80 fans were delivered, but I believe they were donated from people throughout the community. Great, great community support for our hospital. [We are] so blessed! Our team bought boxes and boxes of popsicles for our patients, families, and workers as a ‘kool’ gesture,” Ruffolo said.
The hospital’s response plan included distributing fans, portable air-conditioning units, water, ice, and popsicles to help keep everyone cool until full repairs were completed.
Repairs to the HVAC system were expected to be completed by Saturday evening.