Completion: December 2012

Objective: Install HVAC upgrades to meet the objective of a 40 percent energy-efficiency improvement with a seven-year payback.

Work Completed: The apartment building, constructed in 1956, was served by dedicated gas-fired, forced-air furnaces and window-unit air conditioners original to the building. Now, the H2i® line of ductless heating and cooling systems, which operates at efficiencies up to 26 SEER, will allow the building to achieve at least a 40 percent reduction in energy use. Models range in capacity from 9,000- to 18,000-Btuh cooling and 10,900- to 11,700-Btuh heating. Most can provide 100 percent capacity at outdoor temperatures as low as 5°F, thereby eliminating the need for backup electric heating. This equipment will not only better serve the residents of the Community Connections building, but will also allow the organization to better allocate funds to carry out its mission.

“By replacing the existing 50-year-old HVAC units in the apartments, we knew we had the opportunity to make a huge impact on Community Connections’ bottom line. Now, the organization is free to use the funds otherwise spent on high energy bills toward expanding its direct client care services in the community.”
- John Clements, senior product marketing manager, Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division

Publication date: 04/15/2012