Boston Apartment Complex Upgrades Heating for Energy Efficiency and Comfort
In response to rising energy costs and outdated equipment, Fenway Triangle installs advanced electric heating units
FENWAY: A luxury apartment complex in Boston has completed a building-wide upgrade of its heating system to lower electric bills. (Courtesy of Marley Engineered Products)
The Fenway Triangle, a luxury apartment development in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, has completed a building-wide upgrade of its heating systems in an effort to lower electric bills and improve comfort for residents.
The 891,000-square-foot property, which opened in 2006, had been facing rising energy costs and maintenance challenges due to more than 50 outdated electric terminal heaters. The old units required manual operation and could only be turned on or off, often leading to unnecessary energy use when heaters were left running.
To address these issues and remain competitive in Boston’s increasingly modern luxury rental market, Samuels Associates, the building’s owner, opted to replace the existing heaters with newer electric units featuring digital controls. The QMark MUH-Pro+ and CU900 electric heaters, equipped with SmartSeries Plus digital BACnet thermostats, were installed throughout common areas such as elevator banks, stairwells, hallways, and employee lounges.
Andrew Martin, Manager of Product Management with Marley Engineered Products, said electric heaters are well-suited for apartment buildings, citing their energy efficiency, quiet operation, and low maintenance requirements. “They can be controlled individually for personalized comfort,” Martin noted.
A key factor in the upgrade was the integration with the building’s management system (BMS), allowing heaters to be scheduled automatically and monitored remotely. According to Matthew Goodrich, President of Goodyear HVAC Sales, the new system eliminates the need for staff to manually adjust each unit and helps reduce personnel time and energy consumption.
John Belmonte, who oversees operations at Fenway Triangle, reports early signs of improved efficiency. “We’re already seeing the savings associated with the upgraded controls,” he said. “Being able to control over 40 heaters locally allows our team to focus on tenant needs without being bogged down by the time it takes to touch each individual unit.”
The heating system upgrade is part of a broader trend in Boston’s luxury apartment sector, where residents are increasingly prioritizing indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Newer buildings in the area often feature advanced HVAC systems designed to be both discreet and effective, raising expectations for comfort and sustainability.
Marley Engineered Products recognized Goodyear HVAC Sales’ work on the project with its 2024 Jim Herring Memorial Silver Fox Award, acknowledging the team’s design and installation efforts.
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