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Challenge: Replacing an assisted living community’s conventional HVAC system to improve resident comfort, reduce the property’s carbon footprint, and deliver cost savings.

Solution: Mitsubishi Electric’s variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump solution, paired with the Simple Ductless Wired (SDW) remote controller.

South Coast Improvement Company and the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMASS) partnered to expand the existing 60,000-square-foot assisted living community, Concord Park in West Concord, Mass., by an additional 25,000 square feet, including 21 new apartments.

Concord Park is VOAMASS' first senior community in Massachusetts. The organization has been supporting local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

As part of the $17-million renovation, the team set out to replace Concord Park’s aging HVAC with an all-climate, all-electric heat pump system. The decision to transition from a conventional HVAC system to a heat pump solution was made because heat pumps can significantly improve comfort levels while providing sustainable, cost-efficient operation.

VRF Technology: A Game Changer in Comfort and Sustainability

Having previously completed three VRF conversions for senior housing facilities, the team at South Coast Improvement Company understood the many benefits of this technology and felt it would be a great solution for Concord Park.

VRF technology divides a building into zones, then provides each space with customized, energy efficient comfort. With no need for fossil fuels, an all-electric VRF system provides heating and cooling by cycling refrigerant between an outdoor unit and each zone’s ductless or ducted indoor unit(s). Up to 50 indoor units can connect to a single outdoor unit.

Zones have individual temperature set points based on usage, occupancy, typical solar loads, and user preferences. Facility managers can empower occupants to personalize comfort in their zones while retaining the ability to optimize heating and cooling with centralized equipment control.

“Variable-capacity heat pump solutions are better for the environment, more cost-effective for the building owner, and provide residents with independent control of their heating and cooling needs,” said Henry Quinlan, President of South Coast Improvement Company. “We also refer to VRF as the ‘chiller killer’ because it eliminates the unsightly chiller in the parking lot, providing more parking and outdoor space.”

(Courtesy of Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMASS))

“The existing conventional system at Concord Park needed replacing badly, and VRF delivered greater cost savings, ease of use, and sustainability,” said Matt Lane, Vice President of Real Estate Initiatives at VOAMASS.

METUS Systems Drive Efficiency in the Right Direction

South Coast Improvement Company and VOAMASS selected Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) VRF heat pump technology for the Concord Park retrofit.

Each outdoor unit is equipped with an inverter-driven compressor, allowing the system to adjust capacity to match the demand from indoor units. This results in significant energy savings compared to conventional fixed-capacity HVAC systems.

“Think about driving your car,” said Randall Towb, Senior Manager of Business Development for Senior Living at METUS. “If you start and stop at every light, your momentum and efficiency are adversely affected. This is how conventional on/off HVAC systems operate. VRF technology mirrors cruise control, maximizing efficiency and fine-tuning temperature and energy use as needed.”

In addition to providing simultaneous heating and cooling, the Mitsubishi Electric VRF units feature a heat recovery system that redistributes otherwise wasted heat to indoor units that require warmth. The indoor units operate quietly, allowing residents to relax and sleep more comfortably. The facility’s operations team also uses the Simple Ductless Wired (SDW) centralized controller to monitor the VRF system’s performance and give residents user-friendly temperature control.

Keeping HVAC Contractors in the Loop

The involvement of knowledgeable and experienced HVAC technicians early in the project allowed for smooth communication and collaboration with the mechanical engineers and other stakeholders.

“We consider Concord Park a jewel in our crown because it was a highly successful project,” said Quinlan. “My advice to any senior living facility operator considering a renovation or new build is to get certified METUS-trained mechanical contractors involved during the preconstruction phase.”

Monetary Incentives Reduce Energy and Cut Costs

Interested in installing a VRF heating and cooling system for your building?

Local utility rebates and federal tax incentives offered through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) help commercial building owners electrify their spaces so they can reduce their energy use. The government incentivizes commercial properties to exceed Multi-Family ENERGY STAR® and/or ASHRAE 90.1 2007 standards for HVAC, lighting, and building envelopes.

VRF technology qualifies for these incentives. Section 179D can offer up to $5 per square foot of the building worked on, while Section 45L can offer up to $5,000 per senior apartment.

Flexible VRF Solutions: The Perfect Fit

To learn more about the Concord Park project and VRF installation, access the replay of the Seniors Housing Business webinar, “Resident-Focused Renovation: A Seniors Housing Success Story.” Representatives from South Coast Improvement Company and VOAMASS joined METUS to discuss the project.

(Courtesy of Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMASS))