Building Re-Tuning inspired me to look at other areas in our facilities. It gave me the confidence and knowledge to evaluate and improve our building needs. By correcting envelope problems and replacing older equipment, we have improved energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. By spending the money today, we will save money tomorrow and in years to come.
The Need
The Director of Facilities from Hampton Township, located in Allegheny County, contacted PennTAP to conduct a Building Re-Tuning (BRT) walk-through of their police station. The building was not operating efficiently, and energy costs were high.
The PennTAP Connection
The client had previously attended a BRT workshop, and then scheduled the walk-through with a PennTAP Technical Advisor. The Advisor also reviewed the Township’s monthly electric and natural gas consumption statistics.
The Project
This project was supported and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. After the BRT walk-through, a PennTAP Advisor presented a follow-up report with opportunities for increased energy efficiency. The Advisor recommended replacing aging window seals and missing siding, servicing the HVAC unit, updating the lighting, and leaving lights off during the day in rooms that were not in use.
The Outcome
Following the PennTAP Advisor’s recommendations, the client replaced failing caulk around windows and applied new stucco coating to the building’s exterior to increase energy efficiency. The client also installed timers, programmable controls, and occupancy sensors to reduce electricity consumption. The building was updated with a white roof to regulate the temperature of its upper level. The client also replaced two inefficient HVAC units and upgraded all T12 lighting to T8.
Since the initial BRT inspection, the client has undertaken extensive repairs and renovations throughout the Township, including:
- Installing a white roof on an additional Township building to reduce cooling costs
- Installing LED lighting in the sewage treatment plant and replacing five 100-hp motors with high-efficiency motors with variable-frequency drives for improved load balancing
- Replacing a 1,520,000 BTU boiler that was operating at only 60% efficiency with a 97% high-efficiency, four-stage boiler to heat the township’s swimming pool
Hampton Township estimates annual light energy savings of approximately $7,700 per year, motor-related savings of approximately $36,000 per year, and a 14% reduction in the amount of energy needed to heat the pool.