The staff at North Portland Veterinary Hospital was either sweating or freezing, depending on where in their building they were. Co-owner Melinda Mc Coy spends most of her time in an upstairs office near the computer system’s server room.
“Because of the computers’ heat and being on the second floor, it was 78 degrees up there and way too stuffy,” McCoy says. That not only made it uncomfortable, but it was hard on their servers.
“To compensate, the air conditioner ran all winter long — so downstairs it was always too chilly,” McCoy adds. “It was a mess!”
Energy consultation shows the way
The group signed up for a free energy-efficiency consultation from Energy Trust of Oregon.
That analysis provided great ideas to even out temperatures and reduce waste, using economizers and variable frequency drives and upgrading to a more efficient water heating system.
During the process, McCoy also learned her carbon monoxide levels were high. The energy efficiency expert recommended measures to improve air quality and ventilate air from the kennels and quarantine areas more healthfully and efficiently.
Big changes, big difference
Now, the temperature is even throughout the building, the air is fresher, and energy bills have dropped significantly.
“We didn’t do it for the savings — we did it for comfort and for our health,” says McCoy. “But the incentives and tax credits that covered more than a third of the cost were a nice bonus, and I’m thrilled by how much our bills have dropped.”
Real-life results at North Portland Veterinary Hospital
Measures implemented
- Web-based HVAC-control system that coordinates and controls temperatures across multiple spaces, even remotely
- Ductless split-system air conditioner for additional upstairs cooling
- Modifications to the exhaust system, including variable-speed drives, and economizers to save air that has already been conditioned
- Replacing large gas water heater with a small, efficient electric water heater and heat pump water heater that uses energy from the building’s mechanical room to heat water.
- HVAC occupancy sensors in exam rooms, offices and rest rooms reduce conditioning load when rooms are empty
Estimated annual electricity savings
- 12,360 kilowatt hours or about $742 annually
Financial incentives
Benefits
- Payback in less than four years
- Greater comfort for staff and clients
- Cleaner indoor air
- Less impact on the environment
- Lower energy bills