Heating Optimization Program Offers Apartments and Condos Energy & Cost Savings


12/7/2017 • 6 years ago

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61 to 69 Bolton Street

Following a successful pilot last year, the Cambridge Energy Alliance is once again inviting apartment managers and condo owners to participate in the City’s No-Cost Heating System Optimization program. 

Facilitated by staff from the Cambridge Energy Alliance and the Boston-based sustainability firm New Ecology, the program offers a one-time, fine-grained tuning of heating and hot water control systems in buildings that are 10 units or larger to help them save energy and money, while increasing comfort. Eligible buildings must have a gas-fired, central heating system and provide gas data for pre- and post-evaluation reports. Data collected from participating buildings will be used to better understand opportunities for saving energy in Cambridge’s residential buildings. 

Last year, the program provided expert calibration to nine buildings in Cambridge, encompassing 440 households. In addition to implementing more efficient and comfortable heating for residents, property managers reported up to 6-9% savings on their heating bills. The optimization helps to address overheating and inefficient system performance in buildings, which saves energy and contributes to a greener building. 

“The No-Cost Heating System Optimization program supports Cambridge property managers in their efforts to make their building heating systems energy efficient – a crucial factor in the citywide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve Cambridge as a leader in urban sustainability,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager of Community Development. 

During the fine-grained tuning of heating and hot water systems, building maintenance staff will learn techniques to keep the system running efficiently. A follow-up report, tailored to each building, will detail the work that was performed and identify additional energy efficiency opportunities. The program is not intended for systems that are broken and in need of repair or replacement parts.

To apply, property managers or condo trustees must complete an online survey by Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. The No-Cost Heating System Optimization program will admit eligible applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis while funding lasts.