Property Type:    37 Unit Motel

Location:   Northeast United States

Owner Concerns:  Excessive oil consumption, excessive water and sewer usage, high electrical costs.
                   

Consultants Response:      a) Recommend on-site inspection of mechanical equipment rooms,

                                                each unit and common areas.

                                            b) Review last 24 months of utility bills.

                                            c) Review last 24 months of water and sewer charges.

Consultants Recommendations:

Heating System:  Boiler rooms no.1 &2. Checked age of boilers and visual inspection. Both under 10 years old. If cleaned and tuned can produce in excess of 80% FUE. Performed combustion efficiency test on boilers which are operating at 65%. Install outside temperature reset control for increased efficiency. (boiler setting to work in conjunction with outside air temperature). Install Beckett Heat Manager control to utilize the existing heat produced by the boiler and prevent false starts. Insulate pipe headers. Increase combustion air to improve efficiency and reduce soot build up. Estimated costs $1,5000. Cost savings 10/15% annual.

Domestic Hot Water: Currently using (4) indirect fired hot water heaters (1) 85 gallon oil fired HWH and (1) 75 gallon electric HWH. Lower temperatures on all water heaters to 120 degree F. Eliminate 75 gallon electric HWH by installing a re-circulation line from existing IFHWH which is more than adequate to cover additional units. This will save a substantial amount of money off your electrical bill. (Approx. $9,600 P/Y savings). Install by-pass line from the IFHWH to oil HWH. Only use oil fired HWH during peak winter months and switch over in early spring through early winter, thus saving eight months of oil usage for that appliance. (Approx. $2,500 savings). Total Cost Savings $12,100 annual. 

The East Motel Building has (2) indirect fired hot water heaters and serves seven (7) units. The furthest unit is approximately 100 ft. from the HWH's. When there is a call for hot water, it takes well over five minutes for the hot water to reach the end unit. We recommend using a recirculation line connecting the furthest unit to the HWH's. This will eliminate a tremendous waste of hot water and sewer charges. Currently this building is used during peak season only. Recommend cycling heating system when not in use. Estimated cost $1,500/$2,000. Savings approximately 8% plus sewer/water charge per year.

Motel Units Typical:

Excess draft through exterior doors. All doors are hollow core. Replace doors with insulated type. Keep drapes closed when unit is not in use. Install A.C. Unit covers or cover w/4 mil poly. Install energy star light bulbs (CFL's). Units with old refrigerators should be replace. They waste energy. If nothing else unplug when not in use. Note: Replacement of certain appliances with Energy Star type may qualify for an energy tax credit. Replace shower heads and lavatory faucets with low flow type. Check all faucets, diverters and ball cocks for dripping or leakage. This a major reason for the large sewer and water bills. Lower thermostats in rooms to the minimum setting that are not rented. Most items as mentioned are low cost or no cost. Replacement of doors are approx. $300/350 ea. w/lock sets and basic labor. Conditions may vary. Payback will vary between immediate and 2 years.

Common Area/Lodge

Install energy star light bulbs (CFL's). Savings 75%. Close damper on fireplace after fire has completely burned out. This will prevent warm air from going up the chimney which creates a vacuum. Remember to open prior to re-lighting. Install programmable thermostat w/night setback 10 degrees. Change motor in HVAC unit to variable speed type. Save 30%. T-stat installation cost $175. Saving approximately 10%. Change out fluorescent lamps from T12 to T8. Change out magnetic ballasts to electronic type. Savings 45%. 

Summary

If client moves forward and completes all recommendations as noted, a cost savings of 15% to 20% can be realized.  Most items will have a payback of one year or less except for replacement of exterior doors. There are no big ticket items for this project.