Casa Bonita Apartments Energy Efficient Rehab, Part 2
These are some of observations we made on the Casa Bonita Apartments as part of our energy efficient rehab along with our recommendations. By upgrading to green features, we not only make this property more sustainable, but also considerably lower the operational costs for the complex.
Appliances
The conditions and types of the appliances varied from unit to unit, with dishwasher and refrigerators present in some units, but not others.
Recommendations:
1. Install Energy Star rated appliances when replacing current models.
A Hotpoint 16.6 cu. ft. Energy Star rated refrigerator that uses 300 kWh per year was specified to replace the current models in the units.
Water/Plumbing
The current gallons per flush vary; the older toilets use 2.0+ gallons and the ones that have been replaced use mostly 1.6 gallons. The bathroom sink faucets and shower heads are not low-flow devices. Some sinks have aerators on them, but not all.
Recommendations:
1. Install 1.28 gal Water Sense toilets when replacing.
2. When replacing fixtures, use Water Sense labeled fixtures.
3. Install 0.5-1.5 gallon per minute aerators on all faucets in all units that fixtures are not being changed.
4. Install Low-flow shower heads (1.5-2.5 GPM) in all units’ showers.
5. For existing toilets that are staying, possibly install a Toilet Tummy or The Fill
Master– each could save 0.5 gal to 1.5 gal per flush.
6. Have a specialist come out and check for Leaks in the complex main lines
7. Check for toilet leaks with Dye tablets for the flapper and tank unit.
Install 1.0 GPM Aerators on every faucet that is not being replaced in the bathroom sinks even if they still have one there because we do not know the GPM.
The current aerators GPM is not known for each unit but probably varies from 1.5 to 2.5. This is a simple cheap fix with great savings. If all the faucets in the complex were reduced by 0.5 GPM it would save $1,701 per year. For instance if you saved 1.0 GPM on the bathroom sinks, 1.0 GPM on the shower heads and 0.5 GPM on the kitchen Sinks that is a total saving of 2.5 GPM or $8,503 a year on water.
Lighting
The majority of lighting in and around the complex was incandescent or fluorescent. The current fixtures are old and in efficient and should be replaced.
1. Replace all Incandescent lighting with CFL GU 24 fixtures. SRP requires that you use the CFL GU24 locking base for their rebate program. Use Marty Silverman to change all the CFLs and apply for the associated rebates. If you have the new fixtures that will be used then he will install the fixtures as well.
2. At a minimum replace all the T-12 lamp with a T-8, replace the old ballasts with electric ballast or retrofit option.
3. Install occupancy sensor controls in all common areas.
4. Replace all carport and exterior lighting with energy efficient lighting and fixtures.
5. If there is any exit lighting on-site we recommend upgrading to LED exit lighting.
http://newspaper.li/cfl/
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are old and in need of replacing. Ceiling fans cool a room by creating a wind chill effect and red
uce the heat your body feels. This often lets you reduce your use of air conditioning for cooling during summer, and lets you reduce the temperature setting on your furnace during winter. The result is less energy use, which saves you money.
Recommendations:
1. Replace all ceiling fans with Energy Star rated fans if they are similar in costs.
ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans with lights are over 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units, which can save you more than $15 per year on utility bills.
Unit HVAC Systems
The AC in the units are controlled by individual air handlers in each unit. The age, make and model were unable to be determined. There was no programmable thermostat present.
Recommendations:
1. A 7-day programmable thermostat with at least 2 setback periods should be installed to replace the current configuration of fan dial switch and temperature gauge.
2. All units should be inspected for insulation around the pipes and installed if not present. All units should be inspected for airtight seals around the units so air leakage is not happening,
There are a variety of Programmable Thermostats out at Lowe’s ranging from $50-$98. Using Programmable thermostats with at least 2 setback periods of 5-15 degrees, we can expect a savings of 5% to 20%.
