SOCIAL HOUSING TENANTS SAVE 50% ON ENERGY CONSUMPTION
The Challenge
Bruce County: Social Housing Tenants Save 50% on Energy Consumption
Located in Kincardine, Ontario, the Bruce County Housing Co-op is a government-owned social housing complex. It's made up of sixteen similar townhouses each with two storeys plus a basement, most of which were still using the original, inefficient electric furnaces that were installed when the complex was built in the 1980s.
When the complex received a government grant to improve their infrastructure, they knew upgrading their heating would be a smart investment. Since the tenants pay their own hydro, an energy-efficient system was a must. As most of the units did not have air conditioning, it would be a bonus to have a system with cooling capabilities.
However, because AC would be an additional expense to the tenant, it was essential that the system be efficient in both heating and cooling. Other key factors to consider were a low initial capital cost, operating system cost, as well as a quick and simple retrofit.
"Reliable product that provides efficient performance in both cooling and heating." - Dave Montgomery, VP, Sales, Montgomery Industrial Services
"If you encounter existing electric heat, think Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps for maximum operating savings." - Tom Melanson, Territory Manager, Mits Airconditioning Inc.
The Solution
DEI & Associates Inc. specified Mitsubishi Electric's Zuba Central heat pumps because the equipment met the job specification as per the client's requirement. Tony Ban, the Housing Facilities Manager for the Corporation of the County of Bruce, also confirmed that the two mechanical consultants said no HVAC system compares to Mitsubishi Electric.
"The existence of ductwork, combined with the costly electric furnace systems, made the Mitsubishi Electric Zuba Central Heat Pumps an attractive option" explains Tom Melanson, Territory Manager, Mits AirConditioning Inc. who worked on the successful bid for the project.
The Zuba Central system is the perfect solution for our cold Canadian climate. Performing best at low temperatures, it provides 80% of its rated heat at -25°C, meaning it operates superior to other central heat pumps. Thanks to this much heat being generated efficiently at low temperatures, the inefficient backup electric heaters will rarely be used, if at all. The Zuba Central also provides efficient cooling.
The Results
Retrofit times were very quick, with each heat pump taking only one day to install. This helped keep initial capital costs in check and minimized disruption and inconvenience for the tenants. Since the installation was approximately 18 months ago and a larger time period is needed to gauge the long-term results, limited data is available.
However, since units are individually metered it is possible to get an indication. Initial readings indicate a total energy consumption savings of about 50%.
Ban confirms this, saying: "Tenants love it - their hydro bills were decreased by more than 50%."
Summary
Distributor: Mits Airconditioning Inc., Mississauga, Ontario
HVAC Contractor: Montgomery Industrial Services, Wingham, Ontario
Property Management: Bruce County Housing Corp.
Location: Kincardine, Ontario
Industry: Residential
Size: Approx. 1,200 square feet/unit
Challenges:
The government-owned social housing complex needed an energy-efficient, modern upgrade to their existing heating solution - electric furnaces.
Selection Criteria:
- Energy efficiency
- Cost-effective up-front and in the long run
- Quick and simple retrofit
- Could fit into existing ductwork
- Air conditioning included
Design/Engineering Solution:
Mitsubishi Electric Outdoor unit models:
- 16 x PUZ-HA36NHA (Zuba Central)
Mitsubishi Electric Indoor unit models:
- 16 x PVA-A36AA
- 16 x EH10-MPA-L 10kW (Electric Heater)
- All Touchscreen Wi-Fi Thermostats
Results:
- 50% reduction on heating bills, on average
- Energy-efficient models provided lower heating costs with a bonus of air conditioning
- Seamless integration of models into homes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a cold-climate heat pump reduce heating costs?
In this project, the upgraded heat pump systems reduced heating bills by approximately 50% on average while also providing air conditioning.
Can a heat pump be installed using existing ductwork?
Yes. A centrally ducted heat pump can be a practical retrofit option when existing ductwork is already in place, helping simplify installation and reduce disruption.
Are cold-climate heat pumps suitable for Canadian winters?
Yes. Cold-climate heat pumps are designed to provide efficient heating at low outdoor temperatures and can offer a reliable alternative to older electric heating systems.