Energy Efficiency Movement Continues to Sweep U.S. Government Departments
The Del Norte County (California) Sheriff’s Office and County Jail have become more comfortable.
The 46-year old county building housing both facilities in Crescent City has undergone an energy makeover, courtesy of a federal block grant and a low-interest state loan. The upgrade retrofitted the facility’s antiquated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, a central water boiler and associated components.
HVAC units fueled by liquid propane were replaced with premium efficiency equipment. Air-handling units serving the facility were replaced with single-zone furnaces that independently provide each zone with tempered air.
The county also modernized all rooftop equipment at the building that operates 24/7, 365 days a year. An old diesel fuel-fired central hot water boiler was replaced with 15 new single-zone 98 percent efficient furnaces. Three hot water heaters, an idle make-up air unit and air dampers rusted by salty air have given way to premium efficiency equipment with digital automatic energy controls. In addition, an outmoded motor was removed in favor of a new energy-efficient model.
“The switchover to energy-efficient equipment and controls keeps Del Norte County in step with the energy movement that’s sweeping local governments,” said Energy Commission Chair Dr. Robert Weisenmiller. “One of the more practical ways to save on essential services is to cut down on energy costs.”
The county started the energy upgrade rolling with a block grant of $ 122,157 from the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Completion of the project was made possible with a low-interest loan of $216,462 funded by ARRA from the Energy Commission’s Energy Conservation Assistance Account (ECAA).
With the improvements, completed last year, Del Norte County is projected to save $20,721 from the facility’s energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a projected 96 tons of CO2 a year.
Tags: diesel fuel, single zone
Short URL: https://www.solarthermalmagazine.com/?p=16341
