Before “going green” had gone mainstream, Thermolite was at the forefront of providing simple and powerful energy solutions that reduced energy demand, decreased the carbon footprint and saved money. In 1981, Thermolite had the opportunity to install the Thermolite Window System–a patented interior supplemental window system in the County-City Building in South Bend, Indiana.
In going through some old files, we discovered a “thank you” letter from building engineer John Erickson. Here are a few highlights from the letter:
Before the Thermolite installation, we were only able to maintain a comfortable climate by running out heating and cooling equipment at full capacity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the winter months, we were forced to set both our steam coils to deliver between 120 and 140 degree heat air. In the summer months, we ran two 350 ton chillers. Even with both chillers operating, we often would lose our ability to cool in the afternoons on hot humid days. Employees were forced to close east drapes in the morning and west drapes in the afternoon in order to remain comfortable.
After Thermolite windows were installed…we are able to maintain our set points without running our equipment at full capacity 24 hours a day. Our steam coils are now set to deliver 95 degree heated air. Even at this lower setting, we sometimes end up overheating some areas. What is even more impressive is that we can attain this performance with only one boiler! In the late spring of 1982, we lost our #1 chiller. Because of Thermolite, we are still able to maintain comfort levels with just one chiller…operating at 90% off full load, [the chiller] could now handle the entire complex. This has resulted in significant reduction in energy consumption, equipment maintenance and equipment wear and tear. Annual energy savings alone were estimated at $58,000…we had no other alterations to our building or its mechanical systems and we received amazing results.
It was 30 years ago that Thermolite was saving this municipal building $58,000 a year just in energy costs–while saving on equipment maintenance and making building tenants comfortable year-round. Don’t spend valuable capital on HVAC upgrades or new replacement windows. Do they really “green” thing–install a Thermolite Window System and get an immediate return on investment.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you save money, reduce energy demand and be more comfortable in your building.