11-20-26 Pro Tour

Join NESEA for a Pro Tour of an occupied 19th century factory building undergoing a re-renovation and electrification using historic tax credits. There are numerous points of interest in this project, including updating to air-to-water electric heating and cooling with minimized refrigerant distribution. Previously, the central system provided heating only to the residents and the maintenance team had to chase leaks seasonally. The gas boilers resulted in high operational impact and cost and ederly residents endured summer heat without cooling in their apartments. The project converted this out-dated, problematic, leaky, fossil fuel boiler system to an electric heat pump system. To minimize refrigerant distribution through the building, the project employs an innovative air-to-water heat pump system with a modular refrigerant-to-water exchange (HEX unit) plant. The project configured equipment in a novel way to allow provision of both heating and cooling to all residents at a much lower impact than the previous system. Additionally, the project team utilized the seemingly impossible combination of Historic Tax Credits and exterior insulation to improve the building's envelope. Our event will begin with an opening workshop where the team will discuss the history, goals, and design and construction strategies. Attendees will then break into small groups to tour the building while hearing more from the interdisciplinary team of experts who made the building possible. After the tour, we’ll regroup for a reception and Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to chat with the day’s speakers and each other.