A total of 32 ductless air source heat pumps will allow 62 Libby residents to enjoy more efficient heating in the winter, with the added benefit of cooling in the summer.
Your Co-op is proud to announce the recent completion of a ductless heat pump energy efficiency project benefiting 62 Libby residents. These members reside at Treasure Manor, a 32-unit apartment complex serving income-eligible seniors or disabled residents. Ductless air source heat pumps provide heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Previously, the apartments had inefficient electric resistance baseboard heating systems. None had air conditioning other than window or portable units.
Collaboration
Qualified-income, multi-family residential energy efficiency projects are relatively new to the Co-op and its wholesale power provider and rebate partner, the Bonneville Power Administration. To get started, the Co-op reached out to the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM), which owns Treasure Manor. CAPNM provides social services and advocacy to alleviate poverty, improve lives, and strengthen communities.
Cassidy Kipp, CAPNM Director of Project Development, shared, “Community Action Partnership has a long history of providing affordable housing for community members through ownership of six apartment complexes dedicated to serving those who are elderly, living with a disabling condition, and multifamily. The energy efficiency upgrades at Treasure Manor enhance the quality of life for residents and lengthen the property life for long-term community benefit. Increasing efficiency and comfort for residents is a gift that will bring benefit to Lincoln County for many years to come.”
Teri Rayome Kelly, Energy Services Representative at the Co-op, served as the lead staffer on the project. Her father-in-law and grandmother had lived at Treasure Manor prior to their passing, and her familiarity with the building was helpful in getting the project off the ground.
Rayome Kelly reflected, “This project was driven by the significant need in the area and the Co-op’s concern for the communities it serves. By assisting this population, Flathead Electric can provide substantial community benefits and energy efficiency gains, too.”
Energy Savings
As compared to electric resistance heat, ductless heat pumps not only provide better temperature control but also significantly reduce overall energy use.
Post-project analysis of Treasure Manor energy use shows a noticeable decrease in overall consumption. To ensure accurate data, the Co-op monitored one apartment in each section of the complex and took weather conditions from both time periods into account. Results will be periodically monitored going forward.
Concern for Community
Katie Pfennigs, Community Relations Manager at the Co-op, summarized, “We’re so glad we could connect Treasure Manor to an impactful energy efficiency incentive. Cooperative business principles mean that our concern for community is the bedrock of how Flathead Electric operates – we truly care about the health of our communities, and we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for our members. That’s the Co-op way.”
Visit our rebates page for more information about energy efficiency incentives.
