Complete Building Upgrade | Chrysalis Case Study

“Heating system superheroes, saving the day with expertise and efficiency. James, that guy, was always accommodating, working around our crazy schedules and patiently answering our million questions, impressively making impossible, possible so strategically! His calm demeanor and can-do attitude were infectious, and the entire team mirrored his positive energy. It was a pleasure having them around; they felt like part of the Chrysalis family. We’re grateful for their hard work and hope to see them again soon.”

Kayla Lynn – Operations Coordinator at Chrysalis

Objective

Chrysalis, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, needed a complete overhaul of their heating, cooling, and control systems. Their existing infrastructure was outdated, resulting in high energy consumption and limited control over internal climate settings. Their steam heating system operated inefficiently with an estimated 50-60% boiler efficiency, and their pneumatic controls limited their ability to manage energy usage.

Having been longstanding partners and maintaining their outdated systems with a strategic plan, the time had come to modernize and enhance the efficiency, comfort, and control of their building’s environment while significantly reducing operating costs. This evolution was a natural progression of the partnership, enabling Chrysalis to adopt advanced, energy-efficient solutions that not only addressed their current needs but also positioned them for long-term operational sustainability.

Solution

1. Boiler Replacement and Heating System Conversion

Nordic replaced the 2 outdated steam boilers with 2 high-efficiency hot water (HW) boiler systems. The new boilers achieve an 85% efficiency rate, representing an estimated 25-35% reduction in gas consumption. This improved efficiency is particularly impactful during shoulder seasons (spring and fall), where the new system can modulate to match varying demand levels, unlike the previous system, which could only operate at 0% or 100%.

2. Air Handling Unit (AHU) Rebuilds and A/C Replacement

The project included a complete rebuild of the air handling units, along with the replacement of the air conditioning system. These upgrades improved airflow and cooling performance, providing consistent and controlled temperatures throughout the building.

3. Lighting Retrofit

The facility’s lighting was upgraded to energy-efficient LED fixtures, enhancing illumination quality while further reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs. With LED lighting using up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, we anticipate substantial energy savings.

4. Control System Upgrade

Nordic replaced Chrysalis’s outdated pneumatic control system with a state-of-the-art digital Building Management System (BMS). This upgrade enables real-time monitoring, advanced scheduling, and precise control over heating, cooling, and ventilation across different zones. By preventing the boiler (heating) and air handling unit (cooling) from working against each other, the BMS optimizes comfort and achieves significant annual utility savings. With a custom program tailored to the facility’s needs, the BMS eliminates the constant need to adjust setpoints and guess at solutions. Simply put, Nordic’s solution ensures the building functions seamlessly year-round—no headaches, no guesswork, just efficient performance.

Results and Benefits

Nordic’s retrofit project at Chrysalis delivered significant improvements in energy efficiency, operational control, and occupant comfort:

• Reduced Gas Consumption: By replacing the steam heating system with a high-efficiency HW boiler system, Chrysalis can expect a 25-35% reduction in natural gas usage, contributing to lower utility costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Enhanced Modulation and Seasonal Efficiency: The ability to modulate boiler capacity allows the system to operate at lower power during mild seasons, further improving fuel savings and system longevity.
• Improved Air Quality and Comfort: With rebuilt AHUs and a new A/C system, the facility now enjoys reliable and efficient climate control, supporting the comfort and well-being of both staff and clients.
• Decreased Maintenance and Utility Costs: The LED lighting retrofit and modernized control system reduce maintenance requirements and provide more precise control over energy use, ultimately lowering utility bills and extending equipment lifespan.
• Environmental Impact: The upgrades also contribute to a more sustainable facility, reducing overall energy consumption and decreasing the building’s environmental footprint.

Energy savings are expected to pay for this project in 3 years. This retrofit at Chrysalis exemplifies Nordic Mechanical Services’ commitment to delivering sustainable, energy efficient building solutions that provide long-term savings and improved quality of life for our clients.