Increasing Energy Savings for Less in West Humboldt Park

Building owner Charles Beck needed to make improvements to the failing boiler of his 12-unit apartment building located on the West Side of Chicago. His building is one of a few viable housing developments in an area faced with foreclosures and disinvestment.

Beck approached the Community Investment Corporation (CIC) about resources for repairing his boiler. CIC referred him to Elevate Energy for an energy assessment and recommendations for cost-effective energy improvements that could further cut operating expenses in the building.

Elevate Energy conducted the assessment at no cost and connected Beck with a qualified contractor to look at the boiler. It turned out he could completely forego installing a costly new boiler, and instead implement a few efficiency upgrades at a lower cost.

Beck worked with qualified contractors to air seal the building, insulate the roof cavity and steam heating pipes, install a high-efficiency hot water heater, and balance the heat throughout the building for maximum tenant comfort and optimal efficiency.

These upgrades are expected to save Beck $810 annually on natural gas costs, and his tenants reap the benefits of a more comfortable building year-round. Additionally, by keeping operating costs low, Beck can keep rents stable and preserve affordable housing for his tenants.

Joe Minnich of Minnich Insulation is a contractor who worked on Beck’s property. As a result of his work with Elevate Energy, he has grown his family-owned business and added an additional crew.

Read a full case study here.