Eppright Hall, Texas A&M University
Project Summary
The Eppright Hall renovation consisted of a complete redesign and replacement of the HVAC system. The new configuration includes a positive means to provide outside air to each of the individual dorm rooms. Also included was an energy recovery system which delivers energy cost savings to the owner, despite the fact that the new system provides 20% more outside air than the previous system! The success of this project has led to 13 additional HVAC replacements for similar dorms with 55 total ResLife projects at Texas A&M University. TAMU ResLife has been a repeat client since our first project with them at Eppright Hall with an average of 5 active ResLife project per year.
The Challenge
This project was kicked off in February 2013, with the constraint that construction needed to be completed by July 31, 2013 to be ready for fall semester. The owner contracted with Ramirez Simon Engineering (design) and Garrett Mechanical (construction) separately, but we operated much like a design-build team, working together to bring in the project on-time and on-budget:
- The contractor priced and ordered equipment from our preliminary design package.
- RSE completed the design around equipment that was pre-selected, and the project was completed on time.
Prior to our renovation, the Mod Style dorms had a unique odor due in part to improper outside air to the spaces. In addition, the utility costs were rising with the outdated HVAC system. Our design concept was evaluated by a third party engineer who prepared an energy audit and estimated annual significant savings could be realized with our approach.
Project Details
· Contract Type: Pseudo Design-Build (Fast Track)
· Plant Components: Chilled Water & Hot Water Pump Replacement
· Design Start/Finish: Feb 5, 2013 / May 10, 2013
· Construction Start/Finish: May 10, 2013 / July 31, 2013
· On Time - On Budget
Project Results
Utility usage and Cost Reductions
· Over $75,000 per year in Total Utility Cost Savings
· 29% reduction in Chilled Water Energy Usage
· 41% reduction in Heating Hot Water Energy Usage
Extracted from an email from TAMU Utilities and Energy Services Department to the Housing Department, included is actual cost savings criteria.
“That is a savings of $75,046.07. Both are excellent numbers – especially when you take the increased comfort, lower number of calls and odor abatement into account that the renovation provided as well!”