Hamilton Heights Condo Cuts Energy Costs by 10% Through Targeted Efficiency Measures

Struggling to balance energy efficiency with budget constraints? The board at 668 Riverside Drive has risen to the challenge. By fine-tuning its boiler and steam heat operations, the 64-unit prewar condo in Hamilton Heights has reduced energy costs by around 10%. Taking advantage of NYSERDA and Con Edison incentives, the $50,000 project cost only half that amount, eliminating the need for an assessment.

The condo received a D rating for energy efficiency in 2020, but because more than 51% of apartments are sponsor-owned and rent-stabilized, it was not required to meet strict carbon emissions under Local Law 97. “Compliance pathways are a bit more lenient for buildings like ours,” says board president Daniel Derouchie. Energy-saving measures — known as prescriptive pathways — are required, but major infrastructure projects are not mandated. 

A practical plan. The board faced several challenges. Initially, they hoped their property manager could take the lead on the work, but that didn’t pan out. “With accounting, billing and all the day-to-day management micro-dramas, it was just falling through the cracks,” Derouchie says. In addition, the condo’s reserves had been depleted by a pre-pandemic gas leak requiring all new gas lines. 

With limited funds, the board focused on less expensive fixes. The condo’s one-pipe steam system caused inconsistent heating. In winter, many apartments were overheating, because “the steam was getting to some parts of the building faster than others,” says Keirnyn Ross, president of Ross Energy Consulting, who was brought in to advise the board. The solution was master venting, which involved adding vents to pipes and radiators to allow steam to travel more efficiently through the system and prevent large variations in apartment temperatures. Ross compares it to leveling the playing field in a race: “If every apartment has the right size air vent, the steam gets to the finish line in the apartment at the same time.” 

Another key problem was the building’s boiler, which was running 24/7. To improve efficiency, boiler controls were updated. An exterior temperature sensor was relocated from an exposed side of the building on Riverside Drive to a more protected north-facing wall, stabilizing sensor readings. The board also contracted with technology and service provider Runwise to install indoor temperature sensors in apartments and stairwells. These sensors provide real-time data that is monitored by Runwise so adjustments can be made to reduce energy consumption and save money.

Coordination challenge. The most difficult aspect of the upgrades was getting access to apartments to add vents to the radiators and risers. “It took a tremendous effort to coordinate with residents,” Derouchie says. The board issued legal notices warning of fines for denied access and also paid the assistant super an extra hourly rate to take on the project, knocking on doors and getting commitments from residents. Those efforts are paying off.