“Those energy savings from the duct sealing combined with the savings from the plumbing and electrical upgrades, mean that the project will pay for itself within 10 years. Our client was very happy with the project. Aeroseal did a great job. We’re very pleased with the results.”
Joe Vitella
Manager of Project Development
Ameresco
At first, it was thought the ductwork needed to be entirely replaced. However, at a cost of roughly several million dollars, this was not a viable option. Ameresco project managers knew repairing the ductwork was the only option that made fiscal sense, but had no idea how to estimate the cost for such repairs. That’s when Aeroseal was called in. A team of duct auditors inspected the property. Although the damage was extensive, the Aeroesal team was confident it could salvage the ductwork with a combination of targeted sheet metal repair and aerosol sealing from the inside.
There were many unique challenges to working in an active prison. Heightened security and escorts for workers slowed the process. Inmates also had to be relocated one floor at a time, so work could be completed on that floor. In the end, the project took around 12 months to complete, but it still finished well ahead of schedule and under budget.
More importantly, the correctional center is now a much more energy efficient, and comfortable, building. Duct leakage was reduced by an average of 89%. In addition, the annual energy savings resulting from repairing and sealing the ductwork alone is calculated to exceed $140,000.
