Can air source heat pumps lower the energy costs and increase comfort for multifamily housing like apartment buildings and condos? Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership used CERTs Seed Grants to find answers.
The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership recently collaborated with Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) and a mechanical engineering firm to assess converting heating and water systems in two multifamily properties to air source heat pumps (ASHP). With a portfolio of 66 properties across Minnesota, this effort could have far reaching impacts.
“The project aimed to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance living conditions for low-income tenants,” notes James Arentson, an architect at Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership.
The project served City of Hutchinson and City of Westbrook residents at North Place Apartments and Westbrook Apartments, who primarily have lower income levels.
Arentson says the team is using the project’s findings to apply for grants toward ASHP installations. The partnership did receive a Minnesota State Housing Tax Credit grant for renovations at Westbrook Apartments and were able to include a different technology, packaged terminal air conditioners in the budget — which would be supplemented by the existing electric baseboard heaters, and replace the existing through-wall air conditioners. 
