Optimizing Hospital Systems for Long-Term Efficiency Without Compromising Care
GDI Ainsworth’s ECM-driven HVAC improvements deliver cost savings and operational stability at Menno Hospital
Project Details
Location
Abbotsford, Canada
Number of Buildings
1 - 72,988 ft² hospital facility
System Implemented
HVAC optimization, energy conservation measures (ECMs), upgraded controls, VFD integration, CO₂ sensing, and energy metering
Project Goal
Reduce gas and electricity consumption while minimizing unscheduled HVAC maintenance in a fully occupied long-term care
Project Timeline
Performance measured over the first five months post-implementation, with annualized savings projections
Impact at a Glance
Achieved annual projected utility savings of over $29,000 in gas and electricity
Reduced energy consumption by approximately 825 GJ of gas and 68,000 kWh of electricity
Eliminated unscheduled HVAC maintenance and reduced equipment failures
Improved system reliability in a 24/7 residential care environment
Challenge
Menno Hospital’s existing HVAC system relied on three main air handlers operating continuously at constant speed, serving the entire facility. Inefficient control sequences caused heating and cooling overshoot, excessive cycling of compressors, and frequent equipment failures. As a result, energy consumption was significantly higher than comparable facilities, and unscheduled maintenance was common—an unsustainable situation for a hospital providing around-the-clock resident care.
Methodology
Assessed existing HVAC performance and control sequences to identify inefficiencies
Collaborated with operations staff to understand equipment usage patterns and peak demand periods
Prioritized ECMs that could deliver energy savings without disrupting resident comfort
Focused on reducing equipment cycling to extend asset life and improve reliability
Implemented performance tracking to validate results and support continuous optimization
Solution
Retrofitted boilers with dual-stage controls to improve turndown during low and medium loads
Installed CO₂ sensors on all three air handling units
Added smart VFD controls to both supply and return fans
Optimized preheating valve control and main heating valve sequences
Reduced compressor cycling to prevent failures and premature replacement
Installed gas and electrical meters to monitor real-time performance and energy consumption
Implemented targeted ECMs to balance efficiency, reliability, and occupant comfort
The Ripple Effect
Lower operating costs free up resources for patient and resident care
Reduced equipment stress extends HVAC asset lifespan
Improved reliability supports uninterrupted care in a 24/7 healthcare environment
Data-driven monitoring enables ongoing performance optimization
