ECONAR^® Energy Systems - Commercial Case Study -
Appleton Civic Center - Appleton, Minnesota

In 1992, the city of Appleton, MN was searching for a new heating and cooling system for the city’s Civic Center. The building, built in 1977, was originally heated with a fuel oil-fired forced air system, and cooled with rooftop air conditioning units. City officials explored several heating system options, including a ground source heat pump system (GSHP). Installing a GSHP system had several important advantages over other heating and cooling systems. “Foremost,” says Roman Fidler, Appleton City Treasurer/Clerk, “GSHP systems don’t use fossil fuels. That is good for the environment.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency, GSHP heating and cooling systems are the most environmentally clean, energy-efficient, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available.

Geo$ense

Cost Savings were a large factor for the City. “We budgeted $26,000 to heat and cool the Center in 1992” says Fidler. “After installing the ECONAR GSHP system, the heating and cooling costs for 1992 were actually under $10,000. We paid more initially for the GSHP system than another furnace would have cost, but the system has already paid for itself. Within the first eight months of operation, the city saved over $9,000 in heating and cooling costs."

Physical Data

• 10,000 square feet, Built in 1977
  
• Retrofit in 1992
  
• Vertical Loop field with 40 bore holes 150 feet deep
  
• Utilizes 7 ECONAR GeoSource Forced Air units
  
• Mechanical Contractor – Falk Brothers, Hankinson, ND
  
• Earth Loop Contractor – Falk Brothers, Hankinson, ND

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