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Originally built in 1967, The Hostel underwent major renovations in 2021 under the guidance of owner Cody Mueller, who prioritized energy-efficient upgrades, including LED lighting and HVAC improvements. The building’s age and layout presented challenges typical of older hospitality spaces: limited space for new equipment, inconsistent heating, and no existing cooling infrastructure.

To address these issues, Ephoca AIO wall-mounted units were installed due to their unique compact design, dual functionality, and energy-efficient operation. These units replaced outdated baseboard heaters, freed up space and streamlined thermal comfort through a single, wall-mounted thermostat.

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Each Ephoca AIO unit measures 39.7” W x 21.9” H x 6.5” D and supports 4000-9000 BTU capacity. The units operate efficiently down to 5°F, with built-in electric resistance backup heat, making them suitable for a wide range of climates. Each wall-mounted unit cost $4,480 while Installation costs varied between $500 and $1500 per unit.

Smart controls enhance guest experience and energy management. Through a user-friendly smartphone app, staff can remotely schedule heating and cooling, while guests are allowed one daily override. Guests are also able to control the unit in the room and the set schedule will only override the room setting once a day. To support proper condensate drainage, a centralized PVC piping system was installed to connect the individual unit drain lines to a sump pump.

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Over a three-month monitoring period, the system achieved:

• 333.8 kWh in energy savings, with projected annual savings of 1,391.45 kWh
• An average COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 2.14

There was a slight expected increase in electricity costs with the addition of full air conditioning system to the building but, however, the increase in electricity costs was still significantly less than the cost of using gas heating and cooling systems. These results show how high-efficiency, space-saving HVAC technologies can be a practical solution in retrofits - particularly in older buildings where ductwork or central systems may be impractical.

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D+R works to translate these complex demonstrations into high-level, intuitive case studies, virtual tours, and technical training tools. These resources are designed to educate manufacturers, contractors, utilities, and decision-makers on the feasibility and performance of advanced technologies like heat pumps and integrated HVAC systems.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight innovation and support the transition to energy and cost efficient buildings!

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