EN-POWER GROUP was featured in Engineering News-Record New York for its expertise in improving energy performance in multifamily residential buildings through targeted retrofits and modernized boiler controls.

Context: Energy Audits and Practical Retrofits

Energy audits for multifamily buildings over 50,000 square feet are now mandated in New York City and often reveal a consistent set of cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy consumption. These retrofits focus on optimizing existing building systems rather than introducing complex or unfamiliar technologies.

As noted in the article, effective retrofitting is not about adding green roofs or solar panels. It is about making existing buildings operate the way they were intended to.

EN-POWER GROUP’s Role

EN-POWER GROUP Managing Director Michael Scorrano provided technical insight on how outdated boiler controls can significantly increase fuel use through short cycling and inefficient system operation.

At a 20-story, 151-unit co-op located at 180 East End Avenue in New York City, EN-POWER GROUP supported the replacement of antiquated steam boiler controls with Heat Timer controls featuring outdoor temperature resets.

According to Scorrano, the previous controls caused frequent boiler short cycling, which led to unnecessary fuel consumption and higher operating costs.

How Modern Controls Improve Performance

The article also highlights alternative retrofit approaches, including the installation of apartment-level temperature sensors that communicate directly with boiler systems.

These controls allow hydronic loops to adjust more precisely by:

  • Running systems longer when needed

  • Turning off pumps once internal temperature demands are met

  • Reducing overall energy waste without compromising comfort

This approach enables buildings to improve efficiency while extending equipment life and reducing operational strain.

Why This Matters for Multifamily Buildings

This feature underscores how relatively modest upgrades to controls and system logic can deliver meaningful energy savings in residential buildings. By focusing on how systems operate day to day, building owners can reduce fuel use, improve comfort, and comply with audit requirements without undertaking major capital projects.

Media Attribution

This project was originally featured in Engineering News-Record New York on March 1, 2010.
[Read the full article on Engineering News-Record New York →]

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