EN-POWER GROUP was featured in Habitat Magazine for its work helping co-op and condo buildings improve indoor air quality, resident comfort, and energy efficiency through comprehensive ventilation system upgrades.

Context: Why Ventilation Matters More Than Ever

With more residents spending extended time indoors, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor air quality has become a growing concern for multifamily buildings. Ventilation systems often operate out of sight and out of mind, yet poor airflow can lead to odor transfer between apartments, uneven comfort, and higher energy use.

For many boards, resident complaints about cooking smells, smoke, or stagnant air are early indicators that ventilation systems are not performing as intended.

EN-POWER GROUP’s Role

As described in the article, Amalia Cuadra, PE, Senior Director of Engineering at EN-POWER GROUP, worked with multiple New York City co-ops to assess and modernize aging ventilation infrastructure.

At 10 Plaza Street East, a 15-story, 134-unit co-op in Brooklyn, EN-POWER GROUP verified that airflow was severely restricted beyond certain points in the ductwork. Camera inspections revealed debris and blockages dating back to the building’s original construction. EN-POWER GROUP cleaned exhaust ducts and apartment registers, installed fire dampers for improved safety, and replaced rooftop fans with properly sized, direct-drive units that consume less electricity and require less maintenance.

Results: Improved Performance and Measurable Savings

Ventilation upgrades also addressed duct leakage, a common but often overlooked source of energy loss. Using injected spray sealant and targeted manual repairs, EN-POWER GROUP sealed leaks throughout the ductwork, reducing the effort required by rooftop fans and lowering overall energy consumption.

At 10 Plaza Street East, a $184,000 ventilation refurbishment completed in 2016 is saving approximately $27,000 annually. At Plymouth Tower, a 30-story building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a $200,000 project, supported by a NYSERDA incentive, is expected to save about $26,000 per year.

Why This Matters for Co-op and Condo Boards

This feature highlights how ventilation upgrades can deliver multiple benefits at once: improved indoor air quality, reduced odor transfer, lower energy costs, and enhanced resident comfort. While these projects may not be visually dramatic, they can provide strong financial returns and address quality-of-life concerns that directly affect residents.

By investigating ventilation issues early and addressing both equipment performance and duct integrity, boards can turn a hidden problem into a long-term operational improvement.

Media Attribution

This topic was originally featured in Habitat Magazine in the September 2020 issue.
[Read the full article in Habitat Magazine →]

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