The New Jersey Direct Install Program allows New Jersey businesses (non-residential) that have an average electric demand of 300 kW or less to receive incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient equipment. The Direct Install program provides rebates for both electric and gas reductions. Often, the more items that are combined into an application, the greater the rebate.
In addition to the most obvious efficiency upgrade – lighting retrofits – there are also significant rebates for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These even include Programmable Thermostats and other controls.
As an approved Trade Ally under the program, CM3 has installed several million dollars in energy efficient equipment over the last few years. We know which upgrades yield the highest rebates and which have the biggest impact on your utility bill’s bottom line.
Here are our Top 5 Energy Improvements:
Boilers
Surprisingly, gas savings can provide some of the largest rebates in the Direct Install (DI) program. It is a misconception that the DI program only applies for electricity reduction. With most customers having boilers that are +20 years’ old, there is a lot of room for improvement in gas savings. The new condensing boilers operate in a more energy efficient manner and save significantly in operating costs compared to older units. The new boilers have a rating of 97% efficiency. Plus, they can modulate at various temperatures which delivers 20% in additional savings over the old boiler’s operation.
Ductless Splits
We often see splits that are nearing a quarter century old. These units revolutionized the HVAC industry, but the older units which utilize R-22 are no longer being manufactured. Replacement refrigerant costs for R-22 are significant and escalate in price on a regular basis. New ductless split systems operate with a higher efficiency rating and use the new environmentally friendly refrigerant R-410a. These units have enhanced controls and better heat transfer capabilities. Applying the right split delivers rebates at the initial point of purchase and when included in a large DI energy project.
Variable Speed Drives
Many organizations are still utilizing single speed motors and are missing a great opportunity for overall savings. Today’s variable speed drives will adjust the motor speed to the capacity needed at various loads. This helps to ensure the system is only using the exact energy needed at any given time. These drives can be installed on pumps, chillers, and cooling tower motors. They provide attractive rebates, AND they save large amounts of energy over their operational lifetimes.
Chillers
Under the updated Direct Install program, large chillers are now being evaluated for energy incentives. Rebates can be obtained during the initial purchase of a new chiller or when proven modifications to old chillers will yield energy reductions. Installing variable speed drives or doing chilled/condenser water reset can provide rebate opportunities. Under today’s Direct Install program, an evaluation of your chiller plant is a prime opportunity to look at what rebates are available under the new guidelines.
Rooftop Unit Intelligent Controls
Adding an intelligent control system improves the efficiency of both the heating and cooling functions of the RTU. It includes both temperature and humidity sensing which maximizes comfort along with energy savings. As an example, the I-Con 2433 – can be used on systems having single stage heating and up to 2 stages of cooling. By reducing unnecessary system run time and compressor cycling, the I-Con 2433 increases the useful life of the system plus it reduces system breakdowns from wear and tear associated with cycling during cooling season. It also reduces repairs resulting from overheating of the heat exchanger during heating season. Rebates are also available when packaged together in a DI application.
Got more questions?
Reach out to CM3 to learn more.
You can also check out our Clean Energy Project Spotlights for some of the real customers we’ve helped achieve greater energy efficiency through this important program.
