Overview: Conversion from Natural Gas to Cold Climate Heat Pump in a community center in Downtown Ithaca NY
- HVAC Contractor: ANC Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
- Client Profile: Lifelong – a vibrant community center for anyone aged 50-plus to connect, socialize, and learn.
- Location: Lifelong, 119 West Court Street in Ithaca, NY, 14850
- Type of HVAC Service: Conversion - natural gas heating to Daiken Cold Climate Heat Pump VRF System with100% Electric Heat Facility with No Back Up Fossil Fuel System.
- System Type: Full Four (4) System Daikin Cold Climate Heat Pump VRF Ductless Heat Pump Systems, utilizing multiple zones with indoor sidewall, ceiling cassettes, console floor mounted, and ducted equipment utilizing individual thermostat control. Ventilation Fresh Air for facility is provided by Multiple Highly Efficient Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems complete with Ventilation Controls.
- Products Used: Daikin Cold Climate Multi Zone (VRF) Variable Refrigerant Volume Heat Pumps RenewAire Highly Efficient Energy Recovery Ventilators and Controls.
- Project Start Date: 10-01-2024
- Project End Date: 12-11-2024
- HVAC Features: Cost effective, quiet and energy efficient. Although a ductless system may be slightly more expensive than some other types of heating and air conditioning systems, they have low cost of ownership.
- Rebates/Tax Credits: Total Customer Incentive $158,973.00!
- Maintenance/Warranty: Commercial System Warranty 5 Year on Mechanical System Parts with One (1) Year Labor.
Introduction / Summary:
Liza Burger, Executive Director of Lifelong in Ithaca, NY, was actively seeking an all-electric, clean energy heating and cooling solution to replace the facility’s failing natural gas systems. Her top priorities included eliminating cold spots near the main entrance, balancing uneven office temperatures, and providing staff and members with consistent year-round comfort. The organization also wanted a sustainable solution that aligned with environmental goals while reducing long-term operating costs.
The Challenge:
The challenge was to design and implement an environmentally friendly HVAC mechanical system that could meet the diverse needs of a multipurpose facility. The client’s goals were clear:
- Transition fully away from natural gas heating to an all-electric system.
- Improve occupant comfort across all spaces, including high-traffic areas and offices.
- Deliver reliable temperature control, even in cold New York winters.
- Reduce the overall cost of ownership while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
- This required a custom-designed system with the flexibility to manage different room layouts and usage types while ensuring efficiency and long-term durability.
The Solution:
To meet these requirements, ANC designed and installed four complete Daikin Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Cold Climate Heat Pump Systems, supplemented by two RenewAire Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems (ERVs) to provide fresh air throughout the facility. Each system was carefully tailored to the specific needs of different zones within the building, with independent thermostat control for maximum comfort and efficiency.
System #1 – Activity Room
- Installed One (1) Daikin Model RXTQ60TAVJUA – 60,000 BTU VRF Heat Pump Condensing Unit.
- Located on the southeast corner of the facility at ground level.
- Indoor units: Daikin Model FXVQ30PAVJUA Ceiling Cassette Mounted Units.
- Controls: Daikin Wall-Mounted Thermostat Controller.
System #2 – Large Conference Room / Small Conference Room / Computer Room
- Installed One (1) Daikin Model RXTQ48TAVJUA – 48,000 BTU VRF Heat Pump Condensing Unit.
- Located on the southwest corner of the facility at ground level.
- Indoor units: Sidewall-mounted evaporators in each room.
- Controls: Daikin Wall-Mounted Thermostat Controller.
System #3 – Director Office / Admin Assistant / Tax Office / Small Office #1 / Corridor 117
- Installed One (1) Daikin Model RXTQ48TAVJUA – 48,000 BTU VRF Heat Pump Condensing Unit.
- Located on the northwest corner of the facility at ground level.
- Indoor units: Sidewall-mounted evaporators in most offices.
- Exception: Small Office #1 received a vertical air handler installed in the storage space behind the office.
- Controls: Daikin Wall-Mounted Thermostat Controller.
System #4 – Kitchen / Lounge / Main Office Reception / Corridor 103
- Installed One (1) Daikin Model RXTQ48TAVJUA – 48,000 BTU VRF Heat Pump Condensing Unit.
- Located on the east side of the facility at ground level.
- Indoor units: Sidewall-mounted evaporators for most rooms.
- Exception: Corridor 103 outfitted with a floor-mounted console unit.
- Controls: Daikin Wall-Mounted Thermostat Controller.
RenewAire Ventilation Energy Recovery Systems
To ensure proper ventilation and indoor air quality, ANC installed Two (2) RenewAire Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs). Each system included:
- Ventilation timers
- Ventilation hoods
- Backdraft dampers
- Electric heat packages with discharge air temperature sensors
The new ERVs were strategically located in Storage Areas 121 and 123 to optimize airflow throughout the facility.
The Benefits:
By installing Daikin Cold Climate VRF Heat Pump Systems paired with RenewAire ERVs, Lifelong achieved several key benefits:
- Energy Efficiency – These systems provide superior performance compared to traditional natural gas rooftop units, lowering yearly operating costs.
- Environmental Responsibility – Transitioning to all-electric, cold climate-ready heat pumps significantly reduces carbon emissions.
- Customized Zone Control – Independent thermostats allow precise comfort control in conference rooms, offices, and high-use common areas.
- Improved Comfort – Eliminated hot and cold spots, creating a healthier, more consistent indoor environment.
- Future-Ready – With extended warranties and modern technology, the system ensures long-term reliability.
Cost / Benefit Analysis:
The cost of a custom Daikin Cold Climate Heat Pump System will vary based on facility size, complexity, and the specific features selected. For Lifelong, the investment was justified by the long-term benefits:
- Lower cost of ownership compared to older natural gas systems.
- Quiet operation is suitable for offices and meeting spaces.
- Energy efficiency reduces utility bills and supports sustainability initiatives.
While upfront costs may be higher than standard HVAC systems, the payback comes through reduced operating expenses, better occupant comfort, and alignment with clean energy goals.
Summary of a Successful HVAC Installation:
“The Lifelong Facility was looking to transition from using natural gas to an all-electric high efficient cold climate heat pump system. System Design, Budget, System Incentives, and Installation Timeframe were fast tracked due to failed existing equipment. ANC accomplished just that, added comfort and eliminating the need to natural gas.”
- Lloyd Knecht III, Owner
Executive Director’s Review:
“Lifelong, a community center serving older adults in Tompkins County, offers a wide variety of programs and services designed to support healthy aging. Maintaining a comfortable building temperature year-round is essential to serving our members well. Late in the fall, just as the weather turned cold, three of our four rooftop HVAC systems failed, leaving a single system to heat our entire facility. We had long hoped to transition away from natural gas to a fully electric heat pump system — but we weren’t sure how to make it happen.
That’s where ANC came in. From our very first conversation, their team guided us through the entire process with professionalism and care. They fast-tracked every step — from system design and securing rebates to installation — all while working around our busy schedule to keep our doors open and our members comfortable. They even provided temporary heaters and brought each section of the building online one by one so we never went without heat.
Thanks to ANC, Lifelong now has four Daikin Cold Climate VRF Heat Pump Systems, energy recovery ventilation, and a heat pump water heater. Our building is now fully electric, more efficient, and more comfortable than ever. Both our staff and the older adults who rely on Lifelong are thrilled with the results. Thank you, ANC, for helping us make this important upgrade a reality!"
- Liza Burger, Executive Director Lifelong
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