Commercial

Non-CFC Chiller Proves Profitable for Hotel

As environmental concerns escalate, laws are becoming more stringent. Federal regulations phased out the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), and the purchase of used or reconditioned CFC refrigerants is becoming increasingly expensive. As a result, questions about the use of CFC refrigerants are brought to the forefront.

Southern California Edison is working to make the transition to non-CFC chillers easier and more efficient. The chiller replacement at the Ritz-Carlton hotel showcases how energy efficiency and environmental concerns can be a smarter way to do business.

The new non-CFC chiller outperformed an existing CFC chiller by reducing electrical demand, water use, air pollution, and overall utility expense for the Ritz-Carlton.

In lieu of using CFC, the new chiller at the Ritz-Carlton used the refrigerant HCFC-123 (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). The new 250-ton HCFC centrifugal chiller replaced one of two existing 250-ton CFC centrifugal chillers. The HCFC chiller outperforms the CFC chiller by 25 percent in energy savings. The retrofit demonstrates to business owners and operators the greater efficiency of non-CFC chillers with a utility savings of more than $18,000 and a payback period of only nine months.