Protecting Seniors from Extreme Heat Through Energy Efficiency

Affordable housing owners are increasingly seeking to adapt to the challenges that a changing climate presents them. Extreme heat in particular poses risks to many of the populations that affordable housing providers serve such as seniors. Compounding this challenge is that buildings in climates once considered temperate were not built or intended to provide air conditioning. This case study illustrates how Mercy Housing replaced inefficient, in-unit heating equipment in its Monsignor Lyne property with heat pumps, adding air conditioning to resident units in the process and allowing residents to enjoy year-round comfort. This case study also describes how Mercy Housing electrified its domestic hot water heating system and provides cost savings information stemming from the retrofit to both owners and residents.