Winneshiek Medical Center energy-saving project near completion

An energy-saving project at Winneshiek Medical Center is nearing completion.
 
The hospital is spending around $900,000 to make a number of improvements. One of the biggest is the installation of new chillers and air handlers. The equipment was nearing the end of its projected life cycle.  WMC Director of Engineering and Maintenance Nick Schwartzhoff says, "The new air handlers are programmed to set back according to the needs of a specific area.  For example, during daytime hours the surgical suite needs 25 air exchanges per hour.  Since surgeries are not scheduled through the overnight, there is no need to have that many air exchanges - we can reduce the number by half. With the old system, programmed set-backs were not possible; with the new system, we save energy every night."
 
Winneshiek Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Dave Jordahl says part of the cost of the project is being paid with a State Energy Program (SEP)grant in the amount of $209,912.   Jordahl says even though that means the hospital has to pay $700,000 of the cost, "We are confident the energy savings will more than cover project costs over time, and the SEP award significantly improved our ability to implement the needed changes." Jordahl says the hospital expects to receive $53,000 in rebates from Alliant Energy and expects cost savings to pay for the improvements within a six year period.