The Wentworth Home in Dover is expected to slash annual fuel costs and reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 40% after the assisted living facility recently transitioned from an aging oil-fired boiler to a new natural gas system.
The sustainable heating upgrade at the building, which was built in 1897 and is located at 795 Central Ave., is projected to cut the facility’s yearly fuel expenses by more than $50,000.
Unitil, a provider of electricity and natural gas to customers in New England, worked closely with the maintenance team at the Wentworth Home – a nonprofit assisted living community – to ensure that the correct meter and service size were installed to meet its gas needs and provide estimates on potential cost savings as a result of the switch to natural gas.
“This transition to an efficient, environmentally friendly energy source like natural gas really shows how even small infrastructure upgrades can deliver significant benefits for nonprofit organizations like the Wentworth Home,” said Unitil External Affairs Manager Amanda Vicinanzo. “The Wentworth Home has already realized substantial savings and has strengthened its commitment to sustainability by lowering carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impact.”
The Wentworth Home’s resident rooms, common areas, therapy spaces, and other parts of the building had historically been heated by an oil boiler, using approximately 19,000 gallons of heating oil each year.
The switch to natural gas involved the installation of a high-efficiency condensing boiler system, which has a 95% efficiency rating compared to the 75% rating of the old oil boiler.
As a result of the upgrade, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to drop from 418,000 to 250,800 pounds annually. The 40% carbon footprint reduction is equivalent to the removal of 42 vehicles from the road each year.
Additionally, lower maintenance requirements with cleaner combustion and improved indoor air quality will provide health benefits for residents of the facility.
“Wentworth Home made the crucial decision to switch to a new natural gas system after years of escalating and unstable heating oil costs,” said Kirstin Swanson, the Wentworth Home’s administrator. “As a small, nonprofit assisted living home, the significant savings and stability of heating our 127-year-old home with natural gas made perfect sense. Working with the reliable team at Unitil during this transition was incredibly smooth and a benefit that will impact our current and future residents and staff.”
For more information on transitioning to natural gas, visit our Switch to Gas page.
Photo Caption:
Mike Green, maintenance/facilities supervisor at the Wentworth Home assisted living facility in Dover, looks over the new natural gas system that replaced an older oil-fired boiler. (photo credit: Unitil)
