F&T Completes an HVAC Modeling Study at Dartmouth College

Expansion tanks (HVAC System)

As higher education institutions continue to evaluate pathways toward improved energy performance and long-term sustainability, understanding the impacts of HVAC system upgrades is critical. Fitzemeyer & Tocci recently completed an HVAC‑focused energy modeling study for a commercial building in Hanover, New Hampshire, helping Dartmouth College assess practical, cost-effective strategies for system replacement.  

Evaluating Replacement Strategies

Our team developed and analyzed three potential HVAC system approaches, comparing energy consumption, operating costs, and overall system performance to support informed decision-making.

• Option 1: Like‑for‑like replacement of existing boilers, air handling unit, DX cooling, and rooftop units.

• Option 2: Like‑for‑like replacement plus high‑efficiency oil boilers and upgraded terminal units designed for lower‑temperature hot water.

• Option 3: Full building electrification, replacing oil heat with electric resistance heating supplemented by heat pumps.

Key Findings

The analysis revealed clear trade-offs between energy efficiency and operating costs:

• Option 1 offers minimal efficiency improvement, serving as the baseline scenario.

• Option 2 reduces HVAC energy use by ~8% while staying within the existing infrastructure.

• Option 3 shows the largest energy‑use reduction (~24%) but results in significantly higher operating cost due to the price of electricity.

A Balanced, Phased Approach

Based on these findings, F&T recommended Option 2 as the most effective path forward—striking balance between improved energy performance, cost‑effectiveness, and constructability.

By incorporating high-efficiency equipment and upgrading terminal units over time, this approach allows for phased implementation, minimizing disruption to building tenants while still delivering meaningful energy savings.

Delivering Informed Decisions

This energy modeling effort provided the design team with the data needed to move forward confidently, guiding the design toward the most efficient, cost‑effective, and least disruptive HVAC solution for Dartmouth College.