The owners of The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon faced equipment challenges after moving the business into a century-old space. They sought out innovative, sustainable solutions to install new, more efficient equipment while limiting costs.

Staff and customers of The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon noticed fluctuating temperatures due to the building’s aging rooftop air conditioning unit and diesel furnace. Realizing the benefits of seeking out an energy-efficient HVAC upgrade, Celeste Jackson, one of The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon’s owners, connected with Energy Trust and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for support.

The business owners installed a new ductless heat pump (DHP) that provides consistent heating and cooling while reducing energy use. They also installed a commercial smart thermostat to optimize the new DHP’s performance through advanced programming features. Cash incentives from Energy Trust, alongside a grant from REAP, covered over half the total project cost.

These HVAC system upgrades will reduce The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon’s utility bills by over $300 a year.