The happy meows and barks agree: Temperatures are more consistent at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington thanks to new controls on the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A customer of NW Natural, the nonprofit has offered pet adoptions and more since 1897.

“Our old controls had become so unreliable that our rooftop units would shut down randomly, sometimes in the middle of the night,” said Darren Bowen, facilities coordinator at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. “As the home to up to 200 cats and dogs, we knew we had to do something.”

When the Humane Society’s HVAC supplier recommended taking advantage of Energy Trust cash incentives for qualifying natural gas upgrades, replacement controls became a reality. By optimizing the efficiency of the HVAC units, the new system lowered energy costs by an estimated $4,000 annually.

Staff can now monitor the HVAC system remotely and receive phone alerts if there’s an issue. And furry residents at the 40,000-square-foot facility enjoy comfortable surroundings 24/7.

“Energy Trust provided a cash incentive of $20,600 toward our $44,300 project cost,” said Bowen. “We could never have afforded this project without their help.” 

According to Bowen: “Reducing our energy costs frees up funds we can use to buy food and toys for the animals.”