APS's Northern California Ski Resort Hotel Success Story Continues: Innovative Hybrid System Replaces Legacy Boilers

In an innovative approach to modernizing their heating infrastructure, a Northern California ski resort hotel has completed a comprehensive upgrade that combines both heat pump and tankless water heater technologies. APS executed this forward-thinking project, replacing two aging 1,200,000 BTU water boilers with a hybrid system consisting of CHP 120 heat pumps and six Navien NPE-240A2 tankless water heaters.

Strategic Hybrid System Design

The new installation represents a sophisticated approach to meeting the hotel's heating demands. Rather than simply replacing the old boilers with similar units, APS designed a hybrid system that leverages the strengths of both heat pump and tankless water heater technologies. The CHP 120 heat pump water heaters provide highly efficient space heating optimized for cold climates, while the Navien NPE-240A2 units ensure reliable, on-demand water heating for guest rooms and facilities.

Benefits of the Hybrid Approach

This innovative dual-technology solution offers several key advantages:

• Enhanced Efficiency: The combination of heat pumps and tankless units provides better overall system efficiency compared to traditional boilers

• Operational Flexibility: The system can respond more effectively to varying demands throughout the seasons

• Improved Redundancy: Multiple units working in concert ensure reliable heating even if individual components require maintenance

• Peak Load Management: The hybrid system handles demand spikes more effectively than traditional boilers

Installation Impact

The transition from two large boilers to a distributed system of heat pumps and tankless units has transformed the hotel's heating infrastructure. The new configuration not only modernizes the facility but also provides more precise control over heating operations throughout the property.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

By replacing the conventional old boilers with this hybrid solution, the hotel has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable hospitality operations. The new system is expected to deliver significant reductions in both energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining superior comfort for guests.

Setting New Industry Standards

This innovative approach to heating system modernization serves as a model for other hospitality properties, particularly those in challenging climate zones. The successful integration of heat pump and tankless water heater technologies demonstrates how hotels can embrace sustainable solutions without compromising guest comfort or service quality.

The hotel's commitment to this cutting-edge hybrid solution shows how modern technology can transform hotel operations while advancing environmental sustainability goals. As the property enters its first full season with the new system, it stands as a testament to the possibilities of innovative heating solutions in the hospitality industry.

Photo: Old water boilers