Decarbonization Success at Embassy Suites in San Rafael

Jul 24
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

The customer pursued this upgrade due to the age, inefficiency, and reliability concerns of the existing gas-fired water heating system. A leaking boiler and recurring hot water interruptions were creating challenges for hotel operations and guest comfort. Having heard about the successful heat pump water heater installation at Aloft Mountain View, the Embassy Suites team began exploring a similar solution that could improve reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption.

What existing system was replaced and what challenges was it causing?

The existing gas water heating system was struggling to meet the demands of a large hospitality facility with 354 guest rooms. Hotels require a constant supply of hot water for guest rooms, housekeeping, laundry, and food service operations, making reliability critical. Equipment age, maintenance issues, and the risk of downtime created operational concerns, while rising energy costs increased the need for a more efficient solution.

Why was the selected HPWH solution recommended?

The APS engineering team selected a commercial heat pump water heating system consisting of twelve AO Smith/Raypak CAHP-120 heat pump water heaters along with two Raypak 107-gallon storage tanks.

This solution was chosen because it delivers commercial-scale hot water production while dramatically improving energy efficiency. The heat pump technology captures heat from the surrounding air rather than generating heat directly, requiring substantially less energy than conventional electric or gas-fired systems. The system's modular design, large storage capacity, high first-hour delivery rate, and commercial-grade construction make it well suited for the demanding hot water needs of a large hotel.

Were there any unique design considerations?

The facility's 354 guest rooms and continuous hot water requirements needed a system capable of maintaining reliable service during periods of high demand. System sizing, storage capacity, redundancy, and operational flexibility were all important considerations to ensure uninterrupted hot water availability for guests and staff.

What installation challenges were encountered and how were they resolved?

Maintaining hot water availability throughout construction was a key challenge. The project team leveraged existing large storage capacity and carefully phased the installation to ensure continuous service. Detailed coordination among contractors, hotel management, and facility staff helped minimize risk and maintain reliable hot water during the transition.

How was disruption minimized?

The hotel remained operational throughout the installation. Disruption was minimized through meticulous planning, phased implementation, and close coordination with hotel operations staff. The APS installation team scheduled work strategically to reduce impacts on guests and hotel services while maintaining hot water availability.

What key benefits will the customer receive from the new system?

The new heat pump water heating system provides several significant benefits:

· Reduced energy consumption and operating costs

· Elimination of natural gas consumption for water heating

· Lower greenhouse gas emissions

· Improved system reliability and redundancy

· Reduced waste heat associated with combustion equipment

· Enhanced guest comfort through more reliable hot water service

· Support for long-term sustainability and decarbonization goals

· Lower maintenance requirements compared to old boiler system

Commercial heat pump water heaters are among the most energy-efficient water heating technologies available today. By replacing aging gas-fired equipment with high-efficiency heat pump technology, Embassy Suites is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and decrease carbon emissions while improving overall system performance.

Were rebates or incentives utilized?

Yes. The project benefited from incentives provided through the Wildan PG&E program, covering 100% of the project costs and improve the overall return on investment.

What is particularly noteworthy about this project?

This project demonstrates how large hospitality facilities can successfully electrify one of their most energy-intensive building systems without sacrificing guest comfort or operational reliability. By replacing aging gas equipment with a large-scale heat pump water heating system, Embassy Suites – San Rafael is taking a significant step toward a more efficient, sustainable future while creating a model that other hotels can follow.

Many hotel and multifamily customers have already captured the "low-hanging fruit" of energy efficiency through LED lighting and HVAC upgrades. The Embassy Suites – San Rafael project demonstrates the next wave of building decarbonization opportunities. By upgrading to high-efficiency heat pump water heating technology, facility owners can reduce operating costs, improve reliability, eliminate fossil fuel use for water heating, and advance sustainability goals—all while maintaining uninterrupted operations. This project is another example of how American Power Solutions helps customers turn ambitious energy goals into practical, real-world results.