CASE STUDY
El Toro Restaurant
Breaking the corrosion cycle with energy saving HVAC coatings for a family-owned business in South Texas.
El Toro, a family-owned restaurant chain in South Texas, was facing frequent HVAC replacements and escalating energy costs at its Clute, TX location. With over 60 tons of rooftop package units, they needed a solution that could protect their equipment and lower operational expenses.
The Challenge
Due to high corrosion levels in the coastal environment, El Toro’s HVAC units were wearing out prematurely, leading to an unsustainable capital replacement cycle. They also faced rising energy costs, prompting the search for a long-term, cost-effective solution.
The Solution
Energy Performance Solutions, a long time dealer of Coat Zone® products, recommended a two-step pilot approach:
- CoilSafe® Coating: A brand-new 15-ton American Standard rooftop unit was selected for testing. The condenser coils were cleaned and coated with CoilSafe® to protect against corrosion and improve thermal efficiency.
- ThermalBlock™ Coating: The unit’s exterior cabinet was also coated with ThermalBlock™ to reduce heat gain and environmental stress on the system.
To accurately measure performance, data loggers were installed to track energy use before and after the treatment.
The Impact
- 22% Energy Savings on Test Unit: The pilot unit showed a significant drop in energy use, prompting El Toro to treat all rooftop units at the location.
- 15% Lower Power Bills: Three months post-project, power bills showed a 15% decrease compared to the same period the previous year.
- Rapid ROI: With energy saving HVAC coatings, Energy Performance Solutions projected an 18-month return on investment. El Toro reached break-even at just 11 months.
- 6+ Years of Continued Savings: More than six years later, El Toro continues to benefit from lower energy costs and reduced HVAC replacements. The company has since expanded the program to multiple locations.
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