For many families across Southwest Virginia, home should be a place of comfort and security. Yet for households living on limited incomes, aging and inefficient heating and cooling systems can create daily challenges—higher utility bills, inconsistent indoor temperatures, and uncertainty during periods of extreme weather.
Through Appalachian Power’s TakeCharge Virginia Low-Income Weatherization Program, those challenges are being addressed one household at a time.
A recent project at Glendale Apartments in Galax, Virginia, demonstrates the meaningful impact that can be achieved when utilities, community partners, and property owners work together to invest in the well-being of residents. Home to dozens of income-qualified households, Glendale serves residents who often face difficult financial decisions, including balancing energy costs with other essential needs.
Recognizing an opportunity to improve comfort and reduce energy burdens for residents, Appalachian Power partnered with CHP Energy Solutions and Quick AC Quote to evaluate the property’s existing heating and cooling equipment. The assessment revealed that many of the apartment units were relying on aging heat pumps that were no longer operating efficiently and were approaching the end of their useful lifespan.
Through the TakeCharge Virginia Low-Income Weatherization Program, 49 outdated heat pumps were replaced with new high-efficiency systems, representing an investment of more than $428,000 in the property and its residents. While the equipment upgrade itself is significant, the real success lies in what it means for the families who call Glendale home.
Investing in Comfort and Energy Savings
Residents now have access to more reliable heating and cooling, improved indoor comfort, and reduced risk of equipment failures during the hottest days of summer and coldest nights of winter. The project is also expected to generate more than 36,000 kilowatt-hours in annual energy savings, helping reduce utility costs and easing financial pressure for households already managing tight budgets.
“We’re so appreciative of the heat pumps that were provided to Glendale through the APCo program,” said Dana Osborne-White, Property Manager at Glendale Apartments. “It definitely was needed and the residents are certainly enjoying the comfort during this warm weather.”
For CHP Energy Solutions, projects like Glendale reflect the organization’s mission to help individuals and families live in healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient homes. Yet none of this work would be possible without strong partnerships.
The longstanding partnership between CHP Energy Solutions and Appalachian Power continues to create opportunities for meaningful investment in communities throughout Southwest Virginia. Together, the organizations are able to identify households most in need, connect residents with available resources, and deliver improvements that provide immediate and lasting benefits.
“Community Housing Partners recently completed a significant HVAC upgrade at Glendale through the Appalachian Power program, and I want to say how much we value that investment in the property and the residents it serves,” said Cory Shepherd, President and CEO of SE Capital. “The work CHP has done at Glendale reflects exactly the kind of long-term community commitment we intend to bring as the new owners.”
The Glendale Apartments project is one example of what can be accomplished when organizations share a commitment to serving others. Through the partnership between Appalachian Power and CHP Energy Solutions, residents are receiving more than new HVAC equipment—they are gaining comfort, stability, and relief that will be felt for years to come. (Download the full Energy Solutions case study on Glendale Apartments.)
Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.