Weis Markets focuses on duct sealing in stores
Weis Markets' energy-saving efforts include addressing air leakage from its in-store ducts.
The Mid-Atlantic supermarket retailer is deploying Aeroseal duct sealing technology to increase its stores’ energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. The use of the sealing, which fixes small, often undetectable air leaks that can occur after system installation or as ductwork ages, has enabled Weis Markets to reduce maintenance costs while improving store comfort for shoppers.
Partnering with energy services company Sona Energy, the retailer undertook a pilot project with its existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system without disrupting store operations or existing infrastructure. After the HVAC sealing was complete, Weis Markets’ stores and facilities increased airflow efficiency, which led to decreased fan speed and reduced electricity use (kWH) and fuel consumption. Specific results included a leakage reduction of 20.5% and a $5,000 yearly energy cost reduction.
In 2023, Weis expanded the Aeroseal pilot with Sona Energy to three stores. It plans to implement the solution in more stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region in 2024.
“Because we are approaching completion of our systematic rollout of LED lighting in our fleet of grocery stores, we were looking for other energy conservation measures,” said Dustin Herner, energy and sustainability manager at Weis Markets. "Sona Energy worked with us to introduce new technology, discuss process changes, and demonstrated how these elements relate to our core business."
“With Weis Markets having one of the most forward-thinking energy teams of our big box grocery customers, they understood the value of Aeroseal's patented technology,” said Dan Cohen, principal of Sona Energy. “Together we were able to achieve significant energy savings and extend the life of their HVAC equipment. Most importantly for our customer, Weis was able to implement a one-time, long-lasting ECM that they didn’t know was present with existing HVAC equipment.”
Weis Markets targets in-store energy waste
Weis Markets is building on previous efforts to improve energy efficiency at its stores. These include switching to the use of eco-friendly refrigerants throughout its stores and distribution operation; as well as introducing an energy-efficient store model that includes features such as skylights that provide natural sunlight, allowing the store to dim the ceiling lights during the day and decrease energy usage. It also has energy-efficient LED lighting in the sales area, refrigerated cases, backroom, prep areas, walk-in coolers, freezers and parking lot.
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets Inc. operates roughly 200 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia, and Virginia.
