Photos courtesy of Western Oregon University
While students are away on summer break, Western Oregon University’s maintenance team can focus on larger, more time-intensive projects. HVAC technician Barry McBeth says there’s always something on his to-do list to optimize heating performance across the campus. But in summer 2025, he got to take on something new and unexpected. McBeth repaired 14 steam traps that are part of the university’s central plant steam system. “It’s kind of like working on an old car that people have forgotten about and making it shiny and run well again,” he said. “It surprised me how much I enjoyed it.”
Properly functioning steam traps are key to efficient heating performance
Steam traps collect condensate water that accumulates in steam systems and return it to boilers, helping to minimize water and energy use. When they fail, boilers must work harder to maintain the pressure level they need to function, increasing wear and tear on equipment and driving up utility costs.
Repairing the university’s steam traps was an essential project that would help the maintenance team better manage operational costs. “The more efficient the campus is, the more money we save,” said Micael Komes, associate director of facilities at Western Oregon University. “Every steam trap we fix helps stack up those savings.”
Although Komes and McBeth knew some steam traps needed attention, it wasn’t until an Energy Trust of Oregon energy advisor conducted a campus walkthrough that they realized the full extent of the problem.
Steam trap repairs made more affordable with cash incentives
Having partnered with Energy Trust on several past projects, Komes was eager to explore additional energy-saving opportunities. During the walkthrough, McBeth and his energy advisor used an ultrasonic device to detect steam leaks in 12 buildings and discovered 14 malfunctioning steam traps – some over 75 years old.
Komes was pleasantly surprised to learn that Energy Trust cash incentives could help cover steam trap repairs, not just replacements. Since the campus doesn’t require heating in the summer, McBeth had the time to refurbish each steam trap himself between other tasks. “I’d pull a trap, sand it down, de-rust it or whatever I needed to do to refurbish it,” he said. “Then, after resealing the trap, I’d set it aside to dry and go do something else.”
Repaired steam traps drying after being resealed.
The project qualified for $5,600 in Energy Trust cash incentives, making the repairs even more cost-effective. “You feel the pinch when you start adding up how much it’s going to cost to buy new steam traps versus redoing them,” McBeth said. “It’s a huge cost savings if you have the time and ability.”
Energy efficiency pays off
The 14 repaired steam traps will save Western Oregon University up to $5,500 annually on energy costs. With measurable savings and a renewed focus on proactive maintenance, Komes and McBeth plan to continue improving energy efficiency across campus.
“I’m better able to assess the condition of our steam traps now,” said McBeth. “We’re going to be more mindful of them than we have been in the past.”
Komes agrees. “The people at Energy Trust I’ve worked with have been more than willing to help every step of the way,” he said. “The incentives are absolutely worth the amount of effort you put in.”
Interested in saving energy with steam trap upgrades? Fill out our steam trap savings calculator to see how much you could save. For details, visit www.energytrust.org/upgradehvac or email existingbuildings@energytrust.org.