Case Study: McDonald's achieves 58% HVAC motor energy savings and 1.26-year payback with Turntide Technologies

Innovative McDonald’s Franchise Owner Slashes Energy Costs With HVAC Motor Retrofits

McDonald's franchise owner Francisco Sanchez faced rapidly rising electricity costs and the need to support McDonald’s corporate sustainability targets while maintaining customer comfort in hot Southern California climates. He evaluated energy conservation measures and, through Pack-a-Drum, selected Turntide Technologies’ HVAC motor retrofit using the Turntide Smart Motor System to address slim restaurant margins and aggressive emissions goals.

Turntide Technologies retrofitted 15 motors across five McDonald’s locations, delivering a 58% reduction in motor energy use (111,121 kWh saved annually), $23,712 in annual utility savings, and a 1.26‑year payback after rebates and CARES Act support. The project cut carbon emissions by 58,709 lbs/year (equivalent to 8,869 gallons of gasoline) and proved a scalable solution that Sanchez plans to expand across his 32‑store portfolio.

McDonald's