Older multifamily buildings introduce many energy efficiency challenges to property owners and managers.
These are buildings where tenants:
Do not directly pay their own utilities.
Use window mounted air conditioning units.
Have no interior thermostat controls.
These apartments often have inconsistent temperatures which lead to unhappy complaining occupants. For these older buildings to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, keep their tenants happy and stay profitable, some level of investment in upgrades must be made and quickly.
States like New York have enacted “Go Green” legislation with the focus on decarbonization and noncompliance of the law comes with hefty fines. Which means property owners must upgrade or retrofit old infrastructure to become more energy efficient and stay compliant with the local laws. Becoming energy efficient benefits the environment, the tenants, reduces operating costs and increases the value of the building. A win-win scenario for everyone.
Here are 5 steps multifamily property owners and managers can use to help reduce their energy costs.
1. Communicate with Tenants
Many people today understand the significance of being “green” and energy efficient. Educate your tenants to keep their windows closed during the winter months, limit the use hot water and reduce running air conditioners all day long during the summer. Make certain your tenants understand the importance of energy reduction and how lower energy costs benefits them as well.
2. Update Lighting
This means replacing old lighting fixtures throughout the building with new energy efficient LED bulbs and use motion sensors in low traffic common areas.
3. Monitor Unoccupied Apartments
Empty apartment units should always be monitored to save and reduce energy costs. Remove any air conditioners left by prior tenants from windows and well as reducing/shutting heat and electricity by unplugging appliances.
4. Regulate Water Usage
Regulating the amount of hot water consumption by installing low flow fixtures. This can greatly reduce the amount of water used by tenants and still provide comfort. Monitoring water temperature throughout the building is also very important.
5. Control Fuel Usage
Being able to measure and manage your fuel usage is the first step toward successfully reducing your operating costs and saving money. Installing an energy management control system will greatly reduce costs and provide valuable control of your building’s existing heating infrastructure.
As a property owner or manager you must have 100 percent access and 20/20 vision of your building’s infrastructure and energy performance. Every aspect of your buildings heating infrastructure should be monitored and controlled.
Our emc20/20 energy management system will give you that 20/20 vision with 24/7/365 access and control over your building.
There is no cost or obligation to request a demonstration or price quote. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Learn more today.