Implementing energy-saving strategies to ensure your commercial property is more energy-efficient can help save both apartment managers and residents significant dollars each month. In fact, it’s estimated that energy use accounts for 30% or more of an apartment building’s total costs.
It can also help minimize the impact your building has on the environment, which can be an attractive benefit to new residents.
Maximize your building’s return on investment by reducing your operating expenses for energy usage, including lighting, heating, and cooling. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Swap for Efficient Lighting
LED lighting has a much longer lifespan and is more energy efficient. It’s estimated that LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than other bulbs, last up to 25 times longer, and emit very little heat (compared to incandescent bulbs which release 90% of their energy as heat). Swapping out lighting will save apartment managers money from having to replace lighting more often, as well as time spent maintaining the lights. Plus, it’s better for the environment.
LED technology is ideal for inside your apartment units and around your buildings. This includes streetlights, parking garage or lot lights, walkway and outdoor lighting, task lighting, modular lighting, recessed downlights, and more. Work to replace existing bulbs, lamps, and light fixtures with more efficient products.
Install Efficient Equipment
Start by replacing old appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers with energy-efficient ones. Depending on the number and type of appliances you purchase, you and/or your tenants can save anywhere between 20-50% on your monthly energy bills, saving money and reducing waste.
For example, ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines use about 25% less energy and 45% less water than regular washers. Increased efficiency can also lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
You can also replace other equipment in or around the units. For example, programmable thermostats are a larger cost up front but can actually reduce heating costs and energy overall.
Schedule Routine Tune-Ups
Having your HVAC and other systems routinely serviced can help optimize energy performance. Components inside the units can experience wear and tear, and dust and build up can cause your system to work harder to evenly heat or cool your units, which can crank up the energy bill.
Regular tune ups can clean out the system and ensure it’s working at efficiently as possible. This can help save money now on utility bills, and in the long run prevent you from having to replace an entire system prematurely.
Save Water
There are a number of things you can do to save water in your units. Start by installing low flow toilets, which can reduce the flow of water up to 12 liters per flush. You can also install low-flow shower heads, which can help residents use up to 70% less water and cut water heating costs by up to 15%.
Be sure to repair leaking faucets and switch the aerators on kitchen faucets to avoid needless water consumption. You can also encourage tenants to use a container for drinking water and avoid running the tap unnecessarily.
Educate Tenants on Seasonal Energy-Saving Tips
There are things your tenants can do as well, especially with the change in the seasons, to reduce waste and save energy.
For example, in the summer:
- Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioning is running.
- Set air conditioning temperatures wisely.
- Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to block out heat from the sun.
- Encourage use of a ceiling fan.
- Turn off the air conditioning and open windows when it cools down at night or in the mornings.
In the winter
- Regularly conduct checks on filters in the HVAC and other systems.
- Make sure heating vents are not blocked.
- Weatherstrip windows to prevent drafts.
Also let tenants know things like washing their clothes with cold water, taking showers instead of baths, and using power cords or unplugging items when they aren’t in use can have a huge impact on energy savings.
Explore Renovation Options
If you have an older building, it’s inevitable that you’ll be losing dollars and efficiency through old windows, doors, and systems. While it can be a larger up-front cost, replacing your building’s windows and/or doors with energy-efficient ones will help reduce utility costs and be more effective and efficient in the long run.
Aeroseal Windows & Storefront can help you find the right products at a competitive price, and with extensive experience in commercial renovations, we can help with different types of projects including window replacement and renovation, door renovation, and replacing parts. Contact us today for a free consultation.