Time to Get Serious About Energy Efficiency in Multifamily Housing
With the warmest year on record, a summer of wildfires, and the threat of climate change tipping points just over the horizon, many of us are starting to think differently about our relationship with energy.
This increasing demand for energy efficiency in multifamily housing is changing the way apartment buildings are designed and constructed. As technology continues to evolve, it is becoming easier for multifamily buildings to implement energy-saving measures. The vast possibilities for reducing multifamily community’s carbon footprint include programmable thermostats, motion-sensing lights, and energy-efficient appliances.
As developers and owners reconcile with the changing world, many are wondering, “What are the best investments to save energy?”
Here are four technology upgrades that can have a major impact.
Programmable Thermostats
One powerful investment to elevate energy efficiency in multifamily is programmable thermostats. They enable users to set a schedule so that they are only using energy when it is needed. According to the US Department of Energy, using programmable thermostats to reduce heating/cooling when you are away from home can save up to 10% on yearly costs. Smart thermostats, like the Quext Smart Thermostat, take this a step further by allowing residents to set a schedule and control their thermostats on the go. With Homebase, property managers can even create vacant unit automations to keep all thermostats in vacant units within a selected range.
Upgraded Lighting
Motion-sensing lights are another energy-saving measure that is becoming increasingly popular in multifamily buildings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they can reduce energy costs by up to 90%. These lights can be programmed to turn on and off when there is movement in a space. Similarly, smart lights can make a big difference in energy-efficiency in multifamily by allowing your team to set lighting schedules, turn lights on or off on the go, and adjust lighting brightness. Paired with vacant unit automations, smart lights can eliminate waste by ensuring that all lights in vacant units turn off at 5 pm.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are another boon for energy efficiency in multifamily housing. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the average renter can save up to 20% in energy costs with efficient appliances. Smart appliances can elevate your savings further while improving convenience with features like the ability to control your devices from your phone and maintenance notifications. These are especially helpful in multifamily, where they can help busy property managers stay on top of repairs.
Leak Detection
You can boost your savings further with leak detection. Leak sensors can be placed by any water source in a multifamily property, like sinks or heaters. These sensors monitor changes in humidity or water level and alert your team if a leak develops.
In one day, it is possible for 250 gallons of water to leak from a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe. Quick leak detection prevents catastrophic damage to your property and increases resident satisfaction.
Affording Energy-Saving Proptech
With close to a decade of experience in the smart apartment industry, our experts at Homebase help you optimize each square foot of your property to provide the highest return on your investment.
We know the right proptech solutions can have a big impact. Usually buildings don’t need every smart device available, but rather, a few shrewd investments in basic smart technology. As your NOI advocate, we work to find a solution that saves you time and money.
By pairing the right proptech devices with smart software that enables features like vacant unit automation, you can trust that you are reducing your community’s carbon footprint. Along the way, you’ll create happier residents and save precious time and money.
Contact a Homebase energy expert today to start planning your sustainable and fiscally responsible future.
