With parts of the U.S. currently experiencing some of the highest temperatures ever recorded, the importance of energy conservation in properties is becoming a top priority. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), utilities typically account for 25% to 35% of overall operating costs, making energy usage the largest controllable cost in multifamily housing. Considering these buildings house a significant number of residents, the impact of energy consumption is now markedly amplified. Therefore, an efficient energy usage strategy is paramount for maintaining comfort, reducing costs, and mitigating the effect on the environment. TrustHab provides IoT solutions that enable properties to quickly implement such a strategy.

One of the primary reasons to prioritize energy conservation during heatwaves is to ensure the comfort and well-being of residents. Extremely high temperatures often lead to increased demand for cooling, placing a strain on the building’s HVAC equipment and power grids. By taking the necessary steps to optimize energy consumption throughout a building that consists of hundreds of units, onsite teams can effectively maintain stable indoor temperatures while avoiding overburdening the cooling infrastructure. This helps prevent discomfort and potential health risks associated with extreme heat.

Conserving energy also has financial benefits for both property operators and residents. Energy-efficient initiatives, such as utilization of smart thermostats and IoT-driven energy management systems, can provide valuable insight to HVAC runtime, allowing onsite teams to proactively identify inefficiently performing HVAC equipment that may need servicing. During a time when extremely high temperatures are present, it is imperative for maintenance teams to immediately pinpoint problematic units. Promptly addressing faulty HVACs and adjusting thermostat settings to ensure optimal energy consumption can be one of the most effective ways to reduce bills and avoid potential repair expenses. Not only does this reduce the financial burden on residents, but it enhances the financial viability of the property by lowering operational costs.

Furthermore, implementing energy conservation practices during extreme high temperatures has a positive environmental impact. Increased energy consumption leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates the climate crisis. By reducing energy usage, property operators can significantly contribute to carbon emission reduction efforts, promote sustainability, and help combat climate change. Additionally, implementation of IoT automated energy management systems has proven to be a great way for properties to appeal to environmentally conscious residents and demonstrate their commitment to advancing ESG goals.

To redefine energy management in multifamily and student buildings, particularly when external temperatures are higher than ever, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Property owners should invest in smart building upgrades, such as intelligent, automated energy management systems that remotely monitor and regulate energy usage to facilitate proactive conservation measures. Educating residents about the importance of energy conservation and providing them with practical tips on reducing energy consumption can also foster a collective effort in achieving sustainability goals.

TrustHab delivers the leading intelligent smart building solutions to Multifamily and Student Housing operators throughout the nation. Read our use cases to see how our partners have successfully leveraged TrustHab to achieve substantial cost savings, enhanced operational efficiency, and higher property value.