How to Reduce Commercial Energy Costs with Smart Building Technology

Thirty percent of energy in commercial buildings is wasted. Commercial buildings can reduce energy costs significantly and save money by using smart LED lighting systems, automated HVAC controls, flood sensors, and other energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions.

7 Proven Ways to Lower Business Utility Bills

1. Smart LED Lighting Systems for Commercial Buildings

Use energy-efficient LED bulbs with smart controls and outlets to automatically adjust brightness and schedules via mobile devices. These systems provide:

• Automated lighting schedules that reduce unnecessary usage
• Smart outlets that power down computers and other electronics automatically, and monitor employee productivity
• Additional security to make it look like the building is still occupied after business hours

Best Practice Option: Sync LED lighting with occupancy sensors for maximum energy savings.

2. Water Leak Detection and Flood Prevention

Smart flood sensors detect moisture and leaks to prevent costly water damage, especially important for:

• Buildings in extreme weather-prone areas
• Winter pipe freeze protection
• Real-time exterior temperature monitoring
• Automatic water shutoff systems (Alarm.com Smart Valve + Meter)

3. Smart Thermostat HVAC Control Systems

Smart building thermostats with temperature sensors drastically reduce HVAC energy consumption through:

• Automated activation and shutdown scheduling
• Self-regulation during unoccupied hours
• Critical temperature control for perishable inventory
• Support preventing product spoilage and health risks

4. Commercial Solar Panel Installation

Financial Benefits: 30% federal tax credits + ongoing savings

Renewable energy solutions for businesses include:

• Monthly electric bill reduction
• Renewable energy credits generation
• Increased commercial property values
• Federal income tax credits up to 30%

Action Step: Partner with a local solar provider for the best pricing and energy efficiency practices.

5. Monthly Energy Budget Planning

Management Strategy: Track consumption and identify savings opportunities

Create structured energy management by:

• Outlining monthly energy consumption patterns
• Setting realistic cost reduction goals
• Identifying areas with the highest savings potential
• Implementing targeted energy efficiency measures

6. Business Activity Analytics and Space Monitoring

Optimization Tool: Data-driven energy management

Alarm.com Business Activity Analytics (BAA) provides:

• Customer traffic monitoring and energy optimization
• Inventory tracking with temperature control
• Motion detection and group gathering rules for added insights
• Virtual tripwires for occupancy and people counting
• Heat mapping, crowd gathering, and queue monitoring

7. Smart Commercial Appliances

Equipment Protection: Prevent energy waste and equipment damage

Smart appliance monitoring includes:

• Refrigerator and freezer door smart sensors for food safety
• Automatic stove and grill shutoff systems to reduce utility costs and fuel loss
• Real-time fire and gas leak notifications
• Equipment maintenance alerts
• Energy consumption tracking per appliance

Implementation Support and Benefits

Professional Installation: Partner with experienced service providers like General Security for:

• Smart automation system design
• Equipment installation and monitoring
• Ongoing maintenance and optimization

Bottom Line: Commercial Energy Efficiency ROI

Smart building technology investments typically pay for themselves through:

• Immediate utility bill reductions
• Equipment maintenance savings through predictive monitoring
• Potential property value increases from energy-efficient upgrades

Request a free quote today to start the process of optimizing your commercial property and saving on utility bills.