Hidden Multifamily Energy-Saving Solutions
Multifamily energy savings are often overlooked in the pursuit of greater efficiency. Despite their scale and the growing demand for sustainability, multifamily properties are frequently overlooked in retrofit initiatives. But the tide is turning. Rising utility costs, stricter building performance standards, and tenant expectations push multifamily owners and operators to prioritize energy-saving strategies. And the most effective solutions often start in places you can’t see, like the ductwork behind the walls for instance.
The Multifamily Energy Savings Gap
Multifamily properties have historically faced unique challenges when it comes to energy upgrades. With split incentives between owners (who fund improvements) and tenants (who benefit from savings), making the case for investment can be difficult. Complex HVAC configurations and difficulty accessing individual units have also slowed progress. However, market shifts, including expanded utility incentives, ESG pressure, and new technologies, are closing that gap.
Five Common Multifamily Energy-Wasting Issues
Inefficient HVAC Systems: Older heating and cooling systems are often oversized, under-maintained, or simply past their prime.
Poor Insulation and Air Sealing: Many multifamily buildings suffer from inadequate insulation or gaps in the building envelope.
Leaky Ductwork: Hidden behind ceilings and walls, duct leaks can cause up to 30% of conditioned air to be lost before it reaches its destination.
Outdated Appliances and Lighting: Older refrigerators, water heaters, and incandescent bulbs drive up energy consumption.
Lack of Smart Controls: Buildings miss opportunities to optimize energy use without modern thermostats or occupancy sensors.
Duct Leakage - The Silent Energy Killer: Ductwork is often the most neglected part of a building’s HVAC system. Over time, joints loosen, seals degrade, and leaks develop—all without a single visible sign. These leaks force systems to work harder, increasing energy use and shortening equipment life. In multifamily buildings, duct leakage leads to uneven unit temperatures, reduced tenant comfort, and ballooning energy bills.
Aeroseal: A Scalable, Non-Invasive Fix Aeroseal’s technology addresses duct leakage from the inside out. Using a patented aerosol-based process, leaks are sealed with precision without opening walls or disrupting tenants. For multifamily owners, the benefits are significant:
Minimal disruption: Sealing can occur with tenants in place.
Fast ROI: Energy savings are immediate and measurable.
Scalable: Ideal for retrofits across large portfolios.
Real-World Impact: In one multifamily retrofit project, Aeroseal technology reduced duct leakage by more than 90%, resulting in a 20% drop in HVAC-related energy costs. Beyond the numbers, residents reported improved comfort and air quality—critical metrics for tenant retention and satisfaction.
Getting Started. The first step for multifamily energy savings for property owners and operators ready to capture hidden savings is an energy audit. This will help identify duct leakage and other inefficiencies. From there, working with experienced energy contractors and solution providers like Aeroseal can lead to rapid improvements without major disruption.
Want to uncover hidden energy savings in your multifamily properties? Contact Aeroseal to schedule a consultation and optimize your buildings from the inside out.
