Ten ways a smart boiler system can improve your multifamily dwelling’s operations - by Simon Soloff

Apartment complexes and other multifamily dwellings are substantial consumers of energy, as they require continuous cooling, heating, and lighting to maintain resident comfort. Boilers play a crucial role in this energy demand, as they support a building’s space heating, heated water for bathing and the swimming pool, laundry services, and much more. In today’s era where environmental impact and energy consumption are vital concerns, a smart boiler system is emerging as a game-changer for the multifamily property industry.  

As the president and co-founder of EnTech, a leading innovator in smart energy solutions for multifamily properties, I have seen how a smart boiler system can significantly streamline property operations while improving tenant satisfaction and reducing costs. Here are ten ways a smart boiler system can significantly improve an apartment building’s operations:

Energy Efficiency
One of the most compelling benefits of a smart boiler is its potential for substantial energy savings. Smart boilers optimize energy consumption by automatically adjusting the heating and hot water production based on demand. You can reduce your energy consumption by heating selected apartment rooms and automatically adjusting temperatures based on occupancy. This means reduced energy wastage and a smaller carbon footprint.

Cost Reduction 
By optimizing heating patterns and reducing energy waste, property managers can make significant savings on their energy bills. Smart boilers only heat when necessary without energy wastage, which potentially cuts heating bills by as much as 30%! By minimizing energy consumption and improving boiler performance, smart systems reduce operational costs, offering long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.

Remote Monitoring and Control
With a smart boiler system, multifamily housing managers can manage their establishment’s temperature from anywhere using their smartphone. Whether they are stuck in traffic or busy with other properties, they will have complete control over the heating system. This means they can adjust settings, check performance, and resolve issues without being on-site, improving efficiency and response times. This will greatly streamline overall business efficiency.

Predictive Maintenance
Unlike traditional heating systems that respond only after an issue arises, smart boiler systems leverage advanced diagnostics to anticipate problems before they occur. Using intelligent analytics and sensors, a smart boiler system will detect patterns in performance and predict potential failures. Smart boilers can also notify apartment building staff of possible issues before costly repairs become necessary. This proactive approach helps building managers reduce energy waste, avoid expensive emergency repairs, and extend the lifespan of their smart boiler systems. 

Increased Reliability
By continuously monitoring performance, smart boilers reduce the risk of failure. The advanced sensors continuously monitor critical metrics such as water flow, pressure, and temperature. If pressure drops or water temperatures approach dangerous levels, these sensors immediately detect and report the issue. This ensures that building residents always have hot water and comfortable room temperatures, thus strengthening overall tenant satisfaction.

Customization and Scheduling
A smart boiler system can be programmed to adjust heating and hot water production according to the apartment’s daily schedule, such as increasing capacity in the morning and reducing it during low-demand periods (i.e. at night). Building managers also have more opportunities to save money on heating bills by not heating up unoccupied rooms. Since you have much more control over your heating system, you will save money on your heating bills.

Improved Resident Experience
Implementing a smart boiler system will enhance the overall tenant experience by ensuring personalized comfort and consistent performance. These systems maintain a reliable hot water supply and stable room temperatures, allowing tenants to enjoy a seamless and relaxing living situation. A smart boiler system will optimize energy use by adjusting output based on real-time demand, which will also prevent energy spikes during high-demand periods.

Sustainability
As environmental considerations become crucial in the multifamily dwelling industry, the adoption of green technology can improve a building’s reputation. Because they are more energy-efficient, smart boiler systems enable apartment complexes and other multifamily properties to achieve their global sustainability goals by promoting energy conservation and reducing their overall carbon footprint. 

A growing number of eco-conscious consumers are actively seeking apartment living situations that align with their environmental values. These eco-conscious residents will appreciate a building’s commitment to reducing energy usage and minimizing environmental impact. Therefore, investing in smart boiler technology will not only help support a building’s green initiatives, but also it will enhance the property’s appeal to eco-minded potential tenants.

Data Analytics and Insights
Smart boiler systems provide detailed insights into a multifamily dwelling’s energy usage. The system tracks and analyzes energy consumption with easy-to-understand reports and real-time data. This allows building managers to make informed decisions about usage patterns. These insights can be used to optimize operations, such as adjusting heating levels based on occupancy, ensuring energy is used efficiently.

Integration with Other Building Systems
For tech-savvy property managers, smart boiler systems can be seamlessly integrated with other smart building devices. Imagine your boiler system working perfectly in sync with your smart lights, HVAC, and security system for a truly connected and intelligent property environment. This level of integration enhances building automation, improves overall efficiency, and can significantly reduce operational costs.

Final Thoughts
Property managers have a responsibility to provide a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for their residents. This requires a significant amount of energy consumption, in the form of heating, drying applications, and more. Smart boiler systems offer a transformative opportunity for the multifamily dwelling industry, as they facilitate real-time data monitoring, sustainability, and significant cost savings while paving the way for future technological advances. By incorporating a smart boiler system, you can maximize the potential of your building’s heating system and enjoy cost savings in the long run.

Simon Soloff is the president and co-founder of EnTech, New York, N.Y.