Residential and Multifamily Building Energy Basics: Systems and Optimizations

• Understand the main ways in which a building uses energy, how various systems operate and low-cost ways to optimize them.
• Explain the basic systems that make a site function.
• Discuss at a high-level what energy users need when it comes to energy management at the facility / operational / maintenance level.

1. HVAC System Types in Multifamily

• Overview of packaged RTUs, split systems, PTACs/VTACs, boilers, and central chilled/hot-water plants.
• Where each is typically used (garden-style vs high-rise vs luxury).

2. Air Distribution and Ventilation

• Centralized vs unit-level ventilation strategies.
• Importance of outside air control and economizer logic.
• Link between infiltration, tenant comfort, and energy loss.

3. Controls and Thermostat Management

• Role of EMS/BAS vs stand-alone thermostats.
• Scheduling, setbacks, and deadband adjustments.
• Common pitfalls (over-tight setpoints, disabled schedules).

4. Central Plant Optimization

• Boiler staging and condensing boiler efficiency (return water temperature).
• Chiller part-load efficiency, condenser water reset, and pump VFD use.
• Proper sequencing and avoiding “competitive heating and cooling.”

5. Domestic Hot Water (DHW) Systems

• Storage vs instantaneous heaters, central vs in-unit systems.
• Recirculation loop control and insulation.
• Tenant comfort vs energy waste tradeoffs.

6. Lighting Systems

• Common multifamily lighting (corridors, garages, site lighting).
• LED retrofits and controls (occupancy, daylight).
• Importance of fixture maintenance and sensor calibration.

7. Plug and Common-Area Loads

• Elevators, laundry, fitness equipment, office spaces.
• Standby loads and phantom power.
• Contractor awareness of cumulative small loads.

8. Building Envelope and Infiltration

• Window performance, common air leakage paths.
• Pressure relationships in multifamily (stack effect, corridor pressurization).
• Value of blower door and duct leakage tests.

9. Maintenance Practices

• Coil cleaning, filter management, refrigerant charge, and economizer damper checks.
• Seasonal equipment inspections.
• Operator vigilance as a low-cost energy measure.

10. Tenant Engagement and Behavior

• Thermostat settings, space heaters, window ACs, and lighting usage.
• Education and incentives to align tenant behavior with building goals.
• Clear communication between management and occupants

Building operators, building owners, property managers, maintenance team, residential energy auditors and energy managers, residential energy facility contractors, etc. Intermediate level with attendees possessing a working of residential building systems.

Andrew Vaillencourt is a second-generation energy professional who walked his first facility at the age of twelve. As part of numerous consulting firms, utilities, and ESCO’s, Andrew has provided valuable and actionable energy efficiency services for customers in virtually every type of industry. A frequent speaker at energy events and conferences, Andrew explores the often-predatory marketplace of energy conservation in his book, Silver Bullets: (And Other Energy Efficiency Myths and Magic.  (Available from all fine online booksellers). As president and principal ofSRG Energy Efficiency Services, Andrew continues to serve the energy efficiency marketplace as a trusted consultant, trainer, and building-science subject matter expert. His clients cover a wide swath of the energy and sustainability landscape, including technology start-ups, ESCOs, and sustainability-minded companies all over the world.  In addition, Andrew leads a team that can help commercial & institutional customers with all levels of ASHRAE energy audits, feasibility studies, operation cost assessments, energy modeling, scoping, pricing, and project management, as well as provide owner’s (end user) representation.