In today’s economic climate, reducing utility bills has become a priority for commercial property owners seeking to optimize operational costs and increase profitability. Utility expenses—electricity, HVAC, and water—often represent one of the largest recurring overheads in commercial buildings. Fortunately, advancements in building automation systems and energy-efficient building controllers provide actionable solutions to minimize energy waste and significantly lower costs.

Implement Intelligent Building Automation Systems

Implementing intelligent building automation systems (BAS) is one of the most effective strategies to manage and reduce energy consumption in commercial properties. Modern systems like those offered by Elliott Controls give property owners real-time control and insights into how energy is used throughout their buildings.

These systems integrate various building functions—HVAC, lighting, fire safety, and security—into a centralized platform. Through sophisticated sensors and control algorithms, a BAS can automatically optimize temperature settings, shut off unused lighting zones, and regulate air circulation based on occupancy patterns.

Use Advanced Building Controllers to Maximize Efficiency

Building controllers serve as the brain of any automated building system. Elliott Controls provides a powerful suite of WebCTRL® controllers, including the OptiFlex™, ZN, and SE controllers, designed for different levels of building management.

• OptiFlex™ controllers enable scalable building control and are ideal for large commercial spaces with complex HVAC systems.
  

• SE Controllers provide equipment-level control, offering precision and efficiency in managing rooftop units, air handling units, and terminal devices.
  

• ZN Controllers are ideal for zone-level temperature and humidity regulation, ensuring no energy is wasted in unoccupied or over-conditioned areas.
  

Each controller seamlessly integrates with the WebCTRL® building automation platform, delivering real-time data visualization, diagnostics, and system optimization capabilities.

Optimize HVAC Systems with Smart Controls

The HVAC system is often the largest energy consumer in a commercial property. Elliott Controls’ building controllers offer robust HVAC integration that adapts to building conditions, occupancy levels, and outside weather.

By leveraging demand control ventilation, property owners can adjust fresh air intake based on CO₂ levels, reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling. In addition, chiller plant optimization ensures chillers operate only when needed and at peak performance levels.

Elliott Controls’ platform supports predictive maintenance, alerting facilities managers to inefficiencies or impending system failures before they become costly issues.

Implement Scheduling and Zoning to Minimize Waste

One of the most overlooked yet highly effective strategies is implementing zoning and scheduling protocols for HVAC and lighting systems. With WebCTRL®, commercial buildings can be divided into independent zones, each with customized schedules and environmental settings.

For example, office spaces used only during standard work hours don’t require climate control or lighting during evenings and weekends. The system automatically shuts down or reduces operations in these zones, resulting in significant utility savings.

Zoning benefits include:

• Lower utility costs through targeted heating and cooling

• Improved occupant comfort and productivity

• Real-time occupancy data for informed decision-making

Monitor Energy Usage with Real-Time Analytics

WebCTRL® provides advanced energy dashboards that allow property managers to visualize energy usage patterns, peak demand times, and areas of inefficiency. By accessing historical and real-time data, building managers can identify underperforming systems and implement corrective actions.

Key analytics tools include:

• Energy reports by equipment or zone

• Demand response tools

• Carbon footprint tracking

• Weather-normalized performance comparisons

With this data, property owners can track ROI on energy-saving initiatives and validate the impact of upgrades over time.

Retrofit Legacy Systems for Immediate Impact

Older buildings often run on outdated HVAC systems and lack any form of automation. Retrofitting these properties with Elliott Controls’ controllers and WebCTRL® system can provide immediate improvements in energy efficiency.

Retrofits involve integrating modern sensors, actuators, and control panels into existing infrastructure. These upgrades are more affordable than full replacements and deliver:

• Better temperature control and energy savings

• Extended equipment life through optimized operation

• Centralized control for ease of use

Take Advantage of Demand-Based Utility Pricing

Many utility providers offer demand-based pricing models, where energy rates fluctuate based on peak usage times. Elliott Controls’ system supports automated demand response (ADR), allowing building systems to scale back operations during peak periods.

This results in:

• Lower demand charges

• Eligibility for utility rebates and incentives

• Better grid stability and sustainability
  

Incorporate Renewable Energy and Storage Solutions

For property owners investing in renewable energy, such as solar panels, Elliott Controls controllers can integrate and manage energy production and storage systems.

Using WebCTRL®, building operators can:

• Track solar generation in real time

• Manage battery storage to reduce grid reliance

• Optimize usage of stored energy during high-cost hours

This level of control enhances energy independence and further reduces utility expenses.

Invest in Staff Training and Continuous Improvement

While technology plays a crucial role, trained personnel are essential to managing systems effectively. Facilities teams should be trained to interpret BAS data, understand alerts, and implement operational improvements based on analytics.

Moreover, energy efficiency should be approached as a continuous improvement process. Regular audits, performance reviews, and updates to building schedules and zoning rules ensure the building evolves with usage patterns and technology.

Conclusion

Reducing utility bills in commercial properties is not only feasible but increasingly essential. By integrating advanced building automation systems, leveraging intelligent controllers, and utilizing data-driven energy management, commercial property owners can achieve substantial and sustained savings. Elliott Controls’ WebCTRL® platform and suite of building controllers represent the gold standard in building energy management, offering scalable, flexible, and highly efficient solutions for buildings of all sizes.