Uncovering the Gold in Your Wiring: Energy Audits for Commercial and Multifamily Properties
- Demetrius Johnson
- Sep 28
- 4 min read
Electricity is the lifeblood of modern buildings. In small to mid-sized commercial spaces, multifamily apartments, and even single-family homes, the electrical system powers everything from lights and computers to HVAC and specialized equipment.
When that system is neglected, hidden inefficiencies accumulate—wasting money, shortening equipment life, increasing fire risk, and leaving owners exposed to code violations or insurance surprises.
Metro Power Systems excels in assisting businesses and property owners to identify and address these issues through detailed electrical energy audits, tenant-improvement consultations, and complete system inspections.
This guide explores:
The most frequent electrical problems in homes, multifamily buildings, and small commercial/light industrial spaces
The benefits of investing in energy audits
Advantages related to regulations and insurance
How expert planning can secure future tenant build-outs
(Homeowners are encouraged to read, but this guide is primarily aimed at small to mid-sized commercial clients.)
Common Electrical Issues Across Property Types
Homes and Multifamily Buildings
Seemingly minor issues can quietly increase utility expenses or pose hazards:
Aging wiring and panels – Higher resistance leads to increased consumption and costs; outdated breakers may not trip effectively.
Outdated appliances and HVAC systems – Older units consume significantly more energy compared to modern ENERGY STAR® models.
Phantom loads and poor insulation – Devices left plugged in consume power; air leaks cause HVAC systems to work harder.
Overloaded circuits and damaged wiring – Flickering lights or tripped breakers often signal deteriorating systems.
Small to Mid-Sized Commercial Buildings
Commercial spaces are significant electricity users. Common issues include:
Overloaded circuits and outdated systems – Poor installation or aging systems can result in frequent failures.
Wiring errors and fire risks – Loose connections or improper sizing can cause intermittent outages or fires.
Outdated infrastructure – Old wiring and panels can't meet current demands; upgrading and switching to LED lighting can significantly reduce costs.
Poor power factor and demand charges – Buildings may incur utility penalties without correction equipment.
Neglected maintenance and code compliance – Skipping inspections can lead to safety issues, fines, and downtime.
Small Industrial and Light-Manufacturing Facilities
These properties encounter additional challenges:
Inefficient equipment and plant services – Steam, air, and chiller systems often operate below efficiency, resulting in 10–30% higher energy costs.
Operational practices that spike demand – Running multiple machines simultaneously creates costly demand peaks.
Maintenance and control issues – Fouled equipment, cooling tower problems, and poor pump control waste energy.
How Energy Audits Save Money
An electrical energy audit assesses a facility's power usage. Auditors analyze utility bills, examine equipment, and pinpoint inefficiencies, then offer prioritized recommendations ranging from no-cost adjustments to capital improvements.
Key Benefits:
Low- and no-cost measures – Modifying schedules, shutting off unnecessary ventilation, or staggering equipment startups can lead to savings of 15–30%.
Eliminating hidden waste – Outdated systems can increase costs by 10–30%.
Small-business savings – Targeted upgrades can reduce utility bills by 10–30%.
Lighting and HVAC upgrades – LED lighting can cut usage by up to 75%, while ENERGY STAR HVAC systems save 20–40%.
Avoiding power-factor penalties – Improving power factor decreases utility charges and eases equipment stress.
Strategic Gains:
Informed decision-making with precise performance data
Reduced demand spikes through straightforward operational adjustments
Extended equipment lifespan and fewer breakdowns
Lower environmental impact and enhanced tenant appeal
Regulatory and Insurance Benefits
Electrical audits go beyond savings—they help mitigate legal and insurance risks:
NFPA 70B compliance – As of 2023, NFPA 70B mandates structured electrical maintenance programs.
Avoiding fines and downtime – OSHA fines can exceed $16,000 per violation, and outages may cost hundreds of thousands.
Insurance incentives – Insurers might lower premiums for facilities with documented electrical maintenance plans.
Fire-risk reduction – Routine inspections identify overloaded circuits and wiring mistakes before they lead to fires.
Tenant Improvement (TI) Projects: Electrical Design & Build
Detailed electrical planning is essential for tenant build-outs. Important steps include:
Evaluating tenant needs – Outlets, circuits, and equipment loads must align with the tenant’s operations.
Collaborative design – Early coordination among electricians, architects, and contractors helps avoid costly modifications.
Code compliance and permitting – NEC and local code documentation ensures safety and approvals.
Future-proofing – Incorporating conduits and adaptable layouts prepares for future technological requirements.
Why Work With Metro Power Systems
Our services encompass:
Comprehensive energy audits – Conducting Level 1 to Level 3 audits with precise savings forecasts.
Complete system inspections and diagnostics – Covering everything from service entrance to branch circuits, pinpointing overloads, poor power factor, and violations.
Tenant-improvement design-build consultations – Tailoring electrical systems to meet tenant requirements and accommodate future growth.
Regulatory and insurance compliance support – Providing NFPA 70B-compliant maintenance plans, documentation, and insurance support.
Final Word
Electrical problems do not resolve themselves—inefficiencies, outdated equipment, and concealed dangers can reduce both profits and safety.
Conducting energy audits and system assessments are investments that repay their cost through:
Lowered bills
Minimized downtime
Insurance savings
With standards like NFPA 70B requiring maintenance and insurers incentivizing compliance, now is the time to take action.
Whether you oversee a storefront, an office complex, or a multifamily property, Metro Power Systems can assist you in identifying savings, boosting safety, and preparing your electrical infrastructure for the future.
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