Cut Energy Costs

Cut Energy Costs with this DIY Building Energy Audit Checklist

Few states experience the extreme heat of Michigan summers paired with the sub-zero temperatures of Michigan winters. That’s why energy costs represent one of the largest operational expenses for commercial buildings throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties. Yet many facility managers and building owners miss significant opportunities to cut energy costs through simple assessments and strategic building  improvements.

A systematic approach to evaluating building energy performance can reveal hidden inefficiencies that drain commercial building budgets while identifying specific areas where professional improvements can deliver substantial long-term savings. Understanding where energy waste occurs and recognizing the signs of inefficient systems empowers building owners and facility managers to make informed decisions about investments that will reduce building energy costs for years to come.

The following comprehensive checklist provides facility managers with a practical framework for conducting preliminary energy assessments that can uncover major opportunities to cut building energy costs through targeted improvements and professional retrofitting services. Once you’ve taken this “DIY approach’ to take a hard look at identifying potential energy savings areas, the expertise of the experienced commercial contractors at JLR Group can evaluate your building’s systems and implement improvements that maximize energy efficiency.

Smart facility managers throughout southeastern Michigan are discovering that strategic energy improvements identified through systematic evaluation not only cut energy costs immediately but also increase property values, improve tenant satisfaction, and position buildings competitively in the commercial real estate market. The key lies in understanding what to look for during energy assessments and working with qualified contractors who can transform identified opportunities into measurable savings that exceed improvement costs within just a few years.

At JLR Group, we help Michigan businesses ensure that energy-saving building improvements deliver optimal performance and return on investment while maintaining building comfort and operational reliability.

1. Cut Energy Costs with LED Lighting Upgrades

Walk through every area of the building and document existing lighting types, noting any fluorescent fixtures, incandescent bulbs, or older LED installations that may not be optimized for energy efficiency. Pay particular attention to areas with lights that operate for extended hours, including common areas, parking lots, stairwells, and 24-hour operational spaces where lighting improvements can deliver maximum impact to cut energy costs. Count the number of fixtures in each area and note which lights are frequently left on unnecessarily or operate on outdated scheduling systems.

JLR Group’s lighting specialists can evaluate existing systems and design LED retrofits that typically reduce lighting energy consumption by 50-70% while improving light quality and reducing maintenance costs. Their expertise in commercial lighting ensures that improvements are properly designed and installed to maximize energy savings while meeting specific workplace lighting requirements. The energy savings from professional LED retrofits typically pay for the upgrade costs within the first 2 years while continuing to reduce building energy costs for decades.

2. Reduce Building Energy Costs Through HVAC System Inspection

Examine all visible HVAC equipment, including outdoor units, indoor air handlers, ductwork, and thermostats, looking for signs of poor maintenance, improper operation, or outdated equipment that may be operating inefficiently. Check air filters throughout the building and note their condition, as dirty or clogged filters force HVAC systems to work harder and consume more energy while reducing indoor air quality. Document the age and condition of major HVAC components, paying attention to units that seem to run constantly or struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Professional HVAC optimization by JLR Group can dramatically cut building energy costs in Michigan buildings through equipment upgrades, improved controls, and system maintenance that ensures peak efficiency operation. Their commercial HVAC expertise helps building owners select the right combination of improvements that deliver maximum energy savings while improving building comfort and reliability. Properly designed HVAC improvements typically reduce heating and cooling costs by 20-40% while the energy savings more than offset upgrade costs within 3-5 years.

3. Cut Building Energy Costs by Identifying Air Leaks & Insulation Issues

Walk around the building perimeter and inspect windows, doors, and wall areas for visible signs of air leakage, including gaps around window frames, damaged weather stripping, or areas where caulking has failed or deteriorated. Use your hand to feel for air movement around windows and doors, particularly on windy days when air infiltration becomes more noticeable. Check basement and attic areas where insulation may be inadequate or has settled over time, reducing its effectiveness in preventing energy loss.

JLR Group’s building envelope specialists can conduct comprehensive air sealing and insulation improvements that eliminate energy waste while improving building comfort throughout Michigan’s extreme weather seasons. Their expertise in commercial building improvements ensures that air sealing and insulation projects are properly executed to deliver maximum energy savings while preventing moisture problems or other issues. Professional building envelope improvements typically reduce building energy costs by 15-30% and pay for themselves within 4-6 years through reduced heating and cooling expenses.

4. Reduce Building Energy Costs with Window & Door Assessments

Evaluate all windows throughout the building, noting single-pane glass, damaged seals in double-pane units, or windows that are difficult to open and close properly, indicating potential seal failures that allow energy loss. Check for condensation between glass panes, which signals that window seals have failed and the insulating properties have been compromised. Inspect exterior doors for proper sealing, automatic door closers that may not be functioning correctly, and vestibule areas that could benefit from improved design to reduce energy loss.

Professional window and door improvements by JLR Group can dramatically cut energy costs while improving building comfort and appearance for tenants and visitors. Their expertise in commercial building upgrades ensures that window and door projects are properly planned and installed to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining building security and functionality. Energy-efficient window and door improvements typically reduce building energy costs by 10-25% and provide payback within 5-8 years while continuing to deliver savings for decades.

5. Cut Energy Costs Through Electrical System & Equipment Evaluation

Survey electrical panels, lighting controls, and major electrical equipment throughout the building, looking for outdated systems that may be operating inefficiently or consuming unnecessary standby power. Document any equipment that runs constantly when it could be controlled by timers or occupancy sensors, including exhaust fans, electric water heaters, or other systems that operate regardless of actual need. Check for older electrical motors, pumps, or other equipment that may benefit from variable speed controls or high-efficiency replacements.

JLR Group’s electrical expertise can identify opportunities to cut building energy costs through equipment upgrades, improved controls, and power factor correction that reduces electrical consumption and utility demand charges. Their commercial electrical experience ensures that improvements are properly designed and installed to deliver maximum energy savings while maintaining system reliability and safety. Professional electrical improvements typically reduce building energy costs by 15-25% with payback periods of 3-6 years depending on the specific equipment and usage patterns.

6. Reduce Building Energy Costs by Evaluating Water Heating Systems

Inspect water heating equipment throughout the building, including domestic hot water systems, boiler equipment, and any electric water heaters that may be operating inefficiently or consuming energy unnecessarily. Check for adequate insulation on hot water pipes and storage tanks, as uninsulated systems can waste substantial energy through heat loss. Note the age and condition of water heating equipment and whether systems are properly sized for actual building demand rather than oversized installations that waste energy.

Professional water heating system improvements by JLR Group can significantly cut energy costs through high-efficiency equipment, improved insulation, and smart controls that optimize operation based on actual demand patterns. Their expertise in commercial building systems ensures that water heating improvements are properly designed to deliver maximum efficiency while meeting building hot water requirements reliably. Water heating system upgrades typically reduce building energy costs by 20-40% for this building system and pay for themselves within 4-7 years through reduced utility expenses.

7. Cut Building Energy Costs with Smart Controls

Evaluate existing building controls, including thermostats, lighting switches, and any automated systems, to determine whether buildings are operating on optimal schedules that match actual occupancy patterns and operational needs. Look for areas where manual controls could be replaced with occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats, or automated lighting controls that eliminate energy waste from unnecessary operation. Document areas where equipment operates during unoccupied hours or where temperature and lighting levels could be optimized for energy efficiency.

JLR Group’s expertise in building automation and smart controls can help facility managers cut building energy costs through intelligent systems that optimize building operation while maintaining comfort and functionality. Their commercial building technology experience ensures that control systems are properly integrated and programmed to deliver maximum energy savings without compromising building performance. Smart building control improvements typically reduce building energy costs by 10-20% and provide payback within 2-4 years while offering ongoing operational benefits.

8. Reduce Building Energy Costs Through Better Ventilation

Examine ventilation systems throughout the building, including exhaust fans, fresh air intake systems, and any energy recovery ventilation equipment that may not be operating efficiently or appropriately for current building usage. Check for ventilation systems that operate continuously when variable operation based on occupancy or air quality would be more energy-efficient. Note any areas where ventilation seems inadequate or excessive for the space usage and occupancy levels.

Professional ventilation system optimization by JLR Group can dramatically cut energy costs while improving indoor air quality and building comfort for occupants throughout Michigan’s varying seasonal conditions. Their expertise in commercial ventilation ensures that systems are properly balanced and controlled to provide adequate fresh air while minimizing energy consumption. Ventilation system improvements typically reduce building energy costs by 15-30% for this building system component and pay for themselves within 3-6 years through reduced fan energy and heating/cooling of outside air.

9. Cut Building Energy Costs Identifying Phantom Loads & Standby Power

Survey the building for equipment that consumes electricity even when not actively in use, including computers, printers, vending machines, coffee makers, and other plug-in devices that draw standby power continuously. Document areas where equipment could be controlled by power strips, timers, or occupancy sensors to eliminate unnecessary energy consumption during unoccupied hours. Check for any electric equipment that operates 24/7 when intermittent operation would be sufficient for building needs.

JLR Group can help facility managers reduce building energy costs through strategic electrical improvements and smart power management systems that eliminate phantom loads while maintaining equipment functionality and convenience. Their electrical expertise ensures that power management improvements are properly implemented to maximize energy savings without disrupting essential building operations. Phantom load elimination and power management improvements typically cut building energy costs by 5-15% and provide immediate payback through reduced electricity consumption.

10. Reduce Building Energy Costs with Energy Monitoring

Assess whether the building has adequate energy monitoring capability to track consumption patterns, identify unusual usage, and verify that energy-saving improvements are delivering expected results over time. Look for opportunities to install sub-metering that can help identify which building systems or areas consume the most energy and where improvement efforts should be focused. Evaluate whether existing utility bills provide sufficient detail to understand energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for demand management or time-of-use optimization.

Professional energy monitoring systems provide Michigan facility managers with the detailed information needed to cut building energy costs through ongoing optimization and early identification of equipment problems that could result in energy waste. Their expertise in commercial building systems ensures that monitoring equipment is properly installed and configured to provide actionable information for energy management. Energy monitoring and management systems typically help reduce building energy costs by 5-10% through improved operational efficiency and pay for themselves within 1-3 years while providing ongoing operational benefits.

11. Cut Energy Costs Through Exterior Lighting & Security Systems

Examine all exterior lighting systems, including parking lot lights, building facade lighting, and security lighting, to identify opportunities for LED upgrades, improved controls, or scheduling optimization that could reduce energy consumption while maintaining adequate illumination and security. Check for lights that operate during daylight hours unnecessarily or security systems that could benefit from motion sensors or smart scheduling. Document any exterior lighting that seems oversized for the actual security and safety requirements.

JLR Group’s exterior lighting expertise can help building owners cut building energy costs through strategic lighting improvements that enhance security while minimizing energy consumption throughout Michigan’s long winter nights. Their commercial lighting experience ensures that exterior improvements are properly designed to meet safety and security requirements while maximizing energy efficiency. Exterior lighting improvements typically reduce building energy costs by 40-60% for outdoor systems and pay for themselves within 2-4 years through reduced electricity consumption and maintenance costs.

12. Reduce Building Energy Costs by Evaluating Building Maintenance Practices

Review current building maintenance schedules and practices to identify opportunities where improved maintenance could enhance energy efficiency, including HVAC filter changes, equipment calibration, and system cleaning that affects energy performance. Look for equipment that appears to receive inadequate maintenance or systems that could benefit from more frequent attention to maintain peak efficiency operation. Document any equipment that shows signs of poor maintenance that could be contributing to increased energy consumption.

Professional maintenance programs and system optimization for Michigan businesses by JLR Group can help facility managers reduce building energy costs through improved equipment performance and extended equipment life that maximizes energy efficiency investments. Their commercial building expertise ensures that maintenance recommendations are practical and cost-effective while delivering measurable energy savings. Improved maintenance practices typically cut building energy costs by 5-15% while extending equipment life and preventing costly emergency repairs that could disrupt building operations.

Cut Your Michigan Building’s Energy Costs
Wayne, Oakland, Macomb & Washtenaw Counties

This comprehensive DIY energy checklist provides building owners and facility managers throughout southeastern Michigan with a systematic approach to identifying opportunities that can significantly cut building energy costs through strategic improvements and professional retrofitting services. While this preliminary assessment helps pinpoint potential energy savings areas, the expertise of the experienced commercial contractors at JLR Group can implement improvements that maximize energy efficiency while ensuring reliable building operation.

The energy savings achieved through professional improvements identified in this checklist will more than pay for upgrade costs within just a few years while continuing to reduce building energy costs for decades to come. JLR Group’s expertise in commercial building improvements, attention to detail, and commitment to completing projects on time and within budget make them the ideal partner for transforming energy audit findings into measurable savings that improve building performance and operational profitability.

Don’t let another month pass with unnecessarily high energy bills when professional improvements can cut your building energy costs substantially while improving tenant comfort and property value. Contact JLR Group today to discuss your DIY audit findings and discover how their expertise can transform your building’s energy efficiency to deliver immediate and long-term savings that exceed improvement costs year after year.

JLR Can Help Cut Energy Costs: 248.909.6183