BUILDING UPGRADE CONTRACTORS

Reduce Energy Costs: These Building Upgrades Pay for Themselves

Energy bills have become one of the fastest-growing operating costs for commercial buildings, and business owners and property managers are feeling the pressure. Heating, cooling and lighting an office, warehouse or retail space through a full Michigan year adds up quickly, especially in older buildings.

The encouraging news is that there are practical ways to reduce energy costs without a complete building renovation. Targeted building upgrades can be completed one at a time as budgets allow. These energy efficiency building upgrades can rapidly recover their cost through lower utility bills. And with energy bills continuing to skyrocket – with no end in sight – investing in energy efficient building upgrades now helps protect your bottom line for year to come.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we specisalize in helping businesses throughout Oakland County plan and complete building upgrades that reduce energy costs. The building upgrades we have discussed below are some of the most effective places to start – but a FREE personalized review of your facility by our energy efficiency experts is the best way to start saving!

Reduce Energy Costs with Insulation Building Upgrades

Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs in a commercial building. Many older buildings have thin or settled insulation in the roof deck and walls, which allows heated air to escape in winter and hot air to enter in summer.

Insulation building upgrades work best when paired with air sealing around roof penetrations, dock doors and wall joints. Together, these building upgrades help the HVAC system run less often and keep indoor temperatures more even from one side of the building to the other.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we assess existing insulation and recommend building upgrades that reduce energy costs based on each building’s age, use and construction. Insulation is often one of the fastest upgrades to pay for itself.

Reduce Energy Costs with Window Building Upgrades

Windows and storefront glass can account for a large share of heat loss in a commercial building. Single-pane glass, worn seals and aluminum frames without thermal breaks let heat pass through easily, which makes heating and cooling equipment work harder.

Window building upgrades that reduce energy costs include insulated double- or triple-pane glass, low-emissivity (low-E) coatings and thermally broken frames. These building upgrades also cut down on drafts and glare, which makes the space more comfortable for employees and customers.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we replace and upgrade commercial windows and storefronts for businesses across Oakland County. We help each client choose glazing that suits the building, its exposure to the sun and its budget.

Reduce Energy Costs with Roofing Upgrades

The roof takes the full force of summer sun and winter cold, which makes it a major factor in a building’s energy use. A dark roof absorbs a large amount of heat in summer, which raises cooling demand in the space below.

Roofing building upgrades that reduce energy costs include reflective cool roof membranes, such as white TPO, along with rigid insulation added during a reroof. Because the old roof is already being replaced, adding insulation at the same time improves performance without the cost of a separate project.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we evaluate existing commercial roofs and recommend the combination of membrane and insulation that will reduce energy costs for each building. Timing these building upgrades with a planned roof replacement gives clients the most value for their investment.

Reduce Energy Costs with HVAC Control Upgrades

Heating and cooling are usually the largest energy expenses in a commercial building, and a system running on a fixed schedule often heats or cools empty space. HVAC control upgrades allow the system to respond to how the building is actually used.

Programmable and smart thermostats, zoning and building automation systems are building upgrades that reduce energy costs by adjusting temperatures overnight, on weekends and in unused areas. Demand-controlled ventilation, which adjusts fresh air based on occupancy, can reduce energy costs further in conference rooms, training rooms and other spaces with changing occupancy.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we coordinate HVAC control building upgrades that reduce energy costs while keeping occupants comfortable. Many of these controls work with existing equipment, which keeps the project cost modest.

Reduce Energy Costs with Occupancy Sensors

Lights left on in empty offices, restrooms, storage rooms and break areas use energy every day without benefiting anyone. Occupancy sensors turn lights on when someone enters a room and switch them off after the space has been empty for a set period.

Occupancy sensors are among the least expensive building upgrades that reduce energy costs, and they can usually be added to existing lighting circuits. In warehouses and large open areas, sensors can also dim or switch individual aisles so only the spaces in use are lit.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we install occupancy sensors as part of lighting and electrical building upgrades for businesses throughout Oakland County. This small upgrade often pays for itself quickly.

Reduce Energy Costs with LED Lighting

Replacing older fluorescent, metal halide or incandescent fixtures with LED lighting is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy costs. LED fixtures use far less electricity for the same amount of light, and they last much longer, which lowers replacement and maintenance costs.

LED lighting also produces less heat than older fixtures, which lightens the load on air conditioning in summer. Michigan utilities, including DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, offer business rebate programs that can lower the upfront cost of lighting building upgrades.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we complete LED lighting building upgrades in offices, warehouses, manufacturing spaces and retail buildings. We plan each layout so every area has the right light levels for the work being done there.

Reduce Energy Costs with Light Reflecting Epoxy Flooring

Flooring may not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking for ways to reduce energy costs, but it has a real effect on lighting needs. Dark or worn concrete floors absorb light, while a light-colored, high-gloss epoxy floor reflects it back into the room.

Because light reflecting epoxy flooring brightens a space, some facilities can use fewer fixtures or lower-wattage lighting while keeping the same light levels. These building upgrades also create a durable, easy-to-clean surface that holds up well in warehouses, shops and manufacturing areas.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we install light reflecting epoxy flooring as part of building upgrades that reduce energy costs and improve the look of commercial spaces. Many of our clients pair this upgrade with LED lighting for the greatest benefit.

Building Upgrade Contractors | Auburn Hills, MI Area

Lower energy bills do not require a full renovation. By choosing the right building upgrades and completing them one step at a time, you can reduce energy costs, improve comfort for everyone in your building, and let the savings help fund your next improvement.  The skilled and experienced building upgrade contractors at JLR Group specialize in energy efficient construction practices that can significantly reduce your energy bills and improving your bottom line.

At JLR Group in the Auburn Hills, MI area, we would be glad to review your building and help you plan building upgrades that fit your goals, timeline, and budget. Request your FREE QUOTE today!

Auburn Hills, MI Area | Building Upgrade Contractors: 248.909.6183