When most people think of boilers, they think of their use during winter. However, in multifamily buildings, dorms and other commercial buildings, boiler systems play a crucial role year-round. Summer may bring longer days and higher temperatures, but hot water demand doesn’t go on vacation. Residents still need consistent access for showers, laundry, and dishwashing, even when heating isn’t top of mind. This is why a smart boiler control system is crucial for cutting costs and optimizing energy use in a multifamily dwelling during the warmer months.
If your apartment complex doesn’t use a smart boiler system, you can be missing out on a ton of energy and cost savings. As the president and co-founder of EnTech, a leading innovator in smart energy solutions for multifamily properties, I have witnessed firsthand how smart boilers can keep your building running efficiently throughout the summer, helping you lower operating costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and avoid unnecessary system wear, all without compromising resident satisfaction. Here is what to keep in mind.
What makes a boiler system “Smart”?
A smart boiler is more than just a heating system; it’s a connected, intelligent solution designed to optimize energy use and enhance building performance. By integrating with smart thermostats and advanced controls, these systems allow for real-time monitoring, automation, and precise energy management. Key features of a smart boiler system include: remote monitoring and control, automated operation and scheduling, energy-saving algorithms, real-time diagnostics and alerts, predictive maintenance capabilities, and enhanced safety functions.
When integrated with a Building Management System (BMS), a centralized platform that controls and monitors key building operations like lighting, HVAC, and security, smart boilers become even more powerful. This integration enables deeper insights into energy usage, improves operational efficiency, and allows for seamless remote management. By collecting and analyzing data from multiple building systems, a BMS helps identify performance trends, detect inefficiencies, and guide data-driven decisions that reduce costs and improve long-term building sustainability.
Summer benefits of smart boiler systems
Even during the warmer months, smart boiler systems offer a range of benefits that can lead to substantial energy savings, lower operating costs, and a reduced environmental footprint. Here are just a few of the benefits of these systems:
Optimized hot water production
During the summer, outdoor temperatures are higher, meaning the boiler doesn’t need to work as hard to heat water. Smart boiler systems adjust automatically based on real-time demand and usage patterns, avoiding overheating and unnecessary cycling. This ensures efficient hot water delivery, even during peak periods such as guest visits or increased summer sublets, all while minimizing energy waste.
Energy savings and load shifting
Electricity is often most expensive during peak daytime hours. Smart boilers help offset these costs by leveraging off-peak energy rates (typically at night or early morning) to preheat water. This strategic load shifting reduces boiler run time during high-cost periods and cuts overall energy consumption without sacrificing performance.
Proactive maintenance and reduced downtime
Advanced smart systems enable proactive maintenance through real-time diagnostics and remote monitoring. They can detect early signs of wear or malfunction, sending alerts before small issues turn into costly failures. This approach extends equipment lifespan, minimizes unplanned outages, and lowers repair expenses, all while ensuring residents experience consistent service with fewer disruptions.
Environmental and financial impact
Smart boiler systems benefit both the environment and your bottom line. By operating only when needed and optimizing fuel use, they significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy consumption. While the initial investment may be higher than traditional systems, most multifamily buildings see a return within 2 to 5 years through reduced energy bills and maintenance costs.
Efficient boilers also tend to last longer and require fewer repairs over their lifespan, resulting in even greater long-term savings. These systems support both sustainability goals and tenant satisfaction. This makes them a smart investment year-round.
Key considerations for implementation
Here is what to consider before you decide to implement a smart boiler system in your property.
Compatibility with legacy infrastructure
Integrating smart boiler systems into buildings with existing legacy infrastructure can present challenges. It’s essential to assess whether your current systems are compatible with new smart technologies. Early evaluation will help prevent costly surprises during installation. Entech’s S2 smart boiler control system is a great option that connects to every boiler system available.
Budgeting and ROI planning
Smart boilers in multifamily buildings can deliver a strong return on investment by lowering operational costs over time. However, careful budgeting and planning are critical. To get a realistic picture of your ROI, factor in initial installation costs, ongoing maintenance, and projected energy savings.
Staff training and system management
The benefits of smart boiler systems can only be fully realized if your team is properly trained. Staff should understand how to operate the system efficiently and be prepared to respond promptly to any issues. Investing in training ensures smooth operation and maximizes performance.
Choosing the right system
With a wide range of vendors and models available, selecting a reliable smart boiler can be daunting. Reliability depends not only on the brand but also on the quality of installation and support. Consulting with reputable vendors via phone or email can help you identify trusted systems tailored to your building’s needs.
Optimizing a smart boiler system during summer
While space heating is unnecessary during the summer months, demand for hot water remains consistently high in multifamily buildings for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. Ensuring a reliable supply of hot water is essential for both comfort and hygiene. However, this doesn’t mean your smart boiler system should continue operating at full capacity.
To maximize efficiency, consider enabling a summer mode or adjusting the system to operate at reduced output levels. This minimizes energy consumption while maintaining readiness to meet daily hot water needs. Modern smart boiler systems often include built-in temperature sensors that can detect seasonal changes and automatically shift to summer mode. If your system supports this feature, activating it can significantly reduce unnecessary energy use without compromising performance.
Conclusion
Smart boiler systems aren’t just for winter; they provide valuable year-round benefits, especially during the summer. By optimizing hot water production, shifting energy loads, and enabling proactive maintenance, these systems reduce costs, conserve energy, and support sustainability. For multifamily buildings, a smart boiler is a strategic investment that enhances comfort while cutting operating expenses. With thoughtful planning, proper training, and the right system selection, building owners can achieve significant long-term savings.
As energy demands evolve, embracing smart boiler technology ensures your property stays efficient, resilient, and future-ready — no matter the season.
