Multifamily Building Energy Efficiency: 10 HVAC Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2027

10 Energy Efficiency Trends in Multifamily Buildings Heading Into 2027

Energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important consideration for owners and landlords of multifamily buildings. Apartments, condominiums, and townhomes all rely on HVAC, refrigeration, boilers, ventilation, pumps, controls, and other mechanical systems to keep residents comfortable and properties operating properly.

As we head into 2027, building owners are facing a combination of rising operating costs, evolving equipment technology, changing refrigerant requirements, tighter efficiency expectations, and growing interest in reducing energy consumption. For multifamily properties, these trends make proactive maintenance more than a routine responsibility.

Regular inspections, repairs, and system optimization can directly affect equipment performance, resident comfort, energy consumption, and the long-term value of a property.

Here are 10 energy efficiency trends multifamily building owners and landlords should be watching as 2027 approaches.

1. Smarter HVAC Controls Are Becoming More Common

One of the biggest developments in building efficiency is the increased use of smart controls.

Modern HVAC systems can use sensors, connected thermostats, building automation systems, occupancy information, and other technologies to determine when heating and cooling are actually needed. Instead of operating equipment at the same level throughout the day, these systems can adjust operation based on conditions within the building.

For multifamily properties, this can be particularly useful because occupancy patterns vary considerably. Some apartments may be occupied throughout the day, while others may be empty for extended periods.

Smart controls can help reduce unnecessary heating and cooling while maintaining appropriate comfort levels.

However, installing smart controls is only part of the equation. Sensors need to be calibrated, thermostats need to function properly, communication systems need to remain connected, and HVAC equipment must be capable of responding appropriately to control commands.

That is where professional HVAC/R maintenance becomes important.

2. Heat Pumps Continue to Gain Attention

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly important part of conversations about multifamily building efficiency.

Unlike conventional heating systems that generate heat through combustion or electric resistance, heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another. Depending on the system and operating mode, they can provide both heating and cooling.

Cold-climate heat pump technology has also continued to develop, making heat pumps an option worth evaluating in properties that experience significant winter heating demands.

For landlords considering a transition to heat pumps, however, the decision requires more than simply replacing existing equipment. Building envelope conditions, electrical capacity, system sizing, climate, distribution systems, resident needs, backup heating, and maintenance requirements all matter.

Professional HVAC/R contractors can help building owners determine whether a heat-pump installation makes sense for a particular property and ensure equipment is installed and maintained according to manufacturer requirements.

3. High-Efficiency Equipment Is Replacing Aging Systems

Another major trend heading into 2027 is the gradual replacement of older HVAC equipment with newer, higher-efficiency systems.

Older rooftop units, boilers, chillers, air handlers, heat pumps, and other mechanical equipment can become increasingly expensive to operate as they age. Even when an older system continues to function, its energy performance may not match what newer equipment can provide.

That doesn't necessarily mean every aging system should immediately be replaced.

Building owners should consider the equipment's age, repair history, efficiency, expected remaining service life, replacement-part availability, refrigerant requirements, and operating costs before making a decision.

Regular maintenance gives owners the information necessary to make that decision.

A qualified technician can identify declining performance and developing problems before they become major failures, allowing owners to determine whether continued repairs or eventual replacement makes more financial sense.

4. Building Electrification Is Becoming a Bigger Consideration

Electrification is another trend multifamily owners should monitor.

Some property owners are evaluating opportunities to replace fossil-fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives, including heat pumps and high-efficiency electric water-heating systems.

Electrification can potentially reduce on-site fossil-fuel consumption, but it also creates new considerations for multifamily properties. Electrical infrastructure, panel capacity, peak demand, equipment compatibility, and utility costs all need to be evaluated.

The transition should therefore be approached as a building-wide planning exercise rather than simply swapping one piece of equipment for another.

HVAC/R professionals can help identify existing equipment and infrastructure limitations before a major upgrade is undertaken.

5. Refrigerant Changes Are Affecting Equipment Decisions

Refrigerants are another important consideration heading into 2027.

The HVAC/R industry is transitioning toward refrigerants with lower global warming potential, including A2L refrigerants used in certain newer equipment. These refrigerants can have different characteristics from refrigerants commonly used in older systems.

For multifamily building owners, this means refrigerant requirements should be considered when planning equipment replacements and major HVAC upgrades.

Owners should know what refrigerant their existing equipment uses, how long that equipment is expected to remain in service, and what options are available when replacement eventually becomes necessary.

Certified HVAC/R professionals are particularly important during this transition because refrigerant handling, system installation, leak detection, recovery, charging, and repairs require appropriate training, tools, and procedures.

6. Preventive Maintenance Is Becoming a Core Efficiency Strategy

Preventive maintenance isn't a new concept, but its role in energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important.

An HVAC system that is dirty, poorly adjusted, leaking refrigerant, operating with restricted airflow, or suffering from worn components may consume more energy while providing less effective heating or cooling.

Dirty filters can restrict airflow. Blocked coils can reduce heat transfer. Poorly maintained fans can affect air movement. Refrigerant problems can reduce cooling performance. Mechanical wear can cause motors and other components to work harder than necessary.

Routine maintenance helps address these issues before they significantly affect performance.

For multifamily buildings, preventive maintenance programs should include regular inspections of HVAC equipment, filters, coils, motors, belts, electrical components, controls, condensate systems, refrigerant circuits, boilers, pumps, ventilation equipment, and other applicable systems.

7. Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Remain Important

Energy efficiency cannot be considered separately from indoor environmental quality.

Multifamily buildings need appropriate ventilation and filtration to help maintain healthy and comfortable indoor environments. At the same time, ventilation systems can affect energy consumption because conditioned air is being moved and, depending on the system, outside air may need to be heated or cooled. This creates a balancing act for building owners.

Reducing ventilation simply to save energy can create other problems. Instead, owners should look for ways to improve ventilation efficiency while maintaining appropriate indoor conditions.

Modern controls, energy recovery technologies, properly maintained ventilation equipment, and appropriate filtration can all contribute to a more efficient approach.

Again, maintenance is critical. A ventilation system cannot perform as designed if fans, dampers, filters, controls, or other components aren't functioning properly.

8. Data and Predictive Maintenance Are Growing

Building owners are gaining access to more information about how their HVAC systems operate.

Connected sensors and monitoring platforms can track temperatures, equipment runtime, energy use, pressure, vibration, alarms, and other performance indicators.

This creates opportunities for predictive maintenance.

Rather than waiting for equipment to fail, building operators can identify unusual operating patterns and investigate them before a small problem becomes a major repair. An unexpected increase in equipment runtime could indicate declining efficiency or another developing problem. A temperature imbalance could point to airflow, controls, or equipment issues.

Technology doesn't replace experienced HVAC/R technicians, however. It gives technicians and building operators additional information that can help them diagnose problems and prioritize maintenance.

9. Building Envelope Improvements Are Being Paired With HVAC Upgrades

Energy efficiency isn't exclusively an HVAC issue.

Windows, doors, insulation, roofs, walls, and air sealing all influence how hard HVAC equipment has to work.

A poorly insulated or leaky building envelope can allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to enter. That can increase heating and cooling loads and make apartments harder to keep comfortable. For this reason, multifamily owners increasingly need to consider HVAC improvements alongside building-envelope improvements.

Reducing the heating and cooling load can make HVAC systems operate more efficiently and potentially extend equipment life.

Before investing in larger HVAC equipment, owners should consider whether building-envelope improvements can reduce the required load.

10. Energy Efficiency Is Becoming a Long-Term Property Management Strategy

Perhaps the biggest trend heading into 2027 is the shift toward treating energy efficiency as an ongoing property-management strategy rather than a one-time upgrade.

Installing an efficient HVAC system is valuable, but efficiency can decline when equipment isn't maintained.

Filters become dirty. Coils collect debris. Belts wear. Motors deteriorate. Sensors become inaccurate. Refrigerant systems can develop leaks. Controls can malfunction. Boilers can lose efficiency. Cooling towers can accumulate scale and biological growth.

Without regular service, even newer equipment can fail to deliver its expected performance. That means building owners should think about efficiency throughout the entire equipment lifecycle, from installation and commissioning through routine maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and eventual replacement.

Why Regular HVAC/R Maintenance Matters

For multifamily building owners and landlords, energy efficiency ultimately comes down to more than buying the newest equipment.

A high-efficiency system that isn't properly maintained may not operate anywhere near its intended performance level. Conversely, a properly maintained system can often provide more reliable operation and help owners identify developing problems before they result in expensive emergencies. Regular HVAC/R service can help building owners:

• Identify equipment problems early

• Maintain appropriate airflow

• Keep coils and other components clean

• Monitor refrigerant systems

• Verify controls and sensors

• Improve equipment reliability

• Reduce unnecessary energy consumption

• Extend equipment service life

• Reduce unexpected breakdowns

• Maintain resident comfort

• Plan future equipment replacements more effectively

Maintenance also gives owners an opportunity to create a documented history of equipment performance. That information can be extremely valuable when deciding whether to repair, retrofit, or replace a system.

Work With Certified HVAC/R Experts

Multifamily buildings are complex environments. A single property may contain dozens or even hundreds of HVAC units, along with boilers, pumps, ventilation systems, cooling equipment, controls, and other mechanical infrastructure. That complexity makes professional service especially important.

Building owners and landlords should work with qualified, certified HVAC/R professionals who understand the equipment installed at the property and can provide comprehensive maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and installation services.

Professionals can identify problems that may not be obvious to building staff and ensure work is performed using appropriate procedures and equipment.

Most importantly, professional maintenance should be proactive rather than reactive. Waiting until residents complain about uncomfortable apartments or equipment stops working can turn a relatively minor issue into an expensive emergency. Scheduled inspections and service allow building owners to stay ahead of problems.

Preparing Multifamily Buildings for 2027 and Beyond

Energy efficiency will continue to influence how multifamily properties are designed, operated, maintained, and upgraded.

Smart controls, heat pumps, high-efficiency equipment, changing refrigerant requirements, electrification, predictive maintenance, improved ventilation, building-envelope upgrades, and data-driven management are all part of the evolving picture. But technology alone doesn't guarantee efficiency. The condition of the equipment remains one of the most important factors.

For landlords and property owners, the best approach is to view HVAC/R maintenance as an investment in the building's long-term operation. Regular inspections and repairs can help protect equipment, maintain resident comfort, identify energy-wasting problems, and provide valuable information for future capital planning.

As 2027 approaches, multifamily owners who take a proactive approach to HVAC/R maintenance will be better positioned to manage changing technology, equipment requirements, operating costs, and resident expectations.

The bottom line: Energy-efficient equipment is only as effective as the people maintaining it. Partnering with certified HVAC/R experts for regular inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades can help multifamily building owners keep their properties comfortable, reliable, and prepared for the years ahead.

Don’t wait to get your commercial-residential buildings in order. Contact ABSI today!

About Advanced Building Services, Inc.

Advanced Building Services, Inc. (ABSI) is an employee-owned provider of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building maintenance services across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Founded in 1997 and employee-owned since 2022, ABSI delivers 24/7 support with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and personalized service. Its licensed technicians offer everything from preventative maintenance to advanced solutions like UV air purification and boiler system repairs. With a commitment to quality and client satisfaction, ABSI is a trusted partner for comprehensive building care in the DMV region. For more information, please visit advanced-building.com.