Owning a commercial building means that it typically comes with more energy usage than a regular residential dwelling. This is expected, but if you are concerned about the carbon footprint or the bill (or both!) that more energy consumption brings, there are ways to combat the overall energy use. Over time, it is a good idea to replace aspects of the building that need replaced with energy-saving alternatives, like energy-saving windows or solar panels, or investing in a tin roof, which has a much longer life than asphalt shingles and is also recyclable. These are certainly great items to keep on your to-do list, but there are things that you can begin doing today to save energy in your commercial building.

5 Commercial Building Energy Savings Tips

  •  Control the lighting
  •  Replace the air filters regularly
  •  Check your motors
  •  Regulate the water temperature
  •  Regularly check all seals for door and window frames

Lighting is the major energy expenditure in a commercial building, and there’s no way around that, but there are ways to control it a bit. Using dimmers switches and LED lighting is a start, but the real savings can begin by using electronics to manage time schedules, occupancy sensing, and daytime light availability. Occupancy sensors sound expensive, but some studies show that each one saves about $170 per year in energy costs.
There’s a lot more air filters in a commercial building, and they get dirty much more quickly than in a home. Make sure they are replace regularly so your heating/cooling system isn’t working harder than it needs to be. Some filters are cleanable/reusable – it’s all about your time vs. money interests.
Most HVAC unit motors are only good for about 12-15 years, many less if they are in constant use, as in the case of a commercial building. It makes sense to replace these with a new unit that is efficient rather than an old one that struggles – and consumes a lot of energy – to keep up.
Regulating the water temperature is a good idea for many reasons, primarily for safety. People so get burned from faucet water when the water heaters are malfunctioning or set too high. The laws on this can actually vary by state, so it’s good to look yours up, but comfortable bathing should be no higher than 115 degrees. Almost every state sets a max of 120 degrees, so check it often.
In a commercial building, there’s a lot more windows and doors than in a home, and they are probably getting more use. The seals around the frames should be inspected monthly for intactness. It’s important to remember you don’t want a building to be air-tight, because that can bring about its own environment hazards, such as pollutant and carbon monoxide poisoning. Keeping that in mind, you shouldn’t be able to feel any type of cold draft coming from a closed window or door. Replacing these energy-drainers will pay for themselves in no time.
 
 
 
 

Hot Key West Business Opportunities

Are You Looking for Commercial Property in the Florida Keys?

Use our site to search commercial real estate in Key West and all of the Florida Keys. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new properties every HOUR. By creating a Property Manager account you can stay on top of the newest businesses that go up on the market and get Price Change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the best deals!
In the meantime, check out these 1-click searches:

Newest Key West Commercial Properties on the Market

Tranquil ''Old Keys'' style marina nestled on a rare 1 + acre Oceanside lot with many possible uses! Deep water protected harbor with 18 large boat slips that can handle 50+ ft. yachts. Approach depth approx. 6 ft.+ at high tide with clearly marked channel. Lucrative Boat Rental business with 17 Boats included in the sale. Successful Vacation Rental Business with (10) Aqua Lodges and 1 houseboat also included. Water, New 30 Amp and 50 Amp electric at each slip. Fuel dock, concrete building w/office, ship store, workshop, and garage/storage. 2 Outdoor Showers, 2 Bath houses with indoor showers, stalls, and dressing area. New Waste / Pump Out Station, and fuel station. An additional separate concrete building used for storage on North side of property. Private marina, Must call for an appointment and sign an NDA/CA for more information. $9,750,000 Active

200 Treasure Harbor Drive ISLAMORADA, Florida

4 Baths 1,069 SqFt

Prime retail location on busy 300 block of Duval St. Good visibility in the 6 unit strip center located at the corner of Eaton St.Unit E is approx. 800 sf. and has been totally renovated including new flooring, ceilings, lighting and AC fixtures. Exterior of the entire building has been renovated as well. Private ADA compliant half bathroom. Ample customer and employee parking in the rear. Great mix of tenants including Wendy's, Kermits Key Lime Pie store, Nitro Ice Cream and Mystic Lobster Roll. Potential for retail or small restaurant. Tenants to pay their own Utilities incl. Electric, Water and Trash.Base rent is $80/sf. plus current NNN estimated at $24.50/sf. plus sales tax. Total rent is $104.50/yr x 800 sf. + $83,600/yr. or $6,966.67/mos. plus sales tax.Interior photo's coming soon. $5,334 Active

335 Duval Street E KEY WEST, Florida

2 Baths 6,495 SqFt

Prime Commercial Investment property in the heart of Big Pine Key at MM 30. Commercial zoning allows for many other Commercial uses. Large lot is 20,150 sf. or just under 1/2 Acre. Good visibility with 120' of frontage on Overseas Hwy x 167' deep. There is some parking in the front of the property and within FDOT right of way. Also, large vacant land in rear of building for possible added income with parking, equipment storage or may be potential for additional building. Current CBS single story building is 3,200 sf. Formerly divided up into a 6 unit strip center it is currently fully occupied by 4 tenants. Each tenant is mos. to mos., or soon will be. Leases have been short term and tenants paying below market rents. First time on the market since current owner purchased property in 1977! $1,150,000 Active

30200 Overseas Highway Big Pine, Florida

3,200 SqFt

Join the exclusive Duval Square with this prime 733 sf. commercial unit. Walking distance to everything downtown on Duval St. Offering for sale at one of the lower prices per sq. ft. in the complex. This unit has been extensively renovated in the last two years including new AC, LPV flooring, new lighting, exam rooms, half bath and freshly painted. Unit has a nice open reception area with two private exam rooms. There is also a good size storage room in the rear. This space has a lot of natural light from 2 large plate glass windows and glass french doors in the front. This unit has good visibility with substantial frontage and a large sign above the entrance. Unit comes with 1 private parking space in the garage and ample parking for employees and customers in the front. Currently leased from Oct. 2022 to Sept. 30, 2025 total rent paid including base rent, cam and sales tax $3,317 per mos.The business, furniture and equipment seen in the photo's are not included. $625,000 Active

1075 Duval C-20 Street C20 KEY WEST, Florida

1 Baths


[button size=”large” url=”https://homes.floridakeyscommercial.com/i/newest-commercial-properties-for-sale-in-key-west-fl” newtab=”true” expand=”true”]View ALL[/button]