Occupancy Sensor for HVAC: Any recommendations or experience?

Question

Background: just purchased a 15-unit (SRO type units with all utilities included in rent) apartment building in Central Florida.

Current HVAC is comprised of window air conditioners and wall gas heaters.

Plan: move to mini-split systems for each unit to provide heating & cooling.

Question: To save money; I would like to incorporate a system (occupancy sensor, perhaps) that would reset heating and cooling to minimal levels when the tenant has left their unit/no motion is detected for XX minutes.

Any experience with this?

Any (alternative )suggestions or feedback?

Thanks in advance!

John Underwood · Answer

I would put each unit on a separate meter so that I didn't have to worry about it.

Michael Weeks · Answer

This would be the obvious & preferred choice, Andrew.  These are SRO units and part of the appeal for tenants/market need is an all inclusive product.

Further, there's enough of a margin to make it interesting for me to keep it this way rather than lower the rent and then bill separately/RUBS the utility charges out to the tenants - that's why I'm asking for any recommendations on how to keep the system as-is, but to operate it more efficiently.

Michael Weeks · Answer

Yes, something like this (without the need for the card slot to activate).  I wouldn't want it to turn off, just reset to a lower/higher pre-set temperature.

Andrew B. · Answer

If its submetered, just send them a bill for usage. Unless there is something I am missing, there is no reason to spend money on this issue. if you are currently obligated by lease to pay utilities, wait until leases are up and then switch.

Mark H. · Answer

Sorry, I saw the post that the units were submerged and thought that you were billing the renters for it.

Michael Weeks · Answer

Hi Mark, per my OP - the utilities are included in the rent (as in, I pay the utilities) - hence my interest in reducing usage/bills as much as possible.  Thanks

Occupancy Sensor for HVAC: Any recommendations or experience?

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