If you’re running a business, you’ve probably noticed your utility bills aren’t getting any smaller. In fact, energy costs for commercial operations continue to climb year after year, driven by rising demand charges, fuel price fluctuations, and aging infrastructure.
When you factor in large HVAC systems, refrigeration, lighting, and specialty equipment, it’s easy to see how electricity becomes one of your biggest operating expenses. But here’s the good news: you can take control of these costs with a smart, tailored solution.
An Energy Management System (EMS) does more than tweak a thermostat — it actively manages your building’s energy use, slashing utility bills and helping protect your bottom line. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how an EMS works, the specific ways it cuts costs, and why your business should consider it now, before fall and winter bills climb even higher.
What is an Energy Management System?
Beyond Smart Thermostats
A lot of business owners think of energy management in simple terms — adjusting a thermostat or flipping off lights after hours. But a modern Energy Management System is far more sophisticated. It ties together your HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, and sometimes even specialty systems, using sensors, controllers, and advanced software to automate how and when energy gets used.
Components of a Typical EMS
A complete EMS often includes:
- Sensors that monitor temperatures, occupancy, humidity, and even utility rates.
- Control modules connected to your HVAC system, lighting circuits, or refrigeration.
- A central dashboard (often cloud-based) where facilities managers can see real-time data and trends.
- Automated alerts and alarms for when systems drift out of spec or energy use spikes unexpectedly.
Why It’s Different from Manual Programming
Even the most disciplined staff forget to reset a thermostat or turn off a cooler light from time to time. Manual schedules also don’t adapt to things like an unexpected heatwave, a holiday closing, or utility price spikes. A true Energy Management System continuously analyzes building conditions and responds automatically — taking human error out of the equation.
The True Cost of Doing Nothing
Rising Utility Rates & Demand Charges
Across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, commercial electricity rates have increased significantly over the last decade. But for many businesses, it’s not just the kilowatt-hours that hurt. Demand charges — based on your highest short-term usage — can make up 30-70% of your bill. If your HVAC and refrigeration systems all kick on at once, you pay for that spike all month long.
How Inefficient Operations Eat Profit
Without an EMS, it’s common to see systems running when they don’t need to. HVAC blowing full force in an empty building, or refrigeration defrost cycles overlapping with other heavy loads. Even slightly off schedules waste energy daily — adding up to thousands annually.
Risk of Equipment Wear & Expensive Breakdowns
Overworking your HVAC and refrigeration doesn’t just cost more on bills; it shortens the lifespan of compressors, fans, and motors. That leads to more frequent repairs and unplanned downtime, which often costs even more in lost sales or production.
How an Energy Management System Slashes Utility Costs
Demand Control & Load Scheduling
A well-designed Energy Management System actively shifts non-essential loads to off-peak times. For example, it can schedule refrigeration defrosts to avoid coinciding with peak HVAC demand on hot afternoons. By flattening these load peaks, you cut down on costly demand charges.
Smart HVAC Optimization
An EMS integrates with your HVAC system to adjust temperature setpoints based on:
- Occupancy sensors: keeping spaces comfortable only when people are present.
- Weather forecasts: easing loads ahead of a predicted cold snap or heat spike.
- Utility price signals: reducing use when rates are highest.
Real-Time Data & Alerts
An EMS gives you a dashboard view of how every part of your building is consuming energy. If something drifts — like a walk-in cooler starting to run too long, or an HVAC zone exceeding set temps — you get an alert right away. This helps you fix small problems before they become big repair bills.
Reduces Manual Errors
Relying on people to adjust thermostats or remember to stagger equipment is risky. An Energy Management System handles it automatically, so your staff can focus on running the business instead of chasing down controls.
Bonus: Boost Sustainability & Meet ESG Goals
Lower Energy Use, Lower Emissions
Cutting your utility bill isn’t just about savings. Lower consumption directly reduces your building’s carbon footprint. With growing regulatory attention on emissions — and customers who increasingly favor sustainable businesses — this matters more than ever.
Supports Certifications & Community Image
An EMS can help your business qualify for:
- LEED certifications
- Energy Star recognition
- Local energy incentive programs
Plus, it gives you hard data you can share in annual reports or marketing to show your commitment to efficiency.
Case Example: How Retail & Grocery Stores Benefit
High-Load Environments
Grocery and convenience stores have intense energy needs. Between refrigeration, HVAC, and extensive lighting, these often account for most of their utility bills. That means there’s huge room for improvement.
Coordinating Systems
An Energy Management System can:
- Keep lighting and HVAC from ramping up at the same time
- Schedule refrigeration defrosts to minimize overlap
- Adjust setpoints slightly during the busiest billing windows
These small changes, coordinated automatically, make a big impact on demand charges and overall use.
Typical Savings Seen
Industry data shows that EMS installations in retail environments often cut energy costs by 10-30%, depending on starting efficiency. For a small chain spending $120,000 a year on energy, that’s $12,000-$36,000 saved annually — money you can reinvest in staff, inventory, or growth.
Why Act Now — Not Later
Prepping Before Fall & Winter Bills Spike
Late summer is the sweet spot to install an EMS or tune up your systems. HVAC loads are still high, and you’ll soon face overlapping heating and cooling demands as temperatures swing. Getting ahead of it means lower bills right through the holiday season.
Utilities Incentives & Rebates
Many local and state programs offer rebates for EMS installations, especially if paired with HVAC or refrigeration upgrades. Ty Construction can help navigate these incentives so you pay less upfront.
Inflation & Rate Hikes Aren’t Slowing Down
The cost of energy — and of new equipment — is unlikely to get cheaper. Installing an Energy Management System now locks in your savings and helps insulate your budget from future price shocks.
How Ty Construction Can Help
Nearly 60 Years Serving Commercial Clients
Ty Construction is a third-generation family business based right here in Chambersburg, PA. With nearly six decades of experience in HVAC systems, refrigeration, and energy management, we understand the needs of local businesses better than national chains.
Custom EMS Solutions
No two businesses are exactly alike. We don’t just install generic hardware and walk away. Ty’s team builds your EMS around your actual building layout, your existing systems, and your operational schedule. That means better performance and faster payback.
Local, Fast Support
When you work with Ty Construction, you get a team that’s nearby, knows your building, and can respond quickly if there’s ever a question or need. That’s service national integrators can’t match.
Be Ready for Rising Bills: Cut Costs with an Energy Management System
Utility prices won’t stop climbing, and operating a business is only getting more expensive. The smartest owners and facilities managers aren’t waiting — they’re investing in solutions that pay for themselves, year after year.
An Energy Management System is one of the most effective tools you can add to your building. It keeps your HVAC, refrigeration, and lighting running at peak efficiency, reduces manual errors, and delivers immediate, trackable savings.
Don’t let another season of high bills eat into your profits. Call Ty Construction today and see how an EMS can transform your energy use.
