When a multi-site property manager in central Virginia set out to modernize one of her communities, the goal was simple: elevate the property and broaden its appeal to today’s renters. After implementing Everon’s multifamily smart apartment solutions—including smart locks, alarm panels, and connected thermostats—the results extended far beyond aesthetics.
Over a three-year period following the installation, the property team uncovered operational advantages they hadn’t initially anticipated. From lower utility expenses to maintenance efficiencies and stronger financial visibility, the smart apartment platform delivered measurable, ongoing value.
Significant Energy Reductions in Vacant Units
One of the most immediate impacts came from smarter energy management. With connected thermostats installed throughout the property, the management team saw electricity costs for vacant units drop by approximately 50%.
Previously, temperature control in empty apartments was difficult to manage. Vendors or maintenance staff would often adjust thermostats while working in a unit, only to leave without resetting them—resulting in unnecessary heating or cooling of unoccupied spaces. With smart thermostats in place, property staff could monitor and adjust temperatures remotely, ensuring vacant units stayed within energy-efficient ranges at all times.
This experience reflects a broader industry trend. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), multifamily housing represents one of the largest opportunities for energy efficiency gains. Investments in connected technologies like smart thermostats can improve energy performance by 15–30% and help reduce billions of dollars in utility spending nationwide.
Faster Maintenance and Better Resident Feedback
Beyond energy savings, the smart apartment system delivered meaningful improvements in daily maintenance operations. With greater visibility into unit conditions and the ability to manage systems remotely, service requests could be completed more quickly and with fewer site visits.
Maintenance teams no longer needed to walk between outdoor HVAC units and indoor thermostats to make adjustments, saving time on each service call. Smart locks also reduced the number of lockout incidents, eliminating frequent trips to retrieve physical keys.
These efficiencies added up. With more time available, the onsite team could focus on resident service rather than reactive tasks—a shift that was reflected in improved maintenance ratings and stronger resident satisfaction overall. The time savings also contributed to better retention while lowering operational costs.
Improved Budget Forecasting Through Data Visibility
Another unexpected benefit was the ability to manage budgets more proactively. Everon’s property management dashboard provided access to detailed system data and maintenance trends, giving leadership clearer insight into where resources were being spent and where issues were likely to arise.
With this level of transparency, the property team could better anticipate future repairs, validate vendor recommendations, and plan capital expenditures with greater confidence. Instead of relying on assumptions, budgeting decisions were informed by real operational data.
Smart Apartments Deliver Value for Owners and Residents
Smart apartment technology continues to gain traction across the multifamily industry—not just for convenience, but for its financial and operational advantages. Research from the National Multifamily Housing Council shows strong renter interest in connected devices, particularly when those technologies help reduce monthly costs.
For this Virginia community, the investment in smart technology proved to be more than a resident amenity. It became a tool for cost control, efficiency, and long-term asset performance.
To learn more about how Everon’s multifamily smart apartment solutions can support operational efficiency and property performance, explore our multifamily offerings.