NYC Building Owners: Your 2024 Energy Audit Deadline Is Here – Expert HVAC Consulting Makes Compliance Simple
New York City building owners are facing critical energy compliance deadlines in 2024, with Local Law 87 (LL87) mandating that buildings over 50,000 gross square feet undergo periodic energy audit and retro-commissioning measures. As these requirements become more stringent and enforcement intensifies, many property owners are discovering that professional HVAC consulting services are essential for both meeting compliance standards and achieving meaningful energy savings.
Understanding NYC’s 2024 Energy Audit Requirements
Local Law 87, enacted in 2009, requires buildings over 50,000 square feet—or multiple buildings on the same tax lot totaling over 100,000 square feet—to undergo regular energy audits and retro-commissioning every ten years. The law is part of New York City’s broader Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, designed to improve energy efficiency in the city’s largest buildings.
For 2024, owners of buildings with tax block numbers ending in 4 are required to submit their Energy Efficiency Report (EER) by the end of this year, with NYC’s Energy Audit and Retro-Commissioning requirement mandating property owners to have an energy audit conducted on their base-building systems, implement energy-audit maintenance practices as part of retro-commissioning, and submit an EER with the New York City Buildings Department every 10 years.
The financial stakes are significant. Building owners who fail to comply with LL87 can be fined up to $3,000 per violation, while there is an initial filing fee of $375 per building, with an extension fee of $155 per building and an amendment fee of $145 per building.
Why HVAC Systems Are Central to Energy Compliance
HVAC systems represent over 50% of energy consumption in many residential and commercial areas, making them the primary focus of energy audits. Local Law 87/09 Energy Audit & Retro-commissioning requires buildings to complete an ASHRAE Level II energy audit and retro-commissioning or “tune-up” of their base building systems including building envelope, boilers, furnaces, HVAC, elevators, escalators, domestic hot water, electrical and lighting systems.
Professional energy auditors examine multiple aspects of HVAC performance, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) temperature and humidity set points and setbacks. The comprehensive evaluation covers everything from combustion efficiency testing to identifying air infiltration issues that impact system performance.
How Professional HVAC Consulting Simplifies Compliance
Working with experienced HVAC consultants can transform the compliance process from a regulatory burden into a strategic advantage. A detailed energy audit is the first step, with consultants evaluating everything from your HVAC system and lighting to insulation and controls—giving you a clear picture of your current energy use and where improvements are needed.
Professional consultants bring several key advantages to the compliance process:
- Expert Assessment: Qualified energy auditors certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), or another approved organisation evaluate your building’s energy consumption patterns, building envelope, HVAC system, lighting system, and other energy-consuming systems.
- Customized Solutions: Every building is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to compliance, with skilled energy consultants building a strategy around your building’s layout, systems, usage patterns, and budget.
- Implementation Guidance: Beyond identifying issues, consultants help prioritize improvements based on cost-effectiveness and energy savings potential.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Many consultants offer services that track your building’s energy performance, ensure continued compliance, and provide the documentation needed for city reporting.
Brothers Supply: Your Trusted Partner for HVAC Compliance in NYC
When it comes to navigating NYC’s energy audit requirements, partnering with an experienced local HVAC company makes all the difference. Brothers Supply, a locally owned and operated business for over 50 years with deep roots in the community, offers comprehensive HVAC consulting services designed to help building owners achieve compliance while maximizing energy savings.
Brother’s experts consult with you to produce an in-depth evaluation of your building’s HVAC needs, with the supplies and experience to tailor and deliver end-to-end HVAC services for your building. Located in Long Island City, NY, Brothers Supply serves as a top New York City HVAC contractor for installations & repairs, ensuring comfort & efficiency in your space with expert solutions.
The company’s consulting services are particularly valuable for energy audit compliance. Brothers Supply carries the largest selection of AC, HVAC and PTAC units, parts and accessories, and has the knowledge to assist or consult with building owners, engineers and contractors, whether your project is a high-rise residential building, a shopping mall, hospital or manufacturing plant.
For building owners seeking expert guidance on energy compliance, professional HVAC New York County, NY consulting services can provide the technical expertise and local knowledge needed to navigate complex regulatory requirements while identifying genuine opportunities for operational improvements.
The Financial Benefits of Professional HVAC Consulting
While compliance requires investment, the long-term benefits often justify the costs. The long-term financial benefits are real – when your building runs more efficiently, utility bills drop, maintenance costs often go down too, and over time, these savings can more than pay for the initial improvements.
Building owners should expect to invest several thousand dollars to comply with Local Law 87, but the energy savings generated by the required upgrades and repairs can often offset these costs over time. Additionally, buildings that meet or exceed energy standards are more attractive to tenants, with energy-efficient buildings often commanding higher rents and longer leases, improving your ROI beyond the utility bill.
Don’t Wait – Act Now for 2024 Compliance
With 2024 compliance deadlines approaching rapidly, building owners need to act quickly. Implementing energy upgrades is a multi-year endeavor, often involving significant capital investments, making acting promptly key to prevent or mitigate hefty penalties down the line.
The testing and analysis of your heating system, which is a requirement of the LL 87 audit process, should be performed during the heating season when your boiler is operating under a load, and it is important that your independent engineer conduct the audit process under optimum conditions.
Professional HVAC consulting services can streamline this process, ensuring that your building not only meets regulatory requirements but also operates more efficiently and cost-effectively. Brothers Supply’s extensive experience and commitment to customer satisfaction set them apart as experts in HVAC installations and repairs, with the company valuing your comfort as much as you do.
NYC’s 2024 energy audit requirements represent both a compliance challenge and an opportunity for building optimization. By partnering with experienced HVAC consultants, building owners can navigate these requirements efficiently while positioning their properties for long-term energy savings and improved market competitiveness. The deadline is here – make sure your building is ready.