Why Older Commercial Buildings in New England Waste So Much Energy

If you manage or own an older commercial building, chances are you're dealing with sky-high energy bills and constant HVAC complaints. These problems don’t just hit your wallet; they impact comfort, productivity, and your building’s reputation. Worse yet, many facility managers feel stuck, unsure if upgrades will really solve the issues or just create new headaches.

At Harold Brothers, we’ve been helping clients upgrade and maintain commercial HVAC and plumbing systems for decades. We’ve seen it all, from 40-year-old boilers hanging on by a thread to drafty ductwork bleeding money month after month. The good news? Most energy waste problems in older buildings can be fixed, and we’ll walk you through the most common causes and what to do about them.

In this article, we’ll uncover the top five reasons older commercial buildings waste energy, how each issue can be addressed, and what steps you can take to start saving right away. Whether you’re planning a retrofit or just trying to stop the financial bleeding, we’ll help you make smarter, energy-efficient decisions.

The Unique Challenge of Aging Buildings in New England

New England is known for its history, and that history shows in its buildings. From downtown Boston office towers to small-town municipal buildings, many commercial properties in the region are 40, 60, or even 100 years old. While they’ve stood the test of time, their age also brings hidden costs.

Older construction often relied on materials and designs that simply weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. Massachusetts’ building energy code and stretch code requirements
 highlight just how far today’s standards have come compared to the codes these older properties were built under.. Thick masonry walls without insulation, single-pane windows, and heating systems designed for another era are still common throughout the region. Combine those inefficiencies with New England’s unpredictable weather, freezing winters, humid summers, and dramatic swings in between and energy waste quickly becomes unavoidable.

Facility managers working in these buildings face a difficult balancing act: honoring the building’s history and function while addressing the realities of modern energy demands. The result? Rising utility bills, frequent comfort complaints, and systems that require constant attention just to stay running.

That’s why identifying and addressing the biggest sources of energy waste is so critical. By focusing on the areas where older buildings lose the most, you can make meaningful improvements without losing the character that makes your property unique.

Top 5 Reasons Older Commercial Buildings Waste Energy

Older commercial buildings weren’t designed with today’s energy standards in mind. Decades of wear, outdated equipment, and New England’s tough climate all add up to wasted energy and higher operating costs. 

By understanding the biggest culprits, facility managers can pinpoint where their buildings are losing the most, and take targeted steps to fix the problem. Below are the top five reasons older commercial buildings waste energy, along with practical solutions that deliver real savings.

1. Inefficient HVAC Systems That Are Past Their Prime

Many older buildings still run on HVAC systems installed 20, 30, or even 40 years ago. These systems weren't designed with modern energy codes in mind and are often oversized or poorly maintained.

Upgrade to a high-efficiency system designed specifically for your building’s current needs. In many cases, we recommend variable refrigerant flow (VRF) or energy recovery systems that adjust output based on real-time demand. These upgrades can cut HVAC energy use by 30–50%.

2. Poor Insulation and Drafty Building Envelopes

A huge source of energy waste comes from the building’s “envelope; walls, windows, and roof. In older buildings, insulation may be minimal or degraded, and windows often leak air like sieves.

Perform an energy audit to identify weak points, then focus on sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and upgrading to double- or triple-pane windows. Even small improvements can make a big impact on heating and cooling loads.

Imagine trying to heat your home with the windows cracked open all winter. That’s what it’s like to operate a commercial building with poor insulation. 

An energy audit can reveal exactly where the envelope is leaking. Massachusetts’ Building Asset Rating pilot for commercial buildings was created to benchmark envelope performance and help owners prioritize upgrades.

3. Outdated Control Systems That Waste Energy 24/7

Many older buildings still use manual thermostats or outdated control systems. These offer little control over scheduling or zoning, leading to energy being wasted in unoccupied spaces.

Installing modern building management systems (BMS) lets you program heating, cooling, and lighting schedules based on occupancy, weather, and time of day. The result? Less waste, more control.

We often see ROI on these systems within 2–3 years.

4. Inefficient Plumbing Fixtures and Water Heating Systems

Water heating can account for a significant chunk of your building’s energy use—especially if you’re running old boilers or storage tanks.

The fix:
Switch to high-efficiency water heaters and install low-flow plumbing fixtures. You’ll save on both water and energy, without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Replacing old water-heating equipment may also meet requirements under Massachusetts’ Energy Zero ‘E-Z’ commercial code path, which sets higher efficiency baselines for domestic hot-water systems.

5. “Set It and Forget It” Maintenance Culture

Older buildings often suffer from a lack of routine maintenance, leading to clogged filters, leaky valves, and improperly calibrated sensors, all of which waste energy.

The fix:
Adopt a proactive maintenance schedule with regular tune-ups, filter changes, and system diagnostics. You’d be surprised how much efficiency you gain from equipment simply operating the way it was designed to.

Skipping HVAC maintenance is like never changing the oil in your car. Eventually, it’s going to cost you, a lot.

How Facility Managers Can Lower Energy Bills in Massachusetts and Beyond

Lowering energy bills in older commercial buildings isn’t about one big fix—it’s about a strategy that combines smart upgrades with consistent maintenance. For facility managers in Massachusetts and across New England, that means focusing on the highest-impact areas first: HVAC systems, insulation, controls, and plumbing. 

Start by having an HVAC company come out to identify your building’s weak points. From there, prioritize projects that offer the quickest return, such as sealing air leaks, upgrading to high-efficiency equipment, and adopting a proactive maintenance plan.

The result isn’t just lower monthly utility bills, it’s improved comfort for tenants, fewer emergency breakdowns, and a building that runs more reliably year-round. In many cases, managers also find that efficiency improvements boost property value and make their buildings more competitive in today’s market.

The Bottom Line on Commercial Building Energy Waste

Older commercial buildings come with their fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. From outdated HVAC systems and drafty windows to neglected maintenance and inefficient plumbing, it’s no surprise energy bills are through the roof. But the good news is: you’re not stuck with these problems forever.

By tackling just a few of the biggest energy-wasting issues, starting with your HVAC system, you can make a measurable difference in your building’s performance. Lower energy costs, improved occupant comfort, and even higher property value are all within reach when you take action with expert help.

At Harold Brothers, we’ve helped countless building owners and facility managers modernize their infrastructure without major disruptions. Whether you need a full retrofit or just smarter upgrades over time, we’re here to guide you step-by-step.

If HVAC inefficiency is at the top of your list, your next move is simple, read: What Is the Most Energy-Efficient Commercial HVAC System? You’ll learn which systems offer the best performance for older buildings and how to choose the right solution for your needs—without overpaying or overbuilding.

Let’s turn your building into an energy-efficient powerhouse. Reach out to Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors today to schedule an energy audit or start planning your HVAC upgrade.