In all new construction of multifamily buildings, smart meters are used in submetering systems. These are highly efficient and very easy to install as part of the building construction project.
Top companies offering smart metering services can coordinate with the general contractor to bring in their own installation crews and work with plumbing subcontractors to install the meters on each unit during the plumbing installation. This makes the process highly efficient and reduces the cost to the landlord or property owner group.
Older Buildings
Most older buildings, unless they have been renovated or upgraded, do not use smart metering technology. Instead, they use a simple equal division of the water bill or a ratio utility billing system (RUBS), which uses a formula based on square footage and occupancy, either on their own or in combination.
Older buildings can use smart metering technology, but it does require the installation of the meters. This can be done very efficiently during a plumbing retrofit of the building or when plumbing system repairs are required.
The Advantages and Challenges
The biggest challenge to a landlord in installing smart meters is coordinating the installation for the shorter disruption in water for the tenants. With professionally trained and experienced installation crews, this can be minimal.
The advantages to installing the smart meters include benefits to both the landlord and the tenant. For the tenant, the meters ensure they only pay for the water they use, allowing them to implement water conservation steps to lower their bill.
For the landlord, the initial cost of the installation of the meters is quickly made up through cost savings. They also add an advertising point for filling vacancies, with many tenants now looking for apartments, condos or manufactured home communities using this water billing system.
To find out more about the benefits of adding smart metering technology to an existing building, talk to the team at ABT Water Management. To learn more about the meter and their benefits, see us at abtwater.com.