What Is the Building Tune-Up Program?
The Commercial Building Tune-Up Program is an EmPOWER Maryland initiative that goes beyond individual equipment — it takes a holistic look at your entire building's energy systems and optimizes them as an integrated whole. This is not just HVAC; it encompasses building automation systems, control sequences, lighting, and operational practices.
Unlike equipment replacement programs, the Building Tune-Up focuses on getting your existing systems to perform as designed. Poor control sequences, miscalibrated sensors, simultaneous heating and cooling, and broken economizer dampers are among the most common (and costly) issues discovered during a building tune-up.
Which Program Is Right for You?
EmPOWER Maryland offers several Building Tune-Up tracks depending on your building size and needs. Maryland Smart Energy will assess your facility and recommend the best fit:
Small Building Tune-Up
Comprehensive energy assessment and optimization for smaller commercial buildings. Covers HVAC controls, lighting, and basic BAS sequences.
Large Building Tune-Up
Full-scale commissioning of complex HVAC and controls systems in large commercial facilities, including chiller plants and VAV systems.
Monitoring-Based Commissioning
For buildings 75,000+ sqft. Uses ongoing data monitoring to continuously identify and correct energy waste — sustained savings over time.
Virtual Commissioning
Remote energy analysis and recommendations for businesses that prefer a non-invasive assessment before committing to in-person services.
What Our Engineers Assess & Fix
- HVAC control sequence verification — identifying simultaneous heating/cooling waste
- Building Automation System (BAS) programming review and optimization
- Economizer damper operation and free cooling potential
- Setpoint and schedule optimization for all zones and systems
- Air handling unit performance and duct leakage assessment
- Chiller and boiler plant efficiency evaluation
- Variable frequency drive (VFD) operation and programming
- Lighting control sequence review (occupancy, daylight, scheduling)
- Plug load and equipment scheduling opportunities
- Detailed energy savings report with prioritized action items
Does Your Building Qualify?
The Building Tune-Up program has eligibility requirements slightly different from the HVAC Tune-Up:
- Commercial building with active electric account with a participating MD utility
- Mechanical equipment in good working condition, at least 2 years old
- Higher-than-average energy intensity (measured against industry benchmarks)
- Located in Maryland within BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, or SMECO territory
- No minimum square footage for the small building program
- 75,000+ sq ft for large building, monitoring-based, and performance programs
Rebate Details by Utility
| Utility | Small Building | Large Building | Monitoring-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGE | Up to 85% | Up to 85% | Available |
| Pepco | Up to 85% | Up to 85% | Available |
| Delmarva | Up to 80% | Up to 80% | Available |
| SMECO | Up to 75% | Up to 75% | Available |
How to Get Your Building Assessed
- 1Initial Contact & Eligibility CheckContact Maryland Smart Energy. We confirm your utility account, building size, and equipment type to determine the best program track for your facility.
- 2Energy AssessmentOur certified engineers visit your facility to evaluate all mechanical systems, review available BAS data, and identify efficiency opportunities. We develop a customized savings plan.
- 3Optimization ImplementationOur team implements the approved measures — reprogramming controls, fixing dampers, correcting setpoints, and optimizing sequences. Work is performed during normal business hours with minimal disruption.
- 4Utility Rebate SubmissionWe handle all documentation and submit the rebate application to your utility. You receive confirmation when the rebate is processed. Your savings begin immediately.