How BalanceAI Is Revolutionizing Energy Use in Multifamily Housing

Multifamily buildings across the U.S. consume a lot of energy, and inefficiencies drive up costs for property owners while leaving residents uncomfortable. BalanceAI, an AI-powered energy management company, is changing that. Its technology helps buildings operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Founded by Amit Sarin, BalanceAI created a plug-and-play device that automates climate control for existing heat pump systems. The device synchronizes units throughout a building and continuously adjusts to reduce energy use. Residents notice a more consistent temperature, while owners see lower utility costs.

Sarin brings a deep blend of public and private sector experience to the company. He worked for the Obama administration in HUD, managing programs that deployed hundreds of millions of dollars to improve multifamily housing. He also spent time at a Fortune 50 company in clean technology, gaining expertise in operational strategy and large-scale implementation. 

“I realized there was an opportunity to make buildings operate more efficiently while improving the living experience for residents,” he said. A hackathon nine years ago, where he explored using Amazon’s Alexa to address loneliness in senior communities, became a pivotal moment. It showed how technology could solve tangible problems and laid the groundwork for BalanceAI.

BalanceAI was originally based in San Jose, California. The company moved to Birmingham after joining the Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator, powered by gener8tor. It is now part of gener8tor’s Alabama portfolio through Alabama Fund I and AlabamaNext, a program that highlights promising post-accelerator-stage companies.

BalanceAI’s first installation went live in a 200-unit property in Q2 2025, and the company is preparing for a full market launch in 2026. With AI-driven building management becoming more common, BalanceAI sees an opportunity to unlock the potential of existing properties and help them perform better.

For other founders, Sarin has straightforward advice. “Have a North Star that guides every decision. Focus on what you can uniquely offer your customer, and align it with your capabilities. That approach leads to results.”

In Alabama, BalanceAI has found a collaborative ecosystem of mentors, investors and industry partners that gives the company the support it needs to refine its technology and scale.