Building Automation Systems (BAS) might seem complicated, but the ways they save you money are not. Here are 5 easy-to-understand BAS features that reduce your energy consumption and maintenance costs for your buildings:
1. Optimum Start Stop
This is an energy management program that uses predictive logarithms to turn on or off the boiler or chiller for the building based on indoor and outdoor conditions. Essentially, the BAS determines exactly when to turn the boiler on in the morning so that the occupied temperature is achieved exactly when the building is scheduled to be occupied. Conversely, since the system knows when the building will be unoccupied, it can predict when to turn the boiler off prior to the unoccupied mode so as to capitalize on a “cruise cycle” and save even more utility dollars.
2. Equipment Scheduling
The BAS can be programmed to only operate equipment when the building is occupied. Weekends and holidays can be programmed annually to ensure building systems remain in an unoccupied mode thus saving on heating / cooling utility costs. And, fewer run hours on major equipment results in maintenance savings.
3. Modulation
A BAS also factors outdoor and indoor temperatures into its calculations, thus valves, boilers, water temperature, etc. are activated only to the extent necessary based on actual conditions. This too results in utility cost savings.
4. Trending
A BAS will trend specific pieces of equipment and their performance or output as it relates to other variables. This allows a building owner to see specific component performance over the course of time. Additionally, the owner can identify where utility cost is being used in a compartmentalized fashion. The information provides insight regarding replacement of equipment if the performance identified over time is subpar.
5. Preventive Maintenance Scheduling
Significant manpower savings can be achieved through the BAS tracking of actual “on” time for specific equipment. What used to be a seasonal preventive maintenance schedule can therefore be shifted to a schedule solely based on the equipment’s run time. This runtime can be logged in the automation system and thresholds can be set to trigger a work order when equipment hits a landmark in run hours.
To understand what a building controls system can do for your facility, please reach out for a consultation.