Advancements in smart building technology make it possible to automate almost every aspect of your HVAC system. But how can you tell if building automation is right for your business? And what benefits can you expect an automated HVAC system to bring?
What is Building Automation?
A Building Automation System (BAS) is a system that controls various electric, electronic and mechanical systems throughout your facility.
Essentially, it’s a distributed control system focused on integrating different types of building systems together into one centralized location. Building automation systems are primarily utilized to control the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in your building, but they’re also capable of handling lighting, security, and other facility needs.
The Advantages of Building Automation Controls for HVAC Systems
If your business is looking to streamline everything from facility temperature to air quality, commercial building automation is an effective avenue.
Continue reading to discover some of the top benefits of commercial HVAC automation:
Improved Indoor Air Quality
In the same way automated HVAC systems respond to changing building temperatures, it can also adapt to various air quality levels.
Real-time indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring can support HVAC automation, allowing the system to make adjustments as needed. The sensors within your system consistently measure particles and pathogens in the air, determining what areas in your facility are prone to poor air quality. From there, it works with your HVAC to remove polluted air while filtering clean air into your rooms.
Integrating building automation with your HVAC increases indoor air quality through:
- Temperature and humidity sensors that monitor thermal comfort.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) sensors that monitor pollutants, ensuring your facility meets the required minimum fresh air ventilation.
- Controllers based on sensor input monitor your air and provide optimal zone ventilating, heating, and air conditioning.
- These controllers also provide smoke control in the case of a fire, maintaining breathable air zones for evacuation.
- Constant monitoring and control of natural ventilation dampers.
Building automation systems can also automatically alert building owners and maintenance technicians when air quality levels need to be filtered or when equipment requires repairs or replacement.
Enhanced HVAC Efficiency
Arguably, the most prominent benefit of an automated HVAC system is an improvement in efficiency. Building automation systems use a combination of thermal sensors to monitor your:
- Building structure
- Design
- Airflow
- Orientation
By tracking these aspects, your building automation system dynamically adjusts its performance based on changes in your building’s climate—maintaining your desired temperature without expending as much energy as traditional HVAC systems.
Additional automated building components, like motion detectors, can also make your HVAC systems even more efficient. For example, they can identify what areas in your facility need temperature adjustments and make changes as required based on occupancy.
Automated HVAC systems can also be controlled remotely, allowing business owners and property managers to adjust the temperature of their buildings even when they’re away.
Comfortable Building Climates
Automating your HVAC system also makes heating and cooling your space more responsive to occupants’ needs. Recent research on workplace ergonomics has found that thermal comfort can significantly impact productivity.
Your employees tend to be more focused and perform better if your building maintains a comfortable temperature. Automating your HVAC systems enables you to dynamically adjust the temperature of your building based on a combination of sensor data and your desired climate ranges, significantly improving thermal comfort and boosting productivity.
Additionally, building automation systems also allow you to customize the temperature of different zones in your facility based on personal preferences and ideal comfort ranges.
Integrating building automation with your HVAC systems makes your entire building more comfortable while making it easier to isolate and adjust your building temperature.
Fewer Maintenance Issues
HVAC equipment breakdowns are inevitable, but building automation systems can help prevent them.
Because BAS systems are consistently monitoring your building operations, they’re able to predict and identify potential issues.
Building automation systems remediate problems by:
- Evaluating building trends and making adjustments to optimize performance.
- Collect data from the sensors, and use it to send alerts to building personnel regarding potential problems in the building.
- In the case of issues occurring, the sensors work with data ports to allow technicians quick access control on their personal interface or laptop.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring of your HVAC equipment is crucial for facility managers who oversee multiple locations. Building automation solutions provide the user with full HVAC access even when off-site. With remote monitoring, you’re able to see what’s happening and pass along information to fix potential issues. By consistently monitoring the status of your systems, you’re able to maintain a comfortable climate regardless of your location, ensuring all of your facilities are cultivating a comfortable environment for building occupants.
Commercial HVAC Automation Leads to an Efficient and Comfortable Building.
Integrating your HVAC with building automation systems can make your facility more efficient, comfortable, and safer. By dynamically adjusting HVAC performance to meet changing building conditions, BAS systems deliver a level of comfortability rarely possible with standard HVAC systems.
Implementing building automation solutions into your workspace enables you to save money, boost efficiency, and improve the health of building occupants and the planet.
Your Top Choice for Building Automation Services in Texas
Since 1984, A&G Services has been providing the Fort Worth and Dallas Metropolitan areas with high-quality HVAC solutions you can trust. For commercial building owners looking to improve the efficiency of their HVAC systems, you’re in the right spot.
Our technicians specialize in integrating building automation into your HVAC operations. Ready to discover the difference BAS systems deliver? We’re happy to help—reach out to our expert team to learn more.
