Remote HVAC Monitoring Complements HVAC Preventive Maintenance Programs

When it comes to running a commercial facility, actionable knowledge is important. As they say, knowledge is power. This is true for just about every aspect of facility management, including HVAC. By retrofitting with remote HVAC monitoring equipment, facility managers can better track the performance of HVAC equipment. This will enable facility managers to better plan for maintenance and eventual equipment replacement, and allow building owners to better budget for such projects.

Off-Site Troubleshooting and Control is the Goal

If one piece of equipment in your facility is not working efficiently, how long until you notice? Or worse, if one piece of equipment in your facility stops working altogether, how long before you know about it? In many situations, occupant complaints are the first sign of trouble. Obviously, this is not ideal. There has to be a better way…

Facilities retrofitted with remote HVAC metering and software can help facility managers avoid such delayed reactions by collecting actionable data so they can make well-informed decisions regarding HVAC maintenance. Automated fault detection, alarming and notification capabilities and diagnostic solutions can also help these facility managers track equipment efficiency, wasted energy and malfunctioning equipment. More importantly, such metering can pinpoint the root cause of these issues, saving both time and money. But perhaps best of all, this monitoring can be done off-site.

Building management systems (BMS) typically include some type of HVAC monitoring system. Facilities without BMS can collect data with smart room controllers and metering. Sophisticated system monitoring equipment used in critical facilities typically enables simple integration of HVAC monitoring devices.

Remote HVAC Monitoring Best Practices for Maintenance Needs and Comfort

1. Measurement Intervals: Try to use measurement intervals that meter and record in a way that is similar to the utility. This will not only help facility managers track efficiency, but also catch potential billing errors.
2. Star Small: HVAC systems can produce a lot of data and it can be rather overwhelming. So start small and scale your analysis gradually. Look for causes of inefficiencies, energy and equipment use and fault identification. Analyze historical trends to find wasted energy and the causes. Track to make sure that energy savings are maintained.
3. Act: Collecting data is one thing. Acting on that data is another. Use your findings to make changes that make an impact.

Contact Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) to Learn More

Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improve comfort, save you money, and protect your capital investment.

To learn more about CFSI, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. In addition to mobile HVAC and preventive maintenance services, we also offer on-site engineering services.

Like us on Facebook; follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.

Sources:

Data from a Distance: Remote HVAC Monitoring and Analysis, Buildings.com

This entry was posted on Friday, February 27th, 2015 at . Both comments and pings are currently closed.