Commercial HVAC Contractor
Basics to Benefits: What Are Building Automation Systems?
Written by: 1 Source Mechanical
A building automation system (BAS) can make a commercial building more comfortable, reduce operating costs, and increase the longevity of the HVAC and other utility components. But just what are building automation systems? Also, how do they work, and what can they do to improve the way you operate your facility?
What is a Building Automation System (BAS)?
A BAS automatically controls energy, safety, and utility systems across one or more buildings. These systems might include HVAC, electricity, water, lighting, security, and ventilation. These can be integrated so that the regulation of all these systems is coordinated and managed from a single integrated console. A facility with advanced integrated automated systems is sometimes called a smart building.
How Do Building Automation Systems Work?
A BAS uses sensors to monitor the building's utilities. It can detect things such as temperature, humidity level, air quality, and occupancy levels. It uses this feedback to adjust HVAC, lighting systems, and security systems. It may also provide alerts when some sort of human intervention is required. It coordinates the system's actions so that, for example, the temperature is not changed without considering all the other building controls.
Is Building Automation New?
No, it isn’t. It’s as old as the thermostat, which was first used in a school classroom in the 1880s. What is relatively new is the development of more and better monitoring and control systems and the integration of these systems so that they all work together and can be controlled centrally.
What Building Systems Can Be Automated?
HVAC systems are the oldest and perhaps most obvious candidates for automation, but the use of BSA doesn’t stop there.
HVAC
The thermostat is the first line of HVAC automation, but there’s much more to automated HVAC. A BAS also uses sensors to monitor humidity and other environmental factors. It can then adjust for the best balance of comfort and energy efficiency using real-time data. Some systems even consider occupancy, time of day, and outdoor weather conditions.
Lighting
Automated lighting systems can adjust light brightness and in some cases open and close shutters and blinds. As inputs, they use occupancy level, time of day, and sensors that detect the actual lighting level.
Security
Security systems manage authorized access issues such as who can enter the building and who can visit specific areas within the facility. This includes key card access, video surveillance, and alarms. A security system can engage and disengage enhanced security to more severely restrict after-hours access. It also manages building physical security by monitoring for fire, smoke, structural damage, and carbon monoxide. It might include a fail-safe mechanism to shut off dangerous equipment that is malfunctioning or is threatened.
Sanitizing Systems
Automated sanitizing systems might monitor airflow and air quality, and then adjust or raise an alarm as required. They also ensure that sterilizing units are functioning properly in any building where those devices are in use.
What are the Benefits of Building Automation?
Building automation systems have several benefits, and when you add them all together, it may not take as long as you'd think for the financial benefits to pay for the cost of installation.
Lower Energy Costs
When HVAC usage is being managed by BAS, you avoid unnecessary heating and cooling of the entire building. Moreover, when a smart HVAC monitors rooms individually and delivers cool air and heat accordingly, you don’t waste energy heating and cooling low-use rooms or overheating rooms when they’re highly occupied. Some systems will automatically open and close shades based on temperature and lighting to reduce energy costs. Also, many automated systems will produce data that can be analyzed for cost-saving opportunities.
Lower Operating Costs
BAS can also lower costs that are indirectly dependent on energy usage. For example, reduced lighting use lowers the cost of replacing bulbs. Air quality improvement can reduce cleaning costs and also reduce the cost of absenteeism.
More Flexibility
Building automated systems are able to adjust conditions in rooms where the occupant density changes. Some can proactively lower the heat or increase AC when a crowd gathers. In addition, there are automated systems that include a scheduling function. These can reserve conference rooms and be prepared to adjust conditions based on attendance.
Longer Lifespan of Systems
An HVAC system that is working no harder than necessary is one that you can expect to last for a long time. Furthermore, a system that is operating at a controlled level is less likely to develop problems. And, with systems that provide data on their performance, it’s often possible to identify small problems before they become large ones. Small problems can usually be resolved with no impact on the longevity of the system, but, if they go unrepaired, that’s likely not to be the case.
Consistent Comfort Levels
The health, comfort, and safety of the building’s occupants is a priority for most building owners. A consistent temperature and humidity keep folks active and productive. A facility with proper airflow and quality air, free of dust, pollen, and other pollutants, makes for a healthy workforce.
Streamlined Maintenance
With a BAS, you’re less likely to incur as much time and expense in diagnosing and resolving problems. That’s because an automation system often deals with minor problems without human intervention. It also detects problems earlier so that repairs are smaller and less costly. Then there’s the centralized monitoring capability, which frequently allows just an operator and one technician to deal with anything that comes up.
Improve Your BAS With 1 Source!
If you’re getting into BAS for the first time, or if you need your BAS upgraded, 1 Source Mechanical is the expert to call. We have deployed BAS solutions throughout Northern Illinois with a variety of equipment and communications networks. Contact us for a building that is comfortable, healthy, and environmentally friendly while still being cost-effective to operate. Whether you’re outfitting a new commercial building or retrofitting an existing one, we’re the Chicagoland leader in all things HVAC, including building automation systems.
