Do Energy Management Systems Even Work?

We love this question: “Do energy management systems even work?” Our response? Absolutely, they work! They will: successfully reduce utility usage, streamline facilities management, provide engaging guest experiences. Why the Bad Rap? A common complaint about EMS systems is that they prompt the HVAC to shut off while guests or occupants are asleep and motionless. …

Assisted Living and Energy Management in the Era of COVID-19

The value of energy management systems is again becoming apparent, this time under the shadow of COVID-19. The CDC is constantly reminding us that nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by the COVID-19 virus. This a good time to remind facilities engineers that they’ve got control: remote control, that is. …

Lighting Automation and Control: a Surge of Creative Solutions

California’s Title 24 has launched a trend of lighting automation and control. It extends well beyond California’s borders. Its momentum continues in states across the country. Title 24 concepts are a regular part of energy efficiency conversations in other states, where it is used as a barometer. They look to California’s program, examining the results …

Creative Lighting Solutions Using Title 24

California Title 24 is a series of energy efficiency mandates for roofing, insulation, windows, lighting, and HVAC systems. Title 24 is relevant to all of us. It has iterated into something well beyond its original scope in the state of California. It’s now considered the gold standard of U.S. energy efficiency. In fact, California’s Building …

The Five C’s of Preventative HVAC Maintenance

Autumn/early winter is an ideal time to perform preventative maintenance on your HVAC systems and switch schedules (we call them “profiles”) in your energy management system. Achieve energy savings as high as 25 percent by running clean HVAC equipment versus machines with dirty coils and/or filters (according to a recent ASHRAE study). Justin Lendowski, HVAC expert …

Are You Relying on Air Conditioners to Control Humidity?

Maybe you learned about it in Earth Science class, back in the day: air conditioners can reduce humidity. They do this by pulling warm air in and cycling it over cold coils. It produces condensation, removing moisture and reducing humidity in the air.  Now you’re an adult, living in the real world. There’s more to …