3 Steps To Ensure Cost Savings In A B.A.S.
By 2020, the HVAC industry is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 7% worldwide. And as demand for efficient and effective control systems increases, contractors seek to replace old, costly systems in order to cut down on energy usage and save money in the process. But saving money is not as simple as just “buying new.” Installation and maintenance of the products within those systems plays a huge role in just how much money can be saved.
In order for products to provide long-term value to a customer, here’s a look at 3 steps that will ensure the biggest bang for your buck.
1. Keep It Simple
In today’s world of technology, ease of use is key. So when engineers design a product without its application in mind, it can lead to complications that diminish the efficiency of the product and cause a monster headache for those installing and maintaining the equipment. “We review our designs and installation instructions internally with our Tech Service Department and externally with selected customers,” says Bill Kubsh, ACI's Engineering Manager. "The feedback on those designs help us beta test our products to ensure we have achieved our design goals." Remaining mindful of product design when it comes to installation of the components of a building automation system certainly makes life easier (and less expensive) for everyone involved.
2. System-Tested
For any machine to run smoothly, all of the cogs must work together. If one part fails, it can compromise the entire system. Testing real-life product application in the field can make sure that each piece works with other components while maintaing a properly balanced automation system. Determining if and how a product might fail while working in a system can not only save an installer time and money, but can save energy for the building automation system.
3. The Power of Prediction
Unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20. Predicting when a part needs to be repaired or maintained can be crucial in helping to monitor energy demand and usage, lowering your operational costs. But knowing when a product needs your attention isn't the only solution. Making sure a product can be maintained as easily as it was installed is important in bringing the system back up to full capacity. Kubsh adds that "with each new product, improving upon the maintenance requirements separates a great company from the rest." As they say in the industry, if you want to be sustainable, you must be maintainable. So making it easier to detect where a fault with the equipment takes place can help isolate any problems and diagnose a solution for the building manager.