Student housing occupancy dips during winter, spring, and summer breaks. For those properties with energy management systems, much of what had been a manual process is now automated. Automation includes adjusting thermostats, shutting windows room-by-room, turning off outlets.
With an EMS this can all be done remotely using “profiles”, which are pre-defined thermostat settings that are applied to all rooms, or groups of rooms.
Work Smarter
Your maintenance staff can turn their attention to other matters while saving you a significant amount of energy (upwards of 35% on your energy bills). Energy management systems can report on low batteries in thermostats, occupancy sensors, virtually any battery-operated device on the EMS network.
EMS systems are capable of identifying HVAC systems that are working harder than normal, a possible signal that the HVAC needs attention. Your staff can utilize their time wisely by identifying specific rooms to visit, to change low batteries, investigate poorly functioning HVAC systems, and other maintenance tasks.
“Open Window” Alerts
Unobtrusive devices known as magnetic door contacts can be installed on windows. They’re added to an EMS network, and in doing so, can report on windows that remain open. The EMS can even issue “open window” alert texts or emails.
Control Humidity
During extended breaks (particularly in summer), some universities turn off their HVACs entirely to save energy. We say don’t do it! Mold can run rampant.
With an EMS, the HVAC can remain on, and it will drive down the humidity to acceptable levels and still save energy.
Humidity CAN be reduced and controlled. Mold CAN be avoided. It’s all possible.
If you’re thinking about investing in an energy management system, give us a call. We can advise how a networked system would work at your property, and explain all of your options.
[email protected] or 888-703-9398.