How IoT-enabled HVAC Systems Improve Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings?

The demand for energy in commercial buildings has tripled over the past three decades. Space cooling has captured 8% of the electricity consumption in the last few months. With the global rise in temperature, the demand for cooling systems is only gonna rise. The HVAC systems are expected to reach 15.1 million in the next four years. It’s time that the IoT solutions must be implemented on a large scale to bring energy efficiency, accelerate automation, reduce costs, and create a comfortable occupant experience in commercial buildings.

Many users think that heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems capture only a small portion of the building. They do but they also capture a large amount of energy. Recent studies have stated that HVAC systems are responsible for 60% of the total power consumption of a building. Now, that’s a concerning part. There is a need for IoT-based HVAC automation systems.

The concept of connected solutions in buildings is not new. It’s been there for quite a long time. However, a large portion of the audience has started realizing the benefits of IoT applications later. Facilities should harness the power of IoT solutions.

What actually is an HVAC System?

IoT-based or smart HVAC systems automatically update building maintenance. Facilities can remotely access and customize settings without being available in the building all the time. By leveraging smart HVAC automation systems, users can get real-time alerts and online diagnostic reports.

Like other IoT-based smart devices, HVAC systems make use of sensors that continuously monitor and gather data such as total building airflow, humidity, and temperature with other external factors, including weather forecasts or utility rates. Based on this information, users can take the necessary action to ensure the optimal performance of the building. At the same time, they can make sure that temperature-sensitive areas are precisely regulated.

When the facilities are able to identify system failures or unusual equipment behavior, they can remotely diagnose the issue on time. It ultimately leads to the maintenance of protocols and decreases repair time & cost. Also, they can ensure the HVAC system continues operating at peak efficiency. There are massive opportunities for the facilities to use IoT solutions to bring energy efficiency in buildings.

How can IoT applications transform traditional HVAC systems?

The Internet of Things (IoT) offers smart solutions and sensors that provide a wealth of information to the users about equipment efficiency. Sensors measure indoor air temperature, outdoor radiant temperature, indoor and outdoor humidity, airspeed, circulation patterns, etc. These sensors then deliver this information to a central database that attaches the HVAC system to the power of the internet. It allows facilities to export status to apps and dashboards and import information like weather forecasts and user preferences.

The adaptability and flexibility that an IoT-based HVAC automation system provides are unbeatable. By making use of smart and wireless technology, users can bring energy efficiency in building through:

1. Smart Control

Advanced HVAC systems ensure optimized functioning within a building. It automatically reduces the load of energy consumption and encourages smarter use of equipment. The IoT technology comes with a smart control tool that optimizes airflow by utilizing data on CO2 levels, occupancy, temperature, humidity, duct static pressure, and air quality sensors. It regulates the amount of airflow in one area without underusing or overusing another one.

2. More sustainability

Occupant comfort has always been the top priority of facility managers. It doesn’t mean they need to increase the energy consumption just to ensure this motive. The IoT-enabled HVAC automation systems allow them to deliver maximum occupant comfort with optimal energy consumption. It leads to more sustainable use of resources.

The application of IoT solutions in HVAC systems exceeds temperature comfort expectations and optimizes energy usage. The study conducted in 2020 has said that AI-enabled smart HVAC systems increased occupants’ comfort from 75% to 95% while decreasing daily energy consumption by 20% during the peak summer heat. This fact itself verifies the performance of IoT-based HVAC systems.

3. Fault detection and diagnosis

Timely detection of issues in the equipment will not only save the time and effort of the facilities but also reduce the excessive use of energy. HVAC systems are at risk of face leaks, blockages, and deterioration. These issues degrade them over time. Enabling IoT-Powered solutions in HVAC systems becomes necessary at this point. They are equipped with a fault detection and diagnosis  (FDD) feature that ensures operational efficiency at all times.

The FDD feature not only identifies the problem in HVAC systems but also determines the root cause behind it. It also sets a base for predictive maintenance that encourages energy savings in commercial buildings.

How does it work?

IoT-based HVAC systems interpret data from sensors installed in a building and maintain the received data in real-time in a cloud-based network. It then filters, accumulates, and shares the information. Built-in algorithms use the information that encourages preventive maintenance and optimizes the proper monitoring and control of the HVAC system.

The IoT technology will send dynamic alerts if there is any discrepancy. It allows the facilities to take immediate action and avoid all the risks that can hamper the energy efficiency in commercial buildings. With the help of advanced controls, the optimization of HVAC consumption in an unoccupied space is possible. Also, the users can reduce energy usage during peak hours.

Give rise to green buildings with IoT-based HVAC systems

IoT-powered HVAC systems improve energy management in commercial buildings. They play a crucial role in creating sustainability with resource-efficient operations. Its possibilities still need to be explored. If you are aiming for net-zero or green buildings, you need to prioritize smart HVAC systems.

Interested in implementing IoT-based HVAC systems in your building, reach to Zenatix. Being one of the leading IoT companies in India, we deliver advanced IoT solutions to bring the required efficiency to commercial buildings. We will drive automation and ensure optimized performance and sustainability in your space without making any compromise on your comfort.