I was recently interviewed on a local AM Radio Show, hosted by Tech Angel Pam Viveiros from ThinkTech Computers to discuss technology in the field of HVAC. I listened to the recording of the broadcast – I had to, because I was so nervous I didn’t remember what I’d said - and couldn’t help but think that there’s just soooo much I didn’t cover, specifically in the area of Building Automation. In … [Read more...]
Understanding Your Energy Bill Part #3 — Strategies for Reducing Demand Charges
Energy accounts for about 30% of operating costs for a building, according to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). The total energy consumption for the month accounts for the major part of the energy expenses, but it is only part of the picture. Depending upon how you use energy, a Demand Charge could be a significant part of your overall energy costs. In the case study featured … [Read more...]
Understanding Your Energy Bill Part #2 –- What are Demand Charges Anyway?
As if it isn’t confusing enough that electric utilities charge delivery charges and generation charges, they also have a funky little thing on business energy bills called a Demand Charge. What ARE all of these charges? And how do you make them go away? Every utility has their own billing format and pricing structure. The most popular utility in our service area is NSTAR, so most of the … [Read more...]
Understanding Your Energy Bill Part #1 — Why Don’t They Write Energy Bills in English?
Having just launched our Energy WatchDog Program, I’ve had the…well I don’t want to say pleasure but let’s call it opportunity…to become familiar with energy metrics - kilowatts and kilowatt-hours and the like. Personally I would like to have words with the person who invented the term “kilowatt-hour” as it does not necessarily refer to an hour, but the consumption of energy over a vague period of … [Read more...]
When Controls Systems Misbehave –- When to Replace an HVAC Controls System
As controls systems age, they can start misbehaving. Because controls systems rely on computer software as well as electronic hardware, they are subject to glitches and performance problems for a whole host of reasons. Sometimes a simple upgrade can resolve issues, other times these glitches are symptoms of bigger problems and an overhaul is your best bet. When you start seeing the symptoms … [Read more...]
How to Get the Most Out of Your HVAC Controls System
Firstly, when I say “controls system” I mean a Building Automation System (BAS) or Energy Management System (EMS) featuring a system of Direct Digital Controls (DDC) that can be controlled and monitored centrally by computer. For more info on DDC controls, check out this website: http://www.advanceair.net/building-automation2.htm A well-maintained controls system can last anywhere from 10-20 … [Read more...]
The Giving Spirit of the Holiday Season
I heard two inspirational stories today that I felt compelled to share. Hopefully they will inspire you as they inspired me. One of the suppliers that we work with was shopping in the mall with his young twin girls for a gift for their mother. When they passed a toy store, the Dad said, "Girls, pick out any toy you want." So the girls scoured the aisles to find the most beautiful baby dolls … [Read more...]
An Open Discussion about LEED Certification: One Woman’s Struggle to Justify the Hype
I have always been interested in being “Green.” My mother will tell you stories of the makeshift recycling center I created in my bedroom because we didn’t have curbside recycling and she didn’t want “garbage” piling up in the house between treks to the recycle center. As an adult I still dutifully recycle, though I thankfully no longer have bottles and cans next to my nightstand. I believe in … [Read more...]
