How AI is Changing the Game for BC Summers Using Commercial Building Automation Systems

Keep your building cool, comfortable, and breakdown-free this summer with the right building automation technologies. 

The heat of summer is just around the corner, which means long lake days, trips to the farmer’s market, and vacation planning time. It also means seeking shelter from the heat in air conditioned buildings and offices. 

For those of us familiar with summer in BC, we know that having your HVAC automation system fully optimized is the number one way to fight back against the summer heat and hazy air quality. 

Here are your building automation technologies and retrofits for a comfortable and safe BC summer.

How building automation helps beat the Okanagan heat

The benefits of commercial building automation systems are year-round, but there are some benefits you’ll be extra grateful for in the summer, including:

• Equipment malfunction prevention 
• Lower utility costs
• Maximum energy efficiency
• Superior occupant comfort
• Higher productivity

Game-changing building automation technologies for summer in BC

AI has been making huge leaps in the HVAC world for some time now, and advancements keep getting more exciting, offering greater benefits to the consumer. Today, AI and Machine Learning are kind of like the superstars of building automation.

Here’s a closer look at what Machine Learning and AI can do for your commercial HVAC control systems:

Predictive maintenance: AI technology stops equipment failures before they can even happen. This is achieved by analyzing data gathered through sensors and equipment. The information is then communicated to a building’s AI system, which uses it to anticipate when a failure may happen and alerts you/your HVAC technician. 

Have you ever had a central air conditioner break down in the middle of a 40-degree heatwave? Trust us — nothing will tank your office productivity faster. By getting ahead of an equipment malfunction, predictive maintenance technology: 

• Prevents equipment failures and downtime 
• Reduces repair and replacement costs
• Streamlines response time for technicians

Case study: Kimco Controls saves the day when a boiler fails during a 40-degree heatwave in Kelowna. See the solution. 

Energy optimization: Using Machine Learning algorithms to optimize energy efficiency for HVAC systems can reduce energy consumption by 5%–30%!

This method works by automatically adjusting systems like HVAC and lighting for maximum efficiency based on occupancy patterns and weather forecasts. So if it’s going to be a hot, sunny day, the system can automatically adjust temperature and humidity levels. If there’s a big conference coming in, the algorithm will balance the ambient temperature based on the number of people in a given room. 

Machine Learning algorithms keep your business running smoothly by: 

• Reducing energy consumption
• Lowering operational costs
• Increasing occupant comfort

Cloud-Based Building Management Systems (BMS): Cloud-based BMS are a step away from traditional on-site servers and allow for easier remote access, scalability, and integration with Internet of Things devices. 

By providing centralized control across multiple sites from anywhere, cloud-based BMS: 

• Streamline operations
• Simplify troubleshooting
• Increase energy efficiency

Signs your HVAC system is due for an upgrade

In an ideal world, all commercial buildings would be outfitted with top-of-the-line building automation systems as soon as they are available. The reality is, equipment upgrades and retrofits require planning, budgeting, and commitment to improvements. 

Your building will have its own way of letting you know it’s time to replace aging equipment, however. Here are some of the signs it’s time to update your HVAC system: 

• Increasing energy bills
• Frequent service calls
• Inconsistent heating and cooling
• Frequent equipment repairs and failures
• Aging or outdated equipment

Case study: Frequent calls lead to a heating and cooling solution that saves energy and costs for Argus Properties in Kelowna. Learn more. 

Building audit
Rather than waiting for one or more of these inconvenient and costly signs, you can opt to audit your building to assess whether or not it’s time for a retrofit. This will give you a big picture understanding of the various components of your building, how they are functioning, and when they may need to be replaced. 

A building audit should be performed with a professional who can also help determine whether your building is using energy efficiently — this is sometimes referred to as an energy audit. 

Once the suit is complete, a building automation contractor will also be able to help make a plan for integrating new equipment in manageable, affordable steps. 

Preventative maintenance programs
A preventative maintenance program is kind of like having an ongoing audit and repair system in place, all rolled into one service. 

Every quarter, a Kimco technician will visit your building to assess the condition of current equipment. This hands-on approach allows the professional to pinpoint any potential failures while planning for equipment upgrades. 

This allows building managers to avoid surprises like costly emergency repairs or replacements, as well as disruption to the workplace. 

Learn more about preventative maintenance programs with Kimco Controls today. 

Planning for retrofits

If the idea of performing a complete overhaul of your building’s technology systems sounds intimidating (and costly), take a breath. There’s always a way to plan. Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, an energy-efficient smart building wasn’t optimized overnight. 

Technology specialists like Kimco Controls can make a plan to retrofit your existing building like it’s their job —  because it is. 

The secret? Industry knowledge, relationships, and rebates. 

For example, FortisBC provides rebates for current natural gas or electricity customers and provides funding in three different ways to help businesses incorporate energy-efficient upgrades.

A seasoned technician understands the different rebates available to you and understands how to navigate the system to obtain them. 

The different ways FortisBC and Kimco can help: 

1. Energy study funding: Covers up to half the cost of a detailed engineering analysis, conducted by Kimco Controls, to identify energy-saving opportunities.

2. Capital incentive funding: To help offset the cost of implementing the energy conservation measures.

3. Implementation bonus funding: Available to those who successfully implement the approved measures.

Discover the opportunities for retrofit rebates with FortisBC and Kimco. We handle all the communications for a simple and stress-free way to gain the benefits of a natural gas or electricity upgrade for your building. Learn more. 

Work with a people-first company that has been on the cutting edge of building automation, HVAC and electrical technology in the Thompson-Okanagan for 40 years. See how Kimco can help.