How To know if you need a BEMS Upgrade
System Upgrades Checklist
Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) play a vital role in optimizing building performance, but outdated or underperforming systems can hinder efficiency and reliability. Use this checklist to identify the key signs that indicate when a system needs upgrading.
Frequent Equipment Failures
Repeated equipment faults or failures, such as frequent HVAC downtime or recurring alarms, suggest that system components are aging or that the current setup is no longer suitable for the building’s needs. Regular failures increase maintenance costs and reduce occupant comfort, indicating a need for upgraded components or improved system design.
Outdated Control Hardware
Older control hardware, such as obsolete controllers or legacy systems, may lack compatibility with modern devices and protocols. This limits integration opportunities and makes sourcing replacement parts difficult. Upgrading to modern, open-protocol hardware ensures interoperability and future-proofing.
Poor Energy Performance
If energy consumption trends show a consistent increase without a change in building usage, it’s a sign the system is inefficient. Examples include constant fan or pump operation due to poorly configured control strategies or manual overrides. Sub-metering and energy data analysis can reveal inefficiencies and justify system upgrades.
Inconsistent or Poor Comfort Levels
Temperature, humidity, or airflow inconsistencies across zones may indicate control issues or failing equipment. For instance, hot and cold spots in a building may result from faulty dampers, sensors, or outdated HVAC controls, all of which can be resolved through an upgrade.
Limited System Functionality
Legacy systems may lack modern features such as demand-controlled ventilation, energy monitoring, or advanced scheduling capabilities. If operators rely heavily on manual intervention to manage comfort and energy, upgrading the system to include automation and optimization tools is essential.
Lack of Remote Access
Older systems without remote monitoring and control capabilities can limit efficiency in management and troubleshooting. Remote access allows facilities teams to diagnose and resolve issues quickly, often without the need for on-site visits. Systems lacking this feature should be upgraded to include secure, cloud-based access.
High Maintenance Costs
Excessive maintenance costs or frequent callouts to address recurring issues often point to aging or inefficient system components. Upgrading to more reliable hardware and software can reduce maintenance costs over time and improve overall system performance.
Inability to Integrate with New Systems
If the current BEMS cannot integrate with newer building systems, such as renewable energy sources, upgraded HVAC equipment, or sub-metering solutions, it creates inefficiencies and silos. Modern BEMS controllers with open protocols allow seamless integration and enhanced control.
Non-Compliant or Insufficient Reporting
Regulations often require detailed energy and performance reporting, which older systems may struggle to provide. If the BEMS cannot deliver granular data or fails to meet compliance standards, upgrading to a system with robust reporting and analytics is essential.
Overburdened System Capacity
An overloaded BEMS controller, evidenced by delayed responses, missed alarms, or data logging issues, indicates insufficient processing power or storage capacity. Expanding or replacing the controller with one designed to handle larger data sets and advanced algorithms is critical for long-term reliability.
Building Changes or Expansions
If the building layout or usage has changed since the BEMS was installed, the system may no longer align with operational requirements. For example, adding zones, upgrading HVAC systems, or implementing flexible working spaces often necessitates reconfiguring or upgrading the BEMS.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Older systems often lack robust cybersecurity measures, leaving the building vulnerable to data breaches or operational disruptions. Upgrading to a system with modern security features, such as encrypted communication and secure remote access, is increasingly important in today’s connected environments.
Overreliance on Manual Overrides
Frequent use of HAND mode or manual overrides, such as pumps or fans running continuously, often reflects inefficiencies or gaps in control logic. This is a key sign that the BEMS needs an upgrade to better align with automated and optimized performance strategies.
