How To make Seasonal BEMS Adjustments
Adapting your BEMS for seasonal changes ensures comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year. This step-by-step guide outlines the adjustments needed for summer and winter, highlighting when to involve your BEMS service provider for expert support.
Step 1: Understand Seasonal Occupancy Patterns
Begin by reviewing how the building is used during different seasons. Analyze occupancy data in your BEMS to identify changes, such as reduced occupancy during summer holidays or extended hours in winter. This understanding allows you to create targeted schedules that minimize energy use in unoccupied zones. For example, meeting rooms may require fewer operational hours in summer but extended heating or cooling in winter. Have your BEMS service provider assist in setting up dynamic schedules to optimize energy consumption without compromising occupant comfort.
Step 2: Adjust HVAC Setpoints
Seasonal temperature settings are critical for balancing comfort and efficiency. In winter, heating should be set to 19°C during occupied hours and reduced to 16°C or lower when spaces are unoccupied. For summer, cooling setpoints should be increased to 24°C during occupied hours and allowed to rise to 28°C or higher during unoccupied times. A wide deadband between heating and cooling setpoints is essential to prevent simultaneous operation, which wastes energy. If you’re unsure how to adjust these settings effectively, consult your BEMS service provider to tailor the setpoints to your building’s specific needs.
Step 3: Update System Schedules
HVAC schedules should reflect seasonal changes in building usage. In summer, cooling systems may need to start earlier in the morning to counteract rising outdoor temperatures, while in winter, heating schedules might extend into the evening to provide comfort during darker, colder months. Additionally, unoccupied schedules should be applied during holiday periods to minimize energy usage in unused areas. Your BEMS service provider can ensure that these seasonal schedules are programmed efficiently and transitioned seamlessly.
Step 4: Optimize Ventilation Settings
Ventilation needs differ greatly between summer and winter. During summer, fresh air intake can be maximized during cooler parts of the day to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, a strategy known as free cooling. In winter, fresh air intake should be minimized to reduce heating demand, while ensuring adequate indoor air quality. Heat recovery systems should be checked and optimized to capture warmth from exhaust air and reduce overall energy use. Ask your BEMS service provider to fine-tune ventilation controls to align with seasonal needs.
Step 5: Leverage Seasonal Control Strategies
Your BEMS can automate seasonal adjustments through advanced control strategies. In summer, night purge cooling can ventilate the building with cool nighttime air to precondition spaces for the following day. In winter, heat recovery systems can reduce heating demand by pre-warming incoming air. If your system supports weather compensation, ensure it is configured to adjust dynamically based on outdoor conditions. Your BEMS service provider can review these control strategies to confirm they are properly configured and functioning as intended.
Step 6: Inspect and Maintain Equipment
Seasonal transitions are an excellent time to perform targeted maintenance on your systems. Before winter, inspect boilers, radiators, and frost protection sensors to ensure they are functioning properly and prevent freezing issues. In summer, clean chillers, evaporators, and cooling towers to maximize their efficiency. Throughout the year, check dampers, actuators, and filters for wear or blockages. Your BEMS service provider can assist in identifying maintenance needs through diagnostics and trend analysis.
Step 7: Update Alarms and Notifications
Season-specific risks require tailored alarm settings. In winter, enable frost protection alerts and set notifications for heating system faults to prevent freezing issues. In summer, monitor cooling energy usage and indoor temperatures to avoid overcooling. Throughout the year, alarms for stuck dampers, reduced airflow, or excessive energy consumption can help identify inefficiencies. Have your BEMS service provider configure and prioritize these alarms to ensure critical risks are addressed promptly.
Step 8: Communicate with Occupants
Informing occupants about seasonal changes can help align their behavior with system adjustments. In summer, encourage closing blinds to reduce solar heat gain and minimizing personal cooling device use. In winter, advise against opening windows to retain heat and maintain indoor air quality. Your BEMS service provider can assist in displaying clear notifications or tips through the system’s user interface to improve occupant awareness and cooperation.
Step 9: Monitor and Refine Settings
Seasonal adjustments require regular monitoring to ensure they are achieving their intended results. Use trend data from your BEMS to evaluate energy consumption and comfort levels over time. Identify zones with unusual energy use or frequent complaints and refine settings as necessary. Engage your BEMS service provider for periodic reviews and to ensure your system continues to operate efficiently.
By following these steps and working closely with your BEMS service provider, your building will remain comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year. If you’d like help developing templates for seasonal adjustments let us know.
