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Bells and Whistles, or Just Plain Effective? The New Generation of Wireless Controls in Existing Commercial Buildings.
Abstract
Wireless controls are a key feature for improving
the energy efficiency of existing commercial
buildings. But what impact do they really have on
building performance? This paper provides three case
studies to explore the costs, benefits, and relevance of
this technology in the existing building market.
Many of the nation's millions of small to mediumsized
commercial buildings do not have building
automation systems. The reluctance to install controls
has historically been linked to the high cost of wiring
buildings for such systems. However, new wireless
technology is relatively simple and more affordable,
allowing owners to reduce maintenance costs, save
energy, and improve occupant comfort.
Wireless systems enable the facility manager to
monitor and control multiple buildings from almost
any location via a smartphone or computer. Not only
do these new controls allow optimal scheduling and
locate potential problems, they also enable a
resolution to issues before a complaint is received.
Citation
LaFlamme, S. (2013). Bells and Whistles, or Just Plain Effective? The New Generation of Wireless Controls in Existing Commercial Buildings.. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /151445.