THE ADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATED BUILDING CONTROLS IN THE CHURCH ENVIRONMENT

Worship facilities have their own unique characteristics, and those characteristics typically make them very well suited to take advantage of Digital Controls (vs. the older pneumatic style) and the most current energy saving features they offer.   Some of those characteristics are:

* Often exceed 80 hours of operation

* Periodic/inconsistent occupancy in various parts of the facility

* Tight budgets

*Several different types of equipment/systems throughout the years

*Might still have pneumatic controls with limited functionality

*Facility space being occupied differently than original system design accounted for

If not already done so, here are some things you might consider incorporating into your short or long-term planning for your facility:

1. Replace Pneumatic controls with Digital controls (DDC).

• Gain tighter control of equipment;
• Increase occupant comfort
• Realize energy savings

2. Incorporate CO₂ sensors and Demand Control Ventilation (DCV)

• The amount of outside air the system conditions is based on occupancy. You are not wasting energy       conditioning air in a space that is sparsely or not occupied.

3. Integrate all your controls into one, “open” building automation system

• Multi-vendor compatibility that prevents a facility from being locked into one manufacturer who can then overcharge for parts and services
• Scalable for future expansion and upgrades
• Single web-based user interface
• Real-time alerts and timely correction
• Mobile monitoring and access
• Remote diagnostics
• Multiple buildings or sites capability
• Streamlined operations

4. Use Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in conjunctions with supply fan motors

• The supply fan horsepower is reduced and saves energy exponentially when conditions in a space call for a reduction in airflow.