Managing Your Buildings in the Midst of COVID-19

Unoccupied Settings

Put your buildings in unoccupied mode (e.g., winter break or holiday schedule).

With a controls system:

• Confirm that your building automation system (BAS) is controlling all schedules to unoccupied setpoints. Setback heating mode to 68° and cooling to 80° until the building is occupied again.
• Review alarm settings to make sure they are properly configured (actions, delays, acknowledgements). 
• Set up and review trend logs in your systems to monitor ongoing performance.

 With regular or programmable thermostats:

• Place the thermostat on HOLD and in heating mode
• Set thermostat to 68°.
• If the building is still not occupied when it consistently is in need of cooling, switch to cooling mode and set it at 80°.

Safe Turn Offs

Turn off Air Handling Units (AHU’s) for unoccupied buildings, or for specific zones if available.

Safe Resets

Reset chilled water and hot water set points.

Humidity Control

Review system settings to manage specific humidity issues in your climate zone. 

Outside Air

Open outside air economizers for fresh air for those on-site.

Lighting

Double-check that all lighting not on sensors is turned off.

Plug Load

Double-check that projectors, printers, screens, etc. are all turned off, as well as refrigerators/mini-fridges where feasible.

Filters

Filters are a critical line of defense for well-performing systems. Check all filters replacing where needed - especially hard-to-access sites that may be difficult to manage during regular operations.

Inspections

Roof leaks can cause mold, structural damage and insulation losses. Monitor roofs and ductwork; schedule deep coil cleanings.

Controls System

Review your current system’s displays and programming. Create a list of questions for anything that you're uncertain about what it does, and make a wishlist of improvements that would make using the system easier. Browse through the help file for a refresher on system interfaces.

Planning for the Future

Cutting energy costs will be ever more important when budgets are slashed.  As the economy recovers, new government loans and low interest rates will offer opportunities for better financing to achieve these savings and improve building performance for the health and safety of occupants.  

We’re here to help.