What is a Building Automation System (BAS)?

When someone refers to a “smart building” or a “smart home,” they are referring to a building or house that has a Building Automation System. A BAS system automates and centralizes control of a building’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security and other systems. To do this, a BAS consists of a series of electronic devices, which all monitor the various aspects of a building’s systems to make sure they are secure and functioning properly.

Most new office buildings are built with BAS. However, they can be retrofitted into an older building or upgraded when they become outdated. It is also possible to limit automation to one or two rooms, but this would not provide you with all of the benefits that having an entire building or home automated would.

Benefits of Building Automation

While building automation is most common in multistory office buildings, many of its benefits are also available to homeowners that decide to install Nest products and similar devices.

  1. Improved Energy Management and Lower Utility Costs

A BAS enables building owners to have more control over their energy output. With building automation, you are able to set a schedule and different zones. This allows you to lower the temperature or turn lights off when no one is in a room. By cutting down on wasted energy, a BAS can lower your energy bills anywhere from 5 to 30 percent.

  1. Control Your Property Remotely

With building automation, you do not have to physically be in a building to lower the thermostat, turn off lights, or check in on the security system. Many BAS let you check the status of your building through a smartphone.

If you are thinking about switching your home or office building over to a Building Automation System, contact L&M Heating and Cooling with any questions. We’ll be happy to help you determine which BAS meets your needs.