Facility managers know that overseeing the performance of an HVAC system is essential in keeping the right climate in a commercial structure or environmental system. Maintaining proper temperatures and airflow ensures the comfort of workers, residents and guests as well as the safety of assets. When not on the clock or onsite, building supervisors can rely on an HVAC monitoring system to keep an eye on operations.
These remote monitoring systems allow you to get real-time status of environmental conditions and equipment performance anytime, anywhere. Based on output, you can adjust temperatures and troubleshoot equipment issues to avoid malfunctions or failures that can result in operational downtime and expensive repairs.
In addition to performing as data loggers, many HVAC monitoring systems serve as data acquisition devices so you can access important performance data via an app or webpage. This means you can do precise troubleshooting remotely at your convenience.
Read on to find out how an HVAC monitoring system can serve as an important part of your facility management strategy.
Choosing the right sensors
The key to effective HVAC remote monitoring is evaluating your application needs and selecting the right sensors. We recommend choosing the sensor that not only is appropriate for your need, but also the application. For instance, if it is determined CO2 or humidity monitoring is required, there are sensors specifically designed to be placed in duct work, in dirty or extra humid environments, or that will look good hanging on a wall in a public area.
For HVAC applications, we suggest using scaleable 4-20mA sensors. These sensors provide an exact value, rather than just a simple on or off status. In most cases they require their own power supply and it is recommended that the power supply have a battery backup that will power the sensor during a power outage.
Monitor offices, shopping complexes, hotels, hospitals and schools
You can use an HVAC remote monitoring system in virtually any facility where people work or visit. Base units can be placed inconspicuously in utility closets and other out-of-view areas. These systems can:
- Maintain stable ambient temperature and humidity in rooms, hallways and group areas.
- Keep a fixed water temperature range in bathrooms, kitchens, labs and other areas that rely on running water.
- Check for power failures, water seepage, floods and intrusion, as well as control timers and alarms.
Read how facility managers use Sensaphone's Sentinel HVAC monitoring system at well-known hotels.
Monitor boiler rooms
A remote monitoring system can look for drops in water pressure, indicating a problem with the boiler configuration or equipment. They can alert operators to periods of high water use at the facility, so they can make the necessary adjustments to keep the water flow from becoming just a trickle.
Monitoring refrigerators and freezers
HVAC remote monitoring systems also ensure cold places maintain their chill. You can use them in commercial refrigerators and freezers, restaurant walk-in units, chillers and other cold storage units. These systems are ideal for food manufacturing, processing and storage facilities, research and testing laboratories, medical facilities, food service and retail locations. Some even detect ultra-low freezer temperatures down to -112 °F/-80 °C.
Measuring for key HVAC conditions
Monitoring airflow, carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity levels tells you how well your HVAC system is working. It’s important to know if humidity readings are off-kilter before people start feeling uncomfortable. Because it's less physically noticeable when CO2 levels are out of range, monitoring that parameter is vital in maintaining indoor air quality.
Sensors provide feedback to an HVAC monitoring system on these different parameters. HVAC monitoring systems interact with different sensors within a facility and furnish on-demand live status and data acquisition from any Internet-connected device.
For locations where hard-wiring sensors are difficult or cost-prohibitive, web-based monitoring systems that use wireless sensors are the solution. For HVAC applications, we suggest using scalable 4-20mA sensors. These sensors provide an exact value, rather than just a simple on or off status. In most cases, they require their own power supply. It is recommended that the power supply have a battery backup that will power the sensor during a power outage.
The following sensors provide real-time data and will cause your monitoring system to activate an alarm when readings exceed a set level or range. They are ideal for HVAC remote monitoring of airflow, CO2 and humidity:
Airflow
- 4-20mA Type Duct Mount Airflow Transmitter - To monitor airflow in duct work, this transmitter registers the airflow speed. This is important because the cooling action of air increases with airspeed. It is especially useful for monitoring air conditioning in ducts.
CO2
- 4-20mA Type 0-20K CO2 Transmitter - This sensor detects CO2 levels from 0-20,000 parts per million (ppm). It is designed for locations where CO2 levels are constant, as opposed to spaces where people are frequently entering and exiting.
- 4-20mA Type Duct Mount C02 Transmitter - To monitor CO2 levels in duct work, this sensor detects levels from 0-2,000 ppm. It is specifically designed to be mounted in a return air duct.
- 4-20mA Type Outdoor CO2 Transmitter - This sensor is ideal for areas with higher CO2 levels (>2,000 ppm) such as breweries, wineries, plant greenhouses or buildings that are constantly occupied, like a hospital. The weatherproof enclosure allows users to place it in areas that would typically shorten the life of unprotected sensors.
Humidity
- 4-20mA Type Duct Mount Humidity Transmitter - This sensor is specifically designed to be mounted in a return air duct and is used to monitor relative humidity from 0% to 100%.
- 4-20mA Type Outdoor Humidity Transmitter - Designed to monitor relative humidity from 0% to 100% in harsh locations, this sensor is mounted in a weatherproof enclosure.
Types of data collection
In addition to providing 24/7 status on operating conditions, an HVAC monitoring system instantly notifies users when detecting readings outside of preset parameters. In the event of a change, the system calls, texts or emails the correct personnel.
A monitoring system that also includes a data logger can check sensor data at set time intervals with a time/date stamp. Using a data logger to automatically record information helps you identify trends and patterns in equipment performance and environmental conditions. This makes it easy to maintain records and generate time- and sensor-specific reports. This is especially useful when you're required to report on operating conditions or demonstrate compliance.
Data also provides insight into potential problems that you can address before they become disasters. For example, you could notice machine vibrations are falling out of the preset range. This could indicate the beginning of an equipment malfunction that your team can repair before total failure occurs.
Cloud-based monitoring systems
When using a cloud-based monitoring system that has a mobile app, you can store unlimited amounts of data and access it at any time on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Unlimited storage in one location makes it fast and easy to access trending reports, check specific equipment status and review alarm history.
The Stratus EMS Monitoring System remotely monitors HVAC systems, refrigerators, cold storage units and other unattended operating facilities, collecting data from sensors and building management systems and pushing it to the cloud for alarming, logging and reporting.
This rack-mounted HVAC monitoring system monitors up to 64 Modbus registers and 12 universal digital or analog inputs. Because it supports Modbus RTU/485 and Modbus TCP, the Stratus EMS can read data from building automation and uninterruptible power supply systems.
Other cloud-based monitoring systems like the Sensaphone Sentinel Pro Monitoring System also provide critical system-wide information by interfacing with HVAC equipment that uses a building automation system (BAS). Operators can manage complex networks, view real-time equipment status and get data points from their BAS. In addition, they can manage multiple devices via the Internet or an app.
If requiring a cellular connection, Sensaphone offers the LTE Cellular Modem with Battery Backup that enables a connection with the Stratus EM and Sentinel Monitoring Systems by telephone.
Monitoring HVAC equipment helps you maintain peak performance, which maximizes indoor air quality and minimizes energy costs. If you have specific questions about which HVAC monitoring system and sensors are right for your facility, our support team is on hand to make a recommendation.
