HVAC
THE POWER OF PRECISION TEMPERATURE DATA
When HVAC systems fail to deliver the right temperature balance, the consequences range from energy inefficiency to uncomfortable workspaces and even regulatory breaches. What can be done to allow facilities managers to take a proactive, data- driven approach, asks Jason Webb, MD of Electronic Temperature Instruments.
Facilities managers are in a constant balancing act: keeping buildings comfortable without sending energy bills through the roof. With net-zero targets looming and operational budgets tightening, there’s never been more pressure to get HVAC efficiency right. And yet, many buildings still haemorrhage energy through inefficient heating and cooling—often due to something as simple as inaccurate temperature monitoring.
We all know HVAC systems are energy-hungry pieces of equipment, but without precise data guiding their operation, even the most sophisticated setups become wasteful. The right temperature insights can mean the difference between an HVAC system that quietly does its job and one that burns energy, frustrates occupants, and costs a fortune in repairs.
"Tiny inefficiencies, such as overcooling by just a couple of degrees, can snowball into thousands of pounds in unnecessary energy costs each year.”
The energy-efficiency dilemma: Why
precision matters Heating and cooling systems account for a staggering 40% of a building’s total energy use, according to the UK’s Carbon Trust. If that doesn’t raise eyebrows, consider this: businesses could collectively save up to £2bn annually with better energy efficiency measures, per estimates from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The culprit behind much of this waste? Poor temperature control. Tiny inefficiencies, such as overcooling by just a couple of degrees, can snowball into thousands of pounds in unnecessary energy costs each year. Precise temperature monitoring removes the guesswork, helping facilities managers optimise HVAC settings so that heating and cooling only happen when—and where—they’re needed.
What’s more, an efficiently run HVAC system lasts longer. Overworking a system due to inaccurate temperature readings shortens its lifespan, leading to expensive repairs and premature replacements. By embracing data-driven adjustments, facilities teams can save energy, extend equipment life, and reduce carbon footprints—all while ensuring a comfortable environment.
46 | TOMORROW’S FM Tackling overuse and underperformance
with temperature audits Ask any facilities manager about their pain points, and you’ll likely hear about rooms that are inexplicably freezing in the summer and stiflingly hot in winter. These inconsistencies aren’t just an annoyance; they’re a flashing warning sign of HVAC inefficiencies.
Regular temperature audits uncover these hidden inefficiencies, whether it’s an air duct that’s leaking conditioned air, sensors that have drifted out of calibration, or system settings that don’t reflect actual occupancy patterns. By mapping out temperature inconsistencies across a building, facilities teams can spot and resolve inefficiencies before they spiral into costly problems.
The real trick, however, is ensuring the data you collect is reliable. A mis-calibrated sensor or a poorly positioned thermostat can lead to adjustments that do more harm than good. Investing in high-quality temperature monitoring solutions ensures facilities managers make informed decisions rather than playing an endless guessing game.
Spotting problems before they
become expensive failures An unexpected HVAC failure is every facilities manager’s nightmare. The downtime, repair costs, and disruption to building occupants can be significant—not to mention the scramble to find emergency solutions. But what if you could see problems coming long before they lead to system breakdowns?
That’s where proactive temperature monitoring becomes invaluable. Infrared thermometers cameras provide a non-invasive way to detect early warning signs of HVAC distress. Refrigerant leaks? Subtle temperature inconsistencies in cooling outputs can indicate problems before they cause widespread failures.
“A mis-calibrated sensor or a poorly positioned thermostat can lead to adjustments that do more harm than good.”
Another often-overlooked factor is insulation. A well- insulated building makes HVAC systems work less hard,
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