How can I know my building is operating properly when I'm not there?

Buildings, just like cars, are complex systems. When we turn the key or press the start button an electrical signal starts a series of electro-mechanical events that result in your engine starting and allowing you to head off to your destination. Along the way the dashboard provides valuable feedback on your engine and car's operation. In the technologically advanced days of 2013 what feedback do we have for our buildings? If we are fortunate we may have a building management system that provides monitoring and control information with indication of comfort and in many newer installations, energy use. However, most building owners or operators do not have such systems and only know how their building is operating when they are walking around the building or visiting a boiler or mechanical equipment room. These observations are strictly for that specific moment in time, yet there are 8,760 hours or 525,600 minutes in a year, so what about the remaining minutes? Portable data loggers provide continuous sampling from a variety of different type of sensors. For example, these sensors might include; outdoor air temperature, space temperature, hot water or steam temperature, supply air temperature, return air temperature, etc. This information is stored in local memory banks at scan rates typically ranging from 1 minute to 1 hour and depending upon memory can hold a data point from seven days to several months. The data is then extracted to a personal computer and plotted to show dynamic performance of systems over time and in relation to the various sensors. Data loggers can be used to verify proper heating control in tenant spaces, performance of central heating or cooling plants, proper operation of air handling units, or even hours of lighting, fan or pump operation. Multiple data loggers operating on several systems at the same time within the building can also be used to see interactions and results of maintenance or contractor service calls. Their installation can be temporary or semi-permanent. Wireless communication technology will also soon allow data loggers to be remotely accessed via the Internet on a periodic basis. Also wireless technology will also allow these sensors to be quickly installed without the need for connecting wires to the data logger. Data logger's are a great low cost solution that allows you to clearly see how your buildings are operating at all times even when you are not there. Edward Brzezowski, P.E. is the vice president - MEP and Energy Services at Falcon Engineering, New York, N.Y.