Priority Factors to Consider when Buying an Industrial Smart Thermostat for HVAC Systems

The number of businesses opting for smart facilities has been increasing consistently for quite some time now. The overlap that exists between intelligent industrial facilities and an HVAC system is an area that facility managers should explore. Smart thermostats are an excellent example of such an overlap. Compared to when thermostats first hit the market, the devices have evolved a great deal. Today, thermostats can be customised to meet specific air conditioning needs in industrial applications. However, with a myriad of brands available in the market, choosing the right smart thermostat can be overwhelming to inexperienced facility managers. This post highlights essential factors to consider when buying a smart thermostat for your HVAC system.

Extended Warranty

Unlike smart thermostats for home applications, industrial thermostats run round the clock. The warranty period should, therefore, play a significant role in your choice. That said, different brands offer different warranty periods. Some will do three years while others provide five years warranty. As you shop for a smart thermostat, make sure that you go for a brand that provides the most extended warranty period. You will be assured that any repairs or replacements as a result of malfunctioning will be taken care of over the long haul.  

Compatibility with IAQ Accessories

The importance of maintaining air quality in industrial facilities cannot be overstated enough. Since industrial spaces house offices and boardrooms, it is common to find other indoor air quality (IAQ) accessories such as dehumidifiers and UV air filters. The smart thermostat you choose should, therefore, be compatible with the other accessories. For instance, the number of people and activities in an industrial facility can be high, which increases humidity levels. A standard AC system would need to run for at least 10 minutes to dehumidify a space. However, a conventional AC system cannot run long enough to bring down humidity to comfortable levels considering the many sources of moisture inside a facility at any given time. However, a smart thermostat that is compatible with a dehumidifier or humidifier can detect high or low humidity and make appropriate adjustments automatically.  

Zoning Sensors

The number of AC units required in an industrial facility depends on size as well as human traffic at any given time. Therefore, it is normal to experience varying temperatures within a facility, especially if it is sizeable. To improve efficiency and save energy bills, thermostats with zoning sensors help facility managers to manage temperatures with relative ease. For instance, if an area that usually receives high foot traffic suddenly goes empty, the sensors detect this and turn down the amount of heat or cold air required. Zoning using smart thermostats saves time for facility managers since they do not have to regulate the system manually.