What are HVAC controls?

HVAC controls are devices that manage, coordinate, and execute Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning (HVAC) operations.

Controls can range from wall thermostats to large-scale applications such as a centralized hub that controls entire buildings and even multiple facilities across large geographic areas. *Controls are simply devices that try to duplicate the human thought process. With HVAC controls, the controls are designed to carry out the thoughts and desires of the HVAC system designer.

*Definition by American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

What are DDC controls?

Direct Digital Controls (DDC) are programmable devices that can be customized to deliver various functions, from setting and managing temperature and condition setpoints to adjusting and adapting to changing environmental conditions. Programmability allows building owners and operators to customize functions such as global or localized setpoints, operating times and limits, and even ancillary functions such as lighting, signage, landscape, and water features, etc.

Building Automation Controls

In large facilities, the mechanical systems are more complex and interconnected. Complex HVAC and DDC systems can interface with a Building Automation System (BAS). The BAS interface allows facility owners to monitor their systems, organize system processes, observe equipment status and performance, and quickly acknowledge alarms or issues from DDC-controlled equipment connected to the BAS.

These systems can be customized, and the interface can directly control HVAC and other DDC components. Thanks to the customizable technology, businesses no longer need to purchase or replace expensive mechanical equipment. These ‘gateway’ solutions allow facility managers to manage, operate, and diagnose their HVAC and lighting systems over the internet.

DDC combined with BAS systems also gather and store operational data. With this collected data, the system can then calculate several varied factors in your building, such as its energy usage, humidity, temperature, etc.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial facilities with BAS and DDC controls can benefit on several fronts, the primary one being financial. A facility with programmable controls and BAS utilizes resources intelligently and efficiently. Utility spending is far less, as are labor hours due to better diagnostics and system management.