The Hidden Cost of Outdated Building Controls (And How to Fix Them Before Summer)

With spring approaching, the shift to cooling season isn’t far behind and neither are rising energy demands. Many building owners and facility managers may not realize that outdated building controls are quietly driving up costs. With summer just a few months away, now is the perfect time to assess your building automation system (BAS) and make necessary upgrades before peak energy costs hit.

The Cost of Holding Onto Outdated Controls

Aging building control systems may still function, but their inefficiencies often go unnoticed until they start affecting budgets, occupant comfort, and overall building performance. While these systems were once state-of-the-art, technology has advanced significantly, now offering smarter, more efficient solutions. Holding onto outdated controls can lead to a range of hidden costs that silently drain resources. Below are some key areas where aging systems may be costing you more than you realize:

1. Increased Energy Waste Older control systems often lack the precision and automation capabilities of modern solutions, leading to unnecessary heating and cooling, poor scheduling, and a lack of real-time optimization. This inefficiency results in higher utility bills, especially during peak cooling months when energy demand spikes.
2. Higher Maintenance Costs As building control systems age, components wear out, and replacement parts become harder to find or more expensive. Frequent repairs, manual interventions, and the need for specialized knowledge to maintain aging controls drive up operational costs, increase labor expenses, and potentially lead to longer downtimes. Upgrading to a modern system can reduce these ongoing maintenance issues and ensure a more reliable operation.
3. Reduced Occupant Comfort An outdated building automation system can struggle to maintain consistent indoor temperatures, resulting in poor climate control that impacts employee productivity in offices, tenant satisfaction in commercial buildings, and product quality in controlled environments. A modern BAS dynamically adjusts temperature, humidity, and air quality in real time to ensure optimal conditions.
4. Lack of Remote Monitoring and Control Older systems often lack remote access capabilities, making it difficult to monitor and adjust settings from anywhere. Without cloud-based access and real-time monitoring, facility managers must rely on outdated scheduling methods or manual intervention, leading to delays in addressing inefficiencies or problems. Modern BAS solutions allow for remote adjustments, predictive maintenance, and automated alerts, giving facility managers greater control and flexibility.
5. Cybersecurity Risks Legacy building control systems were not designed with today’s cybersecurity threats in mind. Without regular software updates, encryption, and modern security protocols, these systems can become an easy target for cyberattacks. A security breach in a BAS could disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and even pose safety risks. Upgrading to a secure, cloud-connected system with built-in cybersecurity measures is essential to protecting your facility from potential threats.
6. Compliance and Sustainability Setbacks Many industries now face stricter regulations regarding energy efficiency and sustainability. Older control systems may not provide the reporting capabilities needed to comply with new standards or qualify for energy rebates and incentives. By upgrading to a smart BAS, businesses can track and optimize energy use, reduce their carbon footprint, and meet regulatory requirements while improving overall efficiency.

How to Address These Issues Before Summer

Now that you know the risks, here’s how you can take proactive steps to upgrade your building automation system before peak energy demand:

1. Conduct a BAS Audit Start by evaluating your current system’s performance. Identify inefficiencies, outdated components, and areas where automation could improve energy savings.
2. Upgrade to Smart Thermostats and Sensors Modern smart thermostats and occupancy sensors allow for more precise temperature control and adaptive scheduling, reducing unnecessary energy use.
3. Invest in Cloud-Based Controls A cloud-connected system enables remote monitoring and control, providing facility managers with real-time insights and alerts to optimize performance from anywhere.
4. Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures Ensure your system is protected by implementing the latest firmware updates, multi-factor authentication, and network segmentation to reduce vulnerabilities.

Waiting until summer to address outdated building controls can result in higher energy costs, emergency repairs, and uncomfortable building conditions. By taking action now, you can improve efficiency, enhance occupant comfort, and reduce operational expenses before peak energy demand arrives.

Upgrading your BAS isn’t just a cost-saving move – it’s a strategic investment in the future of your building. Want to learn more about how FES can help modernize your building automation system? Contact us today to get started.