Embue FAQ


 

What is the Embue Smart Building platform?

Embue is a smart building management solution designed specifically for multifamily properties and portfolios that significantly improves energy efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, makes the property easier to manage and more profitable – all while making the building more comfortable for residents.


Do we need to install thermostats?

Thermostat and apartment tech are the best way to drive significant, continuous savings. Customers can choose Embue Central to optimize the central plant with equipment monitoring, automation, intelligence and control. Embue Central comes with three thermostats for common areas but it's not necessary to install them.


How much does Embue cost?

Embue Central starts at $399/mo with $0 down for a typical 200-unit building, including hardware, setup and a five year subscription, invoiced annually in advance. Embue Apartment pricing varies and includes the cost of equipment and installation.


What types of buildings are a good fit for Embue?

Embue can be installed in any multifamily building including garden style, scattered site, high-rise, mid-rise, condo, and more.


How much energy savings will our building see?

Embue-enabled buildings typically see energy savings of 25% or more. Embue does an energy analysis of your building and will provide a projected energy savings numbers. Contact us to schedule your analysis today.


Will Embue help our buildings comply with mandates like BERDO and LL97?

Yes! Embue can decrease carbon emissions from any building up to 25% or more.


My staff are not digital savvy. Is the Embue interface hard to use?

The Embue Super interface was designed to be used by everyone, including non-digital natives. The Embue Super app can be used on any mobile phone and is accessible via browser.


What types of sensors can be installed?

In the central plant, Embue can be used to monitor and control popular central equipment including boilers, chillers, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Variable Refrigerant Flow systems (VRFs), heat pumps, and can monitor for leaks. In the apartment, Embue can monitor and control temperature, moisture, occupancy status, window open/close, sleeve and PTAC air conditioning, noise, and motion.


What type of central equipment does Embue support?

Embue Central starts at $399/mo with $0 down.


How can Embue help ensure our building is working at peak performance?

Embue provides quarterly or seasonal analysis for each building in your portfolio to identify areas of improvement.


What is Zigbee and how does Embue use it?

Zigbee is wireless communication technology used for most of Embue's sensors and thermostats.


What's the difference between Zigbee and WiFi?

Zigbee and WiFi are both wireless communication technologies. Both technologies use hubs or gateways to transmit the wireless signal out to the internet over a wired technology such as Ethernet, cable or fiber or over a cellular connection. Embue Cores are the gateway devices in an Embue building wide network.

One key advantage of Zigbee for a smart building is that it uses very little energy so battery powered devices can operate for years before needing to replace the battery. A second big advantage is Zigbee's ""mesh networking"" features, where Zigbee devices such as the Embue thermostat act as repeaters, so that the signal from the Embue Core can reach distant parts of the building as it is relayed from one thermostat to the next. Because of this feature, an Embue network needs only one Embue Core per 25 to 50 apartments (compared to needing a WiFi gateway for every apartment).

Zigbee and WiFi can coexist in the same building. The two networks are completely separate from each other and can operate at the same time without interference.