Why Stop at Smart Thermostats?
There’s no question that smart thermostats are great for residents. The ability to control temperatures remotely, set schedules easily through a smartphone app, and access data history are just a few of the reasons why every multifamily building should be equipped with them.
However, our customers have found that the real value comes from behind the thermostat -- that’s where, for property owners and managers, the magic happens.
Temperature Control is Just the Beginning
By equipping each building with simple sensors and detectors on critical building systems and equipment such as boilers and rooftop HVAC units, Embue is able to collect a wealth of data that, when combined with our deep analytics and proprietary algorithms, is transformed into actionable insights that dramatically improves the way your building operates.
Consistent temperature control is a challenge for buildings of all shapes and sizes. Embue can determine how long it takes for the temperature in a unit or common area to reach the target temp and predict the effects of outside conditions to ensure consistency. Embue’s analytics can alert building management to potential problems, even when the apartment is making setpoint, by determining if building systems are having a hard time keeping up. This approach enables property managers to get ahead of potential problems before they get out of hand, saving on costs, reducing staff workload and ensuring a more healthy environment and consistent temperature for residents.
Humidity Control is Often Overlooked
All too often, property managers focus on heating and cooling, but mold caused by humidity is an issue that can create unhealthy living conditions and wreak havoc on a building if it’s not monitored correctly. While the thermostat's primary job in summertime is to tell the AC unit when to turn on and off to get the temperature right, it also plays a role in reducing the humidity. We'll go into the science in another post, but Embue’s humidity sensors enable AC units to behave much more intelligently. If the humidity level is getting out of the safe range -- perhaps because a resident has left a window open or has the cooling setpoint too high -- sensors can detect this and send you warnings that the conditions conducive to mold are present, so building maintenance staff can take a deeper look.
The Next Revolution is Whole Building Automation
While smart thermostats are all the rage for residents, managers and owners, whole building automation provides benefits beyond just consistent temperature. Building sensors and detectors, combined with smart thermostats and a robust software platform purpose-built for multifamily work together to give your residents the most comfortable experience, while keeping your building thriving for years to come.