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Episode Description:
Daily decisions can make or break facility performance.
In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a deep dive into the BAS operator’s role and how structured daily tasks create long-term gains in energy efficiency, equipment life, and tenant satisfaction.
This isn’t about chasing alarms or reacting to complaints. It’s about creating a system of proactive habits that give you control over comfort, cost, and system longevity.
Topics Covered
- Establishing consistent workflows to support BAS operations
- Prioritizing critical systems through alarm management
- Unlocking performance insights from schedule and trend log reviews
- Aligning BAS tasks with broader facility goals
- Leveraging BAS tools to streamline operator efficiency
This episode is for those ready to stop firefighting and start optimizing.
Click here to download or listen to this episode now.Podcast Video
Optimizing Operator Workflows - Daily BAS Tasks that Improve Facility Performance
BAS operators are central to building performance. Their daily workflows impact comfort, energy use, equipment longevity, and tenant retention. This post outlines nine daily tasks that drive measurable improvement across facilities.
1. Define the BAS Operator Role
Operators manage system efficiency, ensure tenant comfort, and preserve mechanical equipment. Structured routines prevent reactive maintenance and minimize performance drift.
2. Monitor Critical Equipment
Daily checks should focus on high-impact systems like chillers, boilers, and air handlers. Prioritize equipment that consumes the most energy. Use system graphics and dashboards to scan for anomalies such as temperature deviations, high pressures, or airflow issues.
3. Manage and Prioritize Alarms
Address alarms daily to prevent a backlog. Separate critical from nuisance alarms. Track recurring issues to identify patterns. Adjust alarm thresholds to avoid false positives and reduce alarm fatigue.
4. Review Schedules and Setpoints
Validate that schedules align with space occupancy. Release unnecessary overrides to reduce wear and energy waste. Adjust seasonal setpoints based on system design and ASHRAE standards. Ensure comfort without compromising energy performance.
5. Analyze Trend Logs
Use trends to detect patterns, verify sequencing, and confirm sensor stability. Monitor zones with frequent issues. Look for conditions that repeat under specific loads or times to uncover systemic problems before they escalate.
6. Execute BAS-Based Preventive Maintenance
Track run hours on motors and pumps. Drive valves and dampers to full range positions to detect mechanical faults. Monitor filter pressure drops. Validate input/output performance and communication health. Stay current with certificate renewals for networked controllers.
7. Perform Energy Performance Checks
Track kilowatt and BTU usage via utility data or energy dashboards. Identify short cycling or continuous operation. Adjust setpoints for unoccupied spaces. Verify economizer operation and free-cooling availability.
8. Coordinate with Facility Teams
Share BAS insights with HVAC techs and leadership. Use maintenance logs to document recurring issues and fixes. Align priorities across departments. Use team meetings to highlight alarms, energy trends, and system adjustments.
9. Use BAS Tools to Streamline Workflows
Leverage dashboards for high-level views and report generation. Enable mobile access for field efficiency. Customize system graphics to support navigation and decision-making. Engage with BAS vendors early in the design process to ensure useful front-end configurations.
Each of these tasks contributes to consistent, efficient building operations. When performed daily, they prevent system failures, reduce energy use, and support tenant satisfaction.
For a deeper discussion and insights from the field, listen to this episode on the Smart Buildings Academy podcast.
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