In an era where energy efficiency, occupant comfort and operational cost savings are more important than ever, building management systems can play a crucial role.
A building management system (BMS) is a centralised platform that enables intelligent monitoring and control of various building systems. A BMS can enable facility managers to optimise systems in real time, respond quickly to issues and make data-driven decisions.
Building management systems are commonly used for heating, hot water, ventilation and air conditioning applications, and they can also be used for other applications such as lighting and security systems.
As award-winning commercial heating and ventilation specialists, Lord Combustion Services are experts in fitting such systems for customers.
We offer a wide range of heating and hot water control systems and equipment to suit any business need and budget. Our expert team can handle installations quickly and efficiently, including retrofitting new appliances to existing systems.
Building management systems enhance control over heating systems in the following ways:
Centralised monitoring and control
One of the primary benefits of a BMS is the centralisation of control. Traditional heating systems may be operated manually or rely on local thermostats, making consistent management difficult, especially in large buildings.
With a BMS, facility managers can view and control the entire heating infrastructure from a single interface. Real-time data from boilers, heat pumps, radiators, HVAC units and thermostats is collected and displayed.
Remote monitoring and control can be incorporated, enabling access via an internet connection. This can enable managers of large property portfolios to monitor and control their properties without being onsite.
Intelligent scheduling and automation
BMS platforms allow for sophisticated scheduling, ensuring that heating systems operate only when needed.
Key automation features include:
- Time-based schedules, for example when heating runs during business hours and reduces at night or on weekends
- Occupancy-based control, using motion sensors or access control systems to adjust heating based on actual usage
- Zoning, which divides the building into different zones, each with its own schedule and setpoints
Calendar functions within building management systems enable building managers to set up exceptions well in advance. For example, a school business manager may set up exceptions for parents’ evenings, holidays and school plays.
Enhanced energy efficiency
Building management systems utilise energy efficient software strategies to control and maintain the best levels of energy efficiency and comfort within a building.
They avoid overheating by ensuring that target temperatures are accurately maintained.
Temperatures can be regulated to match the weather and outside air temperatures (this is called weather compensation).
Systems can “learn” heating and cooling down times within a building and adjust start and stop times accordingly (this is called optimisation).
They can also optimise equipment cycling, preventing boilers or pumps from turning on and off too frequently, which can waste energy and wear out equipment.
Real-time diagnostics and alerts
A key advantage of BMS integration is real-time fault detection and diagnostics. The system can monitor equipment performance metrics like temperature, pressure and flow rate, and instantly detect anomalies.
Alarm functions and notifications can be set up to report on the status of equipment or sensor readings. Examples of this could be notifying maintenance providers of the failure of a boiler or pump or monitoring domestic water temperatures for legionella compliance and notifying building managers when they go outside of a specified range.
This proactive maintenance reduces downtime, prevents emergency repairs, simplifies regulatory compliance and extends equipment life.
Data logging and performance analysis
Building management systems continuously collect vast amounts of data related to heating system performance, including energy consumption, temperature fluctuations, equipment run-times and load demand patterns.
By understanding long-term trends and peak usage times, building operators can make informed decisions, such as adjusting schedules, rebalancing zones or investing in more efficient heating technologies.
BMS platforms can support businesses with their sustainability goals and ensure compliance with green building standards and certifications.
Integration with other building systems
One of the most powerful features of a BMS is its ability to integrate multiple systems, enabling holistic building control.
For heating systems, this can mean integration with cooling systems, ventilation systems, lighting and occupancy sensors or renewable energy systems.
Through this integration, the BMS becomes a true energy management platform, optimising not just heating in isolation but the entire building environment.
Modern BMS platforms are scalable and modular, making them well-suited for evolving needs. As buildings expand or technologies change, the system can be updated or reconfigured.
Whether for a single large building or multiple buildings, integrating heating systems with a well-designed BMS can be a strategic investment that delivers measurable returns in energy savings, occupant comfort, equipment longevity and environmental performance.
At Lord Combustion Services, we have a team of nearly 50 staff serving more than 1,000 customers across the West Midlands from our base in Oldbury.
If you would like to know more about how we can you support you with your heating and hot water systems, please get in touch.
Contact Lord Combustion Services today by calling 0121 544 4191 or emailing service@lordcombustion.co.uk.
