“Smart” buildings have become the buildings of the future. Already, smart buildings are the preferred building, as they have been proven to save energy and cut back on the need to replace and streamline facility management. They can also help prevent the failure of expensive equipment. Despite their growing popularity, the construction of smart buildings remains a mystery to many. At ACS, we are specialists in all things smart buildings, and we have provided 5 debunked myths about these systems.

5 Smart Building Misconceptions

1. The Technology is Too Expensive

A lot of people hear the word “smart” and automatically assume that smart buildings will be too expensive to implement and operate, so they rule it out as an alternative. Although smart buildings’ technology has some initial expenses, these systems offer huge financial and energy savings down the road. After only a few months, you can already see the benefits of your investment. Typically, after the first or second year these smart buildings have been constructed, this investment will have already paid for itself. From here, the benefits will continue for years to come.

2. Smart Buildings Only Offer Energy Savings, Nothing Else

Smart buildings do not just help save energy. They help with a number of other functions, too, one of which is error prevention. When smart buildings are at risk for the failure of a major piece of machinery, the system notifies you. Knowing where and when there is a potential issue helps prevent major malfunctions. This is especially helpful at facilities — think hospitals — where even the most temporary system failure can have serious ramifications.

3. Smart Buildings are Green Buildings

Smart and “green” buildings are not always the same. In fact, smart buildings refer to systems that help buildings utilize energy well. Green buildings, however, often exceed the systems implemented in smart buildings. Using these words interchangeably is not correct, so it’s important to be certain of what system a building has implemented.

4. Laboratories and Industrial Buildings Can’t Become Smart Buildings

Although some facilities like laboratories have specialized technology, any building can be converted into a smart building. Whether it’s built from scratch or is just being renovated, energy-saving building automation systems can be included, transforming structures into smart buildings.

5. Older Technology Can’t Be Used in Smart Buildings

Smart technology is not limited to new technology. Thanks to the development of wireless technology, information can be gathered from older, separate systems. Because of this, the construction of smart buildings can help utilize existing resources.

Smart buildings can have some extremely significant financial and energy benefits; however, these systems are still extremely misunderstood. If you are considering integrating smart technology into your home or business office, be sure you have all of the facts first.

For more information on the services we provide for smart buildings, contact ACS at (913) 248-8828 today.