Level One provides a full range of HVAC/R services and building automation to help with energy management.
Level One HVAC’s Building Controls Division designs, installs, services, and monitors Building Automation Systems (BAS) for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities across Michigan. A BAS gives facility managers centralized, often remote, control over a building’s HVAC, lighting, security, and other core systems — replacing manual monitoring and guesswork with real-time data and automated response.
What Is a Building Automation System?
A Building Automation System is a networked platform of hardware and software that monitors and controls a building’s core systems from a single interface, rather than managing HVAC, lighting, and security separately. Instead of relying on staff to manually adjust equipment room by room, a BAS continuously tracks conditions throughout the building and adjusts systems automatically based on occupancy, time of day, and preset parameters. Commercial BAS platforms commonly integrate:
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment
- Lighting systems
- Security systems, including electronic door locks, cameras, and access control
- Utility and water usage monitoring
- IT networking infrastructure supporting the above systems
Benefits
A well-designed BAS reduces energy costs, simplifies maintenance, and gives facility managers visibility into building performance. Specific benefits include:
- Lower utility costs — automating HVAC and lighting alone can meaningfully reduce energy spend, and many facilities see a return on their BAS investment in about a year through savings.
- Rebate eligibility — qualifying commercial BAS installations may be eligible for utility rebates that offset a portion of the upfront investment; ask your Level One representative about current program eligibility.
- Simplified maintenance and diagnostics — instead of dispatching a technician to physically inspect equipment in hard-to-reach areas like rooftops or crawl spaces, a BAS allows issues to be identified remotely from a centralized dashboard, often before they become a larger problem.
- Enhanced security — a BAS can automate door locks, lighting, and camera systems, including limiting after-hours access to only the specific areas an authorized employee needs.
- Reduced environmental impact — better visibility into energy and water usage supports sustainability goals alongside cost savings.
- Higher property value — buildings with modern, energy-efficient automation systems are generally viewed as more valuable and desirable to tenants.
How Does Level One HVAC Approach Building Automation?
We approach every BAS project as a custom design based on your facility’s layout, equipment, and operational goals rather than a one-size-fits-all package. Our process includes:
- Design consultation — assessing your building’s existing systems, layout, and goals to design a BAS tailored to your facility.
- Installation — on-site installation of controls, sensors, and networking infrastructure with minimal disruption to daily operations.
- Service and maintenance — ongoing support to keep your BAS performing as designed, including troubleshooting and system updates.
- Alarm monitoring — continuous monitoring so equipment faults or security events are flagged and addressed quickly.
Our technicians are trained across multiple major BAS platforms, including Tridium, FX Control System, and Auto Matrix. This allows us to support a wide range of existing systems as well as new installations.
Who Needs a Building Automation System?
Building automation delivers the most value for facilities with significant energy usage, multiple zones or tenants, security requirements, or aging equipment that’s difficult to monitor manually — which in practice covers most commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. Common applications include:
- Office buildings and commercial real estate
- Schools and educational campuses
- Healthcare and senior living facilities
- Retail and grocery locations
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Multi-family residential properties
- Institutional buildings
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a Building Automation System save on energy costs? Estimates suggest automating HVAC and lighting systems alone can meaningfully reduce a building’s energy costs. Many facilities recovering their investment in roughly a year, though actual savings depend on building size, existing equipment, and usage patterns.
Are there rebates available for installing a BAS? Qualifying commercial BAS installations may be eligible for utility rebate programs. Availability and rebate amounts vary.
Can a BAS be monitored remotely? Yes. Modern BAS platforms allow facility managers and Level One technicians to monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues remotely. This reduces the need for on-site inspections.
What BAS platforms does Level One HVAC support? Our technicians are trained on multiple major platforms, including Tridium, FX Control System, and Auto Matrix . We support both new installations and existing systems.
Does a BAS only control HVAC? No. While HVAC is often the largest component, a BAS can also integrate lighting, security systems, access control, and utility monitoring into a single platform.
Get Started with Building Automation
Every Building Automation System should be customized to your building’s specific layout, equipment, and goals. If you’re ready to explore energy savings, improved security, and simplified maintenance for your facility, Level One HVAC’s Building Controls Division can help.
We provide services and support for these Building Automation Systems:
