DALLAS - Tour Andover Controls has introduced Andover onSiTE, a prepackaged, Web-based control system for small buildings. The system is designed to bring energy savings, lighting efficiency, and the convenience of Web-based monitoring to owners of multiple, similar properties, such as chain stores, branch offices, and small office buildings. With this system, owners of smaller facilities can experience the benefits of a comprehensive building and energy management system that are usually reserved for large buildings, says the company.

Andover onSiTE has built-in functions for HVAC control, lighting control, and power monitoring. The product family includes a building controller, a network of thermostats, and remote sensors.

Using Andover onSiTE, up to 32 SiteStat® model thermostats can be networked to a single controller for gas, electric, or heat pump applications. According to the company, SiteStats are compatible with most HVAC equipment, and easily retrofit old wiring applications. Operators can schedule thermostat temperature setbacks by day, night, day-of-week, or date, and define holiday and weekday temperature schedules for the entire year. The system can also limit occupants to adjust the temperature within a limited range of degrees to reduce thermostat tampering. Temperature setbacks start automatically as soon as a building alarm is armed, and parking lot lights can be turned on and off at sunset and sunrise all year long, says the company.

The Andover onSiTE controller allows operators to monitor and control building functions remotely using a standard Web browser. Remote scheduling, setpoint changes, alarming, reporting, and graphical trends are all available via the Web. The controller installs using simple wiring diagrams and no additional software is necessary to complete the installation, the company says.

"Managers who are responsible for a large number of small facilities, such as retail stores, quick service chains, branch offices, or regional office buildings, understand that maintenance and operations can consume a sizeable part of their budgets," said Lonnie Laue, director of marketing and sales support for Tour Andover Controls. "Energy costs alone can have a substantial impact on profitability. Therefore, it is important to aggressively and effectively control these costs using the right strategy to ensure the expected return on investment."

According to Laue, the Andover onSiTE system offers small building control solutions that meet these maintenance and energy savings objectives, and provides short-term return on investment. "Andover's building automation controllers, combined with smart communicating thermostats, can help a business reduce energy costs, save on maintenance expenses, and eliminate unnecessary service calls," he said.

Additional information about Andover onSiTE can be found at www.andoveronsite.com.

Publication date: 03/07/2005