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Using HOBO time‑of‑use loggers can help verify schedules, spot short‑cycling equipment, and quantify run‑hours—without touching the BAS (Building Automation System)
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How to Find Building Energy Waste with Data Loggers
Most facilities don’t have a “data” problem—they have a “signal” problem. Even if you have a building automation system (BAS), meters, and dashboards… you still may not be able to answer basic questions like:
- Is this air handler running outside of scheduled hours?
- Are lights actually turning off when the space is unoccupied?
- Is this compressor short‑cycling (and wearing itself out)?
- Did a retrofit or control change actually reduce runtime?
That’s where time‑of‑use data logging comes in. HOBO occupancy and runtime loggers record state changes (on/off, occupied/unoccupied, open/closed) so you can turn a week of monitoring into clear, actionable findings.
What Is Time‑of‑Use (On/Off) Data Logging?
Time‑of‑use logging focuses on events and durations of use instead of continuous analog measurements. Rather than recording “how much” (kW, CFM, °F), these loggers record “when” and “for how long.” That makes them fast to deploy and easy to interpret—ideal for audits, verification, and troubleshooting when you need truth on schedules and cycling behavior. Equipped with this information, you can ensure optimal performance to protect your investment and bottom line.
How Runtime & Occupancy Data Delivers Fast ROI
Energy audits:
Quantify actual runtime for HVAC, fans, pumps, and lighting circuits
Commissioning & retro‑commissioning:
Verify that sequences and schedules behave as designed
Preventive maintenance:
Identify excessive cycling and abnormal run‑hours that indicate mechanical issues
Space utilization:
Validate occupancy assumptions before resizing systems or changing ventilation strategies
How to Choose the Right Logger for Monitoring Energy Waste
A simple way to choose a logger for your monitoring needs is to match the signal you need to capture to the logger:
Logger | Best for | Product link |
HOBO Motor On/Off Data Logger (UX90‑004) | Motors, compressors, fans, pumps—captures on/off cycles and total run‑time. | |
HOBO Occupancy/Light Data Logger (UX90‑006) | Occupancy patterns and lighting behavior—ideal for conference rooms, offices, classrooms. | |
HOBO Light On/Off Data Logger (UX90‑002) | Lighting schedules—identify after‑hours operation and verify controls. | |
HOBO State Data Logger (UX90‑001) | Dry contact closure inputs (e.g., equipment status, door switch, valve open/closed). |
Building Monitoring Deployment Checklist
(How To Get Data That Holds Up)
- Decide what you’re proving (schedule compliance, cycling, utilization, before/after retrofit).
- Set the monitoring window (often 7–14 days to capture weekday/weekend patterns)
- Synchronize logger clocks and label each deployment location clearly
- Use mounting that won’t move during the study (movement can introduce false events)
- Document the context: equipment nameplate, schedule settings, control changes, weather anomalies, and known events
How does time-of-use data show where energy is being wasted?
Once downloaded, you can quickly visualize runtime and compare it to expected schedules. Below is an illustration that shows how time‑of‑use data can expose short‑cycling and after‑hours lighting issues:
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Recommended HOBO Solutions for Building and Facility Monitoring
For most audits, a small kit of time‑of‑use loggers can cover monitoring the majority of building systems. Start with the equipment you suspect is driving cost or comfort complaints—then expand monitoring as needed.
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