MEKONGLINK | Glocal Open Innovation Platform in Asia-Pacific Region

1. Real-World Problems for Building Managers

In large commercial buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, air conditioning systems account for 40–60% of the total electricity bill. This is the largest cost and also the hardest to optimize — not due to a lack of solutions, but because most solutions require deep intervention into the existing infrastructure.

The main barriers reflected by Property Manager:

• • Energy costs account for 40–60% of total electricity consumption, significant financial pressure
  • Temperature differences between areas cause constant complaints from tenants
  • Traditional BMS is costly, takes weeks–months to deploy, risk of operational disruption
  • Increasing ESG/Green Building requirements but lack of reportable data
  • Concerns about void warranty or affecting existing equipment warranty when integrating

The practical question arises: Is there a way to control the entire HVAC system without drilling, without shutting down, without affecting tenants — and deploy within days instead of months?

>>> See more about Mekonglink’s automatic HVAC management solution here

2. 6-Step Deployment Process. No System Interference

The entire process is designed according to the zero-disruption principle: the building operates normally throughout the installation process. Actual time: A multi-floor coffee shop building with over 12 air conditioners, completed installation and configured dashboard in 1 working day. Compatible: Daikin, Mitsubishi Heavy, Midea, Carrier, Panasonic, LG, Samsung, and over 200 models popular in the Vietnamese market.

3. Optimization Strategies and Best Practices

Utilizing Automation to Reduce Operational Costs

• Automation enhances operational efficiency and significantly reduces costs
• Adjusting temperature thresholds based on actual data increases accuracy and limits energy waste
• Set schedules by hour, day of the week, and holidays to avoid unnecessary operation
• According to Deloitte, automation can help reduce up to 30% of operational costs (Brands Vietnam cites Deloitte, 2022)

Active Monitoring and Alert Setup

• Set alert thresholds when temperature/humidity exceeds allowable levels
• Monitor alerts and technical errors for timely handling
• Reduce the risk of disruption and limit unexpected additional costs

Incorporate User Feedback

• Collect user opinions on actual temperature perception
• Adjust the system accordingly to enhance comfort
• Reduce complaints and improve overall satisfaction

Data Analysis for Continuous Optimization

• Analyze energy consumption reports by area
• Identify unreasonable points and optimization opportunities
• Provide a basis for proving energy savings effectiveness and serve ESG goals

Notes on System Operation

• Avoid manual temperature adjustments without data
• Always update software to ensure functionality and security
• According to FPT IS (2024), automation helps businesses reduce 30% – 50% of operational costs

4. Handling Common Issues

Temperature Not as Desired

• Cause: improperly placed sensors, non-sealed space, insufficient capacity, unsuitable schedule
• Solution: adjust sensors, check space, evaluate capacity, optimize schedule

High Power Consumption

• Cause: unreasonable temperature settings, running after hours, not using AIoT
• Solution: adjust temperature, optimize schedule, enable automation

Unable to Control Equipment

• Cause: incompatibility, power failure, far from Hub, lost Wi-Fi
• Solution: check device, power, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connection

Incorrect Sensor Data

• Cause: incorrect position, affected by local heat, device error
• Solution: relocate, avoid sources of influence, replace if necessary

5. Advanced Options and Integration

• Expand the system with environmental sensors: Adding sensors like CO₂, lighting helps the HVAC system respond more accurately to actual conditions. For example, the system can automatically increase ventilation when CO₂ levels exceed thresholds, ensuring air quality while optimizing energy consumption.
• Connect to existing management systems: The HVAC system can integrate with a central dashboard or energy management systems (EMS), allowing managers to monitor the performance and consumption of the entire building on a single platform, without changing or deeply interfering with the existing BMS.
• Advanced Automation Based on Actual Data: For buildings with high demands, flexible automation scenarios can be deployed such as:
• • Adjusting according to usage history (meeting rooms, crowded areas)
  • Automatically adjust temperature according to the weather
  • Optimize operation based on actual data

These settings make the system smarter and reduce long-term operational costs.

6. Summary of HVAC Upgrade Solution

The HVAC upgrade solution is deployed step-by-step, without requiring changes to existing infrastructure. Starting from system assessment, installing devices in a “plug & play” model, then configuring and operating on a centralized management platform.

The entire system is controlled based on actual data and is continuously optimized over time. This allows businesses to:

• Proactively control the environment and operations
• Reduce energy and operational costs
• Easily meet sustainability standards (ESG)

7. Start Upgrading Your HVAC System

Applying the solution in practice will provide the clearest view of operational efficiency and cost savings potential. A real project in District 1 by Mekonglink implemented full HVAC system control in just 48 hours without disrupting operations. If you are considering upgrading the system for your building, this is the right time to start with a simple, effective, and non-invasive solution.

👉 Register to receive consultation & real-life demo, the expert team will contact you for a suitable solution consultation and send additional similar case studies.

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Contact Information:

• Email: Community@mekonglink.asia
• Website: mekonglink.asia
• International phone: (+84) 02888868685
• Vietnam phone: (+84) 364689922 (+84) 364689911