The Whole Building Diagnostician (WBD) is a
modular diagnostic software system that provides
detection and diagnosis of problems with the
operation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
(HVAC) systems and major energy end-uses. It has
been extensively field tested and demonstrated in
buildings over the past several years. WBD found
problems with many air-handling units at all sites.
The problems ranged from a simple set point
deviation to improper implementation of controls.
The results from these demonstrations, along with the
feedback from building operators and managers on
the use of diagnostic tools, are presented in the paper.
Experience from field tests indicates that providing
diagnostic tools to building operators can increase
their awareness of equipment faults, but it will not by
itself solve the problems of inefficient operations.
Changes in operation and maintenance practices and
behavior are needed. We discuss how these new
technologies might be delivered and used more
effectively to better manage facilities, improving
their condition and increasing their energy efficiency
