Energy Expert Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: How is Energy Expert better than competing products/services?
A: We don’t believe there are any competitors. Energy Expert is unique in many ways. Facility managers for years have been able to track and make guesses on how to save energy based on past performances. Typically, energy managers have to wait until they get their utility bills to determine how well the building is performing. Energy Expert gives you next day results that are easy to understand. This is new. Energy Expert does all of the tracking for you and makes estimates for expected energy use that incorporate more than just past performance, but also weather conditions for that day. The impact of weather on energy use is immense and it has been one variable that was not fully integrated with interval data, until Energy Expert.
Q: How long does it take to install and begin using Energy Expert?
A: Installation requires a pulse output from your electric meter or the installation of a pulse output meter (which we can provide). This is typically the most difficult aspect of installing the Energy Expert. Once you have a pulse output, it is easy to install our wireless monitoring device which immediately begins transmitting your energy use information to our network operations center. You can start viewing your electric data online within hours. The Energy Expert can be set up to start learning about your building from that point forward or you can “pre-train” your Expert by providing us with historical 15 minute electric data for your building.
Q: What are the technical requirements for Energy Expert?
A: If your computer has Internet access then you’re half way there. The only other thing you need is the ability to provide the Energy Expert with 15 minute meter data. To make that simple, we’ve developed a small, easy to install wireless monitoring device that uses the cellular network to transmit your meter information to our servers. Once that is installed, we’ll consult with you to configure your Energy Expert to define the baseline period, how you want your notifications set up, etc.
Q: Can I export my data from Energy Expert?
A: All data that are provided to you through Energy Expert can be exported to other programs such as Excel or Word. This allows you to format and store the information how and where you like.
Q: How many people can have access to the Energy Expert?
A: It is up to your discretion how many individuals can have access to your Energy Expert Profile. Each individual must provide a login and password to access the appropriate account, ensuring confidentiality. Reports can either be accessed through the profile’s main page or sent directly to emails, which you can designate and manage in the software.
Q: Will I have access to technical support should I have any problems using the tool?
A: You bet, we’ll provide you with three different ways to contact us—phone, email, and online chat.
Q: How much does Energy Expert cost?
A: Energy Expert starts at only $2995.00 for the first year for a complete whole-building turn-key solution in a building that has a pulse output available. This includes 1 gateway device, 1 pulse counter, Energy Expert software, wireless airtime charges and ongoing technical support. Since every building is different and pricing can depend on factors such as number of meters to monitor, size of the facility, type of utility metered (electric, gas, steam, water) etc. give us a call, we will ask you a few questions, and then we can give you a price. Call us at (206)330-8013, or fill in the online form at Contact Us and we’ll get back to you right away.
Q: What are the terms of service for using Energy Expert?
A: Energy Expert requires an annual subscription.
Q: What utilities does Energy Expert track?
A: Energy Expert most effectively tracks electrical energy use for your building, however, we can also read data for steam, water and gas as well.
Q: What types of data does Energy Expert track and use for modeling?
A: Energy Expert can use a wide range of input data which drives energy use in your building. Examples include: Outdoor temperature, humidity/wet bulb, sub metered loads, occupancy, etc.
Q: How does Energy Expert receive all the necessary data?
A: Energy Expert receives automated data streams directly from your buildings’ meters and sensors.
Q: Does Energy Expert require extra work from an energy manager like myself?
A: No! Energy Expert will track your buildings’ energy use for you, as well as create reports and charts for your visual analysis. The data are recorded at 15 minute intervals and daily reports are sent to you the next morning.
Q: Do I need to import historical meter data to use the system?
A: No, however historical data can be imported to have Energy Expert run most efficiently.
Q: If so, how do I do this?
A: This can easily be done by providing us with 15 minute interval meter data from your BMS or utility in csv file format. We can then import this information into the Energy Expert and you’ll be up and running in no time.
Q: Is my data backed up?
A: All data that you provide, as well as additional data that we collect via our wireless monitors, are backed up on multiple servers. These data are referred to for forecasting future estimates of energy use. Energy Expert, in essence, comes to know your building inside and out, just as if it had been managing your buildings’ energy use for years.
Q: How does reporting work?
A: The reports provided to account users are accessible on the Energy Expert server through any available Internet connection. Each user must provide a login and password to access the appropriate account, ensuring confidentiality. Reports are either accessed through the profile, or they can be sent directly to individuals’ emails.
Q: How can I learn more before I sign up?
A: If you need more information to determine if Energy Expert is right for you, please call us at (206)330-8013, or fill in the online form under Contact Us and we’ll contact you using the method you prefer.