The old saying “there is never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over” can be simply changed to reflect the building automation industry.  “There is never enough money to do it right the first time, but always enough money to pay the utility companies higher energy bills” fits construction and retrofit projects perfectly. 

Last year CCG Automation was invited to look at the building automation system in the new addition of the James A. Garfield Elementary School which has been having issues since occupancy of the building in 2015.  CCG was asked to investigate the systems to attempt to find why the utility consumption was steadily increasing, and why the temperature and humidity were out of control. 

CCG was the third control company, after the original installer, to audit the system and offer a solution.  The two other companies charged JAG for updating the system but were unable to fix the issues.  After evaluating the building we were so confident that we could get the temperature under control that we guaranteed JAG we would control the rooms within ½ of 1-degree Fahrenheit or they wouldn’t have to pay for our recommended system upgrades.

"CCG has been extremely responsive and offers great insight"
                - Ted Lysiak, District Superintendent, James A. Garfield Schools

Today, the areas that we control are within 1/10th of 1 degree Fahrenheit.  Utility consumption has dropped.  Mr. Lysiak remarked, “After several years and multiple control companies we finally are getting our controls addressed in our new building.  CCG has been extremely responsive and offers great insight on future energy saving opportunities.  We certainly appreciate the great relationship.”

We recently received a check from James A. Garfield Local Schools for the work we performed.  It is a great feeling being confident enough in our team to provide a performance guarantee when three other firms were unable to deliver results.  Unfortunately, we are unable to go back in time and provide a better learning environment – and the proven performance improvements - for the previous students in this building.

You get what you pay for.  Think longer-term and what the true cost will be over the years. Often, you will find that an initial low cost is the most expensive way to go.   Save your money for more important things than utility costs, system repairs and replacement.