BVS Building Ventilation Solutions
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AHU controller panel and building controls upgrade by BVS

AHU Controller Solutions & Upgrades

Independent AHU
controller solutions.

01256 518170

We offer fully independent controller supply, installation, and commissioning.

Independent

Supplier

All Makes

& Models

40+

Yrs Experience

Trusted by leading organisations

NHSDisneyMarriott HotelsMoorfields Eye HospitalIHG Hotels & ResortsTravelodgeWaitroseWestfieldFenwickFreedom LeisureQueen Mary UniversityAlpine F1 TeamNHSDisneyMarriott HotelsMoorfields Eye HospitalIHG Hotels & ResortsTravelodgeWaitroseWestfieldFenwickFreedom LeisureQueen Mary UniversityAlpine F1 Team

The problem

What Problems
We Often See

Energy Waste

AHUs with outdated or misconfigured controls run fans, heating, and cooling when they should not. Every hour of unnecessary operation adds to the energy bill, and goes unmeasured.

No Visibility

Older controllers have no network connection and no BMS integration. When something goes wrong, or performance degrades gradually, there is no alarm. The problem runs until it becomes a failure.

Parts Obsolescence

Proprietary controllers from discontinued ranges cannot be repaired when they fail, only replaced. The older the system, the more fragile the supply chain.

Supplier Lock-In

Proprietary systems require the original supplier for maintenance and changes. Open-protocol controls give FM teams the freedom to choose any competent engineer.

Make the right call

Controller Upgrade vs Full AHU Replacement

Both are valid routes. The right answer depends on the root cause of the problem and the condition of your plant, which is why we carry out an independent assessment before recommending either.

Controller Upgrade

Full AHU Replacement

AHU plant

Retained and extended

Removed and replaced

BMS integration

Included on most installations

Depends on specification

Energy performance

Improved through controls optimisation

Depends on new plant specification

Right when

Controls are the root cause

Mechanical plant is at end of life

Consider if

Plant is mechanically sound

Structural or mechanical failure present

Every project is different, so speak to our team for an honest assessment of what's right for your site and system. No commitment required.

Independent & Flexible

No Manufacturer Tie-In,
No Unnecessary Costs

Our AHU controller solutions offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative to manufacturer-tied services, which often require their own engineers and increase costs.

We supply, install, and commission controllers across any AHU make or model, giving you full independence to choose the right solution without single-supplier restrictions.

Any AHU brand

We work across all makes and models. Brand-agnostic assessment, specification, and installation.

Open protocol as standard

BACnet, Modbus, and LON. Any competent engineer or BMS platform can read and write the system after handover.

Qualified engineers

Every project carried out by engineers with extensive experience in fault-finding, upgrades, and commissioning.

The solution

Open Protocol Controllers:
BACnet, Modbus and LON

Open-protocol controls use standard communication languages that any qualified engineer or BMS platform can read and interact with. They integrate directly with your existing BMS regardless of manufacturer.

Proprietary systems lock maintenance, upgrades, and changes to a single supplier, creating long-term cost and dependency risks over the system lifecycle.

We standardise on open-protocol DDC controllers so every system we commission remains fully accessible to any engineer after handover.

BACnet

The dominant protocol for building automation. Supported by all major BMS platforms. Standard for healthcare, commercial, and public sector applications.

Modbus

Widely used in industrial and simpler building applications. Compatible with energy meters, variable speed drives, and legacy BMS systems.

LON (LonWorks)

Prevalent in older commercial BMS installations. We retain LON compatibility where existing infrastructure requires it.

Our services

AHU Controller
Solutions

Save money with expert AHU controls upgrades, refurbishments, and independent commissioning.

AHU Control Fault-Finding & Diagnostics

Diagnosis of sensor, wiring, programming, and communication faults with fast resolution.

AHU Control Upgrades & Replacements

Replacement of outdated control systems with modern, efficient alternatives.

PCB Upgrades & Replacements

Supply and installation of replacement PCBs to restore full control functionality.

Trend, Tridium & BMS Integration

Integration of AHU controls within Trend, Tridium/Niagara, and other BMS platforms. We can work with existing systems or migrate to a new platform.

AHU Controller Refurbishment

Repair and upgrade of existing control systems to extend operational life.

Control Sequence Optimisation

Review and optimisation of control sequences to improve system performance and reduce unnecessary energy use.

What you get

The Controls Upgrade
Advantage

15–30%

Typical AHU energy reduction

Through improved sequences, demand-controlled ventilation, and setpoint optimisation

22%

Achieved: 14-site FM programme

Measured post-commissioning energy reduction versus pre-upgrade baseline across a commercial estate

100%

BMS integration where required

Open-protocol controllers installed as standard, compatible with all major BMS platforms

Open protocol DDC

BACnet, Modbus, or LON as standard with no proprietary lock-in.

Energy modelled upfront

Energy savings modelled before commitment so impact is known in advance.

Single unit to estate

Consistent process and delivery across one site or multi-site estates.

ESOS documentation

Energy and compliance documentation provided to support ESOS reporting.

How it works

Initial Visit to
Reinstated Full System Operations

01

Initial Visit

We survey the existing controls installation, hardware condition, sequence of operation, and BMS integration, and identify what an upgrade would achieve.

  • Existing controller, sensors, and actuators reviewed
  • Sequence of operation reviewed against current requirements
  • Upgrade options and likely outcomes confirmed
02

Specification & Panel Build

A controls specification is produced and agreed, new panels are built and tested off-site, and a works programme is agreed before installation begins on site.

  • Full controls specification issued for approval
  • Panels built, wired, and factory-tested before delivery
  • Works programme agreed around site occupation
03

Installation & Wiring

Existing controls are removed and new panels, sensors, actuators, and field wiring installed and tested to specification.

  • Old controls removed, new panel installed and connected
  • Sensors, actuators, and field devices wired and labelled
  • Electrical certification and containment completed
04

Commissioning & Handover

Sequences are loaded, tested, and tuned. BMS integration confirmed and full handover documentation issued.

  • Control sequences tested against approved specification
  • BMS integration confirmed and I/O verified
  • O&M manuals and full handover documentation issued

Our Projects

Work We've Delivered

Controller upgrades that kept existing AHUs running when replacement had been recommended.

Controller Upgrade: £100k AHU Replacement Avoided

Leisure · Ringwood

Controller Upgrade: £100k AHU Replacement Avoided

Relevant if: You've been advised to replace AHUs that appear structurally sound, Controls are failing but the mechanical structure of the unit is in good condition, You want an independent assessment before committing to capital expenditure

AHU Controller Upgrade, Westfield Retail Store

Retail · Westfield, London

AHU Controller Upgrade, Westfield Retail Store

Relevant if: AHU controls are obsolete or have failed and the system has stopped working, You need automated scheduling aligned to your trading or operating hours, Temperature control across the occupied space is unreliable

01 / 02

Get in touch

Discuss Your
Controls Requirements

Tell us about the AHU, the existing controls hardware, and what you are trying to achieve. We will confirm BMS integration capability and upgrade options before you commit to works.

  • Open-protocol DDC as standard, no proprietary lock-in
  • Works with Trend, Tridium/Niagara, and all major BMS platforms
  • Single units and multi-site estate programmes both handled
  • No obligation to proceed

Call us directly

01256 518170

Enquiry

Tell us the AHU make, current controls hardware if known, and what you are trying to achieve. We'll respond within 24 hours.

Your details
Response within 24 hours
Energy model and BMS compatibility confirmed

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our control solutions are designed to integrate with AHUs from any manufacturer. Because we operate independently, we can work across multiple brands and tailor the setup to suit your specific system.

Manufacturers often only supply controllers if they also carry out the installation, which limits flexibility and increases costs. We provide a fully independent service: freedom of choice, reduced downtime, and cost-effective solutions without being tied to one supplier.

Absolutely. We specialise in upgrading and replacing obsolete or faulty controllers with modern alternatives that improve efficiency, reliability, and ease of use.

Yes. We work with Trend, Tridium/Niagara, and other major BMS platforms. We can integrate new AHU controls into an existing BMS or migrate from one platform to another where required.

Typically 15–30% reduction in AHU energy consumption through improved sequences, demand-controlled ventilation, and optimised setpoints. The actual saving depends on the existing controls state. We model this at assessment stage.

Yes, and this is often the most cost-effective approach. A controls upgrade can extend the useful life of the AHU, improve energy performance, and add BMS integration without the cost of full plant replacement.

Engineer Insights

Technical guidance from real AHU projects

Occasional updates covering refurbishment strategy, energy reduction, fan upgrades, controls, and HVAC project guidance.