Blog

What Is Smart Building Technology?

June 1, 2023

To most people, smart building technology evokes a utopian world where the spaces we inhabit respond intelligently, seamlessly, and proactively to both changing human needs and a constantly evolving environment. At the same time, for building owners and managers, corporate tenants, and property investors, it describes a predictable world where threats are managed, costs are […]

How Do HALO Sensors Improve Building Safety?

May 2, 2023

Imagine walking into a building that self-monitors its surroundings to ensure a safe environment. If it detects a potential threat or safety issue, it automatically performs a wide range of actions, such as issuing alerts, directing occupants to the nearest exit, or immediately alerting first responders. When emergencies happen, seconds count. Installing HALO sensors in […]

9 Ways HALO Sensors Impact a Building’s Health

April 5, 2023

A healthy building can improve productivity, increase morale, and decrease energy usage. For the longest time, improving a building’s health was extremely difficult without a wide array of expensive and complicated instruments—and a team of scientists to monitor them. HALO is a revolutionary device with over 12 different state-of-the-air sensors that can sample air quality […]

7 Reasons Why HALO is the #1 Vape Detector

Vaping allows students to indulge their addiction without the telltale rancid smell of tobacco smoke wafting through the halls. An activity that was once relegated only to school bathrooms, teenagers can now vape anywhere without human detection—including classrooms. Vape pens have unique chemical and aromatic signatures that state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) sensors can detect. HALO […]

What Is BAS Predictive Maintenance?

November 24, 2022

Many property owners and operators are missing out on a key advantage offered by their buildings’ “smart” integrated management systems. Leveraging predictive maintenance for building automation systems not only saves money on upkeep and overheads but also allows you to catch problems before they start. Stay Ahead of the Game With BAS Predictive Maintenance Maintenance […]

4 Commercial Energy Management Strategies

You don’t need to own an eye-catching green building to be concerned about your property’s energy use footprint. Soaring utility bills, tight margins, and pressure from shareholders, tenants, and regulators have owners and operators of all types of commercial buildings scrambling to develop smart energy management strategies for their properties. Wondering where to start? Here […]

Getting BAS Equipment Despite Supply Chain Issues

October 31, 2022

The pandemic unleashed a perfect storm of chaos in global supply chains, affecting supplies of critical building automation system (BAS) components like semiconductor chips, which are necessary components for everything from smart sensors to flow controllers. Here’s how a couple of smart industry players have pivoted to the new reality, overcoming supply chain issues to […]

Understanding BAS Architecture

September 19, 2022

Building automation system architecture defines how well the many systems in your building work together to support the changing needs of its occupants. Effective BAS architecture integrates a wide range of systems under a single operational umbrella in a way that ensures safety while delivering comfort for occupants and savings for owners. BAS ARCHITECTURE: A […]

Troubleshooting Common Building Automation System Issues

Troubleshooting your building automation system (BAS) is likely not your favorite way to spend your workday — or your weekend. As a building manager, it falls to you to iron out any problems with your facilities’ BAS with minimum fuss, overtime, or system downtime.  Read on to find out some common issues you’re likely to […]

What Is BACnet Protocol & How Does It Work?

August 26, 2022

Until the late 1980s, most building automation systems (BAS) were considered proprietary. Also known as “closed BAS,” they did not allow communication or integration between competing systems or manufacturers.  The main benefit to a closed BAS system is that you have a single point of contact for upgrades and repairs. However, many facility managers and […]

6 Benefits of IP Controllers

July 29, 2022

HVAC, security, and fire alarms are just a few of the many mechanical systems you’ll find in any given building. Traditionally, they were all connected via the BACnet MS/TP protocol, a cumbersome system with many security and reliability issues. The result was always the same—an inefficient building and a very stressed-out facility manager. That all […]

Reducing Commercial Building Energy Consumption With a BAS

June 7, 2022

Commercial buildings account for approximately 35% of national electricity consumption in the United States. With climate change becoming more critical, commercial building managers are increasingly focused on improving energy efficiency. Using less power for facility operations has many benefits, including: Decreased operations costs Reduced carbon emissions Less stress on the power grid Increased tenant comfort […]

How Important is Building Automation System Maintenance?

May 24, 2022

We all know that we need to get the oil changed on our vehicles long before we start to see smoke coming from the engine block. Of course, if you neglect your vehicle for that long, you’ll likely end up with a hefty repair bill from your mechanic that could easily have been avoided. That’s […]

When Should You Upgrade Your Legacy BAS? [5 Signs It’s Time]

April 28, 2022

Heard the story about the ducks that swim happily in a pot of steadily heating water until, well, their goose is cooked? Knowing when to make the big leap to upgrade your legacy building automation system (BAS) is kind of the same thing. While many tried-and-true legacy systems still do the job most days, growing […]

Upgrading a Johnson Controls BAS to Tridium

March 30, 2022

Upgrading your legacy Johnson Controls BAS to the more modern and open Tridium system will help improve energy efficiency, increase tenant comfort, and enable you to utilize non-proprietary equipment.  The longer you wait to upgrade, the greater the chance of something going wrong and snowballing into major—and costly—repairs. Tridium BAS and their Niagara Framework will […]

Upgrading a Trane BAS to Tridium

March 14, 2022

Legacy Trane BAS systems often struggle to meet the demands of modern equipment and buildings. The longer you put off an upgrade, the more issues and challenges you’ll encounter. From tenant comfort to a more efficient system, there are many valid reasons for upgrading to a Tridium BAS system. When you migrate from your closed […]

Understanding Proprietary vs. Non-proprietary Building Automation Systems

March 3, 2022

Building automation systems (BAS) are complex systems encompassing both hardware and software needed to maintain security, control lighting, regulate temperature, and many other functions required to run your building efficiently.  They’re also a significant investment, and choosing one for your business is a decision you want to get right from the start.  One of the […]

Will Healthy Buildings Stick?

January 24, 2022

At Conexus, we believe our purpose is to transform environments to optimize comfort, safety, and efficiency. The comfort and efficiency aspects of our building automation solutions are easy to wrap your head around. Our teams install systems that keep your spaces comfortable in an energy-efficient manner. A work, teaching, or healing environment that is at […]

Pin Up Mobile App for Android: overview and game range

September 29, 2021

To download Pin Up Mobile App, you need to visit the official portal of the institution and download the appropriate application. This is done simply and quickly, but if you have any questions, you can ask the specialists of the technical support of the gaming platform. It takes a little longer to install the mobile […]

Niagara’s Third-Generation AX “End of Life”

June 23, 2021

The third generation of Tridium’s Niagara platform, AX, will reach its “end of life” on June 30, 2021. This means that on July 1st, the following will automatically go into effect: No Legacy JACE hardware replacements No AX downgrade and license changes No moving or replacing licenses unless there is an active SMA No AX […]

How To Tell If Your Building Automation System (BAS) Is Really Open

February 25, 2021

A building’s automation system offers control of equipment such as HVAC, lighting, and security to create a safe and comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Still, not every building automation system (BAS) is created equal. An ideal solution balances equipment performance, ease of use, and energy efficiency. The type of BAS—open or closed—makes a difference. Most […]

LCCTC Secures Upgraded Building Automation Control & Superior Service

November 12, 2020

  How an education center enlisted Conexus to reopen in time for the school year Conexus provides non-proprietary building system solutions, including installation, maintenance, and service, with a strong focus on building long-term customer relationships. Project Highlights Client: Lebanon County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC) Application: LCCTC building automation system Challenge: Restrictive systems and a […]

Building Automation for 8A Contractor at Carlisle Barracks

October 18, 2020

How Conexus seamlessly coordinated sub-trades for project success Founded in 2005, Conexus is a building automation services company with a strong commitment to open systems, smart buildings, and customized solutions. Project Highlights Client: Gale Construction Company Application: Carlisle Barracks chiller & tower replacement Challenge: Trades coordination and maintaining operations Solution: Delegation of construction leadership role […]

5 Problems With BACnet MS/TP

August 11, 2020

BACnet master slave token passing, or MS/TP, is a protocol frequently used in building automation systems (BAS). Developed by the HVAC industry association, ASHRAE, the BACnet MS/TP communications bus allows equipment from multiple vendors to communicate with a BAS. An open communication protocol like BACnet MS/TP is a fantastic advancement for building owners and the […]

Upgrading to Distech Controls

April 28, 2020

Upgrade Your Building Automation System to Distech Controls If you’ve been considering upgrading your building automation system, now is the perfect time. When you trade up to a Distech System, you get 20% off equipment & software costs plus additional labor discounts. Orders must be submitted by December 15, 2020 to qualify. Click Below to Download […]

Conexus Compliance with Governor Wolf’s Order

March 23, 2020

Closure of All Non-Life Sustaining Businesses To Conexus Customers and Colleagues: As of 8:00AM, Monday, March 23, 2020, in accordance with Governor Wolf’s order, all non-life sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania are closed.  The order references a list of businesses that must close, and those that can remain open.  In compliance with the order, the Conexus […]

Conexus Coronavirus Preparedness and Prevention

March 17, 2020

Covid-19 Preparedness and Prevention To Conexus Customers and Colleagues: Thank you for making Conexus part of your working family. Conexus is dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of our employees and clients by following all recommended guidelines to reduce the impact of the coronavirus. Conexus will continue to serve our customers as allowed by […]

Sweater Weather: Preparing your Units for Dropping Temperatures

October 26, 2018

By Ryan Snyder – Service Manager Fall is officially here! This time of year is understandably a lot of people’s favorite. It is filled with bonfires, apple cider, sweatshirts, football, friends, and family. That list is enough to make even the biggest summer-loving enthusiast happily wrap a plaid scarf around their neck…and it didn’t even […]

What’s your cheeseburger?

August 24, 2018

By Chris Boyd – Account Executive If I say, Golden Arches, there is likely no one reading this who wouldn’t immediately think of McDonald’s. It has been a staple in the fast food industry for nearly 80 years. In February, Reader’s Digest published an article in their Food Fun & News section revealing the First […]

Congratulations to Mike Furlow

July 30, 2018

Conexus is pleased to announce that Mike Furlow has transitioned into a new position as Application Engineer/Estimator for Conexus.  Mike joined Conexus as a Service Technician in January of 2017.  We are excited to have him continue to provide solutions to our clients in this new role!

Three questions to ask your BAS Partner

July 20, 2018

By Kurt Twiford – President/CEO I recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with a past customer over lunch. They have some new faces on their team who were not familiar with Conexus or our approach. I sat back and listened to an exchange between the client and my associate with a glint of pride and […]

Building Automation Systems Can Benefit From Machine Learning

July 2, 2018

By Kyle Gable, C.E.M – Director of Technical Solutions Building automation systems may seem intelligent. In reality, they simply compare real-time input information to static code and parameters then control outputs. For those who are not familiar with the tech world, this probably sounds complicated. However, these types of systems are programmed by a technician […]

A lifetime of exploration

May 14, 2018

By Russell Kolacek – Application Engineer When I was a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. I dreamed of how it would feel to wear one of those mysterious white space suits. I imagined strapping myself into a rocket and blasting into the atmosphere, leaving a fiery blaze of booming glory behind me. I […]

Building community through face-to-face dialogue

April 26, 2018

On Thursday, April 19, Conexus’ own Christopher Boyd co-hosted the Advoz “Around the Table” banquet.  Held at The Eden Resort in Lancaster, it attracted more than 200 attendees. Advoz works to transform conflict and build community through face-to-face dialogue programs reversing violence and crime in Lancaster County and beyond.  The organization was founded in 2017 […]

Treat everyone like they are your grandmother

April 20, 2018

Christopher Boyd – Account Executive “Treat everyone like they are your grandmother.” These are the words my father told me the day I started my first internship in 2006. They have stuck with me ever since he said them 12 years ago, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, have come to take on a different […]

When weather wages war

March 8, 2018

Rusty Hennessey – Manager, Facility Management Solutions The car door slams shut. You tuck your chin further into your scarf and make a mad dash for the office doors. A cold front blew in last night and the early morning wind is simply brutal. The air hurts your face, your fingers feel like they are […]

Celebrating Life’s Moments

February 20, 2018

Kurt Twiford, CEO I was greeted this morning by a birth announcement from one of my employees. Their first child, a boy, 7 lbs 3 oz. It reminded me of one of the most rewarding parts of business ownership – helping our team achieve their personal goals and make life better for themselves and their […]

Leigh Twiford continues to Make Life Better

February 9, 2018

Many of you know that Chief Administration Officer, Leigh Twiford’s lifelong passion has been to make life better. In late 2017, she decided to pursue an opportunity to do just that outside of the Conexus family as entrepreneur-owner of FirstLight Home Care in the Harrisburg Region. FirstLight is an award-winning provider of non-medical home care […]

Kyle Gable Earns Recognition in Local Club

February 5, 2018

Please join us in congratulating Kyle Gable, who recently earned the Competent Leader award through Toastmasters International’s leadership program. According to Toastmasters, Competent Leader status is earned by completing a series of rigorous assignments including serving in various club meeting roles, planning special events and mentoring new members. This is the first of two recognitions […]

Innovation Showcase

January 27, 2018

Three days. 65,000+ HVAC and building systems professionals. 2100 vendors. 100 on-site seminars. An 86-year industry legacy. This is the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) and it is impressive. I am one of the 65,000 professionals who poured into McCormick Place in Chicago January 22-24, 2018. The energy was palatable as ideas, innovations […]

Holidays Shine Brighter with Smart Tech

December 21, 2017

So it is a dark, rainy evening sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas in Central PA.  I have just settled in for the night, when I realize that the Christmas lights are still on, so I trudge across my slippery yard, inching my way down the long orange extension cord and pray for good grounding as […]

The Internet of Things

October 13, 2017

Conexus exists in an exciting and scary space. Our industry overall is forecasted to grow anywhere from 15-20% annually between now and 2025. The challenge is understanding how to adapt to meet clients’ needs in a high-growth world with new competition, and make sure that we, as a trusted advisor, continually bring our customers best […]

Run Your Race

September 13, 2017

At our employees’ suggestion, our company, Conexus, Inc., entered a team to run in the 2017 Penn State Chocolate Tour. As I was pounding away during the Tour’s 10K run, I was thinking about the similarities between running a race and leading a company. Leadership, time management, and efficient use of resources are all important […]