Turning Hidden HVAC Issues into Actionable Fixes

Maximizing HVAC Efficiency at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

In 2025, the University of Michigan-Dearborn partnered with DTE, ICF, and KenergyAI to optimize energy performance across two of its campus buildings—the PEC and HPEC—totaling more than 65,000 square feet of academic and athletic space. By deploying KenergyAI’s AI-driven platform alongside upgraded sensing and zoning infrastructure, the university gained real-time visibility into how its buildings were actually operating—uncovering hidden HVAC issues that had been quietly driving up costs and hurting comfort.

Leveraging newly installed occupancy sensors and microzoning controls, KenergyAI dynamically adjusted HVAC setpoints and airflow based on real-time usage patterns across both buildings. The software was deployed on a dedicated server in each building, integrating directly with the existing building management system. Planning began in early 2025, installation wrapped in April 2025, and the project is currently in the measurement and verification phase.

Even before final energy numbers came in, the system surfaced problems no one had noticed:

• Stuck and leaking hot water valves quietly driving up gas consumption
• Air vents failing to modulate correctly, leaving rooms over- or under-conditioned
• Override settings locked in the wrong mode, running systems 24/7 in unoccupied spaces
• PEC classroom blasting cold air nonstop from a stuck override—flagged, fixed, resolved
• HPEC air handler pumping hot air while off from a broken valve—identified and repaired

These weren’t just energy problems—they were comfort problems. Some rooms were too cold, others too hot, and the facilities team had no easy way to diagnose why. With continuous AI-driven monitoring, KenergyAI gave the team a clear, prioritized list of exactly what needed attention—replacing guesswork with targeted action and giving the buildings their first true health checkup.

KenergyAI delivers more than energy savings—it delivers visibility. No flying blind. No reactive troubleshooting. Just real-time clarity into how your buildings are actually performing, so your team can fix problems faster and keep occupants comfortable. Discover how you can transform your building’s performance today.

About the University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public research university in metropolitan Detroit, serving thousands of students across its colleges of arts, sciences, business, education, and engineering. The campus has made sustainability and operational efficiency a core part of its long-term strategy, partnering with utility and technology leaders to modernize its building infrastructure.

The project was led in collaboration with the university’s facilities and sustainability teams, working alongside partners at DTE Energy and ICF to scope, deploy, and verify the KenergyAI integration. Full energy savings results will be published once the measurement and verification phase is complete.

About KenergyAI

KenergyAI is a leading provider of AI-driven energy optimization solutions. By integrating real-time occupancy data with existing building management systems, KenergyAI helps organizations reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and enhance sustainability without sacrificing comfort. The company’s software-only approach seamlessly integrates with BACnet-enabled infrastructure, enabling smart, automated HVAC adjustments without the need for additional hardware.

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