We help FM & M&E firms keep their buildings under control

This is usually caused by poor zoning in the BMS, stuck or failed damper actuators, miscalibrated temperature sensors, or solar gain. Alpha Controls carries out thermal surveys and BMS audits to identify the root cause, then reconfigures zones and adjusts control strategies.

Many BMS systems are commissioned once and never tuned again, running default schedules that waste energy. Alpha Controls provides energy audits and BMS optimisation services that typically reduce HVAC energy consumption by 20-35%.

Yes. Upgrading BMS and HVAC controls is a recognised measure for improving EPC ratings. Since April 2023 it has been illegal to let commercial property below Band E, with Band C required by 2027 and Band B by 2030. Alpha Controls helps meet MEES compliance deadlines through BMS upgrades.

As of January 2025, Trend has withdrawn all support for the 963 Supervisor. The recommended upgrade path is to Trend IQVISION, built on Niagara 4 with HTML5 browser access. Alpha Controls carries out 963 to IQVISION migrations, preserving existing IQ controllers where possible.

A small office fit-out with 20-30 fan coil units might take 2-4 weeks. A multi-floor commercial building with AHUs, chillers, boilers, and metering could take 8-16 weeks. Alpha Controls provides detailed programmes and works around tenant occupation.

A complete BMS failure means loss of automated HVAC control, wasting energy or causing shutdowns. Alpha Controls provides emergency same-day callout services across London and the South East, plus resilience improvements including controller redundancy and cloud monitoring.

Yes. Alpha Controls regularly takes over maintenance of Trend, Honeywell, and Distech systems installed by other contractors, providing full support including software changes, hardware replacements, and system extensions.

Yes. Alpha Controls specialises in migrating proprietary systems to open-protocol platforms using BACnet, Modbus, or LON, giving you freedom to choose your maintenance provider and integrate equipment from any manufacturer.

Buildings with legacy BMS or no controls typically waste 20-40% of HVAC energy. Modern DDC controllers with weather compensation and adaptive setpoints can achieve payback periods of 2-5 years depending on building size and current energy spend.

Yes. A well-configured BMS reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions by eliminating wasteful operation and optimising plant efficiency. Alpha Controls helps clients quantify savings and provides reporting data for carbon disclosure programmes.

A clear BMS scope should cover: points schedule with all field devices, control strategy descriptions for every HVAC system, software platform and supervisor requirements, integration requirements (fire alarm, metering, access control), commissioning and witness testing obligations, O&M documentation and training, and warranty terms. Vague scopes are the single biggest cause of BMS change orders. Alpha Controls provides detailed tender returns and can help M&E contractors or consultants tighten their specifications before going to market.

At minimum, look for SafeContractor or CHAS accreditation, NICEIC or ECA membership for electrical work, and manufacturer certification on the specified platform (e.g., Trend, Honeywell, Distech). BCIA membership indicates commitment to industry standards. Ask for specific engineer CVs showing platform experience, not just company accreditations. Alpha Controls holds SafeContractor, BCIA, ConstructionLine Gold, NICEIC, and Trend and Distech certifications.

This is one of the most common sources of delay and dispute on M&E projects. The BMS contractor needs the HVAC system balanced and setpoints confirmed before control sequences can be optimised. Clear responsibility matrices in the subcontract documents — specifying who provides test points, who witnesses commissioning, and who signs off the air and water balance report — prevent most disputes. Alpha Controls works regularly alongside TAB contractors and can advise on coordination programmes for complex multi-contractor sites.

Yes. Trend controllers support BACnet, Modbus, and LON protocols, meaning they can communicate with compliant field devices from any manufacturer. This is important for projects where the BMS contractor and the HVAC equipment supplier are different companies. Alpha Controls regularly integrates Trend, Honeywell, and Distech head-end systems with third-party AHUs, chillers, FCUs, and metering devices using open protocols.

BMS commissioning is typically the last trade on a new build, which means programme delays upstream always compress the controls timeline. A realistic commissioning programme for a medium-sized commercial building (say 5,000-10,000m² with AHUs, FCUs, and chiller plant) is 4-8 weeks of active commissioning, followed by 2-4 weeks of seasonal and optimisation adjustments. Alpha Controls provides detailed commissioning programmes at tender stage and flagging realistic milestones to avoid being asked to commission a system that isn't mechanically complete.