Automation Solutions: When to Commission vs. Upgrade?

By Five Star Mechanical • Serving King & Pierce Counties | Request a Site Assessment

Office buildings, warehouses, and mixed-use facilities across Washington rely on automation to manage comfort, efficiency, and compliance. But facility managers often ask: when should you commission your existing system, and when is it time to upgrade? Here’s how to decide.

Commissioning: Fine-Tuning Your Existing System

Commissioning is a structured process that verifies your existing automation system is working as designed. It involves sensor calibration, point-to-point verification, and control sequence testing. Commissioning is smart if:

Your building already has a functioning automation system.
You’re seeing high utility bills or comfort complaints.
Equipment is less than 10–12 years old.
Regulatory compliance requires verified performance.

Explore our HVAC control services for existing systems.

Upgrading: Adding Capability and Efficiency

Upgrades replace outdated controllers or legacy interfaces with modern systems. Consider an upgrade if:

Your automation system is more than 15 years old.
Replacement parts or software are no longer supported.
You want new features: remote access, cloud dashboards, demand ventilation, or integration with lighting and security.
Your facility is undergoing a major renovation or expansion.

Learn about our energy-efficient upgrades and maintenance plans.

Key Benefits of Commissioning & Upgrading

Lower energy costs and better ROI on mechanical systems.
Improved occupant comfort and fewer hot/cold complaints.
Data visibility for proactive maintenance.
Enhanced compliance with Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard.

Check our About Us page for our history and approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What’s the difference between commissioning and retro-commissioning?

A. Commissioning verifies performance in new systems. Retro-commissioning applies the same methods to existing systems that may never have been commissioned properly.

Q. How often should we commission our building?

A. Every 3–5 years is common, or sooner if major issues appear with energy use or comfort.

Q. How disruptive is an upgrade?

A. Phased upgrades minimize downtime. Core systems are replaced in sequence to keep the building operating.

Q. Are incentives available?

A. Yes. Utility programs and Washington’s energy initiatives often provide rebates for controls and automation upgrades.

Q. What ROI can I expect?

A. Typical projects pay back in 2–5 years through lower energy bills and reduced service calls.

Reviews

“Commissioning solved our comfort complaints without expensive replacements.” - Property Manager, Bellevue

“The upgrade gave us remote access and detailed dashboards. Utility savings are obvious.” - Facilities Director, Kent

“Professional team. Minimal disruption during retrofit. Highly recommend.” - Office Manager, Seattle

“Their knowledge of incentive programs saved us thousands.” - CFO, Tacoma

Automation Solutions: When to Commission vs. Upgrade?