@inproceedings{36367,
  author = {Shreya Agarwal and Marco Pritoni and Jessica Collier and Jeff Wanner and Ruth Taylor and Meghan McNulty and Mary M Bryan},
  title = {Through the looking glass: analyzing barriers to adoption of advanced rooftop unit controls through human-centered observational research},
  abstract = {<p>The US Department of Energy has estimated that sensors and controls systems could lead<br>to 29% annual energy savings across all building types (Fernandez et al. 2018). This can be<br>achieved by better matching system operation to building occupancy and outside air conditions<br>and enabling real-time adjustments to temperature setpoints and schedules. However, only 13%<br>of small to medium buildings have adopted technologies capable of providing these functions.<br>Based on anecdotal evidence, there are challenges associated with installing, maintaining, and<br>using rooftop unit (RTU) controls that may contribute to this missed opportunity. To better<br>understand the importance of human-technology interaction, we use non-participant,<br>observational research methods in conjunction with technology performance evaluations to gain<br>real-world insight into installation, integration, configuration, commissioning, and use of RTU<br>controls. Doing so highlights barriers to adoption and perceived value of RTU controls and also<br>provides valuable feedback to manufacturers and workforce regarding pressure points. In this<br>paper we describe the methodology and initial results from observations conducted by the<br>research team. Key outcomes in three main areas are also discussed - market conditions, peoples’<br>perception, and the technology itself. As with other emerging IoT building control technologies,<br>themes such as unclear and unintuitive manufacturer documentation, complicated software<br>interfaces, difficulty in IT security and access issues, and lack of perceived value by owners and<br>users continue to be barriers to adoption. Finally, we provide recommendations to address<br>deployment barriers of RTU controls that prioritize economic and technical accessibility to small<br>businesses and organizations.</p>},
  year = {2024},
  journal = {ACEEE Summer Study },
  month = {08/2024},
}