What is a reset schedule in HVAC controls?

What is a reset schedule in HVAC controls?

• A. A manual schedule to shut down equipment
• B. A strategy to change a setpoint over time to save energy; e.g., raise cooling setpoint by 4°F during unoccupied hours
• C. A method to reset fault codes
• D. A method to permanently change system setpoints

Answer: (B)

A reset schedule is a setpoint reset strategy that automatically shifts thermostat target temperatures over time based on occupancy or a defined schedule to save energy. The idea is to temporarily loosen the temperature targets when the space is unoccupied or less occupied, so the HVAC system doesn’t run as hard, and then return to normal comfort targets when people are present. For example, during unoccupied hours you might raise the cooling setpoint by a few degrees (making it warmer for cooling) or lower the heating setpoint by a few degrees (making it cooler in heating mode). This reduces compressor and fan run time and overall energy use, while still restoring comfortable conditions when occupancy resumes. This differs from simply turning equipment off on a fixed schedule, which is a different way to control energy use but doesn’t involve adjusting the setpoints over time. It also isn’t about resetting fault codes, which is about maintenance, nor is it about permanently changing the system’s setpoints; a reset schedule is intended to be temporary and tied to occupancy or time-based rules.

A reset schedule is a setpoint reset strategy that automatically shifts thermostat target temperatures over time based on occupancy or a defined schedule to save energy. The idea is to temporarily loosen the temperature targets when the space is unoccupied or less occupied, so the HVAC system doesn’t run as hard, and then return to normal comfort targets when people are present.

For example, during unoccupied hours you might raise the cooling setpoint by a few degrees (making it warmer for cooling) or lower the heating setpoint by a few degrees (making it cooler in heating mode). This reduces compressor and fan run time and overall energy use, while still restoring comfortable conditions when occupancy resumes.

This differs from simply turning equipment off on a fixed schedule, which is a different way to control energy use but doesn’t involve adjusting the setpoints over time. It also isn’t about resetting fault codes, which is about maintenance, nor is it about permanently changing the system’s setpoints; a reset schedule is intended to be temporary and tied to occupancy or time-based rules.