While the most important function of any variable air volume (VAV) system is to provide a high quality environment for building occupants, this critical function rarely receives the attention it deserves. As a result, basic control strategies for terminal VAV boxes have seen little significant change since the introduction of pressure independent box control more than 30 years ago.

However, by applying more effective operating strategies available with modern digital controls, designers can offer enormous improvements in building comfort and occupant control at a very modest cost premium. This article highlights low cost zone control enhancements that will improve the comfort and climate in commercial buildings.