Thalo Labs develops sensor-based and machine learning-enabled tools to support the monitoring and optimization of HVAC systems in existing buildings. The company focuses on improving equipment performance and identifying operational inefficiencies that contribute to excess energy use and emissions.
Thalo Labs
HVAC Performance Monitoring
HVAC Copilot is a hardware-first platform that combines sensors with analytics to provide real-time HVAC system monitoring and diagnostics.
Description
Thalo Labs’ HVAC Copilot platform provides real-time visibility into HVAC performance and energy use, helping building operators reduce utility costs and optimize existing systems without costly upgrades. By continuously monitoring equipment, it identifies inefficiencies and improper operation while proactively detecting issues—such as refrigerant loss, methane leaks, and undercharged systems — before they require on-site intervention. This enables teams to anticipate failures, prevent leaks, and improve overall system performance while lowering energy use and emissions.
Use Cases
Reduce building energy/utility costs,
Have better visibility into real-time electricity use,
Optimize existing HVAC to reduce energy use and costs,
Improve/upgrade my HVAC system,
Anticipate issues to my equipment (e.g. HVAC) before they happen,
Avoid refrigerant leaks in a building/portfolio
Key Differentiators
- Minimally-invasive, quick installation - The HVAC Copilot system is designed for non-invasive, quick installation and operates without batteries or external power by drawing power from the asset itself. With built-in cellular connectivity, it does not require Wi-Fi or building IT integration.
- Accessible, cost-conscious - The system's hardware-enabled analytics support advanced diagnostics while remaining accessible and cost-conscious for building owners.
- Designed to integrate - The system is designed to integrate with a wide variety of HVAC equipment, making it suitable for diverse applications across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Direct performance measurements - Thalo Labs’ approach differs from software-only platforms by directly measuring HVAC performance through on-equipment sensing of exhaust gases and refrigerant conditions, enabling direct emissions measurement rather than modeled estimates.
Cost Savings
Thalo Labs estimates energy cost savings of 10-15% due to operational improvements.
Additional cost savings may be realized from reduced emergency calls and expensive truck rolls due to preventative maintenance and early equipment problem diagnostics.
About
Decarbonization Impacts
Operational Emissions
Thalo Labs' HVAC Copilot supports building decarbonization by helping properties meet LL97 requirements through emissions reduction and system optimization. It reduces Scope 1 emissions by detecting methane leaks and refrigerant losses in combustion and refrigerant-based HVAC systems, and lowers Scope 2 emissions by identifying inefficiencies that drive excess energy use, such as undercharged refrigerant loops and improper operating modes.
Project + Building Compatibility
Project Type
Both existing building retrofits and new construction
Essential Building Characteristics
Space needed for the sensing equipment:
Combustion sensor is 39 lbs., 20"x17"x17".
Refrigerant sensor: 11 lbs., 8"x8"x4".
Proximity Requirements:
Combustion sensors must be installed within 65 feet of the equipment.
Refrigerant sensors are placed near the primary compressor, typically within the equipment footprint.
Installation Environment:
Both combustion and refrigerant sensing equipment are rated for indoor or outdoor installation, providing flexibility across various building configurations and climates.
Ideal Building Characteristics
Thalo Labs' HVAC Copilot is particularly effective when deployed alongside new HVAC equipment installations (e.g., heat pumps, VRFs, packaged units). The greatest value has been demonstrated on VRF systems, given their cost, scale, and complexity.
Minimum Project Size
No minimum project size
Ideal Project Size
There are volume discounts applied for larger buildings and portfolio-wide proejcts.
Additional Considerations
Access to a mobile device or laptop for viewing system data and alerts via the Copilot dashboard is necessary. No additional hardware or integrations required.
NY Contractor Availability
Installation contractor availability
Other Screening Criteria
Compatibility:
Combustion sensors: Compatible with boilers, hot water heaters, gas chillers, cogeneration units (cogens), and generators.
Refrigerant sensors: Compatible with heat pumps, air conditioners (including VRFs, split DX systems, packaged unitary equipment, rooftop units), mini- splits, and PTAC/PHTP systems. System Sizes from 0.5 - 75 tons. All refrigerant types.
Costs may be reduced when connectivity (e.g., WiFi) is available from the building.
Example Installations
Installed By
Commonpoint Queens (Community Center), Empire State Realty Trust, Vornado, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Case Studies
Resident Experience
During Installation
The HVAC Copilot is smaller than an iPad and is installed on HVAC equipment, and is typically not accessible to tenants. HVAC Copilot can be installed with tenants in place.
Post Installation
Resident comfort is enhanced by reduced system downtime. Also, greater performance stability may help to sustain occupancy.
Financing
NY Incentives/Financing Resources
ConEdison
Con Edison Real Time Energy Management (RTEM)
Con Edison Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Efficiency Program
Con Edison Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (MFEEP)
Con Edison Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (AMEEP)
NYSERDA
NYSERDA Real Time Energy Management (RTEM)
NYSERDA Industrial and Process Efficiency (IPE) Performance Incentives
National Grid
Commercial and Industrial Retrofit Program Upstate New York
High Efficiency Commercial and Industrial Gas Equipment Incentives
Real-Time Energy Management Program
Retrofit Program
Upfront Costs
Thalo Labs has a zero upfront cost business model. Projects may be eligible for incentives in New York.
Ongoing Costs
After installation, the only ongoing cost is $30 per month per unit (or $360 per year), which covers continuous monitoring, software access, and alerting.
Payback Period
24 months
Operations, Management, and Maintenance
Operations and Maintenance Requirements
No maintenance required once installed.
Ease of Operations
To address the user learning curve, Thalo Labs have multiple one-pagers, a FAQ sheet, and a dedicated Customer Success point of contact.
Service Support
Thalo Labs provides maintenance and service of Copilot sensors.
Data + Performance
Thalo Labs' HVAC Copilot provides site maintenance staff or operations with key information that can be shared with contractors to fix issues before they become larger problems.
Refrigerant Management
Thalo Labs does not have any associated refrigerants but helps diagnose and monitor refrigerant challenges in existing HVAC.
