Author: MaintenX

Four Common Commercial Floor Care Mistakes

Commercial flooring is designed to last for up to 20 years or more. However, because of the heavy foot traffic that commercial buildings experience, you will need to take care of your flooring to help it last that long. With a proper installation, maintenance, and cleaning schedule, you can help your flooring look better and last longer with little effort required. 

 

Below are the four most common mistakes we see facility managers make when it comes to their flooring maintenance: 

 

Choosing the wrong installation team. 

Installation is just as important as flooring care, but many facility owners make their choice based on price instead of experience. This sets you up for flooring damage in the future. While laying tile or carpet may not seem difficult if done wrong your floor may be uneven, easily damaged, or aesthetically unappealing. Choose a local MaintenX flooring contractor for results you can be proud of. 

 

Using the wrong cleaner for tile, vinyl, and hardwood. 

While many of us lump all hard flooring services into the same category, they cannot be cleaned in the same way. Vinyl, hardwood, and different types of tiles all require different cleaning chemicals for safe use. If you use a tile cleaner on hardwood you could damage the surface and leave lasting marks. If you use an acidic vinyl cleaner on tile, you could erode the surface. Be sure to ask your MaintenX flooring professionals for a list of safe cleaning products for your specific flooring type. 

 

Not shampooing your carpet.

Most commercial facilities have a janitorial service that will vacuum carpet and spot clean as needed. However, you also need to schedule carpet shampooing services in a commercial space. The carpet will develop an odor over time if this is not done on a regular basis, but many facility managers neglect this maintenance task. Talk to your MaintenX team to determine a carpet cleaning service schedule fit for your building’s needs. 

 

Mopping or spraying before you dust and sweep. 

Dusting, swapping, and mopping must be done in a specific order to prevent dirt from sticking to the floor or being rubbed into the grout or spaces of tile and hardwood. If you do them in the incorrect order, you’ll simply be dusting onto wet and dirty floors. This can work the dirt deeper into the floor, which will cause staining over time. Be sure to dust first, then sweep away major dirt and debris, and then mop or wax floors for a clean shine.

 

If you follow these four tips, it will be much easier to maintain your facility’s flooring for decades. Talk to a MaintenX specialist today to learn more about our flooring installation and maintenance services!

Tips for Getting The Most Out of Your Summer Landscaping

Summer landscaping is tricky for businesses in southern states. In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we often see clients struggle to keep their landscaping alive in the brutal summer heat. However, with professional landscaping maintenance and care, even businesses in warm and dry climates can make the most of their summer landscaping. 

 

Below are some of the best tips we’ve gathered from landscaping professionals in all states. These four steps will help you transform your storefront or outdoor showroom into a place both customers and employees will enjoy: 

 

Make use of fountains and waterfalls

In Florida, we receive plenty of rainfall in the summer months. However, in dry climates, it can feel like the summer is an endless season of dry and grueling heat. If you want to make your landscaping seem more lush and inviting, consider adding hardscape elements such as fountains and waterfalls. These installations, though not cheap, can make your property much more inviting in the summertime. It will impress tenants and keep customers coming back. 

 

Add ample shading

No customer or tenant will want to spend time outside your facility if there is no escape from the summer heat. By adding a veranda at your entrance or pergolas in key areas of your outdoor showroom, you can help visitors feel more comfortable. Trees can also provide ample shading if you are willing to invest in fall maintenance. 

 

Research heat-resistant plants

Nothing looks worse than dried or dying plants outside of your business’s storefront. If you are going to plant flowers or foliage near your business, be sure to choose species that will survive the summer. Not all plants are able to withstand long periods of direct sunlight or severe rain showers in the summer. Ask your landscaper to help you choose heat-resistant and low-maintenance summer plants. 

 

Maintain healthy soil

The appearance of healthy soil will make your landscaping look more lush and alive. However, in order to maintain healthy soil, you’ll either need to take on some of the landscaping yourself or install a sprinkler system to retain the moisture needed for your plants and grass. Healthy soil will promote healthy foliage, and can even reduce exterior maintenance problems. 

 

If you are looking for exterior maintenance and landscaping services for your business, contact MaintenX today! We offer a variety of preventative care services for commercial facilities that can make this summer season the best yet for your business.

The Importance of Scheduling Professional Drain Cleaning

Plumbing maintenance is one of the wisest investments a facility manager can make to preserve their building and its performance. Without clean pipes and a healthy water system, your building is susceptible to major shutdowns, contamination, and so much worse. If you take a few steps to prevent plumbing issues, you’ll save your facility thousands of dollars in expensive repairs. 

 

One of those preventative maintenance tasks is professional drain cleaning. The drains in your restrooms or commercial kitchen are constantly experiencing wear and tear. If they are not cleaned regularly, you could experience a backed-up drain or a pipe burst. These can lead to water damage to the entire facility if you’re not careful. Professional pipe cleaning also helps reduce water usage, as your system will have to use less water to get past clogs in the drain. 

 

In commercial kitchens, drain cleaning is often required for sanitary purposes. Your food waste often goes down the drain whether you want it to nor not. If left untreated, a clogged drain can lead to a restaurant shut down. Contaminated water or a burst pipe is no option when you’re running a busy restaurant or food service facility. By caring for your pipes with professional drain cleaning, you can avoid costly emergency services in your off-hours. 

 

Why Call A Professional?

 

You might ask yourself, “Why can’t I simply use a home drain cleaning chemical for my commercial pipes? That would be cheaper and faster than a professional service.” While drain cleaning products may be affordable and fast, they are not recommended for commercial applications in almost all circumstances. 

 

These chemical-based cleaners can cause your pipes to corrode over time. They are not ideal for residential use either; however, residential repairs are much more affordable than commercial plumbing maintenance. If you destroy your building’s pipes with chemical cleaners, you’ll have a hefty repair bill in the future. 

 

Professional Drain Cleaning Options

 

Most professional drain cleaning services involve either a snaking service or hydro jetting. Hydro jetting is the process of flushing pressurized water through the drain to break up and unclog debris from pipes. This process is typically considered more effective than snaking because it can break up larger debris including tree roots and grease. However, it is not suitable for older plumbing systems. Talk to your MaintenX plumber to learn about the professional drain cleaning options that are best suited for your system. 

 

MaintenX offers preventative care services to ensure your facility is always running at peak performance. To learn more about our plumbing repair and preventative maintenance services, contact us today!

Top Four Causes of Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are one of a facility manager’s worst nightmares, and they’re not as uncommon as you think. Electrical equipment and lighting equipment are the second leading cause of office building fires and cause 15% of property damage in commercial building fire incidents. This means that many of the office fire experiences in commercial facilities are fully preventable by the facility staff, if only they know what to look for. 

 

Top Causes of Electrical Fires

Electrical fires can be caused by a variety of electrical issues, including overuse, lack of maintenance, and age. Below are the top four causes of electrical fires in both homes and commercial properties in the U.S.

 

Faulty Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets that are damaged or out of date are one of the leading causes of electrical fires. They can cause great danger because most people are not able to identify when an outlet is no longer suitable for use. You should have your electrician inspect all outlets during their preventative maintenance visits to avoid this fire hazard. 

 

Circuit Overloads 

If a circuit is overused or overpowered, it can cause an electrical fire without anyone realizing it. While this problem is serious, it is also easy to prevent. If your electrician believes you may be risking a circuit overload due to the demand at your facility, have them install additional circuits or outlets to compensate. 

 

Outdated Electrical Wiring

Electrical wiring can fry and cause electrical fires if it is outdated or damaged. This can happen due to aging, or to damage from pests or building stress. If your electrician notices signs of electrical wiring age or damage, they should replace it immediately. 

 

Improper Lighting

Even your light bulbs can cause electrical fires if they are not fitted properly for the fixture. If the wattage does not match the recommended wattage for the fixture, you should replace it immediately. Ask your electrician or check the manufacturer’s recommendation for any fixture that starts to flicker without explanation.

 

You can often identify electrical problems easily by flickering lights, sizzling or buzzing sounds, or circuit breakers that trip unusually often. If you notice any of these signs, you should call your electrician immediately. Your MaintenX electrician should also schedule regular preventative maintenance services to ensure none of these signs are missed before it’s too late. 

 

To learn more about MaintenX’s preventative electrical services, contact us today! We go above and beyond to ensure your facility is always safe, productive, and a great place to work.

How Indoor Air Contaminants Hurt Your Tenants and Staff

For the most part, we take our air conditioning and ventilation for granted. There are few places in the Western world that don’t have access to air conditioning and ventilation, and we are able to spend up to 90% of our time in America indoors. However, we don’t always look at the potential danger of our indoor air. 

 

In the U.S. the top concerns for air quality actually happen indoors, rather than the outdoor air pollution that we can see from industrial sites. The EPA lists these indoor air contaminants as top health concerns in both residential and commercial facilities: 

 

  • Dust particles 
  • Bacteria and viruses
  • Combustion products
  • Excess moisture leading to mold and mildew
  • Radon
  • Pesticides
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

 

These contaminants can hurt our immune systems or cause a host of short- and long-term diseases that are hard to recover from. Respiratory issues such as COPD and asthma can also be exacerbated by these contaminants, or even be caused by them after prolonged exposure. For the safety and wellbeing of your staff, you should follow these steps to improve your commercial facility’s indoor air quality: 

 

Unblock air vents.

Air vents can be blocked by furniture, appliances, or other structures near the vent. This can cause problems with circulation, causing contaminants to stay in the system for longer. By removing any potential barriers to airflow, you can create better indoor air quality. 

 

Ensure proper ventilation with combustion products.

Appliances such as your furnace, water heater, and commercial stoves should be outfitted with advanced ventilation to remove any potential dangers in your facility. These appliances need to be on a tight maintenance schedule in order to ensure safety and health for your tenants. Talk to MaintenX about your preventative maintenance options for these products. 

 

Watch out for water intrusion.

Your HVAC system is a prime location for condensation and coolant leaks if you are not diligent in its maintenance. These leaks can cause mold and mildew to grow, which will eventually be circulated through the air. In order to prevent this danger. Schedule regular preventative maintenance on your unit. 

 

Reduce harmful chemical use.

Industrial and manufacturing facilities often use harsh cleaning chemicals or substances in their production, but you can limit the exposure of your employees to improve their workplace health. By limiting exposure to these substances and not using them when necessary, you can improve your indoor air quality. Exposure to VOCs is especially critical, so check with manufacturers before using certain cleaning products, upholstery, and pesticides. 

 

MaintenX cares about the health and wellness of your facility’s staff. That is why we place extra emphasis on clean working environments and HVAC maintenance to ensure you’re not circulating these contaminants in your air. To learn more about our preventative care services, contact us today!

The Bright Future for HVAC Professionals

High school graduates have not had an easy time over the past year. With COVID-19 taking away their graduations and much of the experience of their first year of college, it may not be clear to some what their next steps should be. Some are hesitating to go to college amidst the pandemic, which is causing them to look at other alternatives to a traditional college education. 

 

At MaintenX, we believe there is more than one way to find success in one’s career. We highly encourage young students to look into technical fields as well as college education. While trade schools have lost popularity in recent years, there are many benefits to a trade school education for students of all kinds. The cost savings, job opportunities, and on-the-job training are just a few reasons why we believe that young HVAC technicians have a very bright future ahead. 

 

There is no doubt that a college degree will serve any college student who desires one. However, it is not the only option for bright young professionals who want ambitious careers. Many students are weighing their options more carefully since the cost of education has steadily increased and student loans are getting many into financial trouble. 

 

On average, an HVAC technician earns around $49,000 per year in the United States. The average income for someone with a bachelor’s degree is slightly higher, at around $60,000. However, the price to pay for bigger earnings is worth considering: 

 

  • The average cost for vocational education in the U.S. is $33,000
  • The average cost for a Bachelor’s degree is $127,000

 

While these numbers take into account all types of vocational training and all types of degrees from both private and public schools, it is not uncommon for a college education to cost two to four times as much as a vocational school. With an expected income increase of only $10,000 to 15,000, it’s no wonder why students are looking to trade schools for affordable educational opportunities. 

 

HVAC technician and installer jobs are expected to grow in the upcoming years, offering less competition in the job market than oversaturated fields that require Bachelor’s degrees. In addition, HVAC professionals enjoy many job benefits that those who work in an office or desk jobs do not enjoy: 

  • An active lifestyle
  • Job security – HVAC technical work can rarely be outsourced
  • Variety of opportunity – You can start as a technician and develop into an HVAC engineer, small business owner, or specialist in solar or another alternative energy. 
  • Growth opportunities are available for those who study modern HVAC technologies

 

If you are interested in starting or expanding your HVAC technician career, contact MaintenX or visit our job opportunities page. We are happy to help you gain a footing in the field of commercial maintenance and ensure your career flourishes!

Six Ways To Improve Office Lighting

The modern world of technology has made it possible for humans to be active 24/7. We work all hours of the day and in all types of conditions, but we don’t always think about how this affects our body or productivity. It’s no secret that lighting, both natural and artificial, affects our circadian rhythm, mood, activity, and much more. Therefore, your office lighting can and should be optimized for the health of your staff. 

 

Lighting is also a major source of energy consumption in most buildings. It accounts for an average of 17% of total energy consumption in U.S. buildings. When you optimize your lighting, you can reduce energy costs while providing your employees with a better working environment. Below are six ways you can optimize your office lighting with minimal investment: 

 

Install CFL, LED, or another energy-efficient lighting.

Installing energy-efficient lightbulbs is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption in your facility. The larger the building, the more profound an impact this can have. Ask your MaintenX electrician about available energy-efficient lighting for different areas in your office space. They can help you make the best decision for cost savings and productivity.

 

Change flickering fluorescent lighting.

Flickering fluorescent lights can cause epileptic seizures which may put your entire staff in danger. Be sure to change flickering fluorescent bulbs immediately or any other flickering lights. 

 

Make use of windows. 

Natural light is also a natural mood elevator. By maintaining windows (especially those that can block UV rays and keep your facility cooler), you can offer your employees a more comfortable daytime experience. 

 

Consider the brightness and color of lighting for different times of the day. 

Our sleep cycles are greatly affected by lighting. Generally, intense blue light can cause sleep problems, so it’s important to balance this artificial light with warmer lights and natural light whenever possible. Consider warmer lighting for nighttime, as this can reduce eye strain and help your employees be more comfortable.

 

Ask your employees about their individual needs.

Different employees will prefer different lighting for their workspaces. Those who are older or who have vision problems may require more light than others. By installing a mix of overhead lights, movable direct lighting, and natural light sources, you can optimize different areas of the office for different productivity needs.

 

Install motion-sensor lighting. 

Motion-sensored lighting can also help you reduce your facility’s energy consumption. When lights are left on overnight they can burn an incredible amount of energy. Motion-sensored lighting takes the responsibility out of employees’ hands and makes cost-saving automatic. 

 

MaintenX is here to help you reduce energy costs and improve your facility performance through effective facility maintenance. To learn more about your lighting and electrical options, contact us today!

Five Tips For Air Balancing In Your Commercial Facility

At MaintenX, we often consider air balancing one of the most important steps to achieving optimal HVAC performance. While facility managers assume that temperature control or cost savings are top priority, by achieving proper balance, you can keep a comfortable facility at a lower cost. But, what exactly is air balancing, and how do you achieve it? 

 

What Is Air Balance?

Air balancing is the process of ensuring that the right amount of heated or cooled air is delivered to each room in a facility. For your HVAC technician, this involves testing the air quality room by room and adjusting the system as needed. They measure the temperature, output, and energy used and adjust accordingly to ensure your HVAC system is equally performing across all measures. 

 

How To Achieve Air Balance

There are many different ways to achieve air balance depending on the size, capacity, and needs of your building. Below are some simple changes you can make to reduce the demand on your HVAC system and achieve a better balance: 

  • Change air filters. Old and dirty air filters can cause problems with indoor air quality, temperature, and so much more. If one area of your facility is struggling with balancing issues, check the filters before calling your HVAC technician. This simple maintenance step can save a lot of time and trouble. 


  • Cover windows. While you may love sunshine while working in the office, overexposure to sunlight can cause your facility to heat up faster. Window treatments can help keep your facility cooler in the summer. Even if you only close them while the facility is unoccupied, you can cut back on high cooling costs with this simple fix. 


  • Look for air leaks and airflow restrictions Cracks in the doors and windows can allow conditioned air to escape outside, or allow air from outside to creep in. Prevent this by calling your MaintenX technician to caulk or seal any cracks in your facility floor space. On the other hand, you could be preventing air from flowing within the facility by blocking air vents. If furniture or appliances are placed close to a vent, it may be causing air balance issues. You can avoid this alternate issue by keeping vents clear of restrictions whenever possible. 


  • Try a 2 degree offset for multi-storied buildings. It’s common knowledge that hot air rises and cold air sinks, but many of us never think about how this impacts our facilities. If you think your upper floors are warmer or the HVAC system is working harder, consider changing the thermostat to accommodate. 


  • Check your thermostat. You typically look to the thermostat to solve comfort issues in a facility. However, if your thermostat isn’t reading correctly, you could be misdiagnosing HVAC issues. The thermostat may not be reading correctly if there is an electronic device close to it, as these can emit a great amount of heat. Ask your HVAC technician during their next inspection if you might be experiencing thermostat issues leading to air imbalance. 

 

These small adjustments will make a big difference in your HVAC performance and air quality. To learn more about this process, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Plumbing Tips for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is fast approaching the Florida coast, which means that facility managers need to start prepping for the rainy season. Windows, roof, and yes, even your plumbing needs protection before a storm. Plumbing systems can become flooded or blocked with debris if a storm is serious. By investing in preventative care, you can avoid costly emergency services on your plumbing system. 

 

We’ve weathered through the worst of storms at MainteX. Our brave technicians have helped citizens and business owners recover after storms like Hurricane Michael and Irma in the past. We promise to help your facility in the upcoming hurricane season with these preparedness tips for your plumbing system:

 

Clean drains and gutters

One of the biggest risks for plumbing during a hurricane is flooding. When the storm surge comes, the pipes can overflow, and when it goes back, all the debris that was washed away during the storm goes down the pipes. This puts your system at greater risk for broken pipes or major blockages. Prevent this by scheduling a hydro-jetting service and gutter cleaning before summer begins. 

 

Inspect plumbing

If your plumbing system is aged or blocked when the storm season begins, you’re more likely to face the repercussions. By scheduling an inspection with your MaintenX plumber, however, you can repair any damaged pipes before they become emergent. We recommend scheduling this service as early as possible in the spring to avoid issues during Florida’s rainy season. 

 

Turn off the hot water heater and main water value before evacuation

If the storm is severe, you should receive several days’ notice to allow employees and tenants to evacuate. If you choose to evacuate, it is best to turn off the hot water and main water lines beforehand. This prevents flooding and water contamination and can be easily turned back on once you’ve returned. Talk to your plumber about this option, however, because it may not be necessary for your facility depending on its location and size. 

 

MaintenX believes that preparedness is the best solution for hurricanes. To learn more about our preventative and emergency maintenance services, contact us today. 

The Best Professional Tips for Keeping Your Facility Cool During The Summer

As the summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your cooling bills. In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we see most of our HVAC repair business come in from May to August. This is not the time when facilities want to have a broken A/C, but far too often they wait on repairs until their system is overworked. 

 

Below are some tips to help keep your facility cool and your energy bills low during the summer months: 

 

Keep up with HVAC maintenance

The worst thing you can do as a facility manager is neglecting your HVAC maintenance during the summer. Your system will be working overtime to combat the brutal summer temperatures, and this can lead to breakdowns if your HVAC system is not performing well. By neglecting HVAC repairs in the spring, you’re setting your facility up for breakdowns in the summertime. Contact your MaintenX professional at the first sign of issues to prevent major repairs. 

 

Maintain airflow

Fans can help make your facility feel cooler than it is. It is also better for tenants’ health if there is plenty of airflow within the facility. By switching the HVAC system to fan-only once it reaches the optimal temperature, you’ll help your tenants feel cool and breathe better air. 

 

Close blinds during the day.

Sunshine helps to promote productivity in the workplace, but it also heats up your facility faster. By closing the blinds in areas where employees aren’t working or where they don’t mind a lack of sunshine, you can keep a cooler facility. 

 

Replace air filters

It’s easy to forget to replace your air filters every month, but this can cause serious problems with your HVAC system. Not only will you be circulating dust and debris through your facility, but you’ll lose efficiency that helps keep your space cool. Set a reminder to replace your air filters every month and you’ll see a noticeable difference in your HVAC performance. 

 

These are just a few steps that MaintenX facilities take to reduce energy bills. To learn more about how we help our clients stay cool during the summer, contact us today!