Author: MaintenX

Complete Guide To HVAC And Furnace Maintenance

HVAC and furnace maintenance is an ongoing project for facility managers. These two systems are responsible for the comfort, air quality, and in some cases the safety of your facility. It is essential that you keep a close eye on their performance, especially as the summertime approaches. This guide will help you not only prevent unwanted repair problems but extend the service life of your HVAC system through careful routine maintenance. 

 

HVAC and furnace systems can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper maintenance. The longevity of commercial units depends solely on how well the facility operator cares for them, as well as the competence of the maintenance staff. If you want to get the most out of your HVAC and furnace, follow this comprehensive maintenance checklist: 

 

When to Call A Professional

Typically, the HVAC system and furnace will only need occasional air filter replacements and cleanings, which can be scheduled based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, if you notice any of these changes to your units, it may be time to schedule a maintenance consultation: 

 

  • Your system is underperforming and can’t keep up with temperature demands (it is never cold enough or warm enough inside no matter how long the unit runs).
  • You notice airflow in one or more rooms that are not consistent with the rest of the facility
  • You can smell or hear something out of the ordinary coming from your unit
  •  The HVAC or furnace is short cycling

 

Cleaning and Inspecting Your HVAC System

An HVAC inspection, whether routine or due to one of the symptoms listed above, should include a comprehensive check of all major parts of the unit. Both indoor and outdoor components should be inspected to ensure your system is running at peak performance: 

 

  • Inspect and clean air ducts as needed
  • Clean evaporator coils and condensate drain
  • Replace air filters as needed to provide better airflow
  • Trim around ground outdoor units to prevent debris from impeding airflow
  • Check electrical system to ensure there are no loose connections to the HVAC system

 

Cleaning and Inspecting Your Furnace

Your furnace should also be inspected routinely to ensure that there are no safety hazards. Summer is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance call because repairs won’t be emergent and you can budget for them accordingly. Your technician should: 

 

  • Inspect heating components, ignition, exhaust, and burners
  • Lubricate any motors and bearings that could cause friction with other parts
  • Replace the filter for better airflow
  • Perform a safety check to ensure the system can safely operate in winter

 

Check Your Thermostat

Your HVAC and furnace system can not operate efficiently if your thermostat is out of date. Issues with the thermostat can cause discomfort in your facility and shoot your energy bill up significantly. Ask your technician the following questions to make sure your thermostat is smart and energy-efficient:

 

  • Is your thermostat reading correctly?
  • Is it adjusting to changing temperatures? 
  • Can it control temperature room by room? 

 

Should I Repair or Replace?

Not all units are worth the investment to repair. If your HVAC or furnace is outdated, not sized correctly, or is too costly to repair, you may want to talk to your MaintenX technician about replacement. By upgrading to an energy-efficient unit, you can save your facility hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy costs. 

 

MaintenX cares about the health and safety of your facility. To learn more about HVAC and furnace repairs, contact us today!

What To Do Before Turning Down the AC This Spring

In Tampa, Florida, here MaintenX is headquartered, we do everything we can to soak up the spring weather. From April to November, Florida experiences summer-like heat, so the more spring we get to enjoy, the better! Plus, with those long summer months, our customers have to carefully budget their energy costs. Air conditioning is one of the highest monthly bills for Florida businesses, which is why we’ve compiled this list of tips to help you reduce your summer cooling bill. 

 

Below are five ways to reduce your HVAC bill this spring and summer: 

 

Inspect your ductwork

If your ductwork has leaks or clogs, it may not be running as efficiently as it could be. You could be losing cool air through a leak, or might be working your HVAC system too hard if it does not have clear ductwork to run through. Check with your MaintenX HVAC technician to see if ductwork repairs are needed before the summer season. 

 

Ensure proper airflow through the vents

If your vents are dirty from unchanged air filters or blocked by furniture, you’ll have a harder time keeping cool. By providing proper airflow through the vents you can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Remove any blockages or dirty filters from your vents and see the difference it makes. 

 

Update your thermostat

Most modern systems come with programmable thermostats so you can automate temperature changes by room, time of day, and season. If your thermostat is out of date, it may not be able to provide optimal temperatures, or may not even register correctly. Ask your MaintenX technician about thermostat upgrades available with your system. 

 

Inspect your outdoor units

Outdoor units that are dirty or covered in foliage will not run as efficiently as well-maintained ones. Check the individual condenser units to ensure that no debris or dirt is clogging the system. Be sure to clean outdoor units after landscaping services, as cut grass and fertilizer can get blown around and stuck in your HVAC units. 

 

Insulate refrigerant lines

If your refrigerant lines are not well-insulated, you could be losing cooling power throughout your system. The insulation can also break down over time, so be sure to ask your HVAC technician to inspect these elements during their routine checks. This is especially important during the spring and summer when your HVAC system will be working harder. 

 

These five maintenance services can help you keep cool at a lower cost. If you’d like to learn more about HVAC maintenance for your commercial facility, contact MaintenX today! 

Identifying and Responding to HVAC Emergencies

Most of the work we do at MaintenX is preventative. Luckily, the programs we implement with customers are effective in reducing reactive maintenance and improving overall facility performance. However, we still specialize in emergency maintenance despite the effectiveness of our preventative care. Why? Because when a maintenance emergency hits, you want the very best technicians available. 

 

Below are the 4 most common HVAC emergencies we experience, and tips for how to identify and respond to them quickly: 

 

Clogged drain lines

The evaporator coil in an HVAC system creates condensation, which must be drained in order for the unit to function. Typically water drains easily as it builds up, but sometimes clogs can develop. When this happens, the water has nowhere to go and will back up into the system or into the walls. This can cause serious water damage to your HVAC unit and the surrounding area where it is installed. If you notice any signs of water damage, you’ll need to MaintenX immediately. If water damage is left unchecked, you could be looking at replacement costs rather than repairs. 

 

Electrical issues

Electrical issues with your HVAC units can cause the entire system to shut down. In many cases, this can render an entire commercial facility inoperable, especially those that require constant ventilation. Electrical issues, though inconvenient, are usually a simple fix. This issue is easy to identify, and a call to your MaintenX electrician is all that’s needed. 

 

Blocked air ducts

Ventilation is just as important as temperature control in your facility. While you may not notice it as readily, it is essential to the health of your facility and it’s tenants. If the air ducts become clogged with dust or debris, you may notice an uneven distribution of hot or cold air. You will also notice that your HVAC system is running continuously. If this happens, ask your MaintenX HVAC technician to come out the next day to clean the air ducts and run further diagnostics. 

 

Gas leak

The most serious HVAC emergency you could experience is a gas leak. They can be caused by a crack in the gas line, and if left unnoticed can cause explosions. Don’t take this risk lightly — it is not as uncommon as facility managers may believe. You will likely notice the smell of rotten eggs in your facility, which is a signal that you should contact your HVAC technician immediately. 

 

These HVAC emergencies are worrisome, but MaintenX is always here to help. Our professional HVAC technicians are trained for emergency repairs and will be able to quickly diagnose the problem. If you are ever concerned about your HVAC performance, call us!

Celebrate Earth Day With These Green Changes To Your Facility

Happy Earth Day! On April 22nd, we at MaintenX want to celebrate all the advances in the facility maintenance industry that are helping us change the planet, one day at a time. 

 

Environmental sustainability is important to us, which is why we are always looking for the next advancement to help our clients reduce their carbon footprint. From energy-efficient appliances to simple office transformations, we believe that every step counts toward our goal of a sustainable future. Even the addition of a recycling bin in the office shows that your facility cares about the future of your community and the world. 

 

Below are five different ways you can celebrate Earth Day in your facility with eco-friendly change: 

 

Start a recycling program

If your city offers a recycling service, now is the time to sign up. There are more and more options for modern recycling, and commercial facilities are a great place to collect. You can recycle office papers, plastic, and aluminum bottles, and old office supplies to help reduce your building’s overall waste. 

 

No new paper

Many offices are making the switch to paperless, but in some industries, this isn’t the best option. If you can’t eliminate paper use in the office, switch to recycled paper for your printing needs. This will reduce your environmental impact in areas where you can’t go fully digital and complete your recycling initiative. 

 

Switch to energy-efficient appliances

There are so many options to reduce your environmental footprint with energy-efficient electronics and appliances. Everything, from lightbulbs to HVAC systems, comes in energy-efficient varieties. This will not only provide benefits to the planet but can also help you reduce your energy bill.

 

Choose sustainable eating options

Choosing eco-friendly snacks and catering options can inspire your employees to think about their food choices. By offering fair trade coffee or organic pastries at the morning meeting, you can make a small difference in your company culture surrounding environmental sustainability. This is also an easy way to bring awareness to Earth Day in a fun and engaging way for employees. 

 

Incorporate sustainable landscaping

Many commercial facilities only choose landscaping designs based on aesthetic appeal and maintenance requirements. However, by adding some pollinating flowers or endemic species to your landscaping, you can add value to the local ecosystem. Butterflies, bees, and other native species will appreciate the effort, as well as visitors at your facility. You can even add some office plants inside to improve indoor air quality and boost office morale. 

 

Earth Day is a yearly reminder that the world outside the four walls of work is just as important as what we do inside. To learn more about environmentally-friendly office practices, click here to read from the blog.

Pros and Cons of Hydro Jetting vs. Snake Drain Cleaning

Keeping clean pipes is priority number one when it comes to commercial plumbing. Clogged pipes can lead to slow draining pipe damage, and even line breaks if you don’t address the issue immediately. However, you have several options when it comes time to clean the pipes. While snakes are the most common tool for professional pipe cleaning, another option is gaining in popularity among commercial maintenance teams: hydro jetting. 

 

Hydro jetting is a process by which pressurized water is forced through the facility’s pipes, clearing out any unwanted debris in the system. It is powerful enough to remove everyday clogs as well as roots in the ground that traditional snakes cannot get through. However, hydro jetting is not the perfect solution for all systems. Below are some of the pros and cons of each method to help you determine which is right for your facility: 

 

Should you choose hydro jetting? 

Hydro jetting is an advanced technology that is able to remove more clogs than traditional snaking methods. It is an environmentally friendly and safe option, as no chemicals are required to break up the debris. However, it is not suitable for all facility plumbing systems. Because of the force of the water, it can be dangerous for older systems that may not be able to withstand the pressure. Your MaintenX plumber will have to run a camera down the pipe system first to see if your plumbing can handle hydro jetting. 

 

Should you use a plumbing snake?

Snaking is the simplest form of pipe cleaning available. This method is safer for older systems and can be a less expensive service if the clog is relatively small. While snaking is preferable for older pipes or smaller jobs, it does not work well with major blockages. If you have an older system with a tree root or serious blockage, you may have to use drain cleaning chemicals first, or replace part of the piping to ensure no further damage is created. 

 

At MaintenX, we offer both hydro jetting and snaking services for commercial facilities. We will first use a camera to inspect the pipes to see how big the blockage is and if the pipes are in good condition for hydro jetting. If they are, we use the hydro jetting system to safely and quickly remove the clog. If the pipes are older, we will first try snaking to remove the blockage or loosen it to allow some water to pass. If this does not work, we may offer chemical solutions or further plumbing repairs to fix the issue. 

 

MaintenX is here to help you with any plumbing problem at your facility. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

Is Your Electrical Wiring A Fire Hazard?

Old damaged electrical wiring is one of the leading sources of commercial building fires we see at MaintenX. And yet, so many facility managers don’t give their wiring a second thought until it causes problems. It stays hidden within the walls, and facility managers forget about its maintenance. However, if you’re in an older building, this could lead to disaster. 

 

Below are some of the most common risk factors for electrical fires. If your electrician alerts you to any of these in your facility, take steps to fix the problem immediately. Your building will be much safer with the proper electrical maintenance service from MaintenX: 

 

Older insulation

Insulation keeps the wiring safe from everything inside the building. Over the years, it can become brittle, damaged, or chewed by animals. When this happens, it needs to be replaced by your electrician. If your wiring is not insulated, it can be chewed or exposed and cause sparks to fly. However, your MaintenX electrician can easily replace it with modern insulation throughout the facility. 

 

Low amp wiring

Older buildings may be fitted with wiring that is rated for a lower amp than modern equipment needs. If the wiring is used for too long, it can overload the circuit and cause an electrical fire. Typically, we recommend replacing the breakers with an arc fault circuit interrupter to eliminate the danger. However, your MaintenX electrician can give you a more specific diagnosis and solution when they visit for a consultation. 

 

Poorly maintained or modified wiring

Buildings that are over 50 years old have likely undergone electrical repairs by many electricians over the years. Electrical maintenance has changed drastically in that time, which means the repairs done earlier may not be up to the standards of today. In fact, electrical work from the past may have damaged the wiring more than it helped. If you have an older building, it’s important to schedule a consultation to ensure your wiring has not been damaged by repairs from the past. 

 

Improper pest control

Not only are rats and mice health hazards, but they will chew through your facility’s electrical wiring if they are able. This can lead to issues within the circuit or an electrical fire in more severe cases. While MaintenX does not offer pest control services, we can recommend you to a local provider to ensure that your electrical problems are not caused by pests in the wall. 

 

Poor electrical design

Your building likely has electrical wiring that met the codes of the age in which it was built. If your building is older, this could mean your electrical design is out of date. While this doesn’t often cause issues, if the wiring has a subpar design, it could lead to dangerous consequences when running modern equipment. Ask your MaintenX electrician about rewiring your building to meet modern codes and safety precautions. 

 

MaintenX is here to help you meet the modern needs of commercial facilities. To learn more about our electrical repair services, contact us today!

How To Remove Mold From Roofing

Roofing maintenance is typically straightforward. You clean your gutters every year, replace shingles after a storm, and make sure that water penetration is kept at bay. However, not many commercial facility owners realize their building may be at risk for molding on their roof. If water does not dry after heavy rainfall, you could have a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. That’s why MaintenX wants to give you all the tips, tricks, and warning signs to ensure you prevent mold from forming on your roof. 

 

Below are the steps to prevent, identify, and remove mold from your commercial roof:

 

Step One: Prevention

The best way to prevent mold growth on the roof is to ensure proper water drainage. This is simple if you have a slanted roof; as long as you keep your gutters clean, you should be able to drain water easily. However, flat roofs or roofing with damage can collect water, causing mold to grow. Ask your MaintenX specialist about drainage solutions for your roofing. 

 

Step Two: Identifying mold

Most facility owners and managers don’t take a close look at their roofing on a regular basis. This makes it very easy for mold problems to get out of hand. While you may not want to inspect the rooftops on a weekly basis, you should always be on the lookout for internal signs of water damage. Visually inspect the ceiling for signs of water leaks or mold, and have your maintenance team do an outdoor inspection during service calls. This will help you get ahead of the mold problem more quickly. 

 

Step Three: Removal

You can remove mold from roofing in several ways. You can scrub it off with a brush or use a bleach or ammonia mixture to kill and clean it off. The cleaning solution that will work best for your roofing depends on the severity of the problem as well as the roofing material. For the best outcome, it’s best to contact your MaintenX professional for removal.

 

MaintenX is a specialist in roofing maintenance. We work with the best local professionals to ensure your roofing is clean, durable, and mold-free. Our solutions are not only safe but environmentally friendly when possible. We care about your business, which is why customers in 13 states choose us for all of their maintenance needs. 

 

To learn more about MaintenX’s roofing services, contact us!

Switching to Solar? How Panels Can Affect Your Roofing

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular for commercial facilities. Not only are they a great way to reduce your building’s environmental impact, but they can help reduce your energy bill as well. Florida and many other states offer incentive programs to switch to solar, making it more affordable than ever to install solar paneling. However, there are many factors to consider besides cost before installing them onto your roofing. 

 

Solar panels are a major installation that is not suitable for all buildings. The panels are heavy and require a significant amount of space to be effective for commercial applications. Plus, improper installation can lead to structural damage. This increases your building’s risk of water damage, fire, and can cause your warranty or insurance to be canceled. In order to enjoy the full benefits of solar roofing, you need to work with an experienced contractor and determine whether your building is a good candidate for solar installation. 

 

The installation team will first inspect your roofing to determine whether it is in proper condition for solar panel installation. Roofing that is old, damaged, or structurally compromised is immediately eliminated from solar panel installation. Your roofing contractor will also look at: 

 

  • Height of the building
  • Frame load capacity
  • The seismic and wind loads
  • The slope 
  • The roofing material

 

After inspection, your contractor can talk about installation requirements and solar panel brands. However, before this conversation takes place you will want to talk to your roofing installation team to determine whether your warranty is still valid after the addition. You may also want to check with your insurance company to determine whether this changes your rates. By choosing a reputable contractor, your odds of keeping insurance and warranties are much higher. 

 

You should also ask your roofing contractor if your roof flashing is in good condition. The installation crew will have to drill through both the roofing material itself and the flashing to secure the panels. If the flashing is not in good condition, this can lead to water damage. The structural integrity of your building comes first. If your roofing contractor has concerns, you should replace flashing or roofing panels first. 

 

With these tips in mind, you can successfully implement a solar panel system to your commercial roofing. By understanding the risks, you can prepare your roofing and ensure a safe installation from start to finish. And, MaintenX is always here to help with your roofing and solar panel installation needs. 

 

To learn more about our maintenance and installation services, contact us!

Spring Roof Cleaning + Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season is fast-approaching, and MaintenX wants to help your facility prepare. Typically, we worry most about our clients’ roofing, because this is the source of the greatest damage during major storms. If the roof collapses, everything inside the facility is susceptible to tree and water damage. If the roof stands strong, however, it is likely your facility will be operational after a storm. 

 

Below are our top tips to help you prepare your roofing for hurricane season: 

 

Schedule a roofing inspection

Your MaintenX roofing specialists can help you identify potential issues with your current roofing system. If you have cracks, water damage, or areas that could be weak in a storm, your roofing maintenance team can help you replace and repair what’s needed. This will help protect your facility during hurricane season when roof damage is typically the most destructive. 

 

Clean gutters

Cleaning the debris out of your gutters will not only help keep water damage at bay but can reduce the load on the gutters to ensure they don’t break during a storm. Clogged gutters will start to grow mold which can deteriorate the structure over time. Leaves and other fallen debris can also add weight to the roof and cause the gutters to snap during a hurricane. To avoid this, be sure to clean them in the springtime. 

 

Trim overhanging trees

One of the most common causes of hurricane damage is not the wind or rain itself, but fallen trees. When the trees fall, they will take down with them anything in the path. Fallen trees can break through roofing which is why it’s important to remove any dead overhang near your facility. Dead trees and limbs are much more likely to fall than live, healthy ones. 

 

Review your insurance

Just as maintenance preparation is important for hurricane season, so is paperwork preparation. Before the next hurricane season hits you’ll want to make sure your roofing, windows, and landscaping are covered as well as the structure of the building itself. Insurance policies are finicky when it comes to hurricane damage, and you don’t want to be left in the dark. Contact your insurance provider to make sure you are fully covered before July. 

 

To learn more about hurricane preparedness for your commercial facility, contact MaintenX today! We specialize in emergency maintenance and have experience dealing with the aftermath of major hurricanes. Our MaintenX technicians are always here to help you. 

The Advantages of Instant Water Heaters

Most of us are familiar with the water heater tank that’s in our facility or home. These massive hot water heaters are difficult to repair, take up a lot of space, and can be detrimental to your facility operations if they malfunction. Most of us simply accept the risks, but new technologies have allowed for the tankless water heater, or instant water heater, to take the place of this outdated machine. 

 

As the name suggests, instant water heaters don’t have a storage of hot water to supply to your building. Instead, they heat the water as they pass through the system, much like your HVAC unit cools the air as it passes through. This advanced hot water heating system has several advantages and is what we typically recommend for hot water heater replacements. Here’s why: 

 

Instant water heaters are safer

Though rare, hot water heaters can explode or flood your facility if they are not maintained. While you can avoid this complication through regular preventative care, the tankless hot water heater doesn’t come with any of these risks to begin with. If you’ve ever had a hot water heater malfunction at your facility, you know why this is number one on our list of advantages of the tankless water heater. 

 

Instant water heaters are environmentally-friendly

Many businesses are making the switch to energy-efficient appliances to help reduce their environmental impact. This not only provides benefits for your local community but can help you earn rebates from local and federal incentive programs. Instant water heaters fall under this category, so check with your state to see what rebates you can earn by replacing your old tank.

 

Instant water heaters are smaller

The tankless water heater takes up significantly less space than a traditional water heater. They are typically less than one foot wide or tall. This makes them easily mistakable for a breaker box or AC unit, and they can be easily hidden out of sight. Instead of making room for giant tanks, you can put that space to use in your facility. 

 

They can help you save more on utilities

Because tankless water heaters only use energy when hot water is needed, they can save up to 30% on your monthly energy bill. Their on-demand design helps you reduce your overall hot water usage, and eliminates water waste that occurs while you’re waiting for faucets to warm up. It’s a win-win situation for your tenants and for you as the facility manager. 

 

If you are interested in installing a tankless water heater in your facility, contact MaintenX today! We provide consultation to help you find the right instant water heater, as well as installation and ongoing maintenance services. MaintenX is your one-stop-shop for all your commercial facility needs!