Author: MaintenX

Hot Water Heater FAQs for Small Businesses

The most effective facility managers are those that are involved on the ground floor. They know the ins and outs of their maintenance department and know the right questions to ask about each piece of equipment in their building. To help you become more involved in your maintenance department, we want to give you a better understanding of your water and plumbing systems. 

 

The hot water heater is a common source of plumbing problems. Below are the top frequently asked questions we receive about hot water heaters, and advice for how to address these common issues. 

 

Why am I running out of hot water?

Running out of hot water is a serious problem whether you’re at home or at a commercial facility. In fact, this can be even more serious in a commercial space where your business relies on hot water for essential business functions (such as commercial kitchen dishwashers). Water that doesn’t become hot or doesn’t stay hot is a sure sign your hot water heater is in need of repairs. It is likely that the tubing or the motor is damaged, which will only get worse over time. Contact your MaintenX professionals for a thorough evaluation. 

 

What temperature should I set for my hot water heater? 

Most commercial hot water heaters come pre-set with an optimal temperature. This can be adjusted by your maintenance team, but typically you should not deviate from the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you have an older system and are unsure of the manufacturer’s recommendation, we recommend a temperature around 120℉ or whatever your onsite MaintenX technician recommends. 

 

Is the water leak serious?

In almost all cases, yes, your hot water leak is serious. Not only could it be a sign of a major maintenance issue, but it is costing you up to 13% of your water bill every month. Don’t let your hot water heater continue to leak once you’ve noticed it — contact your MaintenX team to repair the leak and assess other potential signs of damage. 

 

How can I conserve my hot water usage?

By lowering your hot water usage, you can save big on your overall building expenses. There are many options to reduce hot water usage, including the installation of low-flow faucets and toilets. Scheduling preventative maintenance can also help you reduce buildup which will make your hot water heater more efficient. If you are still paying too much, you might consider installing a more energy-efficient hot water heater. 

 

What hot water heater is right for me? 

If you are choosing a replacement hot water heater, you should consult with your MaintenX team to choose the right model. Your current usage, facility size, future water needs, and budget all factor into which model might be right for you. Energy-efficiency is also an important factor to consider if you want to transform your building into a more green facility. For the best advice, ask for a personal consultation from your MaintenX team. 

 

MaintenX is here to help you make sound maintenance decisions every day. TO learn more about our preventative maintenance services, contact us!

The Dangers of Static, Surges, and Other Electrical Anomalies At Your Facility

Electrical repair work is something most commercial property owners steer clear from, and for good reason. It is one of the most dangerous lines of maintenance work out there and requires a depth of knowledge and skill to master. However, at MaintenX we want you to be prepared for all types of electrical issues. The more you know about the different causes of electrical shorts and power outages, the better you can handle these dangerous events. 

 

Below are three different types of electrical anomalies that you should understand and prepare for at your facility: 

 

Static shock

Most of us don’t think of static electricity as a danger on commercial property. Sure, it can do harmless things like making your hair stand on end or sting you when you touch a metal door, but usually, we don’t think of it as dangerous. However, commercial facilities are often much more risky areas than our homes. 

 

It isn’t just our car doors or balloons rubbed on our heads that create static electricity. It is created by an imbalance of electrical charges and can happen in commercial applications on a much larger scale. In rare instances, static shocks can cause injuries or put people with pacemakers at risk. If gasoline is present onsite, static electricity can even cause fires. However, the most common danger is the potential damage to your electronics. For this reason, it’s important to reduce potential triggers of static shock at your facility.

 

Power surge

Most of us have experienced a power surge at some point in our home or business. They can be caused by anything from a fallen power line to a lightning strike, or even an overworked outlet. However, like a static shock, this seemingly small danger can pose serious risks to your electronic system. 

 

Depending on the size of your facility, a power surge can compromise data storage, essential equipment, or essential workstations. It is rarely physically dangerous, but can quickly lead to a shutdown of areas of your facility if you’re not careful. To prevent power surges, be sure to schedule preventive electrical maintenance. The better care you take of your wiring and electrical systems, the less likely you are to face one of these debilitating events. 

Power outage

Power outages are less likely to cause immediate damage to your electrical system, but they can equally wreak havoc on your business operations. For some businesses, such as medical facilities and nursing homes, a power outage can be life-threatening. That is why MaintenX recommends investing in top-of-the-line backup power for all commercial spaces. 

 

For facilities that provide essential services, we recommend a UPS system to provide continual power in the event of an outage. However, smaller businesses should invest in a backup generator to provide the needed power for primary business functions. Even a small generator can help maintain a portion of your office space during an outage. Investing in these systems and planning preventative maintenance with us can help you keep your business afloat in uncertain times. 

 

MaintenX offers 24/7 electrical maintenance services for businesses across the country. Our team of electricians is there to help you in emergencies, as well as in preventative services to keep the emergencies at bay. To learn more about our electrician staff, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Room-To-Room Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the weather warms, your maintenance team should put HVAC repairs at the top of their priority list. Summer is the number one time for emergency HVAC repairs and maintenance, and our schedules become very busy by mid-May. If you want to protect your facility from a debilitating HVAC emergency, you’ll want to get ahead with some simple maintenance tips. 

 

Below are the different maintenance routines you should follow in different areas of your commercial facility. If you schedule these repairs throughout the summer, your facility is much less likely to experience downtime due to maintenance work. 

 

Office or common space

In the office or workspaces, you’ll want to start by caulking around the windows and doors where air leaks can occur. This will help to keep warm air out and cold air in wherever your tenants and employees spend the most time. You should also clean the air vent to ensure proper ventilation. A high-functioning ventilation system will help keep your staff healthy and cool throughout the summer. 

 

Bathrooms

HVAC units near the bathroom have more issues with humidity and ventilation than other areas of the facility. Make sure to clean the exhaust fans in these units before summer to make sure they run at peak performance. 

 

Commercial kitchen

Your kitchen’s ventilation system is its most important element, so make sure to ask for a consultation to eliminate any issues before the summer season. You can also help your kitchen’s HVAC system out by cleaning all equipment and reducing harmful cleaning chemicals wherever possible. These chemicals can circulate through your HVAC system and reduce indoor air quality. By switching to gentler cleaning products, you can maintain a healthier building overall. 

 

Basement

Most commercial facility basements are used for storage, but that doesn’t mean their HVAC systems aren’t just as important. Reduce moisture in your basement during the summer to keep storage areas free of mold and mildew. If your furnace is located in the basement, schedule cleanings for the filters, blower, and motor before the summer months. 

 

Outdoor HVAC units

Last but not least, you’ll want to clean your outdoor units of dirt, grass, and debris to ensure they run at peak efficiency throughout the summer. This is especially important if you have ground units instead of a rooftop HVAC system. After any landscaping service, take some time to clean, assess, and repair your outdoor units if necessary. 

 

Following these steps, your HVAC system will be in peak condition before the summer months hit. If you have questions about HVAC maintenance or repair, contact your local MaintenX today!

Five Reasons to Be Wary of the Lowest-Bidding Maintenance Contractor

Facility managers have a tight budget to manage, and every dollar counts. More often than not you don’t have the option to increase your budget, especially when it comes to preventative maintenance. However, there are plenty of reasons to be wary of the lowest-bidding contractor as well. You should consider quality and craftsmanship above the lowest price when working with maintenance teams, or you could pay for it in the long run. 

 

Not sure if your maintenance contractor is worth hiring? Consider this before choosing the company with the lowest price: 

 

They could be underbidding for a reason. 

Unfortunately, not all contractors are transparent during their consultation and estimate. They might underbid with a plan to upcharge you later on, or will only factor in the cost of parts in the initial assessment. You can’t always tell which contractors are honest during the first consultation, which is why it’s important to read plenty of reviews before signing a contract. 

 

They may not have the experience. 

Contractors who are new to the business will often offer low prices in order to get the experience they need. While an inexperienced contractor isn’t necessarily unskilled, they may miss things that an experienced contractor wouldn’t. A lack of experience may also cause them to bid low because they don’t understand the full scope of the job. You may end up paying more for a contractor who underestimates their time or costs. 

 

They won’t have enough manpower. 

If a bid seems deceptively low, you’ll want to ask about the crew that will be working on your project. Sometimes contractors will skirt by with a bare-bones crew in order to bid low and keep a greater share of the profits. However, this can cause issues in the quality and timeliness of your project. Ask ahead of time before choosing a one-man team to work on your commercial construction project. 

 

They’re sacrificing the quality of materials. 

Some contractors are able to bid low because they choose the cheapest materials available to get the job done. While this is a smart way to get customers, it is not a great way to keep them. Cheap materials can lead to maintenance problems later on, which is why you’ll want to consult with your contractor before they buy parts for your project. 

 

You’ll get what you pay for. 

In general, a quality contractor will cost more than a beginner. However, the small investment you make now will pay tenfold when you don’t have to worry about follow-up repairs or a complete do-over when the repair or renovation is failing. Choosing a contractor with solid reviews, experience, and transparency is the best way to ensure long-term satisfaction. 

 

MaintenX never skips out on quality to give you a cheaper price. We offer affordable maintenance services that improve your facility overall and are honest with our clients during every consultation. To learn more about what sets MaintenX apart, contact us today!

Backup Generators vs. UPS Systems

In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we are all too familiar with power outages. They happen during Florida’s powerful hurricane season and can wreak havoc on operating businesses in the area. Many facilities cannot accept power outages because they provide life-supporting or sustaining services throughout the area. Even companies that have the option to close do not want to wait indefinitely to reopen their doors after a major storm or outage. 

 

If you want to be prepared for power outages 24/7, you have two options. You can invest in a backup generator, or install a UPS system at your facility. Both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and MaintenX is here to help you choose the right one for your facility: 

 

The backup generator

Backup generators are separate pieces of equipment that can either be portable or permanently installed at your facility. These large, loud machines can supply power to large warehouses or factories in the event of a power outage. While they are affordable and practical, they can be an inconvenience during operation because of the noise. Backup generators also have a lag of around 30 seconds, which means continual power is not an option. 

 

For this reason, backup generators are not ideal for hospitals or businesses that require continual power.  They can be a more affordable and practical option, however, for facilities with plenty of outdoor space to install a permanent generator, such as a grocery store or manufacturing facility. 

 

UPS systems

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are options for facilities that require power 24/7 no matter the conditions. They are integrated into your electrical system and act as a battery for your entire facility. These are ideal for hospitals, data centers, or any other large facility that cannot afford a shutdown. They also come in smaller units that ensure that computer systems have the time to shut down properly, which is ideal for any business that relies heavily on its tech integrations. 

 

While UPS systems are typically the ideal option, they can be expensive. Maintenance on these machines is not easy either, which means that only serious business owners should invest in one. If you plan to shut down for storms and power outages, a backup generator may be the practical solution. 

 

Backup generators and UPS systems are critical for any business. MaintenX offers maintenance and installation services for both and can help you make the right choice for your specific facility. To learn more about our installation and repair services, contact us today!

Is Renewable Energy Reliable? The Pros and Cons of Alternative Energy

Renewable energy is possibly the greatest and most formidable frontier of environmental conservation today. While many companies are changing the way they process, package, and ship their products to reduce environmental impact, many are still hesitant to rely on renewable energy for their power. And there’s a good reason. Much of the renewable energy sector is still new, which brings the potential for great returns, but even greater risk. 

 

Below we want to explore to different pros and cons of switching to renewable energy, and how commercial facilities can do so while minimizing risks:

 

Alternative energy is (in some cases) more affordable

Many facility managers are hesitant to switch to alternative energy partners because they believe the cost is much higher. However, some renewable sources such as wind energy can be more cost-effective than non-renewable forms of energy, especially as the methods for extracting fossil fuels become more and more expensive. If your facility invests in an energy alternative along with energy efficiency measures, you can significantly reduce your operating costs long-term. 

 

Not all buildings are suited for alternative energy

While renewables produced by power plants can be effectively used for most commercial applications, some pieces of equipment will still require fossil fuels to operate. Solar panels, which are a popular choice for commercial facilities, are also not suitable for all facility types. Some buildings require more energy than a solar panel system can handle, while others do not have the roofing structure to support them. There are many more limitations to alternative energy in the built environment than traditional energy sources. 

 

Alternative energy reduces your building’s environmental impact

Energy consumption is typically a business’ greatest contributor to environmental damage. Even large factories that consume raw materials have the highest emissions from their energy consumption. Alternative energy sources can help reduce the environmental impact of your business, which positively affects your bottom line as well as your community. 

 

Alternative energy not available nationwide

Not all geographic locations have large-scale alternative options available. In larger cities where the land for wind or geothermal energy production is not possible, you may be limited to alternative options for your business. However, some companies offer the option to buy credits to ensure that an equivalent amount of green energy to what your business uses will be produced elsewhere. The Empire State Building recently switched to 100% wind energy using this option. 

 

Renewables are inevitable

Despite the drawbacks, renewable and alternative energy is inevitable in the commercial space. Fossil fuels are unsustainable at the current rate of consumption around the world, and every change a company makes helps to complete the global puzzle of living in a world without them. In 50 years, your company won’t have a choice but to switch to an alternative energy source. The sooner you are able to make incremental switches, the easier the transition will be. 

 

MaintenX has embraced the switch to alternative energy by training our maintenance staff in both traditional and green technologies for commercial facilities. We work closely with our clients to choose sustainable options that meet their bigger business goals.

Roofing Material Comparisons

Are you looking to repair your roofing or potentially replace it this summer? If so, MaintenX can help you choose the right materials for a seamless installation experience. We specialize in roofing installation and repair and are familiar with many types of commercial roofing materials for all facility types. Choosing the right materials is the first step for a successful roofing replacement. 

 

Commercial roofing materials are built for different purposes. Some are made to withstand hurricane-force winds, which is important for waterfront or coastal properties. However, others are made for energy savings, which can be beneficial if you run a large facility and want to reduce costs. The MaintenX team will listen to your needs and help you choose the right roofing based on your specific criteria. 

 

Below are some of the most popular materials for commercial roofing along with their pros and cons: 

 

Asphalt roofing

Asphalt is a very common roofing material. It can be rolled or installed in shingles and is one of the most affordable options for commercial facilities. While shingles can be easily replaced, rolled asphalt can be more tricky to install and maintain. This is also not the most durable roofing option — you can expect to replace commercial asphalt roofing every 10-15 years or sooner if you do not maintain it properly. 

 

EPDM Rubber

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a rubber roofing material that is very popular for flat commercial roofing. It is typically black to reduce UV damage and is highly durable roofing material. EPDM is also a favorable roofing option because it is low-cost and lightweight, making installation faster and more affordable. 

 

While EPDM rubber is a highly affordable option, it is not the most aesthetically pleasing. Because of its black color, it can also increase cooling costs in the summer. 

 

TPO roofing

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing is another affordable roofing option for commercial buildings. It is typically white which helps reduce heat transfer and is a lightweight, durable roofing material similar to EPDM. However, TPO is not as weather-resistant as EPDM rubber. It is prone to shrinking, cracking, and water penetration. Unfortunately TOP is also not fireproof on its own. It can be dangerous without the proper fire retardant treatments. If you choose this roofing material, it’s important to choose a reputable installation specialist to ensure safety. 

 

Modified bitumen roofing

Modified bitumen is used for roofing that is expected to withstand heavy foot traffic. The bitumen is layered with roof fabric to create strong, durable roofing that can withstand the elements. The double-layer also prevents water permeation. However, this type of roofing can require more maintenance than other types and is a more expensive option. 

 

Metal roofing

Metal roofing is a familiar and popular option for many reasons. It is one of the most durable and has a higher aesthetic appeal than other types of commercial roofing. Though some types of metal roofing carry the risk of rust, they can be coated with a protective layer to keep them looking new for years. The different types of metal roofing include: 

 

  • Copper
  • Aluminum
  • Tin
  • Stainless steel
  • Stone-coated steel
  • Aggregates of aluminum, zinc, and silicon-coated steel

 

No matter what type of roofing you choose, MaintenX is here to help! We offer full-service installation and will help you maintain your roofing with preventative care. Contact us today to learn more!

Safety Checklist for Your Facility’s Spring Cleaning

Spring has finally arrived which means it’s time for a seasonal facility inspection and outdoor maintenance checkup. In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we see drastic changes between the spring and summer. Some of these changes are minor, while others can cause a host of maintenance and safety issues for your staff. 

 

While scheduling your spring maintenance, be sure to plan for these inspections and services: 

 

Assessment of winter damage

Even with the mild winters, we have in Florida, the change of season can reveal issues from colder months. Potholes, dead landscaping, and damage from freezes can all contribute to maintenance issues addressed in the spring. It’s important to schedule a consultation to identify these issues before jumping into your spring cleaning plan.

 

Address issues with water drainage and irrigation

Spring usually brings more rain in Florida, and can also come with melting snow and ice in northern parts of the country. That is why it’s essential to check your water drainage systems as early as possible to ensure you don’t run into problems when the first April showers hit. Issues with water drainage can lead to slip and fall hazards, flooding, mosquito breeding, and hardscape damage. The sooner you act, the safer your facility will be. 

 

Spruce up your landscaping

As the weather warms up it’s important to tend to your landscaping. Remove debris, trim overgrown landscaping, and ensure that hazardous materials are cleaned up from your property. This should be taken care of early in the spring so that your landscaping doesn’t become overwhelming to manage in the summer. 

 

Plan for pest control

Pests cause serious safety hazards for your facility. Not only can they spread disease, but they can also do serious damage to your infrastructure (not to mention your reputation if they are seen by clients). Schedule pest control services for the early spring and ask your maintenance team to address any infrastructural damage such as chewed wires or termite-infested wood. 

 

Protect your parking lot

After a long winter, your parking lot may need repairs. Colder months can cause cracks in asphalt or for potholes to get worse. Don’t let employees and visitors injure themselves or damage their vehicles on your property. Schedule parking lot maintenance to ensure everyone has a safe ride. 

 

Spring maintenance can be easy with MaintenX by your side. We ensure that your facility tenants and employees are not only safe but are always taken care of with their maintenance requests. To learn more about our spring preventative maintenance services, contact us today!

How to Conquer Your Maintenance Backlog

Very few facility managers want to admit how intimidating their backlog can be. It’s a never-ending problem that only seems to grow. Tackling the backlog all at once can seem like an impossible task, but the longer a facility waits, the worse it will get. However, MaintenX can help you eliminate the backlog and get you in a position for maximum maintenance success. 

 

Typically, the backlog includes all work that has been requested, planned, but not completed. The backlog is measured in its entirety by the predicted hours or weeks it will take to complete. Some facilities are able to schedule their backlog effectively, while others treat it as a first-come, first-serve order of services.

 

While you may think you need to eliminate the backlog completely, experts believe that having zero backlog can lead to an increase in maintenance costs. Without scheduled services, the maintenance team may focus on corrective and preventative maintenance that is low-priority. This can lead to unneeded labor hours and services, which is not ideal either. 

 

MaintenX recommends scheduling two weeks’ worth of scheduled services, and two weeks of lower priority services for planning in the future. Your maintenance staff needs a game plan for their week if they are to use their time efficiently. However, you should always be looking ahead for preventative services to ensure that your long-term maintenance pals are reached. 

 

In order to achieve this ideal four-week backlog, you’ll want to prioritize your workload based on available parts, staffing, and urgency.  Equipment that is near the critical point should be addressed in the first week, while regular preventative repairs can be scheduled for weeks two and three. A system of balanced planning and execution is essential for a seamless backlog. 

 

You also want to plan generously for reactive maintenance during this four-week backlog planning period. You never know when reactive maintenance repairs will come up, so we suggest scheduling for 5-10 hours less than your regular workweek to accommodate these changes. You don’t want to overwork your maintenance staff while they’re trying to eliminate existing work orders!

 

With these tips in mind, your facility can effectively reduce downtime and create a process for backlog management. To learn more about our system at MaintenX, contact your local team today!

How To Use Your Work Order Data To Improve Facility Operations

The effectiveness of your maintenance team is a great indicator of your overall facility performance. If your maintenance team is overworked and undervalued, that’s a good sign that your facility is facing growing pains (or is aging quickly). However, if your maintenance team is on top of work orders and has a short backlog, signs point toward a healthy and productive facility. 

 

You can learn tremendously from your work order data. By analyzing downtime, wrench time, labor costs, and equipment performance, you can learn a great deal about the inner workings of your facility. However, when you ignore these data points, you are only setting yourself at a disadvantage. If you want to learn your facility inside and out, follow these steps for using work order data to improve facility performance: 

 

Define your goal.

There are hundreds of data points to analyze in your maintenance program. You could study wrench time, costs of reactive maintenance, or labor hours, but without context, these numbers won’t help you improve. What do you want to accomplish this year with your maintenance team? Do you want to: 

 

  • Strengthen your preventative maintenance program
  • Create a more lean strategy for maintenance
  • Reduce downtime and reactive maintenance costs
  • Grow your maintenance department on pace with the rest of your facility

 

Once you define your maintenance goals for the year, you can move on to determining your key performance indicators. 

 

Choose KPIs

Not all data will be useful in reaching your goals. Depending on the size of your maintenance team, you may want to stick to three to five KPIs in order to narrow your focus and create a practical plan for your ground floor staff. Some KPIs for small to midsize maintenance teams can include: 

 

  • Percentage of reactive vs. preventive repairs
  • Frequency of reactive repairs per month
  • Number of expected versus actual labor/overtime
  • Costs of reactive repairs and increase/decrease over time
  • Number of daily work orders in the backlog 

 

Build your maintenance strategy around these measurements.

Once you’ve determined the metrics you want to try and improve within your maintenance team, it’s time to put that plan into action. Brainstorm with your maintenance team leads to determine what actions can be taken to reach your goals along with key performance metrics. For example, if your goal is to reduce the daily backlog, you can devise a plan to clear out the backlog or to improve the work order management system speed. 

 

Implement “big picture” ideas into day-to-day operations. 

Once you’ve determined your strategy and KPIs, you can implement daily solutions to reach toward your bigger goals. Improvements are achieved one day at a time and can accumulate when everyone on the maintenance staff is on board. When you work together to achieve your bigger goals, you can see them work faster and more smoothly than when implementing a top-down approach. 

 

MaintenX believes that work order management is the key to any successful preventative maintenance program. That’s why we use a fully automated work order system that gets your work order request from dispatch to inspection in only a matter of hours. To learn more about our preventative maintenance system, contact your local MaintenX team today.