Author: MaintenX

Facility managers primarily focus on cost-cutting and facility efficiency, because that is what their own job performance is measured upon. However, maintaining low-cost efficient systems is not the only job of your maintenance staff. While we keep your costs and workflow in mind, our main job is to ensure that your facility is a safe place in which to be. With safety as our first priority, we keep your business in check. 

 

There are several reasons why MaintenX put safety first in facility maintenance. We do it for our own staff, so that they are not worried about onsite injuries. We also know that cost-cutting and efficiency aren’t worth anything if the safety of tenants isn’t guaranteed. We work hard to lay the foundation for success so that you can have a high performing facility that is also a great place to work. 

 

Here’s what we focus on in maintaining facility safety during maintenance services: 

 

HVAC cleaning

Your HVAC system is a major source of energy consumption throughout the day, and keeping it clean helps maintain its efficiency. However, this is also an important safety procedure. If HVAC systems are not cleaned properly, they can circulate harmful bacteria and other germs throughout your entire facility. This results in “sick building syndrome” where your tenants are all affected by a bacteria circulating through the vents. Keep your tenants healthy by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance. 

 

Roofing maintenance

Roofing maintenance is relatively straightforward. Most of what you need to do is clean the gutters, remove heavy debris, and replace broken shingles or leaks when you notice them. While these tasks are simple, they can save you from severe roofing damage during a natural disaster. Heavy debris and leaks will weaken the structure of the roof, and when a major storm comes, it won’t stand up to the wind and rain. Make sure your roofing is always disaster-proof by taking care of it regularly. 

 

Fire safety

Fire safety equipment is something we hope to never use, but should always be in working order. Your MaintenX team can check equipment such as the overhead sprinklers, alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and more to ensure that your facility will always be safe during a fire emergency. 

 

Electrical safety

Electrical systems are dangerous for any untrained person to work on or perform maintenance tasks. Electrical systems can cause many problems, and if they malfunction can completely stop your facility operations. Don’t do electrical maintenance yourself — contact your MaintenX technician for a professional diagnosis and service. 

 

Backflow testing

Backflow testing is required for most commercial facilities, but it also provides some safety benefits for your tenants and staff. It ensures that water quality and purity are maintained at all times, and ensures that contamination of water never occurs, whether it is for machinery or for bathrooms, drinking fountains, and other water sources where direct contact is possible. By scheduling backflow testing regularly, you keep your employees safe and healthy at all times. 

 

These simple maintenance tasks will keep your facility running smoothly and your tenants out of harm’s way. To learn more about these services and how MaintenX can help you, contact us today!

Affordable housing and office rentals are essential in our communities. They make it possible for young families to thrive, small businesses to grow, and for consumers to get the products they love for less. However, many low-rent facilities are neglected because they are not a top priority for the property management. At MaintenX, we want to help facility managers change this by offering simple solutions to common maintenance problems. 

 

These four services make all the difference in improving tenant satisfaction, especially for low-rent facilities. Here’s what you can do to go the extra mile for your customers: 

 

Ensure your hot water heater is efficient.

This is especially important for low-rent apartments and condominiums. Hot water heaters are finicky appliances, and they need regular maintenance the older they get. By scheduling these services ahead of time, you can ensure your tenants never call you in an emergency or when they’ve lost their patience with a lack of hot water. 

 

Regularly service your HVAC system.

Your HVAC system maintenance is about more than keeping a cool temperature; it is about the health of your tenants. They rely on the ventilation system to maintain a healthy indoor air quality and humidity level. This is one of the most common issues in low-rent facilities and apartments. As the manager, you can make your tenants very pleased by scheduling regular maintenance services for their HVAC system. 

 

Provide quick plumbing repairs.

Plumbing repairs are essential, and affect the safety and health of your tenants. They are also a major pain for anyone in the building, so as the facility manager it’s important to take care of them as soon as possible. MaintenX provides 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs, and will be by your side in the event of a tenant emergency. 

 

Ensure roofing, landscaping, and other exterior services are a top priority.

While it may not affect the tenants directly, everyone wants to live and work in a place of pride. By taking care of the facility with these basic exterior services, you go above and beyond for your tenants to make them feel at home. These basic maintenance tasks are affordable when you choose MaintenX, and make all the difference in your company image. 

 

To learn more about facility maintenance and emergency services, contact MaintenX today! We offer affordable, on-time emergency service as well as preventative care for businesses across the country. 

This year has made businesses across the country more aware of their health and cleaning standards. As we battle the novel coronavirus, many brands have taken it upon themselves to revamp their cleaning and sanitization habits to better protect employees and customers. At MaintenX, we strive to be a resource for those companies by helping them maintain a high standard of maintenance excellence. 

 

While many of our customers have been giving their hard surface and HVAC maintenance a closer look, we encourage them to improve their maintenance habits across the board. Below are just a few tips on how you can take better care of your office floors while keeping germs at bay.

 

Remove wax

Stains on commercial tiles are oftentimes caused by discoloration of wax, and while it may not actually be dirty, it sends the wrong message to your clients. However, you can remove these stains by removing the wax from the surface, and reapplying a finish that is stain-resistant. This will help your facility look cleaner and feel cleaner, too. 

 

Use a neutral (non-acidic) floor cleaner.

PH balance makes all the difference when maintaining a floor for many years. Neutral (a 7 on the pH scale) is the best all-purpose cleaner for tile flooring. It won’t cause corrosion or staining like acidic cleaners, but will achieve results that basic cleaners won’t. Whenever possible, look for natural floor cleaners with few harsh chemicals. 

 

Use the right mop and broom

Wet mops and hard bristles can damage flooring due to the excess moisture and scratching that they cause. This is especially damaging on real hardwood and laminate, so opt for low-moisture mops and soft bristle brushes instead. This will keep your floors looking clean without damaging them over time. 

 

Proper carpet care

Carpet is one of the trickiest flooring options to clean. It traps dust, dirt, and hair, and will hold onto odors if not cleaned thoroughly and regularly. Spills on carpet must be addressed immediately, and daily or weekly vacuuming is recommended. Use slow passes over each area to ensure that all the dirt and debris is picked up. 

 

These tricks will help you keep your facility cleaner and healthier for everyone. To learn more about proper building maintenance for your commercial facility, contact your local MaintenX team. 

If you own or manage multiple facilities, you likely have a packed schedule everyday. There is so much to do, so many requests to fulfill, and too many tenants that all have problems for you to solve. If you’re looking to streamline your process, it may be logical to condense your facility maintenance plan down to a repeatable template. However, there are several reasons why this is not the best option for you. 

 

The framework for your plan can be the same, and it probably should be. You don’t need to brainstorm and retool every aspect of your maintenance schedule, but the details will vary based on the facility’s equipment, floor plan, size, and the staffing. Unless every facility has the same exact features, you’ll need a different plan for each facility. 

 

• Equipment – Equipment needs are based on a number of factors. For example, your HVAC maintenance will depend on the unit you have installed, as well as its age, repair history, and the environment of the facility itself. Even if all of your buildings were built at the same time and have the same exact HVAC unit installed, each has its own set of issues related to repair history and location that must be addressed in your plan. 

 

• Floor plan – Different floor plans will change the scope of your maintenance needs. This is also related to your equipment, but the floor plan can change things like frequency of professional cleaning, ventilation needs, maintenance staffing needs, and more. 

 

• Facility size – If you manage facilities of different sizes, you need to retool your basic maintenance plan. A smaller building will use different equipment and will need different types of maintenance services throughout the year. Understanding these differences in need will help you better shape your maintenance schedule. 

 

• Maintenance staffing – Every facility’s staffing will have its own strengths and weaknesses that you must address in your maintenance planning. You may need to outsource certain services at one facility that you don’t in others. Your maintenance staff should be involved in the specifics of your maintenance plan for each individual facility. They may have inside information that you need to make the best long-term decisions. 

 

If you are managing multiple facilities, talk to MaintenX about our self-performing maintenance staff. We offer HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and general contractor services for affordable prices. MaintenX makes it easy to manage service requests across multiple facilities and get the maintenance care you deserve. 

 

Contact us today for more details!

In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we have an annual hurricane season from June until November. Most people know the dangers of a hurricane, from 100+ mi/hr winds to collapsed roofing from fallen trees and power outages that can last for weeks. However, one danger often goes overlooked even by some long-time residents: storm surge. 

 

A storm surge is a natural event that occurs when a hurricane or tropical storm causes ocean waters to rise significantly above the predicted tide. Unlike a flood, a storm surge rises very quickly and then recedes back into the ocean. Think of it as the biggest wave you could imagine — up to 30 feet above sea level or more — coming in and flooding the streets of coastal areas. 

 

Storm surges are similar to tsunamis, but they do not have quite as much force because they are caused by pressure changes rather than earthquakes. These distinctions are important because storm surge causes a specific type of damage for buildings near the water. At your facility, you should not only be prepared for a storm surge but also understand how to tell if you’re in the danger zone. 

 

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was one of the most damaging hurricanes in modern history, but it was only a category three when it hit. The reason it caused so much destruction was because of the storm surge. Katrina’s surge reached 28 feet above the normal tide, meaning that any building that was not at least 29 feet above sea level was impacted. In New Orleans, those were few and far between. 

 

It is also important to note that storm surges have speed as well as height. To put into perspective: six inches of storm surge is fast and powerful enough to knock over a standing adult. Two feet of water in a storm surge can begin to move cars on the street. 28 feet of storm surge can flatten buildings and drown individuals. It is never something to take lightly. 

 

Because of this, it is most important for those in a storm surge zone to evacuate before a hurricane approaches. If a storm is approaching  Find out today, well before a hurricane ever approaches, if you live in a storm surge evacuation zone. If so, always evacuate for a hurricane based on local recommendations rather than the category of the storm. Categories are based on wind speed, but even a Category 1 hurricane can cause storm surge. 

 

Even if your facility is not directly affected by storm surge, it could experience other dangerous conditions such as impassable roads, water and sewage problems, and power outages. If you do anything to prepare for a hurricane, always think of storm surge first. It is often the most deadly and most damaging aspect of a hurricane, and can cause severe damage to your building. 

 

If you need emergency repair services after a hurricane or tropical storm, MaintenX is here to help. We provide comprehensive repairs at an affordable price, so you can get back to business as soon as possible. Contact your local MaintenX today to learn more!

When most of us think of energy-efficiency, we think of energy consumption in the form of lighting, air conditioning, and appliance use. However, how often do you think about the energy-efficiency of your plumbing? This major source of water use can be detrimental to your conservation efforts if you neglect to add it in your maintenance planning. Below, we’ll look at some of the ways in which you can make your plumbing more energy efficient and affordable. 

 

Energy conservation is not only the way of the future (to protect our natural resources and wildlife) but it can also be a major cost-cutting measure. The less you use, the less you have to pay for, which is why so many companies are looking to tighten their energy and water use every year. Plumbing is a major contributor to consumption, so it’s important to take it into consideration when making these cost-cutting measures. 

 

Ask yourself these questions to determine whether you are maximizing your plumbing performance and efficiency: 

 

Is your piping insulated? 

Pipe insulation is low-cost and very common in cold climates, but it has uses in every commercial plumbing system. Plumbing insulation reduces leakage, therefore reducing the need for repairs due to corrosion. Insulation also reduces the transfer of heat out of your piping, which will allow your hot water heater to maximize performance. 

 

Do you have low-flow or dual-flush toilets installed?

Low-flow toilets are designed to reduce the amount of water used for your toilets by 20% or more. They work just as well as traditional toilets but can cut energy costs significantly, just like dual flush oilers. Dual-flush designs have separate flush systems for liquids and solid waste, which can account for further water conservation. 

 

Do you use energy-efficient water heaters?

Hot water heaters come in many shapes and sizes.Selecting the right one for your facility can make a major impact in energy use when it comes to plumbing. Some high-efficiency boilers, for example, can reduce energy needs by up to 90% through a process of water condensation and reuse. Tankless water heaters can also reduce energy use and last longer than traditional heaters. Talk to your MaintenX technicians to see if these are an option for you. .

 

Energy-efficiency is a bottom-up effort that requires participation from everyone on the facility maintenance team. At MaintenX, we pride ourselves in our commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term care. We help our clients choose the right equipment and services to not only reduce their emergency maintenance needs, but to reduce their energy use as well. 

 

Contact us today for more information!

Heating, cooling, and ventilation are essential processes in your commercial facility. They maintain indoor air quality and temperature, which is key to your tenant satisfaction as well as your overall operational efficiency. Have you ever wondered how this essential system functions? Or better yet, have you ever analyzed what causes it to perform or malfunction? 

 

The primary job of the HVAC system is to maintain temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness. The typical commercial facility should stay at 72°F and have a humidity level between 40-60% on any given day. This should remain consistent between the seasons and changes in weather. Indoor air quality must also be maintained, which is where things like your air filters and health of the ventilation system come into play. 

 

A Basic Synopsis of How The HVAC System Works

 

Your typical AC cools the temperature by circulating through a refrigerant or water-cooling system. Heaters work in the same way, except they use water, radiator coils, or gas to heat the air instead of cool it. In this way air is constantly circulating through the system and being forced through the vents, until the air in the atmosphere reaches the desired temperature. 

 

The ventilation system works in tandem with the AC or heater by circulating the air through a system of fans and filtering out unwanted particles. This helps to keep their air clean and free from dust, germs, or bacteria. Together, these systems comprise the HVAC unit, and are full of moving parts that can easily become problematic without proper maintenance. 

 

Types of Heating and Cooling Systems

The type of system your facility has and needs will depend on the size, design, and age of the building, among other things. Below are some of the most common types of heating and cooling for commercial facilities. You can ask your MaintenX HVAC technician to tell you more about the one installed in your facility. 

 

• The single split system – This is the most affordable and most common type of HVAC system for residences and small office buildings. While these are low-cost and allow for individual control of a single area, they require considerable maintenance. For each area with individual heat and cooling control, you will have a separate outdoor unit. 
• The multi mini-split system – These systems are similar to the single split system, but they are much more energy-efficient. They allow you to connect separate indoor units to one outdoor unit, making maintenance easier as well. 
• Heat pump – Heat pumps are a special type of heating system that is more efficient for commercial buildings than traditional heaters. It transfers heat from the environment and turns it into heating for the building. This process can also be used for air conditioning. 

 

• The VRF (variable refrigerant flow) or VRV (variable refrigerant volume) – These systems are ideal for mixed-use buildings such as large office buildings, hotels, or large corporate buildings. These provide heating and cooling to different areas by diverting heat and circulating it to where it is needed. 
• Water-heating systems – Heating, like air conditioning, can be achieved by using hot water in a boiler. These are not as common, but can be found in older buildings. If you have a boiler in your building, you should ask your MaintenX technician about tips for proper care. 

 

Your MaintenX technician can help you better understand the type of HVAC system in your building, and what maintenance practices will bring you the best long-term results. For more information, contact us today!

Facility management is the process and discipline of optimizing a building for commercial success. The facility manager ensures that tenants are safe, comfortable, and that their building performs at its peak without them having to lift a finger. A joint effort from the manager and their maintenance team creates a functional facility that serves it’s tenants exceptionally every day. 

 

You know facility management is important, but how do you execute it in a way that reduces costs while improving building performance? That’s the question that your facility management plan should answer. A strong facility maintenance plan: 

 

• Ensures continuity among maintenance departments
• Outlines the maintenance needs of a building based on age, performance, installed systems, and plans for the future
• Anticipates short-term and long-term maintenance needs
• Offers a guide for every maintenance staff member on their role in the overall management of the building
• Helps you plan, track, and maximize cost-reduction 

 

Your facility maintenance plan is important, but it is only theoretical. Your facility management system is the training and actions that yield results. You need to have a plan before you create a sustainable system. However, it’s not enough. Your system is what turns your building into an efficient, low-cost place for business. Your facility management system should:

 

• Consist of a facilities management team with both management and maintenance staff participation
• Provide training at every employee level
• Adjust annually based on your results
• Work seamlessly because it actually follows your plan
• Include participation from your MaintenX specialists 

 

Work with your MaintenX team to create an actionable plan that yields results. We offer not only comprehensive emergency repairs, but work with our clients to create preventative maintenance plans that set you up for success. By scheduling preventative and restorative maintenance services, we can aid you in creating a facility maintenance system that actually works. 

 

Contact us today for more information!

This year, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, people have become more aware of their impact on the world. They see how far one action can travel, and have become more self-aware of their decisions, actions, and how those things affect others. Businesses have done the same. Now more than ever, we are putting our customers’ and employees’ health as first priority. This marks a fundamental shift in business from product focus, to people focus. 

 

This shift in mindset was caused by a temporary problem, but it can be a permanent solution. When we as business owners and facility managers think outside the world of our building, we can make effective change for the future long-term. One such way in which we can do that is by seeing the world through an environmental lens. 

 

Sustainable design is the set of building construction and maintenance practices that put environment and long-term function as a first priority. These principles include: 

 

• Space maximization
• Reducing non-renewable energy sources
• Water and natural resource conservation
• Use of environmentally sustainable building materials and construction
• Focus on indoor air quality and overall health of building tenants
• Focus on operational and maintenance efficiency

 

These guiding principles can not only make your building a healthier place to work, but they can help you reduce the environmental impact your business has long-term. Not only will you be able to cut costs and pollution from your facility, but your customers will be able to stand behind a sustainable business at a time where our health and future are threatened. 

 

Unfortunately many of our modern technologies and energy sources are unsustainable. As businesses, we have the power to change that. Here’s what you can do: 

 

• Pollution prevention – Commercial facilities often use toxic substances and waste materials on a daily basis. You can do your part by reducing waste and switching to non-toxic facility supplies wherever possible. This can stem from your office supplies to product packaging and much more. 

 

• Alternative energy – Most of a modern  commercial facility’s energy comes from non-renewable sources. You can change this by gradually switching to alternative energy sources including wind, geothermal, hydropower, or other energy sources offered by your municipality.

 

• Energy and resource efficiency – Water and energy waste are far too common in commercial facilities. You can reduce some of your usage by installing low-flow faucets and toilets, or by replacing your lighting with automatic shut offs/energy efficient bulbs. Energy efficient HVAC systems are also a big energy and cost-saver. 

 

All of these efforts combined can make your building a more sustainable design. To learn more about what you can do to further your sustainability goals, contact MaintenX today!

Wastewater treatment is a concern for all commercial facilities. Whether it’s simply draining from bathrooms and kitchens, or if you use waste water as part of your operations, it is a major part of your plumbing system and should be examined for efficiency and safety. Below are some of the most common concerns for facility managers, and how to solve common wastewater problems. 

 

It is estimated that United States wastewater treatment facilities process as much as 34 billion gallons of water every single day. This water must be treated before it is released into the environment, for it may contain dangerous levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, among other pollutants. Not all commercial facilities treat their wastewater, but some use the process to recycle water. 

 

If your facility treats industrial wastewater, you’ll want to be prepared for common issues and ways to improve energy efficiency. Below are some of the most common types of wastewater treatment in commercial facilities, and what to expect before you install each system:

 

• Raw water treatment systems – These treatment systems are designed to treat natural water resources for uses in industrial applications. Groundwater, well water, or water from lakes and rivers is treated and then used in your HVAC or  processing equipment. While these systems are efficient, they can be rather rigid in their application. Be aware of your system’s limitations and don’t overwork your raw water treatment system. 

 

• Cooling tower water treatment systems – These treatment systems are used to purify feed water or circulation water. This is important so as not to damage the components of a cooling tower, but these systems become inefficient when proper maintenance is not conducted. Be sure to run preventative maintenance diagnostics to preserve your cooling tower treatment system. 

 

• Boiler feed water treatment systems – These systems are used to treat the water in your boiler system, and are crucial to safe and efficient operations. Maintenance of this equipment will ensure water is being treated and condensed efficiently, and that your boiler is always in good working condition. 

 

These types of wastewater treatment systems are most common in commercial facilities, but there are other factors that play a part into any facility’s water treatment. MaintenX offers comprehensive wastewater treatment and plumbing services including:

 

• Backflow testing
• Indoor plumbing repair and preventative maintenance
• Sewer line repair and preventative maintenance
• Water heater maintenance
• Boiler repair, maintenance, and replacement

 

Call us today for more information!