Author: MaintenX

Depending on the age and design of your facility, you may be lucky enough to have a rooftop HVAC unit. Rooftop units (RTUs) have been popular in commercial building design since the early 20th century. Originally built for congested urban areas, they are now the standard for large commercial facilities and modern office spaces. If you don’t have an RTU, you may want to look into upgrade options for the benefit of your building. 

While there are no practical objections to having a ground HVAC unit, there are many benefits they simply cannot provide. Your HVAC unit may not seem like the most obvious upgrade for your facility, but it can make a major impact on the safety of your building. Below are just a few reasons why facility managers should look into RTUs when shopping for new HVAC systems: 

Flexibility

Unlike ground HVAC systems, RTUs are modular, meaning they can be easily redesigned or added onto as your building grows. If you decide to redesign your facility or add new buildings, it is easier to include new RTUs than it is to redesign a ground unit. If you have an older or historic building with no new construction planned in the future, this may not be a big priority for you. However, if you’re building a new facility, a rooftop unit is much more flexible to its future needs.

A quiet space

Technology advancements have made modern HVAC units much quieter than their predecessors. However, units on the ground will still be somewhat audible through the walls of your facility, and very audible outside. RTUs are far away from your staff and tenants, meaning that the noise produced from your unit won’t be noticeable at all. This is especially important for rental properties and office buildings, where peace and quiet are highly valued. 

Increased security

It probably comes as a surprise to many, but HVAC units are a common target of commercial building vandalism and theft. They are often taken apart at night and sold off in parts for hefty profits. Ground-level HVACs are easy targets; RTUs, on the other hand, are usually left alone because they are so much harder to reach.

More property space

Because they are contained in one unit and located where there are no other building features, RTUs allow you to maximize property space. You can use this space for aesthetic features like landscaping, or for practical features such as increased parking space. 

Reduce maintenance costs

Ground HVAC units require more maintenance because they are exposed to dirt and debris from the ground. Ground units can also be damaged due to flooding or heavy rains, whereas rooftop units are protected from most outdoor environments. Because they are better protected, they require less preventative maintenance per module.  

Energy efficiency

The most compelling argument for RTU installation is energy efficiency. RTUs have built-in economizers that make the most of outdoor air conditions and help save on energy. This can cut your power bill tremendously, in addition to the cost savings gained from decreased maintenance needs.

If you’re in the market for an HVAC upgrade, talk to a MaintenX professional find out what’s right for you. 

Autumn may be approaching quickly, but for many parts of the U.S., the air conditioning is still running on full blast. At our headquarters in Tampa, Florida, we don’t expect the cool weather to come for another few months. In the meantime, we want to help our clients cool their facilities more efficiently. A more efficient AC system means a lower power bill and a more comfortable environment for your staff. 

In order for your HVAC system to perform at maximum efficiency, you must take care of it with regular preventative maintenance. A MaintenX technician should visit your facility periodically to perform routine maintenance as well as spot potential issues. There are also several small changes you can make to your facility that will drastically improve your indoor temperature and give your AC a much-needed rest: 

Reduce the number of air leaks. 

Air leaks are classified as any space in your facility where climate-controlled air can escape. This includes windows, doors, and cracks in the walls that are not well insulated. The more air that escapes from these air leaks, the harder your AC will have to run during the day. To reduce this loss, make sure that your door and windows are well sealed, and have a maintenance technician check for cracks in the walls that could be allowing cold air to escape. 

Install blinds or energy-efficient windows. 

Heat comes into your facility not just from the hot air outside, but from the sunlight coming through your windows. While natural sunlight can be energizing for office workers, it can also heat up your facility. Close the blinds on especially hot days, or replace your windows with energy-efficient ones to keep heat out while letting the sunlight in. 

Adjust your thermostat. 

Some offices are uncomfortably chilly, but they don’t have to be. If you have your thermostat set below 70 during the summer in Florida, you’re probably going to be unsatisfied – either with the temperature or with your power bill. Slowly increasing the temperature over time to allow your employees to get used to a slightly warmer office will reduce your power bill and help make some of them feel more comfortable. 

Change your air filter. 

A congested air filter will make it more difficult for your AC to pull environmental air and cool it. The restricted airflow will cause your AC to run nonstop, and will also lower the air quality of your facility. The simplest solution is to replace it once a month or schedule regular preventative maintenance to ensure the job gets done. 

Upgrade your AC unit. 

Sometimes the reason your AC is running all the time is the unit itself. A unit that is too small, or has been in use for more than 10 years, will have a harder time cooling your large facility efficiently. It may be working overtime to make up for lack of efficiency. If your AC runs nonstop no matter what you do to reduce the heat, it may be time for an upgrade. Talk to your MaintenX technician to find out what HVAC units are available for your building.  

Call MaintenX today to learn about our HVAC maintenance and installation services. 

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are an essential part of maintaining a productive work environment. Not only do they affect your staff’s comfort, but proper ventilation is a safety measure that should never be overlooked. Yet, despite its critical role in proper facility management, HVAC maintenance is often left on the back burner until a pressing issue surfaces. 

The reality is that preventative maintenance on your HVAC system is much less costly than the repairs and inevitable replacement that results from leaving your system unattended. Small facilities are most susceptible to HVAC damage because they often don’t prioritize maintenance in their budget. This leaves room for error, and will eventually lead to the pricey replacement of a system that has broken down from improper care. 

At MaintenX, we emphasize preventative maintenance as the first step for all of our clients. Here are just some of the issues you’ll run into if you don’t take care of your HVAC unit:

A dirty air filter can cost you thousands in repairs. 

Your HVAC’s air filter is not only important for maintaining air quality, but for protecting your system from unwanted contaminants. By not replacing it regularly you’re preventing proper airflow in your system, which can lead to premature malfunction. Unchanged air filters can also cause issues with your compressor, the main component of the system that circulates refrigerant through the unit to keep it running. If your compressor fails, you’ll have to replace the entire unit. By changing your air filter consistently, you’re giving your HVAC unit the best chance at reaching its maximum lifespan. 

Prepare for high power bills.  

When you neglect HVAC maintenance, your system has to work harder to maintain the right temperature. This translates to more power usage from your unit, and therefore a higher bill at the end of the month. Issues as simple as a clogged air filter can result in hundreds of extra dollars tacked onto your energy bill. Don’t let this happen — call MaintenX instead. 

Your facility is at a higher risk of fire.  

One of the most common sources of fires in a commercial facility is the HVAC unit. Frayed wires, heat pumps in poor condition, and loose parts can catch fire very easily, especially during the winter when the air is dry and the heater is running. However, even air conditioning systems can catch fire if not properly maintained. Regular preventative maintenance by a MaintenX HVAC technician can significantly reduce your facility’s risk of fire.  

Furnace problems can be deadly. 

The heating system in your HVAC unit can break down in several ways when not properly maintained. This is very dangerous because one of the waste fumes of heaters is carbon monoxide. This poisonous gas can leak into your facility if the flue vents, combustion chamber, and exhaust are not in proper working condition. Hopefully, your facility has carbon monoxide detectors to protect staff and tenants. However, maintaining your HVAC system will help put everyone’s mind at ease.

Preventative maintenance for your HVAC unit is essential to go getting the most out of your system, lowering your energy consumption, and keeping those in the facility safe and comfortable. Call MaintenX to learn about our preventative maintenance services. 

Temperature control is a major task for facility managers, yet one that is often overlooked. In large factories, fluctuations in heating and AC can affect product outcomes. A change in temperature can also disrupt warehouse productivity, or make a workforce very dissatisfied. So, when your heater goes out in the middle of winter, you’ve got a big problem on your hands. 

In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we may be several months away from true cold weather. However, before the change of season gets too close, you’ll want to run a diagnostic on your HVAC system to make sure it’s prepared for the chilly season. Detecting problems early is key to minimizing downtime at your facility. 

While routine preventative maintenance checks can usually prevent HVAC issues, sometimes the unavoidable breakdown will occur. If you find yourself in an emergency heater situation, here are a few steps you can take to keep staff and tenants warm:

Wait a few minutes for the heater to warm. 

If your staff is complaining of cold air just as they walk into the building, they may just have to be patient. HVAC systems circulate air from the environment and either warm or cool it depending on the difference in temperature between the environmental air and thermostat setting. This process will take a few minutes, meaning that it will blow cold air initially until the system has had time to warm up. Before you jump the gun and call a maintenance technician, wait 10 to 20 minutes to see if it warms up on its own. 

Check your thermostat. 

There is always the possibility that your thermostat, not your heater, is to blame for cold air blowing in winter. You may need to change the batteries or switch the thermostat from ‘fan’ to ‘heat’ if it’s the first time you’ve had to turn it up this year. If the thermostat setting is a frequent point of contention among your staff, you may want to look into smart thermostat installations to optimize both comfort and energy use. 

Check the air filter. 

Air filters are often the culprit when a heater is blowing cold air. For your heater to function properly, environmental air needs to be able to flow freely through the filter. If it is congested with dust and dirt, your heater will function less efficiently. Your MaintenX HVAC technician will typically replace air filters during preventative maintenance checks. If you haven’t scheduled a visit from us in a while, you may want to check your filter and replace it.    

If none of these simple solutions fixes your problem, it’s time to call a MaintenX professional. You may have a dead circuit board, a damaged motor, or problems in your ductwork that need a deft hand to resolve. We are always here to help with your HVAC and other maintenance issues. 

A refrigerant leak is serious business that we at MaintenX urge clients to take care of immediately. Not everyone on your staff will realize what the leak is, or why it could be dangerous to their health. That is why preventative maintenance, along with speedy repairs of refrigerant leaks, is our #1 priority for facilities across the country. 

In your air conditioning there is a fluid called refrigerant that removes heat from the environmental air. Refrigerant circulates through your HVAC system, much like oil circulates through your car’s engine. Like your car’s oil, refrigerant doesn’t get “used up,” but is rather recycled to cool your facility every day. However, leaks in the coils can occur over time, allowing refrigerant to seep out of the HVAC system and into your building. 

Refrigerant leaks most commonly occur in older AC units. With extended use, the coils start to break down and eventually develop cracks. Leaks can also occur when the parts are not cleaned properly and contaminated with air pollutants. While this can be prevented with regular maintenance, eventually coils and connections need to be replaced. If your AC is not well maintained, refrigerant will one day leak and cause problems for the entire building.  

Refrigerant leaks are easy to diagnose. The first thing you’ll notice is that your building temperature steadily increases, and won’t cool to the temperature set on the thermostat. Your staff may even diagnose the problem for you with complaints of it getting to hot. If you do notice a decrease in AC efficiency, you may want to call your MaintenX technician for a consult. 

You may think that a refrigerant leak is no big deal. However, at MaintenX we take them very seriously and urge clients to book a consultation as soon as they notice a problem. Here’s what could happen to your air conditioning if you delay a repair of your leaking unit: 

• HVAC system damage – If your AC is low on refrigerant levels, the system will start to work overtime in order to keep up with the cooling demands. An overworked system will eventually start to break down. Before you know it your compressor will fail, and you’ll have to replace the entire unit.

• Increased energy use – Because your refrigerant levels are low, your AC will be running nonstop. This will increase your energy usage and therefore your power bill at the end of the month. Studies show that just a 10% decrease in refrigerant levels of an AC unit can increase energy usage by up to 20%. This is a serious expenditure the longer you wait to get it fixed.

• Health risks to your staff – Refrigerant exposure in small doses is not dangerous, but it has been shown to cause lung damage with prolonged exposure. The fumes are toxic, so if the leak is serious it could pollute the air indoors and make it unsafe to be inside. Refrigerant can also burn the skin, which means your AC can be very dangerous to staff. 

In order to avoid these dangers to your facility and tenants, plan to fix refrigerant problems ASAP. MaintenX is happy to offer fast, reliable, and affordable HVAC repairs to your facility. We are present in 13 states and can guarantee client satisfaction no matter the job. Contact us to learn about preventative maintenance options and affordable HVAC repairs today. 

Water leaks are a serious problem at your facility. It’s like watching money go straight down the drain. Not only are you paying for water that’s spilling onto your floors, but you will inevitably have to pay for repairs to the leak source, as well as any place that suffered from water damage as a result. This can put a large, unexpected dent in your budget. 

While water leaks can sometimes be prevented with professional predictive maintenance service, accidents do happen. When you notice a water leak, the first step is to call your MaintenX technician. The sooner you take care of the problem, the better. Next, follow these steps to minimize damage while you wait for professional help:

Step 1. Check the hot water tank. It is very likely that the water leak could be coming directly from the hot water tank. These tanks have pressure relief valves that, when hooked up directly to a drain, can occasionally leak. Check the drain pipe for leaks, or listen for a hissing sound. The hissing could be water spraying out of your pipes. 

Step 2. Check the bathrooms for leaks. Bathrooms are the most likely areas for facility water leaks. If you notice a leak in the bathroom, listen for the hissing sound of a leak. This noise can help you pinpoint the area where the leak is located, whether in a toilet or sink, which will make repair easier on your technician. If you don’t hear the sound, you can look for leaks in the toilets with food coloring. Add a few drops of food coloring into the lid of each toilet. If after a few minutes you see colored water in the bowl, then your toilet has a leak. Repeat the process with each unit and bathroom until you find the culprit. 

Step 3. Check your meter line. If you can’t find the source of the leak inside the facility, check outside using the meter line. If possible, find the shut-off valve to your facility to temporarily stop the water flow. Next, check the meter line to see if it is still turning. A small dial on the op will continue to move if the leak is between the meter and the building. This means that your leak is outside the facility, and can be more easily located by your technician. They may be able to locate it by looking for muddy, soft areas of the ground or inconsistencies in grass color and growth.

Unfortunately, even these techniques are not surefire ways to find leaks in commercial buildings. Even experienced plumbers can spend hours looking for the exact cause of a leak, which is frustrating for you both. However, by going through these steps while you’re waiting for your MaintenX technician to arrive, you may be able to expedite the process and save on maintenance costs.

For more information about commercial plumbing services, contact MaintenX today! 

Windows may not seem like the most obvious upgrade to invest in when you’re looking to decrease energy usage. For most building owners and facility managers, they are simply an aesthetic choice that has no bearing on the performance or efficiency of a building. However, the windows you choose for your facility can greatly impact your bottom line. 

Every part of your building design contributes to its insulation and energy efficiency. Depending on the design of your windows and the outdoor temperature, heat is either lost or gained from them. Energy-efficient windows insulate, minimizing temperature fluctuations by providing a barrier between your facility’s internal and external temperatures. Energy-efficient windows can save you a surprising amount in your monthly energy usage, especially in larger facilities. 

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

• Cost Savings and Comfort – If you live in a region with a long winter or summer season, installing energy-efficient windows will make a huge difference for your home and your pocket. During the cold or hot months, poorly insulated windows contribute to significant temperature fluctuations. This can make your facility harder to regulate, and therefore less comfortable for staff members. By switching to energy-efficient windows, you can maintain your temperature without running the AC or heat all day. You’ll be able to save money and feel more comfortable when the temperature outside is extreme. 

• Property value – Sunlight emits ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to interior property. UV rays can fade floors, walls, and other commercial property. Most energy-efficient windows are UV-resistant, and able to block out up to 98% of damaging sunlight from your facility. 

• Noise reduction – While you may be purchasing energy-efficient windows for cost-saving benefits, you will also notice a significant reduction in noise inside your facility. Energy-efficient windows are typically thicker, which makes it harder for outdoor noise to penetrate through them. This can offer added benefits of comfort to your staff. They may even become more productive when they are not distracted by traffic and other outdoor noise. 

• Reduced condensation and frost – In extremely cold conditions, older windows tend to form condensation and frost. When the heater runs, condensation collects on the outside of the window, then frosts over when the indoor environment is cooled. While this may not seem like a major issue, frost and condensation can actually cause mold in wooden window frames. Energy-efficient windows, however, are warmer and therefore do not condensate as quickly as older windows. They are also typically installed in insulating frames which do not mold as quickly as traditional wooden frames. 

• Reducing environmental impact – Many modern businesses are taking their environmental impact more seriously. Not only does energy efficiency improve their bottom line, but it contributes to the sustainability of their company, family, and community. Energy-efficient windows can reduce your carbon emissions by lowering overall energy consumption. Coupled with other energy-efficient measures, insulated windows will help reduce your carbon footprint over time.

• A better view and natural light – Because traditional windows do little to protect your home from unwanted heat and UV lights, many facility managers use tinted glazing, blinds, or other obstructions to reduce sunlight. Because energy-efficient windows provide these benefits, you can enjoy the sunlight in your office space without the harmful heat and UV rays. Many employees enjoy natural sunlight in their workspace, contributing to an overall better and more productive work environment. 

If you’re interested in making the switch to energy-efficient windows, call MaintenX for help. Our technicians can offer product recommendations suited for your facility, and give quotes for installation services required. Choose MaintenX for your energy optimization needs. 

Facility managers are under a great deal of pressure to cut costs and eliminate downtime whenever possible. Equipment failures, especially in crucial appliances like the HVAC unit, are unacceptable when you’re managing operations for a large facility of tens or hundreds of staff members. In order to eliminate the problem of unexpected downtime, many facility managers are investing in predictive maintenance as their primary solutions. 

Your HVAC unit is an often overlooked but nevertheless vital part of your facility’s operational efficiency. In extremely warm or cold climates, employees cannot work without proper heating and air conditioning. Ventilation is also required for offices and work spaces to reduce indoor air pollution and contaminants exposed to your staff. If your HVAC unit broke down, even for a few hours, you would have to release employees and stop production for the day. This is a facility manager’s worst nightmare. 

However, there are several simple ways in which you can prevent HVAC maintenance issues before they result in failures. A MaintenX technician can help you spot these four warning signs with regular predictive and preventative maintenance checks:

Leaking and water damage 

If you notice a leak coming from the AC unit, you could have one of two problems on your hands. Either the refrigerant in your unit is leaking, which can be a serious health hazard, or the drain tube that disposes of condensation is leaking. Refrigerant leaks are serious and should be taken care of immediately by a professional. A leaking drain tube is not necessarily an emergency, but can cause mold or rusting if not addressed. If you notice a leak or water damage near your AC, call your MaintenX technician to perform a diagnosis. 

Compressor issues 

During the summertime, your AC is working overtime to keep the building cool. In older units, this can cause issues with your AC’s compressor. You can detect when a compressor is running inefficiently because it will not be able to cool your facility at the temperature set by the thermostat. The building will be warmer than what you set, especially in the middle of the day when the air outside is warmest. If the compressor is at its life’s end, it may even distribute warm air during the day. If your AC unit cannot cool your facility, no matter how long it runs, it’s time to call your MaintenX technician to repair or replace the part. 

Mold 

Because of the moisture in your AC’s ductwork, evaporator coils, and drip pans, mold can eventually develop inside the unit. This can pose serious health risks if the mold is not spotted by an HVAC technician early on. You may be able to see the mold around the vents or can smell the mildew around the unit. If this is the case, contact MaintenX immediately to resolve the issue. 

Prevent it all with predictive maintenance

You can prevent most HVAC problems when you schedule regular predictive and preventative maintenance checks with your technician. A MaintenX technician will be able to detect and diagnose issues before they become health risks to your staff or risks to your building’s productivity. According to the New Building Institute, predictive maintenance technology can save you as much as $1 per square foot in energy and maintenance expenditures. These savings add up and can put more money in your pocket for the future of your business. 

Contact MaintenX today to learn about our predictive and preventative maintenance services for HVAC units. 

Energy efficiency is a hot topic in the corporate world for many reasons. It is the key to long-term sustainability for our economy, as well as for individual enterprises looking to stay on the cutting edge. Green businesses not only positively impact the environment, they also cut costs and reinvest savings into innovation. If you believe in the future of your company, investing in energy efficiency is paramount to success. 

The money you save with green technology not only makes for better profit margins but can position your brand in a new way to consumers. However, finding the initial capital to switch to energy-efficient machinery and energy inputs can be tricky. When choosing between the long-term benefits of green technology and the immediate benefits of new product releases, marketing investment, or hiring new staff, you can guess what most businesses will choose. 

It is for this reason that many states, municipalities, and private lending companies offer low-interest loan programs for commercial energy upgrades. These loans can be used to purchase energy-efficient equipment for your facility. You may even be able to make loan payments as part of your monthly power bill. These initiatives make it easier than ever to go green for your company. The states have a special interest in energy efficiency programs for the environmental impact they can provide. But, why should business owners and facility managers be mindful of their energy use?

Benefits of Energy Efficiency for Your Business:

• Your bottom line – When you choose to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment, you can reduce your overall operating costs. If you are renting the facility, energy-efficient upgrades can increase property value and therefore justify an increase in rental rates.

• Your brand positioning – Today’s consumers are more invested in brand image and impact than in previous decades. A green company is more marketable to environmentally-conscientious consumers, and can even raise prices because of their positive brand image. Green companies also receive more positive media attention than those only meeting minimum requirements. 

• Reduce your company’s carbon footprint – Going green isn’t just right for your business, it’s also the right thing for your future. Future generations of your family and business will reap the benefits of the changes you make today by reducing CO2 emissions.

MaintenX is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and we like to help our local clients find green energy initiatives they can take advantage of in the area. We encourage Tampa businesses to take advantage of the Tampa Electric Commercial Energy Efficiency Utility Rebate Program. 

This program offers rebates for heat recovery and duct repair if businesses meet certain energy efficiency requirements with their heat recovery, lighting, insulation, HVAC, and other onsite equipment. If you are a Tampa business owner, take some time to look into the program and what your facility requires before it is eligible. If you are in another state that MaintenX serves, contact your local team to find out if there are similar offers near you. 

MaintenX helps small businesses and corporations across the U.S. find energy-efficient alternatives for their everyday facility equipment. If you are interested in our installation services for green technologies, contact us today!

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning: the essentials of comfort in your facility or office building. Without a proper HVAC system, your staff will not only be uncomfortable but also unproductive and exposed to poor indoor air quality. Your HVAC system is surprisingly important to your facility, but is yours qualified to handle the job?

If you’re dissatisfied with your HVAC unit, it could be time for an upgrade. However, new installations can be costly. You may not feel as if you have room in your maintenance budget for such an undertaking. However, there are situations in which an upgrade can add comfort while also minimizing your maintenance expenses. 

Benefits of Upgrading Your HVAC System:

• Employee or tenant comfort – Those occupying your facility will be more comfortable in their environment, leading to increased productivity and customer satisfaction. 

• Increased property value – If you own a rental property or make your income from regular tenants at your facility, an upgraded HVAC unit can justify a higher property value and higher rental rates.

• Product quality assurance – If your facility manufactures a product with high standards, a state-of-the-art HVAC system can improve the manufacturing environment and remove potential contaminants from the air. 

• Lower energy costs – An upgraded HVAC unit will operate more efficiently, thereby reducing your monthly power expenditures. 

If you believe it’s time for an upgrade, talk to your MaintenX HVAC technician for product recommendations and installation services. The HVAC unit best-suited for your facility will depend on the size and requirements for the building, as well as your local climate. Depending on what your MaintenX technician recommends, there are several options you may want to consider when shopping for a new unit: 

Three HVAC Upgrades to Consider

• Size and capacity upgrade – HVAC units are sized based on the total square footage of your building, as well as the level of insulation and number of openings (such as doors and windows) present on each floor. You may require an upgrade if you’ve added space to your facility, or have recently installed new doors or windows. However, bigger isn’t always better. Talk to your MaintenX expert about providing a load calculation on your building before purchasing a new unit. 

• Energy-efficiency upgrade – Energy-efficient HVAC units not only save you money but can improve property value and profitability for your facility. An Energy Star Certified building is typically more efficient than 75% of other commercial buildings and can save you significantly in your monthly energy bills. An energy-efficient HVAC unit is the first step to making your building greener and helping you save money. 

• HVAC style upgrades to improve curb appeal – Not all HVAC systems are made equally. Many older systems are large, noisy, and run down, making them a distraction to visitors of your lot. Newer HVAC units are typically smaller for their load capacity, quieter, and can be installed in less visible places such as the rooftop of your facility. An aesthetic upgrade may seem like a small change, but it can make a big impact on your facility’s appearance and performance. 

An HVAC upgrade can save you hundreds on maintenance and energy costs. While the MaintenX team is always available for repairs and preventative maintenance checks, we prefer our customers need us as little as possible. Choosing to upgrade your HVAC unit now will make life much easier down the road. 

Talk to your MaintenX expert to learn about HVAC installation service and maintenance options for your facility.