Category: Energy Management

LED Lighting Upgrade Projects

LED lighting upgrades have become a prevalent topic among busy facility managers and company owners looking to reduce operating and maintenance costs. Besides the reduced month-after-month energy usage, LED light bulbs can last up to 100,00 hours, further reducing maintenance costs.

The LED Story

Many assume that LED lights are a relatively new product, but the green LED debuted in 1958. The red LED came about in 1962, and by 1964 the new lighting option was embraced by the engineers and researchers at IBM for building circuit boards for early computers. Finally, in the 1980s, the first generation of super-bright yellow, green, and red LED lights became available.

However, the first LED light bulbs for commercial and residential fixtures didn’t hit the market until the fall 1996. Since LED lights do not produce white light alone, they require one of two whitening techniques as part of the manufacturing process.

  1. Use a blue LED with a phosphor coating to convert blue light to white.
  2. Combining red, blue, and green chips at varying intensities to produce a white light.

Today’s LED light bulbs have various screw-in bases that work with your existing incandescent and fluorescent bulb fixtures. And plug-and-play LED tubes are readily available in standard lengths for your existing T8 (1” diameter) and T12 (1.5” diameter) fluorescent light bulbs.

While fluorescent is vastly superior to incandescent light bulbs, both compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) raise environmental concerns since every fluorescent light bulb contains a small amount of mercury.

LED outperforms traditional lighting options

The chart below compares the energy usage and lifecycles of the three most popular lighting options available today.

 

Light type Annual usage Typical lifecycle
Incandescent 3285KWh/year 1,000 hours
Fluorescent 767KWh/year 7,000 – 15,000 hours
LED 329KWh/year 100,000 – 250,000 hours

While there are several ways to dissect and interpret this data, it’s evident that an LED lighting upgrade could reduce your lighting costs by up to 90% month after month compared to incandescent lights and nearly 50% compared to fluorescent lights.

 

When comparing longevity, one LED light eliminates purchasing and storage concerns for 100+ incandescent or 8-15 fluorescent bulbs. In addition to lower  inventory costs, your facilities team can attend to other maintenance tasks or projects instead of consistently changing out light bulbs.

 

It’s no secret that incandescent bulbs are the least-efficient lighting option for companies like yours. However, last year, the Department of Energy issued a new ruling requiring all light bulbs to meet new energy-efficient standards by July 31, 2023. As a result, the incandescent bulbs (and some halogen options) used by many homes and businesses will no longer be available once current inventories have sold out.

 

This action leaves business owners with two lighting options. And while LED lighting will save on energy and maintenance costs, you’re probably wondering if an LED lighting upgrade has any other advantages.

Fluorescent lights emit UV light, which wastes energy and is responsible for eye strain and the fading of particular finishes, including paint, fabric, and carpeting. All LED light transmission occurs in the visible light range without any harmful UV side effects.

Their solid-state design makes LED lights more rugged than their fragile fluorescent counterparts, resulting in less transit and storage damage. And unlike their fluorescent counterparts, they are 100% mercury-free, simplifying the recycling process.

Fluorescent lights are not directional, meaning they radiate light in a 360° pattern around the exterior of the tube or bulb. As a result, only a tiny amount of light gets directed to the desk or workstation below. While deflectors can control more of the light toward the desired area, most remain scattered and unfocused.

In comparison, most LED light radiates outward in a 110° arc, directing most of the light to the desired surface or area. The result is a substantially brighter and safer workspace without light deflectors or diffusers.

Fluorescent light bulbs can produce 50-100 lumens per watt, while LEDs produce 130 lumens per watt. And LED lights convert 95% of their energy to light and 5% to heat, while fluorescent lights can release up to 20% of their power to light and lose the remaining 80% to heat.

Regardless of industry or company size, an LED lighting upgrade will reduce energy and maintenance costs. Lower operating costs translate directly into higher productivity and profit margins.

In addition to lower costs and increased longevity, an LED lighting upgrade may be eligible for rebates from energy providers and tax credits from the federal government.

If you want to discuss the benefits of an LED lighting upgrade for your business in greater detail, the MaintenX Electrical Team can answer your questions or provide a quote to handle the entire LED upgrade process.

Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration Services 

The MaintenX HVAC (Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning) and Refrigeration Division has the expertise to handle all your commercial HVAC needs. As a respected member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) you can expect prompt, professional service day or night. 

The HVAC experts from MaintenX can handle all your commercial HVAC and refrigeration needs, from design and engineering to installation, maintenance, and emergency services. It’s no wonder many Fortune 500 companies trust MaintenX to keep their HVAC systems running at peak performance and efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, businesses can cut their energy usage by up to 20% with regular HVAC equipment maintenance. 

Comprehensive HVAC and Refrigeration Services 

Air Conditioning systems require that several smaller complex components work harmoniously to keep your building cool and comfortable during spring and summer. Whether your building uses a traditional ducted system or zoned VAV (Variable Air Volume) units, the MaintenX HVAC experts can keep your condenser and evaporator coils, fans, expansion valves, and blower units running at maximum efficiency. 

MaintenX can service and install all makes and models of air-conditioning systems. 

  •  Carrier 
  • Trane 
  • Lennox 
  • York 
  • Daikin 
  • McQuay 

Commercial refrigeration systems include refrigerated display cases for fresh and frozen foods and can be found in grocery, convenience, and big box stores alike. But several other companies also rely on commercial refrigeration systems as a component of their manufacturing, storage, and transport systems, including those in the fuel, chemical, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.  

MaintenX can service and install all makes and models of commercial refrigeration systems, including: 

  • Master-Bilt 
  • Turbo Air 
  • Trenton 
  • Heatcraft 
  • Tecumseh 
  • Hussmann 
  • Zero Zone 

Dehumidification equipment and systems are available to meet the comfort, manufacturing processes, and medical services requirements for your specific business or industry. The most common dehumidification techniques used today include. 

  •  Dehumidification via cooling or air conditioning systems 
  • Compression 
  • Solid-desiccant systems 
  • Liquid-desiccant systems 

Since excessive humidity can affect the building materials, worker comfort, and the quality of work performed at the location, humidity control is a critical design aspect for new construction and remodel projects. 

 Ice machines must be cleaned and sanitized regularly because the FDA defines ice as food. Any machine part that contacts water can develop scale, slime, mold, or mineral deposits. Condensers require regular cleaning, or the accumulated dust and dirt will reduce airflow and could lead to overheating and shorter equipment life cycles. 

 MaintenX can service and install all makes and models of commercial refrigeration systems, including:

  • Hoshizaki 
  • Manitowoc 
  • Scotsman 
  • Ice O Matic 

Disposable, reusable, and HEPA filters are a key component of any HVAC system, as they provide the front-line defense for keeping dirt, dust, and pollen from being disbursed throughout the location. And most manufacturers require regular documented filter cleaning or replacement as part of their warranty program. 

Exhaust fan systems are designed to remove excess heat (and sometimes smoke) and can be found wherever food is being cooked/prepared, such as in commercial kitchens or food processing locations. These commercial systems typically feature reusable filter elements and a grease-trap system to minimize cooking flare-ups. 

 Ventilation systems are designed to remove unwanted odors or steam from restrooms and manufacturing spaces. Most of these systems rely on direct venting to an outside air source (roof or exterior wall) for maximum efficiency. 

Portable cooling/refrigeration units allow for quick reconfiguration of large areas or public spaces to meet changing local needs created by storms, floods, and other natural disasters. And portable cooling systems are ideal for short-term events such as weddings, pop-up restaurants/boutiques, and limited-run events such as festivals, street/vendor fairs, and concerts.  

 Duct cleaning services can remove the accumulated pollen, dust, and dirt trapped within your supply and return ducting system. Using a combination of brushes, hoses, cleaning agents, and negative pressure, MaintenX will have you, your employees, and your customers breathing easier in no time.  

Preventative maintenance and repairs will reduce energy usage while maximizing the life cycle of your entire HVAC system. In addition to filters and coil cleaning, preventative maintenance can include. 

  • Component testing and service 
  • Lubrication for motors and moving parts 
  • Duct cleaning 
  • Refrigerant levels 
  • Condensation pans and drains  
  • Switch and sensor testing 
  • Damper inspections/adjustments 

 Also known as Facilities Management, the HVAC experts at MaintenX can help reduce the number of unplanned and emergency HVAC repairs for your business. 

To learn more about the commercial HVAC/R services that MaintenX can provide for your existing location and new construction and remodel projects, contact the MaintenX Commercial HVAC/R Service Team today. 

 

How Prepared Does Your Business Need To Be For Storms?

In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we are accustomed to the annual hurricane season that threatens our coastlines from June until November. While most businesses believe they are prepared for evacuation, they often miss critical steps that lead to damages that could have been prevented. Whether you live in a hurricane, snowstorm, fire, or earthquake-prone area, there are certain steps every business should take to prepare for disaster.

Five Steps to Disaster Preparedness

  • Update your evacuation protocol – If a storm becomes serious, you should have a plan in place to communicate closures to employees ahead of time. You should also provide the appropriate resources for evacuation including travel expenses or hazard pay and accommodations for employees that must stay (in places like medical facilities).
  • Stock up on essentials – If your facility must remain open during the storm or immediately after, make sure you are stocked with food, a backup generator, batteries, and other essential goods for those that will be present during or immediately after the storm. These items can also be used by the community after the storm has passed and people are in need of essential items.
  • Remove hazards from your outdoor facilities – Any merchandise or asset that is stored outdoors but not firmly secured to the ground should be moved away from the facility to prevent damage due to wind or flooding. This can include outdoor displays, trash cans, signs, vehicles, or other items that could be easily moved by wind or water.
  • Prepare your building as a shelter – If your building is a suitable storm shelter, make sure you have supplies on hand for rapid preparation. Boards to close up windows, emergency food stores, and sleeping cots should be available on short notice if your building is a designated storm shelter.
  • Renovate if necessary – Modern buildings are designed to withstand severe weather, but older buildings are not always up to modern codes. Storm-proof windows, roofing, and outdoor HVAC units are a must to ensure your building is still in working order during and after the storm.

MaintenX specializes in disaster preparedness and emergency maintenance service after storms. If your commercial building is at risk this season for storm damage, talk to us about more ways to prepare specific to your facility.

Five Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater

MaintenX specializes in tankless water heater installations and maintenance. These eco-friendly water heaters provide numerous benefits to businesses, saving you space, money, and hassle with traditional water heater maintenance. If you are looking to upgrade your water heater, consider a tankless option for these five reasons:

Water conservation

A traditional water heater requires time to heat up the water flowing through your pipes. While you’re waiting for that hot water, you’re likely letting the cold water go down the drain, wasting valuable resources for your business. A tankless water heater will heat immediately, saving you both energy and your hard-earned cash.

Reduced contaminants in water

As traditional water heaters age, they begin to rust at the bottom. This rust can make its way into your water, which not only contaminates the water but decreases the tanks’ performance ability.

Reduced maintenance needs

Traditional water heaters are known to cause leaks and flooding which can spell disaster for your small business. If you experience a leak in your water heater, the flooring could be irreparably damaged and you may even have to shut down while repairs are being made. Tankless water heaters eliminate this risk and reduce overall maintenance requirements for your plumbing system.

Increase your storage space

Tankless water heaters take up approximately ⅕ of the space that a traditional water heater requires. This can free up floor space within your building to be used for storage or to be removed completely to add more room to your office.

Earn rebates for eco-friendly upgrades

Tankless water heaters are considered eco-friendly because they reduce water waste and energy consumption. Because they conserve so many resources, the federal government and some state governments provide rebates and other incentives to install a tankless water heaters for both residential and commercial buildings. Ask your MaintenX technician about rebates and other financial incentives you can earn when you upgrade your water heater.

If you’d like to find a tankless water heater that meets your business needs, contact MaintenX today for more details!

How to Design a Better Retail Experience for Your Customers

For boutiques and small retailers who don’t have the support of a franchise or corporation, retail design can be a very tricky process. You must capture brand image, proper inventory, and an overall pleasant customer experience within a very small space. The more carefully you craft the customer journey, the better your retail space has a chance of surviving in your market. However, this is a difficult challenge to overcome, especially for local shops and first-time business owners.

The storefront and interior design of your retail store must be both aesthetically pleasing and functional for employees and customers. Overall, the design of the space should:

  • Maximize inventory capacity within displays
  • Reduce expenses by streamlining retail operations
  • Improve the overall customer experience while building brand image

However, in order to achieve these goals, you must think carefully about the way in which you display, order, and store your products to ensure your customer journey is well-articulated. Below are just a few ways you can transform your retail space and make it the best possible for your industry:

Use a cross-merchandising strategy

When choosing display orders and product placement, be sure to group similar items in a logical manner. For example, if you own a small clothing boutique, group by brand, clothing item, and by items that will complement each other well in an outfit. Or, if you own a music store, place your accessories near top-selling instruments to ensure each player can find exactly what they need for their instrument of choice.

Choose the right product quantity for displays. 

Product quantity should be determined not only by space but by volume of sales and aesthetics of product displays. You want your retail space to look full without being overcrowded. It’s also important to display smaller, affordable products in larger quantities to make them appealing as impromptu purchases.

Invest in lighting and daily maintenance.

Regardless of how you design them, your displays will look much better with ample lighting in a clean, sanitized space. Dirty floors or flickering, old lights will make your retail space seem outdated even if the products you sell are high-quality. By presenting a clean and inviting space, you’ll make customers feel more at home.

MaintenX helps make retail spaces even better with our preventative care and cleaning services available in 20+ states. We ensure your business is running smoothly so you can focus on what matters – your customers. To learn more about our retail maintenance services, contact your local MaintenX team today!

What is a Cool Roof System?

As businesses become more and more environmentally conscious, energy efficiency has become one of the biggest selling points in commercial real estate. Sustainability tech is the hottest trend for property owners and managers and can make a bigger difference to your clients than aesthetic choices or rent prices. If you’re interested in creating a more eco-friendly commercial building, a cool roofing system can help your facility stand apart from the rest. 

Most property owners don’t think about their roof as an opportunity to reduce energy costs, other than solar paneling. However, solar panels are still out of the price range for many and have a slow payback as opposed to other energy-efficient upgrades. A cool roofing system, however, can reduce your interior energy costs which makes a bigger impact on your tenants.

What is a Cool Roofing System?

Cool roofing systems are coated with a light-colored acrylic coating that helps reflect light away from the building. Like wearing a white shirt on a hot day, this helps your building to stay cool on hot days as opposed to black or dark-colored shingles which absorb the heat. Cool roofing systems are typically applied with a spray-on coating and can be easily added to your existing roof. 

Cool roofing systems offer a variety of benefits other than energy efficiency for your building, including: 

  • Cost-effective coating: A cool roof coating can lower energy costs, extend the service life of your roof, and is highly cost-effective to install. 
  • Durability: Cool roof coatings will often last several years or even decades if properly cared for and retouched. 
  • Compatibility: Most roofing systems can be renovated with an acrylic coating to become cool roofing systems, making them one of the easiest energy-efficient upgrades you can make to your facility. 

If you want your building to stand out as an energy-efficient and sustainable facility, ask your MaintenX team about cool roofing system upgrades. We can help you make your building a forward-thinking facility that is lower cost and easier to maintain than other buildings in your area. 

To learn more, contact your local MaintenX contractor today!

 

Environmental Pros & Cons of Solar Paneling For Your Roof

Many companies are on the move to switch to solar in the next decade. This renewable power source is not only trendy because of its environmental impact, but can help businesses save by allowing them to generate their own power. However, solar is often painted as a problem-free solution, which is not the reality for many businesses. 

 

In addition to its cost, solar can be tricky to install and require more maintenance than a traditional roofing system. Its environmental benefits also come at a cost. Below are just a few of the environmental pros and cons of solar paneling to help you make a better decision for your business: 

 

You are reducing your carbon footprint significantly. 

This is the most obvious, and most touted benefit of solar paneling. With the energy you save, you can reduce your carbon footprint for energy consumption almost to zero. While the manufacturing and installation of solar panels still create some carbon waste, it is paled in comparison to the consumption required for most buildings running on the grid. 

 

Disposal of panels is tricky. 

Unfortunately, the lifespan of a typical solar panel is generally 25-30 years. In comparison to most permanent installations for facilities, this is a relatively low lifespan, and recycling these materials is tricky. Improper disposal of solar panels can lead to harmful exposure from the chemicals and metals used to make the panels, so be sure to ask your installation team about recycling options and proper maintenance. 

 

Solar systems improve air quality. 

The pollution caused by traditional energy sources affects air quality in the urban areas surrounding them. With solar energy, this pollution is non-existent. This can aid in improving air quality for your entire community, which leads to a better quality of life for all. 

 

Solar panels can disrupt the land and habitat. 

If you are installing solar panels in a well-populated area and on an already-constructed building, this may not be a concern for you. However, solar paneling for entire cities often requires clear-cutting or repurposing of large spaces of land, which in turn harms the natural environment that once stood. Solar panels can also be a danger to birds and other wildlife if placed in uninhabited areas. 

 

The solar industry is creating jobs every single day. 

While many people fret that the transition to renewables will leave oil industry veterans out of a job, the solar industry is innovating faster than almost any tech sector in today’s market. This is creating new opportunities for young professionals looking to specialize in renewables, and in turn, grows the national economy in both the short and long term. 

 

Solar panels are not a catch-all solution to today’s environmental issues. However, by installing them at your business, you can save yourself money on the power bill and contribute to an innovative, cleaner future. To learn more about solar options for your facility, contact MaintenX today.

UPS vs. Backup Generator Pros and Cons for Your Business

At MaintenX, we recommend that every business, no matter how small, invest in a backup power supply. They are required for some industries such as healthcare and food service but can be a lifesaver for your employees regardless of the type of work you do. However, choosing the right backup power for your business can be trickier than you may expect. 

 

Generally, businesses can choose between a backup generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for their facility. A commercial backup generator is similar to generators for your home but is permanently installed and able to power entire buildings. A UPS system does the same but is installed inside the building and creates a seamless stream of power once the grid power is cut off. 

 

If you are in the market for a backup power supply, here is what you need to know about each of these options: 

 

Generators can be portable or installed.

A backup generator can be permanently installed outside of the building, but they are also available in smaller, portable options. 

 

UPS systems must be installed in the building.

Because a UPS system is powered by a battery and provides an uninterrupted power source, it must be installed into the building and connected to the electrical system. 

 

Generators are noisy and let off fumes.

Generators run on diesel, gas, or propane, and are therefore louder and more noticeable than a UPS system. They often let off fumes as well during the combustion process. 

 

UPS systems are quiet. 

UPS systems run on a battery and therefore make very little noise. They are ideal for facilities where loud noise could become disruptive, such as nursing facilities and apartments. 

 

Generators are more expensive in the short term.

Because of the size, generators are typically more expensive at purchase. However, they can often be cheaper to install than a UPS system because of the simplicity of the connection to your power grid. 

 

UPS systems cannot typically power as much.

UPS systems are designed to power the essentials, such as lighting and essential equipment. The UPS systems that are designed to power entire buildings are much more complex and expensive than a traditional UPS system. 

 

Generators require regular mechanical maintenance. 

Because generators are built with many more mechanical parts, they require regular maintenance to ensure they are in working order when a disaster strikes. We typically recommend yearly maintenance for any type of commercial generator. 

 

UPS systems have no lag time and are therefore safer for servers and essential services. 

If you run a complex or essential service such as a medical facility, UPS systems are the way to go. They protect your tech and ensure that no matter what happens, your essential services remain operational. 

 

MaintenX can help you find the right backup power and provide installation service for the industry’s top brands. To learn more about options in your local area, contact the MaintenX team today!

Five Energy-Savings Tips from The Pros

In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we hear plenty of complaints from clients about their annual energy costs. The extended period of summer heat we experience, coupled with the size of larger industrial and commercial sites can make electrical and HVAC efficiency of the utmost concern for facility managers. However, making your building more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are several DIY hacks you can do today to lower your energy usage over time. 

 

Below are our top five hacks for DIY energy savings at commercial facilities: 

 

Air seal your building. 

Climate-controlled air is easily lost due to cracks in windows, doors, and crevices in the walls. Cooled air leaks out, and warm air creeps in, making your HVAC system work much harder. By adding a seal to your windows and doors and patching up minor cracks in the drywall, you can stop air leakage and reduce HVAC energy use easily. 

 

Adjust your thermostat to the weather. 

Every degree above or below the temperature outside raises your bill about 6-8%. We recommend setting your temperature close to 75F in the summer (or whatever is bearable for your staff) and close to 68F (or whatever is comfortable) in the winter to decrease energy consumption as much as possible. 

 

Turn off electronics. 

Electrical components like lighting can take up nearly 15% of your electrical bill every month. It may seem easier to leave your facility running overnight, but the more you are able to turn it off, the more you can save on energy costs. Turn off or unplug electronics and all lights in areas that are not in use. 

 

Replace air filters. 

Most of us know to replace our air filters every month, but not everyone follows through with this simple maintenance task. However, this recommendation is not simply made to sell more filters. By changing them once a month, you ensure your HVAC system has a clear passage for air to flow, thus reducing energy requirements. 

 

Install a smart thermostat. 

A smart thermostat can automatically heat and cool a room to stay at an ideal temperature through transitional months like March and December. It can also be programmed to change temperatures according to your schedule, such as raising the temperature after closing to save on cooling costs. If you are looking for a thermostat replacement, always choose a smart thermostat option rather than simply replacing your current one. 

 

Energy efficiency is something every building manager should focus on to improve facility costs. To learn more about easy DIY hacks you can use for your building maintenance, visit our Resource Center.

The Importance Of Environmental Awareness in 2022

2021 was a year of growth for many individuals and companies, especially on the environmental forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 made brands reevaluate their priorities, and despite the turmoil that ensued, many came back with a renewed mission to do better for their employees and the environment. 

 

In 2022, MaintenX wants to help as many companies as possible reach their sustainability goals through eco-friendly and energy-efficient equipment installations. We specialize in energy-efficient HVAC, electrical, roofing, and even plumbing installation and repair, and have several reasons for kicking it into high gear this year.

 

In 2021, the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) set high standards for countries and brands to reach environmental sustainability goals by November of 2022 (the date for COP27). These included emissions reductions, plastic pollution reductions, and a plan to end deforestation within the next several decades. Many of these plans will take place at the corporate level, with big brands reducing emissions and creating sustainable policies with the help of government initiatives. 

 

2022 will also be a major turning point as the COVID-19 crisis hopefully slows down, giving governments and brands the resources back to refocus on environmental sustainability moving forward. During the initial COVID-19 outbreak, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise pollution were reduced significantly, showing businesses what is possible in order to achieve environmental goals in the next 30 years. 

 

However, it will take more than big businesses and governments to reach the goals set for 2022. As a small business or even as an individual, there are ways you can improve your local community through environmental awareness and conservation. 

 

What Your Business Can Do To Help

 

Your small business, franchise, or regional brand can make a big impact on the way you do business in 2022. Below are some simple ways to reduce your environmental impact while improving your bottom line:

 

  • Reduce wastewater and pollution by installing a water recycling unit for your facility
  • Install or upgrade to energy-efficient appliances such as your HVAC, water heater, and lighting fixtures
  • Design eco-friendly packaging, or reduce plastic components in current packaging
  • Offer ways for customers and employees to recycle or reuse at your facility

 

MaintenX can help you at the operational level by installing and providing maintenance for energy-efficient and smart appliances. TO learn more about eco-friendly options for your roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, give us a call today!