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Energy-efficiency is a hot topic in both the public and business world. Energy efficiency measures not only help to clean up our communities in terms of environmental preservation, but making these changes now can help businesses save money in the future. Recent data on the cost-saving potential of commercial energy-efficient equipment speaks for itself: 

• Buildings that are Energy Star–certified save up to 35% in energy expenses. 
• Collectively, LEED-certified buildings saved about $1.2 billion in energy costs over a three-year period (2015-2018).
• HVAC optimization (Energy Star and LEED certification)  alone can reduce commercial facility energy expenses by 8%.

Energy efficiency can impact savings at your facility on every level. The question is, how do facility managers maximize these savings throughout their operations? We have a few tips that can make it easier to achieve energy-efficiency at scale: 

Find your energy “hero.”

Every project needs a strong leader at the helm to guide it and keep key goals top of mind. The same holds with your energy efficiency goals. In order to scale your energy efficiency, you need someone who is proactively searching for solutions and ensuring that your goals are met. This person should have decision-making power, but also be experienced with day-to-day operations to make sure that your energy efficiency measures don’t get in the way of practicality. 

Budget for the future. 

Most companies start off small when upgrading to energy-efficient equipment. They will typically invest in a few small changes and plan to track progress based on accrued savings from the upgrade. The problem arises, however, when there is no plan after the pilot program. Many facilities will start with good intention, but fail to continue their energy-efficiency programs due to lack of funding. You need to prepare for scaling up energy efficiency by budgeting long-term, or by vowing to put savings from one energy-efficiency project towards the next.

Be consistent and focused. 

As with any project, you need to be consistent with your efforts. One energy-efficient upgrade needs to lead to the next, rather than leading to a dead end. Strategize with vendors, partners, and your energy-efficiency leadership to create a lasting impact on your facility. The more focus you put behind the project, the better your results will be. 

If you are interested in starting or accelerating an energy-efficiency project, talk to your MaintenX team today!

At Maintenx, we deal with deferred maintenance every day. Clients new and old wait to call a licensed professional for their HVAC maintenance service, and pay the high price when a breakdown occurs. While we encourage all clients to invest in preventative care for their facility equipment, this doesn’t always happen. 

To demonstrate the importance of preventative maintenance, we want to discuss the progression of problems that occurs when HVAC service is deferred:

When HVAC maintenance is deferred, filters and ducts get clogged. 

Your HVAC’s air filter is a very important mechanism. It keeps dust and dirt from circulating through the air. However, the filters can only do their job if they are not already clogged. If you fail to have your HVAC tech clean the ducts and replace the air filter, they can get clogged, which results in the first major problem at your facility. 

When filters and ducts get clogged, indoor air quality suffers. 

When your air filter is clogged, the airflow is restricted. This causes your HVAC system to work harder in order to regulate temperature and humidity. It also impedes your system’s effectiveness in removing contaminants from the air. Dust and dirt is able to circulate, and the changes in temperature and humidity can allow bacteria to grow in the ducts. These bacterias turn into allergens, which coupled with dust in the air will hurt indoor air quality

When indoor air quality goes down, productivity decreases. 

Poor indoor air quality caused by the circulation of dust and allergens leads to headaches, congestion, eye irritation, and in severe circumstances asthma attacks. Several universities have studied the effects of indoor air quality on productivity in the workplace, and have concluded that poor indoor air quality can directly cause an increase in sick days. The CDC has estimated that nearly $60 billion dollars in revenue is lost annually due to productivity losses from indoor air quality issues.

And when productivity suffers, the whole facility suffers. 

Deferred HVAC maintenance isn’t just a matter of keeping your facility cool. It can impact your tenants’ health and your bottom line if you’re not careful. Contact MaintenX today to schedule your HVAC preventative maintenance work.

The party is about to begin! Whether it’s a grand opening, a launch party, or the annual employee holiday bash, your onsite event carries a lot of weight with the company. You want attendees to relax and have a truly enjoyable time. Their experience may even be the difference between them choosing you over a competitor, or staying with the company for another five years. 

While the music and food will be noticed first, your venue maintenance will also catch the eye if unattended. You may not think guests will notice improper maintenance, but it will make a bad impression in ways you don’t expect. Before hosting your event, make sure you prevent these onsite maintenance issues:

Your bathroom has a leak. 

A big event means an influx in restroom traffic throughout the evening. A small leak in the pipes will show its face very quickly if not fixed beforehand. Before your event takes place, check for leaky faucets or piping and call your MaintenX plumber for assistance. We can help you fix the problem in no time and for an affordable price. 

Your venue isn’t properly climate controlled. 

Guests who are too hot or cold will be uncomfortable, and therefore less inclined to have a good time at your event. If your HVAC or heat pump isn’t in working order, you could force many to leave the event early. Call your MaintenX team for a preventative maintenance check on your HVAC system before the party begins. 

Your janitorial team has failed. 

An event venue needs to be squeaky clean before guests arrive. If it’s not, attendees will be turned off and likely not want to return. Choosing a second-rate janitorial service will get your company into trouble, so hire the best from the beginning. MaintenX offers full-service janitorial packages for events. Talk to us today about your options. 

If you’re planning to host a big event at your facility, contact MaintenX today!

There are endless ways to save money at your facility. From reducing water waste to replacing old equipment with energy-efficient options, you can effectively shave off hundreds of dollars on your power bill annually. One such easy fix is replacing your current lighting fixtures with LED bulbs. 

LED bulbs save energy because they require only a portion of the electricity that an incandescent bulb needs. They also last longer than other types of bulbs, meaning you will have to replace LEDs less often. They are an easy replacement for most lighting fixtures. 

LEDs are often chosen for their energy-efficiency; however, there are other reasons to make the switch at your facility today:

LEDs are cooler. Incandescent light bulbs are less energy efficient, and therefore heat up much more than LED bulbs. You may not consider the temperature of your light bulb to be important, but the difference is drastic. LED bulbs reach an average temperature of 107° Fahrenheit. Incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, can get as hot as 327 degrees!

LEDs will keep pests out of your facility. Insects are attracted to the ultraviolet light emitted from incandescent lights. While LEDs emit a small amount of UV light, it’s much less than a regular light bulb. This minor change can reduce the number of pests within your facility, which lends to a cleaner and healthier work environment. 

LEDs improve productivity. Offices and facilities with LED light help create a more productive work environment. Why? Unlike incandescent bulbs which produce white light, LEDs produce light with a multitude of colors that resembles natural light. This can make a major impact in tenants’ and employees’ comfort inside the facility, and therefore their productivity. 

If you’re considering making the switch to LED bulbs, talk to MaintenX today. We can help you find other money-saving switches in your maintenance plan during our preventative maintenance checks. You can call us or send us an email here.

Most businesses don’t think much about their heating options until they decide to renovate or move into a new building. While this may not seem like a top priority decision, the heating system you choose can determine the comfort of your tenants and your potential cost savings during the winter.

Most businesses use either a combustion furnace or a heat pump. The combustion furnace uses heat produced from burning oil or gas to warm air and push it through the air ducts. This process is fairly simple and inexpensive, but is also inefficient. Older buildings may only achieve 65% efficiency using combustion heating.

The typical alternative to combustion heating is a heat pump. This energy-efficient system condenses and circulates warm air from the atmosphere. Refrigerant in the heat pump extracts the heat and then transfers it to the coil to be pushed into the space via the duct system. This heating is more energy-efficient, but it cannot achieve as high temperatures as combustion heating.  

However, there is a third option: a hybrid heating system. 

Also referred to as dual-fuel systems, this heating alternative can save you on your electric bill during the winter months. In hybrid heating systems, the heat pump is backed up by a combustion heat system. The less-efficient heat system is only used when the heat pump can’t achieve the desired temperature. You can turn the combustion system on automatically, or to be manually activated. 

As compared to having only a combustion heating system, hybrid systems can save businesses nearly 50% on their heating bills annually. That’s a big cost savings, and one which won’t leave your tenants out in the cold. While hybrids are more expensive than traditional heating systems to install, the savings can help you pay for the unit within three to five years. 

If you want to learn more about hybrid heating systems, contact your local MaintenX team today. They can help you decide whether hybrid heating is right for your facility, and offer affordable installation services no matter what you choose.

A facility expansion is exciting news. It means that your company is growing, and that you’re able to bring in even more revenue for future growth. While expansions are good news, they can also be tricky for facility managers to handle. You must consider all aspects of the transition and plan accordingly to keep your operational flow steady. 

When the expansion is complete, you will have to organize the movement of new equipment and staff, and plan ahead for maintenance. It’s not just the new things that change — you will need to update your preventative maintenance program, train new maintenance members, and be available to answer the influx of questions from staff. 

Luckily, if you are a MaintenX client, you have someone to lean on during this chaotic time. We can easily and effectively adjust any preventative maintenance plan through our advanced work-order management system. As you manage this expansion, here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Adjust your preventative maintenance plan as you go. 

With an expansion comes new assets, many of which will need to be added to your preventative maintenance plan. Don’t wait until everything is done to double-back and add new assets to the schedule. When you install a new unit or system, tell your MaintenX contractors and we will add it to our work-order management database. 

Think through the design of your new space. 

Many expansions are poorly thought out, and leave tenants or employees in the space with less than what they need to thrive. For example, many facility managers fail to account for the number of wall outlets needed for an office space before it’s too late, and employees are sharing power strips to stay connected. Before moving everyone in, work with your MaintenX team to ensure that all HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems will fully account for your needs.

Keep an eye out for employee problems. 

A new facility expansion may mean you’re adding new employees to your space. This can be exciting, but you must be sure that those employees aren’t forgotten or left to their own devices. Provide plenty of resources for new and existing employees during the expansion to ensure a smooth transition. This includes your onsite maintenance staff. 

If you are planning a building expansion in the near future, contact your MaintenX team today. We are always here to help you with affordable and reliable preventative maintenance service.

Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation often go underappreciated until they’re gone. When it’s the middle of July and your A/C cuts off due to overuse, you suddenly realize just how important a skilled HVAC technician is to your business. Becoming one such maintenance hero takes quite a bit of training and expertise, but the payoff is tremendous for those who have it. 

Most HVAC technicians go to some sort of trade school or apprenticeship before they begin their careers. While HVAC technicians aren’t required to go to school, they are required to meet certain state requirements to become licensed in the field. Some of these training programs require less than a year of apprenticeship; others are offered online to expedite the learning process. 

Once an HVAC technician has completed their training, they can begin working in the field. Most earn a respectable income averaging around $43,000 to $50,000 annually. This income can be earned without a college degree, making HVAC maintenance work highly suitable for those who want to enter the workforce early or enjoy working with their hands rather than with their nose in the books. 

HVAC technicians are in high demand no matter where you go. In places like Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, they quite literally save businesses from closing in the summer months. AC is a lifesaver, but its lack can make a home or place of business uninhabitable. 

The downside to HVAC work is that you’ll likely have to work in tight spaces in the summer (or winter) when there is no climate control. HVAC units tend to shut down when they are used the most, so be prepared to get sweaty (or cold) while you’re working. HVAC technicians work hard physically almost every day. However, this is balanced with the pay and relative ease for those in good physical shape who do not mind working in tight spaces. HVAC work is also safer than many other manual labor jobs. 

MaintenX has some of the top HVAC technicians in the country to help serve local businesses with reliable, affordable maintenance services. We offer the following benefits to our HVAC technicians: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Life Insurance and Short and Long Term Disability 
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match 
• Paid Vacations, Paid Holidays, and Sick Days
• Personal Cell Phone Service and Discount through Company Cell Phone Carrier
• Company Vehicle and Uniforms provided 
• Fuel Card provided for Company Vehicle 
• Opportunities for Overtime Hours 
• Opportunity for Career Growth!

If you are interested in joining the MaintenX Super Service team as an HVAC Technician please visit our careers page for additional info!

Electricians are the unsung heroes of maintenance. They work diligently to ensure that homes and businesses are always up and running with proper electrical output. Without your neighborhood electrician, home or commercial maintenance would be a lot more dangerous. Because of this, electricians can have very lucrative careers due to their high demand and skill. 

Electricians are paid well due to their extensive training and knowledge in their field. They also have exceptional interpersonal skills. If this sounds like the job for you, here’s what you need to know about becoming an electrician:

Electricians typically enroll in trade school or an apprenticeship to become licensed. Some people will begin a pre-apprenticeship to become sponsored by an employer and complete their training. No matter which route you choose, you will have to take a state test to receive your license and become a journeyman in the field. Some of the skills you will learn in your apprenticeship include: 

• Reading blueprints and understanding their specifications
• Having an up-to-date knowledge of electrical codes and regulations
• Knowing how to safely work with transformers, generators, conductors, and cables
• Knowing the basics of grounding and bonding
• Understanding the basic safety precautions when installing or performing maintenance on electrical systems
• Learning the basics of instrumentation and power distribution
• Learning different methods of electrical system installation
• Learning how to safely install fire alarms
• Learning electrical maintenance protocol

After your apprenticeship, you will receive your license and start working as a contractor or journeyman. You can choose to go into business for yourself, or work for a contractor network. MaintenX is always looking for talented electricians, and offers the following benefits to those who meet our standards of performance excellence: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Life Insurance and Short and Long Term Disability 
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match 
• Paid Vacations, Paid Holidays, and Sick Days
• Personal Cell Phone Service and Discount through Company Cell Phone Carrier
• Company Vehicle and Uniforms provided 
• Fuel Card provided for Company Vehicle 
• Opportunities for Overtime Hours 
• Opportunity for Career Growth!

Electricians are always in demand and can create highly successful careers with the right work ethic. If you want to start your career as an electrician today, contact MaintenX to learn about our job opportunities.

Roofing is a great trade in the construction and maintenance fields. It is a job that requires skill but no formal education, and can keep you healthy as it involves plenty of physical labor. Roofing is also in high demand no matter where you go. 

If this lucrative trade is something you may want to pursue professionally, here’s what you need to know:

Every day there will be a new challenge. 

When you work in roofing, no two days are the same. Every client will have different demands and you will likely face many challenges with each project you take on. That’s why commercial clients and residents trust you to do their roofing work rather than do it themselves. This makes roofing a great career for problem-solvers and those who need a challenge in their daily work. 

To become a roofer, you will want to apprentice under a licensed contractor.

Roofers are required to have insurance, and typically must pass some sort of trade exam to become licensed in their state. While laws vary by state on requirements for getting a roofing contractor license, it is always a good idea to study under a professional before getting yours. Many roofers will offer apprenticeships for young professionals looking to get into the trade. This will also give you a chance to work in the field and see if it is the type of work you’d want to invest your time in. 

Roofing is hard work. 

Roofing requires physical strength and stamina. You’ll be required to lift heavy equipment, climb, bend, and work in extreme weather conditions. This is often seen as a benefit to the job, as it keeps you in great health compared to a desk job. However, roofing can wear you down; if you are not used to physical labor, this may be a challenge for you. 

Roofers are in high demand. 

Because roofing is exposed to the harsh elements, it requires more maintenance than most other areas of a facility. Roofers, therefore, are in high demand throughout the year. Most of your work as a roofer will be repairing and replacing shingles on existing roofs; only a quarter or so will be installation of new roofing. While roofing is not a seasonal job, you may see influxes of work after a major storm or natural disaster. 

Roofers are paid well. 

For a job that does not require formal education, roofers typically receive competitive wages. The median income for roofers is around $38,000 annually, with experienced roofers making upwards of $50,000. Growth rate in the industry is around 11%, meaning there is plenty of opportunity to pursue this career. 

If you are interested in becoming a roofer, talk to your local MaintenX contractors about open positions. We provide a safe work environment, competitive pay, and many other benefits including: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Life Insurance and Short and Long Term Disability 
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match 
• Paid Vacations, Paid Holidays, and Sick Days
• Personal Cell Phone Service and Discount through Company Cell Phone Carrier
• Company Vehicle and Uniforms provided 
• Fuel Card provided for Company Vehicle 
• Opportunities for Overtime Hours 
• Opportunity for Career Growth!

If you are interested in joining the MaintenX Super Service team as a Roofing Technician please visit our careers page for additional info!

Plumbing is one of the most lucrative of trade jobs in the country. These everyday heroes help community members in their time of need, and do so with a humble heart. A plumber saves the day when a family’s pipe bursts and their bathroom starts to flood. They help a small business reopen after a disaster has rendered their storefront unusable. No matter the crisis, they are there to restore normalcy in a time of stress. 

If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, here is what you should know:

What education do I need?

To get hired as a plumber for a larger company you need a Certificate of Qualification, typically obtained through a trade school and subsequent apprenticeship. Apprenticeships can go up to 9,000 hours — three to five years — with trade school classes required in the off hours. While this may seem like a long training period, you will leave fully prepared to become a licensed contractor or even start your own plumbing business. 

Is the pay good?

Most plumbers come out of their apprenticeship with plenty of experience and knowledge to complete commercial and residential jobs. Plumbers with several years of experience can earn upwards of $70,000 annually, or between $21-$25 an hour. For a career with a three-year learning curve, the pay is considered to be highly competitive among the trades. 

What are the differences between residential and commercial plumbing?

Plumbers can choose to specialize in residential or commercial plumbing, or work in both fields. Residential plumbing typically has a quicker turnaround between projects, as the equipment and plumbing systems are smaller. This can be a big advantage to residential plumbing; however, the commissions on commercial plumbing are usually higher. Commercial clients are, on average, more “hands off” while residential clients like to be involved and informed throughout the project. Your individual goals and competence with customer service will determine whether residential or commercial plumbing is best for you. 

What is there to not like about plumbing?

The most common challenge to plumbing occupations is the hard physical labor. You’re going to get dirty digging up lines, and occasionally have to deal with an overflowing toilet. However, plumbing professionals are considered highly skilled and their pay reflects the difficulty of their work. Many plumbers are able to find satisfaction in the hard labor because of the personal and financial rewards. 

Will you feel as if you are making a difference? 

Many plumbers say the best part of the job is the appreciation they receive on the job. For a family that can’t use their bathroom, or a business that’s losing money because they’ve had to close shop, you are the everyday hero. For many, this makes the hard work worthwhile. 

If you are interested in a plumbing position, talk to your local MaintenX crew. We offer competitive salaries and benefits you won’t get anywhere else, including: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Life Insurance and Short and Long Term Disability 
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match 
• Paid Vacations, Paid Holidays, and Sick Days
• Personal Cell Phone Service and Discount through Company Cell Phone Carrier
• Company Vehicle and Uniforms provided 
• Fuel Card provided for Company Vehicle 
• Opportunities for Overtime Hours 
• Opportunity for Career Growth!

If you are interested in joining the MaintenX Super Service team as a Plumbing Technician please visit our careers page for additional info!