SAVING MONEY IN THE LONG RUN WITH COMMERCIAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Many building owners and facility managers consider commercial building maintenance an obstacle or a hurdle. They see it as something they need to sidestep, or ignore, rather than an asset. Preventative maintenance isn’t just something written about in facility magazines and guides. Maintaining your building is extremely useful. Preventative maintenance is a tool to make your facilities last longer and perform better, saving you money in the long wrong. This post will address commercial building maintenance, what building components you should look at, and when you should do it.
HVAC
Each year you should have your HVAC units inspected and serviced by a certified technician. There are lots of moving parts, seals, gaskets, and pumps that can be lubricated, replaced, repaired, or improved. By keeping your units in good working condition and keep them operating efficiently, you will save money on energy and extend the life of your units. Delaying replacement while improving working efficiency is a recipe for big savings. Spending a small amount of money up front on preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run.
Roofing
Your roofing system should be inspected twice per year. Fix any notable items during or immediately following the inspection. Building roof inspections into your commercial building maintenance plan will make your roof last longer and perform better. By finding problems when they’re small and fixing them before they become major issues, you can greatly reduce your repair and maintenance expenses.
Plumbing/Restrooms
Once a year, you should check all the plumbing fixtures in your building. If you have public facilities that receive more use, they should be cleaned twice a year. Check for stains, visible leaks, strange noises, drips, to indicate that there may be other issues. If you find problems, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber. They will typically fix your problems faster than you can on your own.
Lighting
Lighting should be an ongoing commercial building maintenance focus, to not only increase the energy efficiency of your building, but also to provide comfortable lighting to your occupants. Ensure that your bulbs are all emitting consistent color temperatures, are aimed at their intended focal points, and that you aren’t losing bulbs. If you find you are replacing bulbs, consider group relamping to ensure your lighting is consistent and comfortable. You should also check exterior lighting every 6-12 months to ensure everything is in good, safe working order.
Long-Term Items
Try to clear your parking lot at least twice a year, removing debris, trash, dirt. Consider power-washing annually. Both of these tasks can be done more frequently if your lots are high traffic. Reseal your entire lot every 10 years to keep the surface from deteriorating. Contract a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system every 3-5 years. This can prevent fires and again improve energy efficiency.
Conclusion
By engaged in preventative commercial building maintenance, you can ensure that your building stays on the leading edge of energy efficient technology, reduce large repairs, and keep your equipment running longer. Spending money on commercial building maintenance will keep your building looking nicer and lasting longer, and will save you money.
