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Are you ready to beat the heat and keep your facilities running smoothly this summer?
As the temperatures start to rise, it’s important to ensure that your facilities are prepared for the summer season. From HVAC maintenance to roof inspections and safety examinations, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven essential steps facility managers (FMs) should take to prepare their facilities for summer.
1. Inspect and Maintain HVAC Systems
The summer season brings with it high temperatures that can make indoor spaces uncomfortable. To ensure that occupants remain comfortable during the season, FMs must inspect and maintain HVAC systems. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, checking and servicing HVAC units, and ensuring that the system is functioning efficiently. Having a well-maintained HVAC system improves air quality and ensures indoor temperatures remain comfortable for occupants.
2. Check and Replace Insulation
Insulation plays a critical role in maintaining indoor temperatures. Inadequate or worn-out insulation can lead to energy loss and increased energy bills. Therefore, it is important to check insulation and replace it if necessary. Good insulation can also prevent the transfer of heat from the outside to the inside, which helps to keep indoor temperatures cool during the summer.
3. Install or Replace Window Coverings
Window coverings can help to regulate indoor temperatures by reducing the amount of heat that enters the building through the windows. FMs should consider installing or replacing window coverings such as blinds or curtains to reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency. Window coverings can also improve the aesthetic appeal of a facility.
4. Inspect and Maintain Roofing Systems
The summer season is often associated with severe weather, such as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. FMs must ensure that the roofing system is in good condition and can withstand severe weather. This includes inspecting the roof for damages, repairing any leaks, and ensuring that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris.
5. Evaluate and Prepare Landscaping
Landscaping can play a significant role in maintaining indoor temperatures. For instance, planting trees and shrubs around a building can provide shade that helps to reduce heat gain. Additionally, well-maintained landscaping can improve the aesthetic appeal of a facility. FMs should evaluate and prepare landscaping for the summer season by trimming trees and bushes, removing dead plants, and watering plants as necessary.
6. Implement a Pest Control Program
The warm weather of summer attracts a wide range of pests such as ants, roaches, and mosquitoes. These pests can not only be a nuisance but can also pose health risks to occupants. Therefore, FMs must implement a pest control program that includes regular inspections, sealing cracks and openings, and using pesticides as necessary.
7. Conduct Safety Inspections
The summer season can bring its own unique safety hazards such as severe weather and outdoor activities. FMs should conduct safety inspections to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them. For instance, installing lightning rods or surge protectors can protect occupants and equipment from lightning strikes, while providing outdoor lighting can improve visibility and reduce the risk of falls.
One Partner for All of Your Facility Management Needs
Preparing facilities for summer requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique needs of each building. At National Facilities Direct, we understand the importance of providing customized solutions that meet the needs of our clients. Our trusted team of expert technicians can help make sure your facilities provide a comfortable and safe environment for occupants during the warmer months. Contact us today to learn more about NFD and how we can help you prepare your facilities for summer.