Technician testing commercial HVAC air pressure

How to Save Money on Commercial Heating & Cooling

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Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are critical when it comes to ensuring all employees, customers, or patients remain comfortable.

But accomplishing this is no easy task – especially when your HVAC has to work even harder to maintain facility temperatures amid the heat of summer and cold of winter. More so than in homes and residential buildings, it can be difficult (and costly) to keep larger commercial buildings or spaces comfortable without racking up large electricity bills. 

In fact, commercial HVAC systems account for 51% of a building’s energy usage, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Not only is an energy-efficient HVAC better for the environment, but it is a sure way to reduce electricity costs. 

In this blog, we provide a list of steps commercial facilities can take to make sure their heating and cooling system is operating at maximum efficiency.

 

HVAC Cost-Saving Tips For Commercial Facilities

Evaluate Current HVAC Efficiency

The first step: assess the current performance of your HVAC system.

While it’s possible to measure the efficiency of residential heating and cooling systems with simple temperature readings and run-time checks, it’s not quite so simple when evaluating a large commercial building or space. 

The best way for commercial facilities to check current HVAC performance is to hire a professional technician to conduct an HVAC Energy Audit.

During an HVAC audit, a technician will gather lots of data about your system’s operations – from utility bills, maintenance records, occupancy patterns, accounting documents, and a facility walk-through. 

After collecting all the necessary data, the technician will conduct an in-depth analysis of your energy usage, do some calculations, and provide a status report with suggestions for improvement.

Adjust Thermostat Settings

The closer you keep the temperature on your thermostat to the outdoor temperature, the more you will save on electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy & Environment, you can save up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is raised in summer and lowered in winter.

The DOEE recommends the following temperature ranges:

  • During summer, set the thermostat to 78 degrees when the building is occupied and 85 degrees (or even turn it completely off) after business hours. 
  • During winter, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the building is occupied and between 60-65 degrees (or off) after business hours.

It’s also a good idea to set temperature zones with designated room thermostats. If certain rooms in your commercial facility – like garages, storage rooms, or unoccupied rooms – could bear to be slightly less comfortable, set the thermostat a little closer to the outside temperatures in those spaces.

You also may want to invest in programmable smart thermostats. With remote scheduling capabilities, these thermostats ensure the temperature is always set appropriately – even if you are not physically in the building.

BONUS TIP: Try to run your AC earlier in the day in warm summer months to avoid the higher costs of peak demand in the heat of the afternoon.

Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance

If your heating and cooling system is not operating efficiently, that could very well mean your HVAC has a mechanical issue or hasn’t received the regular maintenance it requires to function properly.

Some steps you’ll definitely need to take:

  • Swap out air filters routinely
  • Check seals & insulation regularly
  • Replace the outdated boilers
  • Stay on top of repairs

Remember, it is generally more expensive to make a major HVAC system repair or replacement than to hire commercial heating and cooling professionals for routine maintenance.

Upgrade to Green

As would be expected, HVACs become less and less efficient as they age. 

Whether you need to replace particular parts (like your boiler or heat pumps) or your entire HVAC system, you’ll want to seek out energy efficient upgrades. 

If replacing an outdated heating and cooling system, look for a model with Energy Star certification. The Energy Star designation means that the model follows the efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. These newer energy-efficient HVAC systems are uniquely designed to minimize environmental impacts and keep your energy bills low.

Take Advantage of Government Incentives

As if the energy efficiency of green HVAC upgrades isn’t enough in and of itself, the U.S. government – and even certain local governments and energy companies – offer enticing incentives and programs to encourage these green upgrades. 

For example, the U.S. Department of Energy offers a tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for certain buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy.

Need help finding all the federal and local incentives that apply to you? 

The KFM 24/7 can help!

KFM 24/7 | Commercial HVAC Services

Balancing comfortable heating and cooling with manageable commercial utility bills can be a challenge for any business owner. But if you follow the 5 simple steps listed in this article, you will be well on your way to significant HVAC cost savings!

Need HVAC repair, replacement, or maintenance? KFM 24/7 offers these services and more to commercial facilities all across the country. 

Have multiple locations under one brand? We can manage the HVAC needs of each and every location. No hassle. No stress.

Contact us today to start saving!

 

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Two maintenance workers in a facility

The Benefits of Outsourcing Facility Maintenance Services

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Facility maintenance, also known as FM, is the upkeep of a commercial facility to ensure that it functions properly and runs smoothly.

FM includes anything from plumbing, electrical, and HVAC repair to large-scale maintenance projects, such as disaster preparedness and commercial facility remodels.

Facility maintenance organizations, like KFM 24/7, provide these services as a single-source solution to ensure that your facility is operating smoothly at all times.

Want to dive deeper into facility maintenance? Check out our blog!

Outsourcing facility maintenance can have many benefits, such as reduced overall costs, easy access to emergency services, and convenience. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of outsourcing facility maintenance services.

What are the benefits of outsourcing facility repair services?

Outsourcing facility repair services can be a cost-effective and convenient solution for businesses. By hiring external experts to handle facility maintenance and repairs, companies can reduce overall costs associated with in-house staffing and equipment expenses.

Additionally, outsourcing allows for easy access to emergency services, ensuring that any issues are quickly and efficiently addressed. This can help prevent further damage and minimize downtime, ultimately saving time and money in the long run.

Furthermore, outsourcing facility repair services allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and leave non-core functions to the experts, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.

  • Reduce overall costs

Outsourcing facility repair and maintenance services can reduce your overall costs and save you money in the long run. By regularly and routinely servicing your facility, you are less likely to face large-scale, and more costly problems, such as a broken HVAC system, or leaky pipes causing water damage.

Outsourcing can also save you money by reducing in-house staffing costs and equipment expenses. For example, you won’t have to worry about finding an electrician when you want to install new light fixtures or repair wiring in your facility. Instead, your facility maintenance company can send out dedicated technicians to resolve your problems with ease.

  • Emergency service access

While it’s convenient when issues happen between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., unfortunately, it is not usually the case. Sometimes it can be hard to locate a repair technician after working hours, and typically it will cost you more money!

When you have a facility maintenance company on your side, emergency issues are never something you have to worry about.

With dedicated technicians and contractors, you can instantly dispatch them to your facility to solve the problem quickly. Typically, waiting until the next business day is NOT an option, and with companies like KFM 24/7, you’ll be able to get emergency help much faster than a usual technician.

  • Save time with outsourcing

Not only does outsourcing save you money, but it also saves you time. When you have a dedicated team of technicians at your fingertips, facility maintenance is simple.

It’s even easier with KFM 24/7 on your side. With the FM Integrated app, you can report and dispatch emergency services with ease, even when you’re offline. All of your reports and insights are available to view, and you can make sure you’re maximizing your budget within seconds.

Having a single source for all of your facility needs is crucial to saving time and money.

Without the need for hiring in-house service workers or managing external contractors, you’ll be able to focus more time on your business.

KFM 24/7 is YOUR Partner for Facility Solutions.

Partnering with KFM 24/7 can bring significant benefits to your commercial facility.

We help you reduce overall costs, provide emergency services at all hours of the day, save YOU time, and MORE.

By outsourcing your facility maintenance services through us, you’ll have a single source for all of your maintenance needs. Our customer service is second to none, and our advanced technology ensures that any issues are dealt with promptly.

While outsourcing facility maintenance can be daunting, it brings numerous benefits to your corporation. In the long run, it can save you both time and money by allowing you to focus on your core business activities while ensuring that your facility runs smoothly.

KFM 24/7 | Single Source Facility Maintenance Services 24/7

Offering nationwide coverage and single-source solutions for facility maintenance services for over 20 years.

Need help getting your facility maintenance under control? Reach out to us today to learn more about what KFM 24/7 can offer you.

 

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The Role of Technology in Facilities Management

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In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, facilities management has become an essential aspect of every organization’s success. The use of technology in facilities management has revolutionized the way companies approach maintenance, repairs, and safety in their workplace.

From IoT devices to advanced software solutions, technology has enabled facilities management teams to streamline their operations and maximize efficiency. In this blog post, we will explore the role of technology in facilities management and how it has impacted the industry. We will also discuss the advantages of technology in facilities management and how it can help improve team efficiency.

The Role of Technology in Facilities Management

In recent years, technology has become an essential part of facilities management. With the advent of advanced software, hardware, and connectivity options, it has become easier for facility managers to manage and maintain their facilities effectively. Technology has not only improved the efficiency of facilities management but has also made it more cost-effective.

The role of technology in facilities management is to improve the efficiency of operations, reduce downtime, and minimize costs. It does this by providing facility managers with the tools they need to manage their facilities in a more efficient and effective way. By using technology, facility managers can track equipment maintenance schedules, monitor energy usage, and manage work orders, all from a single platform.

Moreover, technology has also made it possible for facility managers to remotely monitor their facilities from anywhere, at any time. This means that they can detect and address potential issues before they become major problems, reducing downtime and minimizing costs.

Overall, the role of technology in facilities management is significant, and its importance is only going to increase as new technologies emerge. In the following sections, we will explore how technology has impacted facilities management and the advantages it offers.

Advantages of Technology in Facilities Management

Advancements in technology have brought significant benefits to the Facilities Management industry, streamlining processes, and increasing efficiency.

Here are some of the advantages of technology in Facilities Management:

1) Improved Asset Management

Technology enables Facility Managers to monitor and manage assets, including HVAC systems, lighting systems, and security systems. With advanced sensors and monitoring systems, Facilities Managers can quickly identify potential issues and address them before they escalate into significant problems. This helps to reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of assets.

2) Efficient Space Utilization

With the help of technology, Facilities Managers can optimize the use of available space. Real-time data on space utilization can help to identify underutilized spaces that can be repurposed to increase efficiency and save costs.

3) Increased Energy Efficiency

Technology can help to monitor and control energy consumption in facilities, reducing energy waste and lowering energy costs. For instance, smart HVAC systems can automatically adjust heating and cooling based on occupancy, weather, and other factors, reducing energy consumption by up to 30%.

4) Enhanced Safety and Security

Technology plays a crucial role in improving safety and security in facilities. Video surveillance, access control, and alarm systems can help to deter crime and provide quick responses in case of emergencies. IoT sensors can also detect and alert Facilities Managers of potential safety hazards, such as gas leaks or fires, before they cause significant damage.

Overall, technology in Facilities Management enables organizations to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and safely, reducing costs and enhancing the overall user experience.

How Technology Helps with Team Efficiency in Facilities Management

Facilities Management teams can often be large, and it can be challenging to keep everyone coordinated and working efficiently. This is where technology can make a significant difference. By using digital tools, Facilities Management teams can streamline communication and simplify workflows, which can result in improved team efficiency.

1) Real-time updates on work orders and maintenance requests.

When a work order is submitted, the team can receive instant notification via their mobile devices, allowing them to respond promptly and prioritize urgent tasks. Digital tools can also allow teams to collaborate and share information in real-time, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication and improving the speed and accuracy of decision-making.

2) Digital platforms can help automate routine tasks, such as scheduling and inventory management.

This frees up time for team members to focus on more critical tasks, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. With automated scheduling, tasks can be assigned and tracked, ensuring that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and deadlines.

3) Better data analysis and reporting.

Digital tools can collect data on everything from equipment maintenance to energy consumption, allowing Facilities Management teams to track trends, identify issues, and make informed decisions about resource allocation. This data can also be used to identify areas where efficiency can be improved and to optimize maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of equipment.

Overall, technology can be a game-changer for Facilities Management teams, helping them to work more efficiently, communicate more effectively, and make better decisions based on data. By embracing digital tools and platforms, Facilities Management companies can improve their service offerings, increase customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition.

Examples of Technology in Facilities Management

In this section, we will look at some examples of technology that have been adopted in facilities management. These technologies are not exhaustive, but they provide a glimpse into the possibilities available to facility managers.

1) Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

CMMS is a software solution used to manage, schedule, and track maintenance tasks for equipment, machines, and buildings. It allows facility managers to efficiently schedule preventive maintenance tasks, track work orders, and manage inventory.

2) Smart Building Systems

Smart building systems use a variety of technologies such as sensors, internet of things (IoT) devices, and automation to provide data-driven insights and optimize building performance. Smart systems can monitor energy consumption, lighting, temperature, humidity, and occupancy levels.

3) Mobile Apps

Mobile apps enable facility managers and technicians to access information from anywhere at any time. They can use the apps to manage work orders, receive notifications, and access maintenance schedules.

4) Augmented Reality (AR)

AR technology can provide on-site assistance for facility managers and technicians. It can overlay digital information onto the physical environment, making it easier to identify and fix issues. For example, AR can be used to identify equipment parts and provide step-by-step instructions for repairs.

5) Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM is a software tool used to create digital representations of building structures and systems. It allows facility managers to visualize building design and construction, predict maintenance needs, and plan for upgrades.

These are just a few examples of the technology available to facility managers. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge that will help to improve facilities management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology has revolutionized facilities management in numerous ways. By providing real-time data and automating processes, technology has helped facility managers to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve team efficiency. The advantages of technology in facilities management are vast and cannot be ignored.

At KFM24/7, we pride ourselves on our ability to leverage the latest technology to provide top-notch facility management services. Our team of experts is equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to handle any facilities management challenge. Whether it’s building maintenance, landscaping, or cleaning services, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re a business owner looking for a reliable facility management company, look no further than KFM24/7. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Facilities Management?

A: Facilities management is the process of managing and maintaining facilities, including buildings, equipment, and other physical assets. This involves ensuring that facilities are operating efficiently and safely, and that they meet the needs of the people who use them.

Q: How has technology impacted Facilities Management?

A: Technology has had a significant impact on facilities management. From smart building automation systems to computerized maintenance management software, technology has made it possible to automate many of the tasks associated with facilities management, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Q: What are the advantages of technology in Facilities Management?

A: The advantages of technology in facilities management are numerous. Some of the most significant benefits include increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved safety and security, better asset management, and more accurate data collection and analysis.

Q: How does technology help with team efficiency in Facilities Management?

A: Technology helps to improve team efficiency in facilities management by automating many of the manual tasks associated with facility maintenance, such as tracking work orders, scheduling maintenance tasks, and collecting and analyzing data. This frees up time for facility managers and technicians to focus on more complex tasks, improving overall efficiency and productivity.