Summer is still more than a month away, but people in many parts of the country are already starting to feel the heat. Maintenance managers aren’t any different than the rest of us when it comes to considering the needs of their HVAC/R equipment and facilities. They don’t want to be caught unprepared when the weather is at its worst. Creating and following a checklist can greatly simplify maintenance of an industrial or commercial facility. We’ve covered prepping for winter weather before. Now we have a checklist that can help you prepare your facilities for the warmer weather ahead too.
Facility Exteriors
Areas of a building that could suffer wear and tear from exposure to the elements.
- Roofing – The integrity of a building starts with its roof. Inspect vents and drains for blockages. Remove debris from drainage systems and gutters. Identify and record any damage or corrosion present and repair/replace as necessary.
- Parking lots & Garages – Review and test functionality of electrical components like automatic gates and light fixtures. Ensure pedestrian and traffic signage are easily visible and legible. Track damage to pavement such as cracks and potholes, repair as necessary.
- Windows & Doors – Anywhere that allows people to enter and exit a building can do the same for heat or cold. Inspecting windows, doors, frames, and locks every season maximizes efficiency AND safety for your facility.
Facility Interiors
Areas of a building that could suffer wear and tear from seasonal downtime.
- Electricity & Energy Use – Cold weather use can strain electrical systems and force rodents inside to cause problems. Check wiring for signs of damage or corrosion and test surge suppressors for functionality. Review energy consumption reports to identify areas of concern or opportunities for savings.
- Plumbing – Hot weather can put very different demands on plumbing compared to winter months. Inspect all piping and couplings for leaks. Check water heating and cooling systems for functionality as well as sewage pumps.
- HVAC – Proper winterization through cold weather will do much to make sure your cooling systems are ready for the heat of summer. But you still need to inspect blowers and condensers to make sure they’re working properly. You should also replace filters and refill fluids as necessary too. Finally, make sure all ductwork and exhaust fans are cleaned and inspected as well.
- Machinery & Equipment – Any production machinery or material handling equipment that has sat dormant through winter for any reason should get a full inspection and tune up, especially if it’s been stored in a facility that isn’t climate-controlled. Be prepared for inactivity to have caused settling that may require recalibration too.
Facility Grounds
Non-building areas of a facility whose maintenance needs change with the season
- Parking Lots & Garages – Ice can cause damage to parking areas such as cracks and potholes. Filling, patching, or resurfacing may be required. Also check any signage (painted or posted) that may have weathered, faded, or been knocked down by snowplows.
- Lawns, Gardens & Planters – There is seasonal planting and care, such as mowing, to think about in preparation for summer. But make sure to properly inspect less visible items such as irrigation lines and valves too.
- Pest Treatment & Removal – Winter can cause problems with pests sheltering inside your facility, but summer is all about the outside. Scheduling a pest control company for regular service is a great way to prevent problems with varmints that can damage your grounds (think moles) or your people (wasps) before they ever occur!
These aren’t the only steps required to prepare a facility for summer, but they are some of the most important ones. If you’re swamped and need help checking some items off your building’s list, contact us now to see if our HVAC/R or Facility Maintenance techs can help you out. If you’re experienced preparing industrial and commercial properties for seasonal changes, send us your resume to learn more about work on our projects. Either way, we hope all of you stay cool, safe, and productive this summer.
