HVAC systems have a crucial role in facilities and account for a large portion of a building’s energy use and expenses. Despite its importance, some facility managers often wait until there is an issue or a problem with the HVAC system before focusing attention on its operations and efficiency, costing countless hours and dollars.
However, a trend in maintenance is that the design and functionality of maintenance tools are focusing more specifically to the job at hand. This allows maintenance jobs to be done quicker, making it easier for facility managers or contractors to designate time to perform the necessary maintenance. Down time can cost a lot of money, whether it’s using a maintenance tool that requires equipment to go offline or the result of foregoing maintenance causing larger challenges or repairs.
As we look to the rest of 2015, there are a few trends you’ll see in maintenance tools that will impact the overall operations of the facility.
Gains in HVAC Maintenance Efficiency
The upcoming year will show continued product innovation and improved processes in the maintenance field. The goal of any HVAC installation, beyond immediate climate control needs, is to maximize efficiency and minimize the need for unexpected maintenance. Facility managers will see a re-energized focus on overall system efficiency and the rise of preventative maintenance plans designed to predict typical problems and correct minor issues before they become larger expenses. By raising the red flag early, a typical company can save thousands of dollars in labor and lost efficiency, and reduce system downtime.
Companies such as Goodway Technologies are putting an emphasis on product innovation and looking for ways to design and manufacture maintenance equipment to eliminate pain points. An example is Goodway’s clean in place solutions that save maintenance downtime. Finding the right tool for the job and your desired outcome is an important step in a maintenance plan.
Preventative maintenance is a necessity for smooth, long-term system operation, and achieving that is getting easier. Unique maintenance products have been introduced that make cleaning and maintaining a variety of HVAC system components easier, like cooling towers, ductwork and condenser coils.
Increase in HVAC Policies and Guidelines
Going green isn’t new, but increasingly companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising comfort or effectiveness. There is a heightened awareness toward maintenance procedures and practices that provide energy savings and have a positive impact on the environment. This awareness will continue to drive state and federal movement towards more thorough and restrictive policies and guidelines. Facility managers are looking for environmentally friendly HVAC systems and products and solutions that will help their HVAC systems run more efficiently and meet these guidelines.
Strong Growth in New HVAC System Installations
As the U.S. economy continues to heat up, we will see more companies making the investment in new HVAC system installations that may have been on hold due to unknowns regarding forecasted revenues. As mentioned earlier, the equipment and products are increasingly becoming more efficient and facility managers are seeing the benefits of combining these new systems with the right tools.
However, even with the installation of more efficient systems, ongoing preventative maintenance is crucial to keeping them running smoothly.
What do these trends mean for you?
You will benefit from seeing more innovative products and opportunities for your HVAC system. The wide variety of maintenance equipment means you can find the right solution to successfully meet the unique needs of your facility. Proactive measures are available and will save you time and money, it’s a win-win solution.
Take the time to review your HVAC system, your maintenance tools and make a goal to develop an ongoing maintenance plan.
Timothy Kane is President of Goodway Technologies, a global manufacturer of industrial maintenance solutions used by facilities and plant maintenance personnel. Visit www.goodway.com for more information or call 800-333-7467.
