"It's hot in here." "It's too cold in here." "Where's all that noise coming from?" "It's muggy in here." "It smells like mold in here." "Our utility bill is way too high." "The ceiling tiles are brown and black." "Hey, there's water dripping on my desk."
Who gets all those complaints long after the planning committee, architects, engineers, and construction crews have gone home? The facility maintenance team, of course.Often forgotten by building design and construction teams, the building maintenance manager and crew play an important role in the performance of any HVAC system.
At HTS, we respect the facility manager's need to be included and considered in the HVAC system design and equipment placement because he will often get questions from those deciding which equipment to buy. And of course, he will be the first one to get the call to make sure every zone in the building is working right – exactly when and how it's needed.
Early in the building process, we get to know the maintenance manager, who often understands the issues and needs of the building's occupants more than anyone. We want to know what he needs to get his job done and meet all the expectations people have of him.
With commercial HVAC equipment becoming more technology-driven, facilities people often need someone to teach them about the equipment options and explain why certain designs are right for this building.
Maintenance crews need training -- which HTS offers regularly -- to understand the set-up of the system and the parts and service needed to properly maintain and extend the life of the new HVAC system. They need someone to call and ask questions. They need more than a parts catalog. They need a well stocked, reliable parts department that supports every major brand, and a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service desk that understands a response is needed now!
They need HTS, and we need them – and appreciate their partnership in making our HVAC systems a success in the buildings they make work every day. |