Reducing Facility Maintenance and Operations Costs in a Modern Work Environment

Instead of investing in new assets, companies should look to retro commission existing facility assets with wireless sensors and controls. This will enable remote management and control of all systems.

FREMONT, CA: Companies are continually looking for new ways to reduce business costs. Facility maintenance and operations costs have been key areas where companies have been looking to save upon for a long time. However, it cannot be achieved simply with the use of innovative technologies. It can require a redesign of facilities, changes in space utilization, eliminating vacancy runtime, and more. Facilities managers under pressure to lower costs need to take a few additional steps after creating a preventive maintenance program. Here are a few tips to reduce facility maintenance and operations prices.

Reducing Asset Runtime during Vacancy Hours

The most straightforward way to reduce facility maintenance and operations costs is by limiting the runtime for all systems to only absolute necessity. Leave lighting on only for security purposes during non-working hours. HVAC systems should be set to shut down or turned completely off. There is no excuse for vacancy asset runtime unless it performs necessary business functions.

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Retro Commission Facilities

Instead of investing in new assets, companies should look to retro commission existing facility assets with wireless sensors and controls. This will enable remote management and control of all systems. Managers can shut down assets when left on accidentally from the comfort of their homes or other locations.

Eliminate Heat Gain or Loss

Heat gain and loss result in higher HVAC system energy demand and runtime. More runtime means maintenance schedules with shorter durations between maintenance and increasing costs. As a result, managers looking to reduce facilities maintenance and operations costs should also consider other aspects that can waste energy, like windows that trap heat and drafty windows that invite cold air during the winter.

Upgrade the Refrigeration System

The majority of the older buildings rely on water-cooled refrigeration systems result in added energy costs and expenses. Also, not all water vapor is recaptured during the process in these systems, which can lead to additional costs. Upgrading the refrigeration system can eliminate this risk.

Bring your Transformer

More electric companies are creating innovative programs that offer a way to reduce energy costs. Bringing your own transformer, especially for high consumers of electricity, may lower the kWh cost dramatically.

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