Property Managers and Building Owners: Get Your Building Summer Ready
Summer is right around the corner. For many, that means longer days, lush green lawns, and endless sunshine. But if you’re a property manager or building owner, you might not be basking in the glow of summer’s arrival. Why? Well, because the season can be a real challenge for buildings.
The truth is, summer can throw some serious punches. Extreme temperatures, sudden storms, and unpredictable humidity levels—these are just a few of the seasonal elements that can put your commercial building to the test. And we’re not talking about a light drizzle or a pleasant breeze; we’re talking full-blown havoc.
If you’re in charge of a property, summer isn’t just about surviving the heat—it’s about making sure your building can withstand it. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get your facility prepped for whatever the season may bring.
The Summer Struggle: Why Your Building Needs Extra Attention
The season of barbecues and beach vacations. But for your building? It’s more like the season of stress. The combination of soaring temperatures, violent storms, and wild humidity can cause wear and tear like you wouldn’t believe.
Think about it—your HVAC system is suddenly working overtime. Your windows, doors, and even your lighting can start wasting energy. And don’t even get me started on the storms that can roll in out of nowhere, bringing winds that make your roof shiver in fear.
In some parts of the country, summer even comes with the added excitement of natural disasters. From hurricanes to flash floods, it’s like nature’s version of a surprise inspection—except way less fun.
Give Your HVAC System a Summer Checkup
Your HVAC system is like the star athlete of your building. It keeps everyone cool and comfortable, but it can only perform at its best if you take care of it. So, before the temperature cranks up, give it a checkup.
Here’s your HVAC summer readiness checklist:
- Change the filters: Fresh filters help with airflow and reduce the amount of gunk in the air. Who doesn’t love breathing cleaner air?
- Check damper functionality: If the dampers aren’t working properly, it’s like trying to run with one shoe on. Your system just won’t work efficiently.
- Gauge refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant? Your HVAC will struggle to cool the building, and your staff will struggle to stay productive. No one wins.
- Seal and insulate ductwork: Leaky ducts mean you’re literally blowing money out the window. Get those ducts sealed up and watch your energy bill chill out.
Taking care of these HVAC details now will not only keep your building cool, but it’ll also prevent those mid-summer meltdowns (both yours and your system’s).
Hunt Down Building Inefficiencies
Of course, your HVAC isn’t the only system that needs attention. Summer is also the perfect time to hunt down inefficiencies throughout your building. Think of it as a scavenger hunt, except the prize is saving a ton on energy bills. Not too shabby, right?
Here’s how to get started:
- Clear vents: Is there a couch blocking that vent? A stack of boxes? Move them out of the way so air can flow freely. Your HVAC will thank you.
- Check doors and windows for leaks: Don’t let all that cool air escape. Inspect for any drafts or leaks, and seal them up before your energy bill starts sweating.
- Install programmable thermostats: It’s 2024—if you’re still adjusting the temperature manually, it’s time to join the future. Programmable thermostats adjust for you, saving energy and keeping everyone comfortable.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting: Standard light bulbs can heat up a room, which is the last thing you want during a scorching summer. Energy-efficient bulbs not only save on electricity, but they’ll also keep your rooms cooler.
Storm-Proof Your Building
Now, let’s talk storms. Summer storms can range from light showers to full-on natural disasters, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
If you don’t have an emergency preparedness plan, now’s the time to create one. And if you do have one? It’s time to dust it off and update it. Make sure it covers everything from protecting your assets to keeping your team safe.
What should be in your plan?
- Emergency contacts: Have a list of go-to people, from electricians to building security, who can be on call in case of a disaster.
- Safeguarding critical equipment: Know how to protect the stuff that matters most—whether that’s servers, sensitive documents, or the actual building infrastructure.
- Evacuation routes and procedures: Make sure everyone knows the exit plan. Practice it regularly so that when it’s go-time, there’s no confusion.
Trust us, you don’t want to be scrambling when a storm hits. Be prepared, and you’ll be able to handle whatever nature throws your way.
Call in the Pros
Look, you don’t have to tackle all this by yourself. Summer prep can feel like a never-ending to-do list, but that’s where we come in. At ServiTek, we’ve got your back. Our team of experts can handle everything from HVAC tune-ups to storm preparedness. We specialize in keeping commercial buildings in top shape, no matter the season.
So, instead of sweating the details, let us help you keep your building running smoothly and efficiently this summer. Because when it comes to property management, a little preparation goes a long way.
Let’s get your building summer-ready—before the heatwave hits.
