Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Hotel equipment failures disrupt operations and drain budgets through emergency contractor fees and damaged customer satisfaction ratings. Preventive upkeep flips this dynamic by catching problems before they escalate into costly crises. Facilities managers who implement structured maintenance programs see reduced overhead, improved guest experiences, and better protection of their property investments. The True ROI of […]
Empty schools can look quiet during summer break, but their roofs, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems remain active. With fewer people present to notice a musty odor, a stained ceiling tile, or water under a mechanical unit, a small moisture problem can spread for days or weeks. The U.S. Environmental Protection […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. Facility teams often know their problem assets long before the budget does. A rooftop unit that trips every few weeks, a loading dock leveler that repeatedly falls out of adjustment, or a washroom plumbing […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. If you manage a big portfolio of buildings, you know exactly who I’m talking about. These are the veteran engineers who can walk into a mechanical room, listen for half a minute, and immediately […]
Industrial facilities depend on effective thermal management to keep people safe, equipment running reliably, and energy use under control. For decades, jacketed insulation systems have been the default solution for managing surface temperatures on hot and cold process equipment—particularly in food and beverage environments where consistency, sanitation, and employee safety are closely linked. But as […]
Earth Day is a good reminder that facilities managers play an important role in managing environmental impact. Daily operational decisions can shape how sustainable a building is. Managers can use this holiday to develop a clear and practical plan to improve energy efficiency and support long-term environmental goals. Conduct a Facility-Wide Energy Audit An energy […]
Spring brings a fresh set of opportunities for K-12 facilities managers to strengthen campus performance. As schools transition from cooler months and prepare for increased outdoor use, maintenance teams can use advanced technologies to improve efficiency, optimize resources, and support safe learning environments. By integrating tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence […]
Unplanned downtime is one of the most expensive problems a facility can face. According to ABB’s Value of Reliability report, two-thirds of companies deal with unplanned downtime at least once a month, at a median cost of $125,000 per hour. Electrical system failures are a leading contributor to that figure, yet the vast majority are […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Water pumps are among the most critical (and most underestimated) assets in modern facilities. They quietly support HVAC systems, boiler feed operations, domestic water supply, wastewater handling, cooling towers, irrigation, fire protection, and sanitation. When pumps operate […]
As winter turns to spring, facilities teams have their work cut out from them transitioning from heat to cooling, ensuring their centralized HVAC system is properly serviced and ready for sustained use. Before shifting all their attention to cooling needs, though, facilities managers should also be mindful of end-of-season maintenance requirements for their heating solutions. […]