Recording closed Radiator Heater with Infrared Thermal Camera

Find trouble before it finds you with thermal imaging cameras

April 25, 2018

Thermal imaging cameras have been around since the Korean War. But in recent years, thanks to technological breakthroughs and cost savings, facility managers have found ways to use this technology to detect early signs of building deficiencies, troubleshoot electrical and …

Categorized: Buildings

A caution sign warning of a lead hazard. Lead is a heavy metal and potentially hazardous to human health.

Keeping your home safe from workplace lead exposure

April 11, 2018

Since the 1970s, the government has spearheaded and implemented many protocols that have resulted in a significant reduction of lead exposure throughout our country. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Scott Pruitt, “Lead exposure poses a significant …

Categorized: Buildings

Broken elevator with caution tape

How to prioritize maintenance work orders

April 6, 2018

Sometimes it seems like every work order demands to be “top priority.” This can be frustrating and overwhelming for a busy facilities manager, but in the words of Douglas Adams, “don’t panic.” Here is a quick guideline to help you …

Categorized: Buildings

Exposed ventilation duct of modern office building. adobe rgb 1998 use...........

How’s your IAQ? New tech lets you optimize

March 9, 2018

In 2015, HEALTHfx did a study comparing employees’ cognitive function in offices that had good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)—meaning offices with high ventilation, low CO2, and low volatile organic compounds—and employees who worked in a conventional office environment. The study …

Categorized: Buildings

unit cooling sistem, close up

The problems of scale

February 28, 2018

Facility managers (FM) in charge of maintaining chillers, boilers, heat exchangers, cooling towers, compressors or condensers know it’s not a matter of if they’ll have to deal with scale buildup, but when. Scale is the buildup of minerals (calcium, iron, …

Categorized: Buildings

Facility maintenance

Facility Condition Index

February 21, 2018

This is part two in a series on preventative maintenance.   Last month we looked at conducting a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) as part of your larger preventative maintenance program. One outcome of conducting an FCA is it allows you …

Categorized: Buildings

New York City view behind the rainy window

Categorized: Buildings

Employee take note in boiler room

It’s time for a facility condition assessment

January 24, 2018

This is part one in a series on preventative maintenance.   Although you can never totally prevent all emergency repairs, a preventative maintenance program is a good way to head off most danger. The first step is to run a …

Categorized: Buildings

Air Conditioning Technician and A part of preparing to install new air conditioner.

Is it time to repair or replace your HVAC?

January 3, 2018

According to the EPA, HVAC systems make up approximately 38 percent of facilities’ energy use. Another statistic states replacing an HVAC system that is more than 10 years old can save a facility as much as 20 percent or more …

Categorized: Buildings

High angle view of business people discussing at lobby. Male and female professionals are in office. Focus is on executives at workplace.

For Better Productivity, Go Green

December 20, 2017

This is part six in our ongoing series on increasing employee productivity. In a 2007 study published by Building Research and Information, 12 U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) buildings (including courthouses, offices, etc.) determined that workers’ productivity is higher in …

Categorized: Buildings