It takes a network of mechanical systems to keep a building operating and its occupants protected. And, as one can imagine, managing multiple systems across multiple properties can stretch even the most skilled property teams to their limit. Here’s where a coordinated approach, preventative maintenance strategies, and the most efficient equipment make a difference.
Many Buildings, One Partner
It’s not uncommon for property managers to enlist several teams to manage mechanical systems across various properties. Even still, there are advantages to entrusting all mechanical systems in a portfolio to one knowledge partner.
A single source of truth: Having different building systems managed by separate teams can lead to disparities in pricing, advice, and expected outcomes. Alternatively, trusting one team to oversee mechanical systems across multiple properties gives property operators a “single source of truth” when it comes to tracking, pricing, and evaluating this important work. And in property management, consistency counts.
One point of contact: Dealing with separate building equipment management partners – each with their own contact processes, reporting formats, and customer service systems – can add stress to any team’s plate. Working with one mechanical equipment manager who oversees all buildings streamlines the process, eliminates miscommunications, and saves everyone time.
Performance benchmarking: Collecting equipment performance data across multiple properties, and analyzing them at a single source, enables property teams to set performance benchmarks and metrics. This helps property stakeholders identify which buildings are underperforming, which are being run more efficiently, and where best practices in one building can be shared among others.
Smarter energy management: With a portfolio-wide view and data-driven insights come opportunities to identify and implement energy-saving measures across multiple properties. This, in turn, helps to control costs and meet important climate change/ESG objectives.
Access to incentives: Building and homeowners have access to a number of equipment replacement or retrofit incentives, either through the government or utility partners. A knowledgeable mechanical system management partner will know which are applicable for each client and assist in unlocking these supports.
Ensuring efficiency: today’s property managers may be accountable for evolving building codes, critical climate change measures, and eco-conscious tenants. As such, they are compelled to make joule and carbon emission count. Ensuring mechanical equipment operates at peak efficiency is critical to meeting those goals, and doing so comes down to several considerations:
Equipment age: Older equipment runs harder than it needs to, wasting energy and driving up utility bills in the process. The cost of replacing or retrofitting older systems may be unappealing at first, but the long-term benefits of using cleaner, smarter, and more efficient equipment outweigh those upfront investments.
Preventative maintenance: It’s no secret that having a holistic preventative maintenance program prevents costly system failures. Consider working with mechanical system specialists to establish a preventative maintenance program that ensures building equipment is being inspected, monitored, and replaced or repaired at the right times and by the right people.
“Smart” technology: Modern HVAC and mechanical systems are designed to be “smarter” and more responsive to their environment. Using machine learning, sensor technology, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, they can analyze their environment, adjust their performance accordingly, and feed valuable data back to property teams that can be used to drive further improvements. These “smart” systems ensure teams have visibility into their mechanical systems at all points during the year, allowing them to create informed preventative maintenance programs and react well in advance of needed repairs and replacements.
What About the Boiler?
Mechanical systems describe a number of assets in a building. Among the most vital, however, is the boiler. When it comes to controlling energy and costs, it’s essential that the boiler is running at peak efficiency.
When might it be time to find a new one? There are several indicators that will point the way. A sudden increase in monthly energy bills, for one, may indicate that a boiler isn’t operating at peak efficiency. Leaks are a more visible sign, as are inconsistent temperatures and discoloration. Read Enercare’s blog for more insights on boiler replacements, and learn more about Enercare’s Heating Protection Plan.
The complexities of property management grow with each building in a portfolio. Fortunately, the right partners, maintenance strategies, and equipment can go a long way toward reducing the strain (and costs).
It’s crucial to have an experienced HVAC partner who can deliver flexible heating, cooling, and water heating services that meet your building’s needs. Work with Enercare for in-suite and full building installation, maintenance, and repair services for all elements of your mechanical system.
For more information about our services contact us at 1-866-521-7217 or email [email protected]
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