Few issues are as important as the health and well-being of customers and employees. 

One threat to your company’s health is sick-building syndrome (SBS). Partnering with a team like Omnia360 means creating safe indoor environments that foster productivity, comfort, and health. 

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome describes symptoms experienced by people who spend time in one building or area of the building without any identifiable cause. 

These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. While the exact cause of SBS is often elusive, it’s widely attributed to poor indoor air quality and other environmental factors within the building.

What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

Several factors contribute to the development of sick building syndrome:

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and other allergens. These contaminants can trigger respiratory issues and exacerbate existing health conditions.

Biological Contaminants

Damp, humid environments are an ideal breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other biological contaminants. Exposure to mold and bacteria can lead to respiratory problems and allergic reactions, contributing to SBS symptoms.

Chemical Pollutants

Certain building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products release chemicals into the air, known as off-gassing. Prolonged exposure to chemicals can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues.

Poor Ergonomics and Comfort

Inadequate lighting, uncomfortable temperatures, and poorly designed workspaces can contribute to discomfort and fatigue, exacerbating SBS symptoms like headaches.

How Can Facility Management Services Prevent Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome is multifaceted, so the best approach to tackling unhealthy indoor environments is a holistic facility management strategy. 

Here’s how our services can help prevent SBS:

1. HVAC services: Our experienced technicians conduct regular maintenance and inspections of HVAC systems to ensure performance and indoor air quality are up to standards. 

These services include cleaning and replacing air filters, checking for leaks or ductwork issues, and calibrating thermostat settings for comfort and efficiency.

Related Post: How Often Should Commercial HVAC be Serviced? 

2. Cleaning services: We employ eco-friendly cleaning practices and products to eliminate dust, dirt, and other contaminants from indoor surfaces. 

To minimize the risk of SBS-causing pollutants, comprehensive janitorial services encompass all building areas, including high-touch surfaces, carpets, upholstery, and ventilation systems.

3. Indoor air quality monitoring: We utilize advanced monitoring technology to assess indoor air quality levels and identify potential sources of contamination. 

Monitoring key indicators such as humidity, temperature, and particulate matter concentrations can address issues before they escalate and impact occupant health.

4. Plumbing maintenance and leak detection: Plumbing maintenance prevents moisture buildup and water damage, which leads to mold growth and indoor air quality issues.

The team at Omnia360 conducts regular inspections of plumbing systems to identify leaks or water damage in pipes, fixtures, and surrounding areas. Proactive measures such as installing moisture sensors and leak detection systems can provide early warning of potential plumbing issues.

Contact Omnia360

Contact us at (833) 360-6642 to learn more about our comprehensive facility management services. We’ll help you create indoor environments that promote productivity and comfort.

Foreseeing potential issues and proactively addressing them is a game-changer. 

Condition-based monitoring is a maintenance method of constantly monitoring the condition of your systems using sensors and data to stay informed. This method keeps your business informed on maintenance trends, which can help predict future issues. 

We’ll share how facility management services leverage this strategy to enhance efficiency and save businesses money.

Understanding Condition-Based Monitoring

Condition-based monitoring (CBM) is a proactive maintenance strategy relying on real-time data to assess the health of equipment and assets.

Unlike traditional reactive maintenance, where repairs occur after a breakdown, CBM enables predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring the condition of equipment. This approach involves analyzing data like vibrations, temperature, and pressure to identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems.

Real-World Example of Condition Monitoring

Let’s consider a manufacturing facility that relies on a critical conveyor belt system. 

In a traditional setup, the maintenance team might follow a fixed schedule for belt replacements, leading to unnecessary downtime and costs. With condition-based monitoring, sensors are strategically placed on the conveyor system to monitor factors like belt tension, vibration, and temperature.

Related Post: What’s the Difference – Preventive vs. Predictive Maintenance

If the sensors detect deviations from the correct temperature range, an alert is triggered. The maintenance team can then intervene with targeted repairs or replacements, preventing breakdowns and minimizing downtime. 

This approach ensures the longevity of the conveyor system and reduces the overall maintenance costs compared to scheduled replacements.

How Facility Management Services Utilize Condition-Based Monitoring

By integrating condition-based monitoring into our toolkit, the team at Omnia360 can help maintain the smooth operation of commercial and industrial spaces.

Proactive Equipment Maintenance

CBM allows facility management teams to monitor the health of essential equipment like HVAC, elevators, and electrical systems. By identifying potential issues before they escalate, management can schedule targeted maintenance, preventing costly breakdowns and extending the lifespan of equipment. 

Energy Efficiency Optimization

Energy consumption is a significant cost for many facilities. CBM can be applied to monitor and optimize energy usage by identifying inefficiencies in systems such as lighting, heating, and cooling. 

Enhanced Space Utilization

Facility managers can make informed decisions about space allocation by analyzing data on foot traffic, room occupancy, and environmental conditions.

How Condition-Based Monitoring Can Save Your Business Money

Reduced Downtime and Productivity Loss

The proactive nature of CBM ensures that potential issues are identified before leading to equipment failure, significantly reducing unplanned downtime. 

Related Post: Enhancing Efficiency: Industrial Plants & Integrated Facility Solutions

Proactive monitoring allows businesses to maintain uninterrupted operations. 

Optimized Maintenance Cost

Traditional maintenance strategies often involve routine replacements, regardless of the actual condition of the equipment. 

CBM enables targeted maintenance interventions, eliminating the need for unnecessary, costly replacements. This optimization of maintenance costs ensures resources are allocated efficiently, maximizing the ROI of facility management services.

Extended Asset Lifespan 

By addressing potential issues before they escalate, CBM contributes to the extended lifespan of critical assets. This means businesses can get more value from their investments in equipment, reducing the frequency of replacements and the associated capital expenditures.

Omnia360 Can Help Your Business Run Efficiently 

By proactively monitoring equipment, businesses can experience substantial savings while ensuring efficient operation. Every dollar counts, so contact Omnia360 at (833) 360-6642 to start meeting your productivity goals.

Winterizing your landscaping is crucial for the health and longevity of your plants and the overall appeal of your property.

In this guide from Omnia360, we’ll share the steps to ensure your landscaping thrives despite the cold temperatures.

Pruning and Trimming

One of the first tasks in winterizing your landscaping is to prune and trim your plants and trees. Remove any dead or diseased branches. They are more susceptible to breakage under the weight of snow and ice. Proper pruning promotes healthier growth in the spring and reduces the risk of winter damage.

Omnia360 recommends scheduling pruning sessions in late fall or early winter to allow plants to enter dormancy without the stress of recent cuts. 

Mulching for Insulation

A layer of mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants provides insulation and protection during winter. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, preventing extreme fluctuations that can harm roots. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, is ideal for retaining moisture and providing a buffer against freezing temperatures.

Related Post: Commercial Landscape Maintenance Guide

We want to emphasize the importance of keeping mulch a few inches away from the base of trees and plants to prevent rot and discourage pests.

Watering, Hydration, and Sprinkler Systems

Hydration is crucial for plant survival during winter, especially evergreens that continue to lose moisture through their leaves. Before the ground freezes, ensure your landscaping receives a thorough watering. Well-hydrated plants are better equipped to withstand winter stress and are more resilient to freezing temperatures.

Pay attention to the moisture levels throughout the winter, providing supplemental water during dry spells when the ground is not frozen.

Winterizing a Commercial Sprinkler System

This step is crucial to protect your system from freezing temperatures, which can lead to costly damage. 

Follow these steps to winterize your commercial sprinkler system:

Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the main shut-off valve for your sprinkler system and turn it off. This valve is usually in a heated area like a utility room or basement.

Drain the System

After turning off the water supply, drain the water from the sprinkler system. Open all the drain valves and low-point drains, allowing water to flow out. Ensure that water is completely drained from the mainline, lateral lines, and all the sprinkler heads.

Open Drain Valves

Open all the drain valves and test cocks on backflow preventers. This step is crucial for preventing water from freezing inside the components.

Use Compressed Air

Connect an air compressor to the system using a proper fitting. Gradually increase the air pressure, starting from the furthest sprinkler head from the compressor. Blow out each zone separately until no water comes out of the heads. Repeat this process for each zone in the system.

Check Pressure

Monitor the air pressure during the blowout process, ensuring it stays within the recommended range for your sprinkler system. Excessive pressure can damage the system.

Inspect and Clean Sprinkler Heads

While the system is depressurized, inspect and clean all sprinkler heads. Remove any dirt, debris, or mineral buildup that may affect the system’s performance.

Protect Backflow Preventer

Wrap the backflow preventer with insulation or a thermal blanket to shield it from extreme temperatures. This is especially important as backflow preventers are sensitive to freezing conditions.

Store or Protect Components

Remove and store above-ground components, such as backflow preventers and controllers. If removal is not possible, consider insulating these parts.

Clearly label shut-off valves, backflow preventers, and other critical components. This documentation will be helpful during the spring start-up.

Monitor Weather Conditions

If unseasonably cold weather is predicted, take additional precautions, such as adding insulation or scheduling an extra blowout.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process or lack the necessary equipment, contact the team at Omnia360 for a thorough winterization process.

Protecting Vulnerable Plants

Some plants, especially newly planted or tender varieties, are more susceptible to winter damage. 

Protective coverings such as burlap wraps or frost blankets provide insulation while allowing air circulation, preventing heat buildup, and reducing the risk of diseases. Remove the covers during milder days to allow the plants access to sunlight and fresh air.

Snow and Ice Removal

Heavy snow can lead to bent or broken branches, especially on evergreens. Safely remove excess snow from branches using a broom to prevent damage.

Related Post: What are ‘Hard’ and ‘Soft’ Facility Management Services?

Ice accumulation is another concern, weighing down branches and causing breakage. We advise against using salt-based de-icers near plants, which can harm the soil and roots.  Environmentally friendly alternatives such as sand or calcium magnesium acetate can improve traction on icy surfaces.

When to Call in the Professionals

Winterizing landscapes may be efficiently addressed by outsourcing to a facility management company. 

Related Post: Why Your Landscaping Business Needs Facility Management

One of the primary challenges businesses face is a lack of expertise in crafting a tailored winterization plan. Omnia360 brings in professionals who can conduct thorough assessments, ensuring a customized winterization strategy.

Our team possesses the right tools and equipment for the job and prioritizes safety. We’ll address concerns about handling potentially hazardous tasks during winterization. 

Additionally, businesses deal with time constraints, making finding the necessary hours for comprehensive winterization challenging. By outsourcing this work, companies can focus on priority work without compromising their landscaping. 

Contact Omnia360 Facility Solutions for Landscape Maintenance  

Winterizing your landscaping is an investment in the long-term health of your property.  Contact us at (833) 360-6642. The team at Omnia360 provides around-the-clock, comprehensive services that work with your in-house team.

It’s cold, and if your business’s furnace goes out or is on the brink of quitting, you’re in trouble. When your commercial furnace isn’t working, it can disrupt your daily operations, impact employee morale, and cause customer dissatisfaction. 

Omnia360 offers 24/7 comprehensive HVAC maintenance and repair, and we’ll share the most common reasons your furnace may not be functioning correctly and discuss troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshooting Your Commercial Furnace

When your commercial furnace malfunctions, first attempt troubleshooting to identify the issue. By addressing the problem early, you can prevent costly downtime and repairs.

Related Post: The Most Common Problems With Commercial HVAC Systems in Cincinnati, Ohio

Steps for Troubleshooting Commercial Furnaces

Check the thermostat: The thermostat is the brain of your heating system. Verify that it’s set to the correct temperature. Take the most basic steps first and ensure it’s on “Heat” mode and the fan is set to “Auto.” Replace the batteries if your thermostat is battery-operated.

Inspect the power supply: Confirm that the furnace is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure it hasn’t tripped or blown a fuse. If everything seems fine, proceed to the next step.

Replace dirty air filters: Clogged or dirty air filters can impede airflow and strain your furnace. Change the air filters regularly, typically every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter.

Examine the pilot light: If you have a gas furnace, inspect the pilot light. It should be blue and steady. If it’s not lit or appears yellow, there might be a gas supply issue or a faulty pilot light. It’s essential to call a professional in such cases.

Check for obstructions: Make sure there are no obstructions in the heating system’s air ducts or vents. Obstructions can restrict airflow and lead to heating problems.

Test the safety switches: Modern commercial furnaces are equipped with safety switches that can turn off the system in case of an issue. Problems like a clogged condensate drain or a dirty flame sensor may trigger these switches. Reset it if necessary, but it’s vital to determine the root cause of the problem.

Listen for unusual sounds: Unusual sounds such as banging, whistling, or rattling could indicate mechanical issues within the furnace. If you hear these sounds, it’s advisable to turn off the furnace and contact a professional.

Common Commercial Heating Issues

To better understand why your commercial furnace isn’t working, you should know the common issues that heating systems face. 

Here are some of the typical problems that can affect commercial furnaces:

Ignition problems: Faulty ignition systems can prevent your furnace from starting. This is a common issue with gas furnaces. A malfunctioning pilot light, ignition control module, or thermocouple can cause ignition problems.

Clogged air filters: Dirty or clogged air filters reduce airflow, making the furnace work harder to distribute heat. Over time, this strain can lead to overheating and system shutdowns.

Blower motor issues: The blower motor is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your facility. If it malfunctions, you may experience poor heating performance or airflow issues.

Heat exchanger damage: A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to escape into your facility. This is a severe safety concern and requires immediate attention.

Thermostat malfunctions: Problems with the thermostat, such as inaccurate temperature readings or a failure to communicate with the furnace, can lead to heating issues.

Pilot light and flame sensor problems: Gas furnaces rely on a properly functioning pilot light and flame sensor to ignite and maintain a steady flame. When these components malfunction, the furnace may not start or shut down prematurely.

Ductwork issues: Damaged or poorly insulated ductwork can result in heat loss, reducing the overall efficiency of your furnace. Leaks or obstructions in the ducts can disrupt the heating system’s performance.

Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your commercial furnace in good working condition. Neglecting maintenance can lead to problems, including decreased efficiency, increased energy costs, and premature system failure.

When to Call in Professional Help

While troubleshooting can resolve many common furnace issues, there are situations where professional assistance is required. 

Related Post: 4 Phases of Planned HVAC Maintenance Explained

Recognizing when to call in the experts is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your facility. 

When You Should Contact a Commercial HVAC Technician

No improvement after troubleshooting: If your troubleshooting efforts do not resolve the issue, it’s time to seek professional help. Running the furnace without addressing the problem leads to further damage and increased repair costs.

Gas leaks or unusual odors: If you smell gas or detect any unusual odors, shut off your furnace immediately and evacuate the building. Gas leaks are hazardous and require immediate attention from a qualified technician.

Electrical issues: Problems with the electrical components of your furnace should be handled by a professional. This includes issues like malfunctioning thermostats, wiring problems, or issues with the control board.

Continuous cycling: If your furnace turns on and off repeatedly (short-cycling), it can indicate overheating, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged air filter. A technician can diagnose and fix the problem.

Inadequate heating: If your furnace is running but not providing sufficient heat, it could be due to issues with the blower motor, heat exchanger, or other internal components. These problems require the expertise of a professional technician.

Carbon monoxide detector activation: If your facility is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and one goes off, it may indicate a leak or improper combustion in your furnace. Evacuate the building and call for immediate professional assistance.

Age and lack of maintenance: If your furnace is reaching the end of its expected lifespan and needs to be adequately maintained, it’s advisable to have it inspected by a professional. They can assess its condition and recommend whether it’s time for a replacement.

Do You Need Furnace Repair? Contact Omnia360 Facility Solutions

A malfunctioning heating system disrupts your facility’s operations and impacts the comfort of your occupants. Know when to call in professional help to help you identify these problems early and prevent costly downtime.

Omnia360 provides around-the-clock, comprehensive, integrated facility management services that work with your in-house team. Contact us at (833) 360-6642.

Routine maintenance services ensure the smooth operation of facilities, from commercial buildings to industrial complexes. Incorporating maintenance checks into your facility provides a productive business. 

Two key strategies are preventive and predictive maintenance. In this blog, Omnia360 explains the differences between these two approaches and how they can maximize efficiency.

What’s the Difference? 

Preventive maintenance is a strategy that prevents problems through regular inspections and scheduled maintenance. Predictive maintenance takes a data-driven approach, using technology to monitor equipment and facilities in real time and then using that information to plan.

Understanding Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach where maintenance activities are scheduled regularly, regardless of apparent equipment issues.  

Related Post: 5 Preventative Maintenance Tips for Commercial Buildings

These tasks aim to prevent potential problems before they occur, ensuring that equipment and facilities remain in working condition with the aim of preventing expensive breakdowns and equipment replacement for as long as possible. 

A preventative maintenance strategy includes steps like: 

Scheduled inspections: Creating a detailed maintenance schedule, including routine inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs. With a structured timetable, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they escalate. 

Cost control: Preventive maintenance helps control costs by minimizing unexpected breakdowns and expensive emergency repairs. By regularly servicing equipment and facilities, companies can extend their lifespan and reduce the need for replacements, ultimately saving money.

Enhanced safety: Regular inspections can uncover safety hazards, allowing for timely remediation. This proactive approach ensures a safer environment for occupants and employees within the managed facilities.

Understanding Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance takes a more data-driven and condition-based approach. It uses technologies, such as sensors, IoT devices, and data analytics, to monitor the condition of equipment and facilities in real time. 

Related Post: Top 5 Facility Management Trends in 2022

This approach enables maintenance teams to make informed decisions based on the actual health and performance of assets.

A predictive maintenance strategy includes steps like: 

Data-driven insights: A comprehensive FM company should use sensors and monitoring systems to collect equipment and facility conditions data. This data is analyzed to identify trends and anomalies, enabling maintenance teams to predict when maintenance is needed. For example, an HVAC system has certain parameters based on how long the system runs and under what conditions. Based on these parameters, coupled with sensors that monitor energy consumption and output, the data 

Reduced downtime: Predictive maintenance aims to minimize downtime by scheduling maintenance activities only when data indicates a potential issue. This approach optimizes the use of resources and reduces disruptions to facility operations.

Cost efficiency: By addressing maintenance needs precisely when they arise, companies can minimize unnecessary expenses associated with over-maintaining equipment. This can lead to substantial cost savings over time.

Improved asset performance: Predictive maintenance allows for the early detection of equipment degradation, enabling maintenance teams to replace or repair components before they fail. This leads to improved asset performance and longevity.

How to Choose the Right Approach

The choice between preventive and predictive maintenance depends on factors like the type of facility, equipment, budget, and goals. In most cases, though, a hybrid approach that combines elements of both strategies is ideal.

Omnia360 uses both preventive and predictive maintenance strategies in facility management.  

Examples of a Blended Approach 

Equipment importance: Critical equipment that, if it fails, could significantly impact facility operations or safety benefits from a predictive maintenance approach. Less critical equipment can still be maintained preventively.

Budget constraints: Budget considerations play a crucial role in the decision-making process. While predictive maintenance may require an upfront investment in technology, it can yield substantial long-term savings.

Facility complexity: The complexity of the facilities can influence the choice between preventive and predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance can offer a more granular approach in environments with numerous assets.

Contact Omnia360 for Comprehensive Maintenance Services

Both preventive and predictive maintenance approaches have advantages, and the team at Omnia360 considers both to create a well-balanced system. 

We provide around-the-clock, comprehensive, integrated facility management services that work with your in-house team. Contact us at (833) 360-6642.

When it comes to planning HVAC maintenance, there are a few primary strategies used to do so. The four phases of planned HVAC maintenance are: 

• Corrective maintenance 
• Preventative maintenance 

• Risk-based maintenance 

• Predictive maintenance 

HVAC Maintenance Strategies & Facility Management 

Among these four maintenance philosophies, most facility management companies prefer to focus on preventative and predictive maintenance above all. 

By doing this, they’re better able to produce effective strategies that will lower your building’s operational costs – chipping away at the most expensive item first: your energy bill.

If you’re looking for emergency ac repair services, tuneups, and 24/7 maintenance, contracting with a local facility management company will save you money and give you peace of mind. 

Every service issue your commercial property might face is covered under a single payment. That means plumbing, electrical, landscaping, janitorial work, and HVAC services are all covered. 

1. Corrective Maintenance 

The moment an issue is spotted, it gets fixed. This is corrective maintenance. It’s the most standard, straightforward type of planned HVAC maintenance strategy there is. 

If the cost you pay for downtime and repair is lower than the investment necessary to create a maintenance program, corrective maintenance is the best choice. 

However, once an emergency occurs, this strategy just doesn’t cut it. To stay on top of any unexpected outages, preventive or predictive maintenance is preferable. 

2. Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the key to a smooth-running facility, whether it’s specifically for an HVAC system or not. 

HVAC technicians carry out maintenance according to pre-planned cycles or specific prescriptions with regards to the system’s functionality. Preventative maintenance is carried out based on time (set benchmarks), usage markers (hours of operation or cycles) or conditions. 

This strategy reduces the chance of operational failure. The goal here is to identify potential issues before they become serious problems. 

3. Risk-Based Maintenance

Any items that show a high risk of maintenance concerns are identified through integrating careful equipment analysis, measuring performance, and conducting occasional tests to determine how well a commercial HVAC is performing. 

The information that gets gathered is based on various factors: environmental conditions, historical use, the condition of the equipment, and more. 

Strategies are created to mitigate risks by monitoring parts based on how they’re performing. Any HVAC system showing abnormal performance is either updated or replaced, depending on the available budget.

4. Predictive Maintenance 

Also referred to as condition-based maintenance, this is a maintenance strategy where facility management companies thrive. 

Using asset monitoring software and predictive modeling, FM companies can determine which parts of an HVAC system are going to need priority maintenance. 

This is based on usage, the date from which the parts were installed, and other varying factors. 

Hire Omnia360 for 24/7 HVAC Maintenance

Our goal is to lower your building’s costs over time. Get qualified, trained, and experienced HVAC technicians to assist with your building’s maintenance needs 24/7. Contact us today: (833) 360-6642.