The Importance of Mechanical Maintenance
Operating a smart, energy efficient, top performing property involves analyzing every aspect of the building's mechanics. From maintaining the HVAC system, to clearing the plumbing lines, each component plays an important role in the operational efficiency and quality preservation of your home or office. Learn about the various mechanical components of your property and discover how investing in mechanical maintenance and preventative services can benefit the functionality and value of your property.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Equipment (HVAC) and Air Handlers
The various HVAC technologies installed in our homes, offices, and vehicles are designed to provide thermal comfort and quality indoor air. The routine maintenance of these units and the air handler units are vital to the life of the equipment and the comfort and health of the air around us. The EPA provides a list of recommendations for attaining at home and in office air quality including the use and proper maintenance of your ventilation system. Coleman, one of the leading heating and cooling system innovators for the past 100 years, offers comfort system maintenance for peak performance and recommends renewing your equipment every 12 years. For preventative maintenance, repairs or equipment installation in Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos or White Rock call our mechanical department at 505.988.HOME.
Water Tanks, Heaters and Pumps
Water tanks, heaters and pumps often provide the water needed to warm our heating systems and the water we use for daily use. Now a days there are several types of water heaters and tanks including solar and tankless systems. The United State Department of Energy mandates the appliance and equipment standard program, currently requiring an energy factor of at least 60% and up to 95% depending on the type of unit. Maintaining and updating your home or office system saves you money by reducing the use of energy, protects you from the risk of bacterial contamination which can incubate if your system is not running at a hot enough temperature, and safeguards you from explosion hazard which can happen if your temperature and pressure release valve or safety device is not installed (often times in older units) or malfunctions.
Plumbing, Piping, and Lines
A property’s pluming system is something that is relied on every day to deliver clean water and dispose of liquid waste. Because the infrastructure lives underground and in the walls, this system is one of the most important property components to have on a preventative maintenance schedule. To avoid emergency plumbing situations, we recommend:
An annual maintenance cleaning
Keeping trees, bushes, and other plants away from the sewer lines
Avoiding flushing wipes and other hygiene products down the toilet
Using an enzyme cleaner on your drains monthly
Replacing clay pipes
Learn more about our line inspections and camera inspections. Call us at 505.988.HOME for an annual maintenance cleaning for your plumbing system.
Sprinkler Systems – Fire and Irrigation
Routine maintenance for both your fire sprinklers and irrigation system are vital to their functionality. Although the hope is to never have to use your fire sprinkler system, they require scheduled maintenance to stay operational. According to the Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, sprinkler systems should receive the following routine maintenance:
Checking non-electronic control values
Removing coatings from sprinkler heads
Removing high objects from beneath sprinklers
Checking water pressure for sprinklers
Performing a full sprinkler system inspection
Irrigation sprinkler system maintenance is an important part of keeping a well-maintained, healthy lawn and landscape. Proper maintenance of your irrigation sprinklers ensure efficient and effective lawn care, can save you money on your energy bill, and keep your exterior pipes from freezing. Learn more about the three main services for optimal use.
Alarm System
Alarm system maintenance is key to your family or employees’ safety and security. Maintaining your system will help avoid system breakdowns and ensure your property’s security. Check out Vector Security’s check list for alarm system maintenance, these routine items include:
Checking security equipment batteries
Conducting weekly perimeter checks
Testing the control panel
Performing safety checks
Scheduling professional inspections annually
Elevator Machinery
If your property has an elevator, preventative maintenance is the key to a long life and top performance. The maintenance plans that will keep your system in peak operating condition will include:
Examining, lubricating and adjusting your elevators on a systematic, regular schedule
Repairing or replacing parts subject to wear as needed
Conducting periodic safety tests as outlined by ANSI/ASME A17.1
Providing emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Elevator maintenance should be scheduled with your elevator service provider. Along with elevator maintenance service, it is extremely important to routinely check on the phone lines that are connected to your elevator service. These phone lines are the communication point in case of emergency if your elevator were to ever lose power, break down, or stop for any reason during service.
Mechanical maintenance and preventative services will eliminate surprise repair bills and other unnecessary costs and headaches while ensuring that your equipment is running as effectively and efficiently as possible. Inefficient equipment uses more power than necessary increasing your energy bill and decreasing the life of your equipment. Government regulations mandate many mechanical components of your property to be up to code regulations and routine maintenance is one way to assure that your equipment is satisfactory. For preventative maintenance, repairs or equipment installation in Santa Fe, Los Alamos or White Rock call our mechanical department at 505.988.HOME or visit our website at www.lmconstructionandmechanical.com to learn more about the various services we offer.