Managing a commercial facility that is split between different tenants can be a challenge, especially when it comes to HVAC repairs. Heating systems are typically centralized for the whole facility, but different tenants have different footprints and shares of the system, as well as usage and load demand. Typically, the cost of a heating system and its maintenance are amortized through the rent a tenant pays monthly, but when there is a big repair needed, the expectations is then on the building owner versus the tenants to carry the cost. Commercial heating services can help reduce this risk with regular maintenance and system checks, expanding the usable life out of a system by years by simply avoiding preventable problems.
Complicating Factors With Leased Commercial Properties
When managing heating across multiple tenants, the scale at which response occurs can be influenced by a number of factors. Those included, is the system primarily serving one tenant the most, was the system installed for one tenant and then shared or did it already exist for all, and the age of the system and whether a replacement or repair update can be amortized. Because of these aspects, commercial services are typically scheduled on an ongoing basis and included in the lease with any new tenant, whether through boilerplate language or specific details. That avoids any gap or conflict if the repair services affect multiple parts and sections of a building.
Access & Notice
When commercial services have to address an entire building facility across tenant areas, it’s always a good idea to provide advance notice. A simple courtesy of letting tenants know what’s being worked on and goes a long way toward good relationships between facility management and tenants as well as neighbors. It also paves the path for future visits, especially if the services may need access to hard-to-get-to locations inside the ceiling or walls.
Explaining Maintenance
Tenants will appreciate a regular maintenance schedule with commercial heating, especially if they know what the benefits are. An emphasis on filter changes, checking systems for air flow and air quality, confirming no contaminants are present and checking up on any reports of noises or odd system behavior goes a long way in tenants feeling they are being cared for in their facility use and protection. This information can be easily gathered and coordinated from a professional heating service team, as well as what zones and areas are being addressed with a given visit.
On the preventative side, heating inspections and reviews can also look for any electrical problems, proper distribution of heat, checks for carbon monoxide leakage, pest problems and proper operation of the heating system, especially if it is an older model and has aged.
Regular Reviews Help For Facility Planning
At a certain point, all facilities will need a major repair, especially older buildings where the heating and air have been operating for a few decades. Knowing the life of the system and what to reasonably expect from it can help considerably with planning, especially when the building has to be managed on an extended budget. Commercial heating services not only test systems they review, they can also ascertain the likely life left on an existing system as well as what’s available on the market for servicing repairs as well. Many commercial systems can last for quite a while. However, eventually, everything does need to be replaced at some time with ongoing usage as well as wear and tear. The days of an onsite facility technician are fading into the past. Today’s systems require specialized technician help.
Managing your facility proactively with the help of a professional heating service can make everyone’s lives involved much easier and predictable. That makes for happy tenants and a happy building.
No Comments