FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
SUSTAINABLE HEATING SYSTEMS
Maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is essential during the winter. Here are some heating-related tips:
- Regular HVAC Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance for your heating system to ensure it’s working efficiently. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks, and address any issues promptly.
- Upgrade and retrofit HVAC systems by changing fossil fuel boilers to air source heat pumps (ASHP), heat recovery units, or upgrade inefficient motors in air handling units (AHU) to highly efficient low maintenance motors.
CLEAR DRAINS, GULLIES, SEPTIC TANKS
The likes of Storm Babet and Storm Ciran brought much rain and wind to many parts of the UK, leaving potential for blockages. Nobody wants to be outside rodding in these conditions so ensure you’ve retained expert support with drain maintenance, unblocking, repairs, gully, culvert and septic tank emptying, and all areas of complex, industrial cleaning.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS
Frequent inspections are vital during the winter season. Regularly check for hazards such as slippery surfaces, damaged infrastructure, and malfunctioning equipment.
COMMUNICATION
Work with a winter maintenance provider that’s available 24/7, so they can deal with issues out of hours, and clear the way for the festive crowds during the day. Know that your provider can be with you in a minimum amount of time, whatever, whenever, wherever; and is available to speak to you anytime.
Ian Morehouse, Ground Control Winter Maintenance Director said: “Effective communication is key to customer satisfaction and safety, which is our overall priority. Even on the toughest of days, when we can receive up 500 calls, we are still able to help and always strive for more. Success is down to the pre-season planning we conduct, and the dedication and resilience of our local gritting teams who are critical in enabling us to deliver a great service anywhere in the UK.
“With our help desk team’s support, our network is designed to provide resilience, so when the weather gets rough, we can still guarantee service.
“This year we are working with one of the UK’s largest retailers who already depend on us for both their gritting (including snow and ice management), and grounds maintenance, to extend our services at their headquarters to include drain clearance, to ensure the entire site is winter ready. They have peace of mind that Ground Control, as one supplier, can take care of everything during this incredibly busy time of year.
“Another leading supermarket chain that came on board late 2021, took advantage of our efficient onboarding process which enabled us to mobilse more than 1,000 sites before the run up to Christmas. Effective communication gave us in-depth understanding of the clients’ challenges and concerns over this crucial period, and we were able to alter our service accordingly to give them that extra peace of mind.”
CONCLUSION
Maintenance for car parks and facilities over Christmas is essential for safety and accessibility. With the right preparations, your business can plough through the chaos and continue to provide a safe and comfortable environment.
A well-maintained exterior not only enhances the overall appeal of your property but also contributes to a safer and more enjoyable environment for all during the holiday season.
By taking the time to evaluate your property, perform necessary maintenance tasks, and plan for snow and ice management, you can ensure the safety and functionality of your outdoor areas.
