When it comes to being an entrepreneur, there’s a lot to think about. From the daily operations to the marketing, budgeting, and so much more, your head is practically spinning 24/7.
With all of these responsibilities, it’s difficult to remember that your business facility needs some TLC, too. To help you check one more thing off of your to-do list, here’s Warner Service’s hands-off guide to planning HVAC and plumbing maintenance for your business:
Do your research.
It’s always best to do thorough research when it comes to planning, especially when it involves interrupting your business’ everyday flow. It’s important to remember that this is necessary maintenance, so only the best practices and contractors should be used. You also want to get familiar with the basics of HVAC and plumbing systems, licensing information, and fair pricing – just so you know what’s best for your business.
To help your research along, here are a few of quick tips on when maintenance is typically performed:
- Air filters should be changed every month
- Carbon dioxide and smoke detectors should be tested every month
- Gutters should be cleaned in the spring
- Rarely used toilets should be flushed at least once per week
- Plumbing check-ups should be scheduled every 2 to 3 months
- HVAC check-ups should be before every drastic seasonal change around March, May, and September
Create a calendar.
When you’ve finished your research, it’s time to make a plan. Grab a blank calendar and a pencil to create a timeline of due dates. Choose a specific day that each maintenance step should be completed by instead of a general block of time, but be flexible with contractors. While you’re filling that in…
Interview and hire the right contractors.
After you’ve created your almighty calendar, it’s time to act. This means scheduling interviews and reading reviews of local HVAC and plumbing specialists.
Think about it: You ask questions about a home’s HVAC and plumbing before you sign the mortgage. Why not use that practice for your business? By talking to multiple local contractors, you’ll get a better idea about what their regular maintenance check-ups look like, how much it’ll cost for repairs and/or replacements, and if their licensing information is up-to-date.
Notify your employees.
Few people enjoy surprises, especially when it’s a stranger by their cubicle who’s halfway up a ladder into the ceiling or a plumber whose gloved hand is in the company toilet.
When you’ve scheduled a contractor to perform maintenance during work hours, the next step is to send out a company-wide email to notify your employees in advance. This gives them time to make proper adjustments to their schedule.
Be on time.
If you’ve picked a good contractor who promises to be there on time, then you should do the same. Be courteous, attentive, and respectful. With all of your new knowledge on plumbing and HVAC and a great interview with a local expert, this maintenance check-up should be a breeze.
We understand what it’s like running a business. When your eyes are racing down your to-do list, you might skip over scheduling a maintenance appointment. However, it’s best to follow the guidelines above and call a specialist as soon as possible.
