Operation and Maintenance Best Practices

Enhancing Facility Efficiency through Thoughtful Operations and Maintenance

Improving energy efficiency in a facility does not always require large capital investments. Instead, a deliberate focus on operations and maintenance can lower energy consumption, reduce operating costs, and extend equipment life. In addition to creating a more comfortable environment, these practices can boost a building’s net operating income. In this article, we explore how to optimize facility performance by fine-tuning equipment, ensuring it operates only when necessary, and instituting regular performance checks.

Refining Equipment Performance

A critical first step is to reassess current maintenance practices. Conduct a detailed review of how equipment is managed and operated. This involves checking equipment performance, monitoring pressures, temperatures, power usage, and light intensity over time. Review operational schedules and control methods to confirm that systems are running as efficiently as possible. The goal is to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement rather than one that focuses solely on identifying errors. By approaching the review as a means to enhance everyday operations, facility staff can identify valuable opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

Once potential improvements are identified, it is important to implement these recommendations swiftly. Changes such as modifying control settings or adjusting schedules may be implemented quickly and with minimal expense. In doing so, every adjustment contributes to reducing energy consumption while potentially generating savings that can fund further improvements. Detailed documentation of these changes, including any alterations to sensor settings or control strategies, is essential. This record ensures that knowledge is retained within the organization even when personnel changes occur and supports a systematic approach to troubleshooting and ongoing efficiency.

Ensuring Equipment Operates Only When Needed

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save energy is to confirm that equipment is used only when required. Leaving lights or systems running during unoccupied periods results in needless energy consumption. Regularly reviewing control settings and operational schedules can prevent such wasteful practices. Even when equipment operates efficiently, improper scheduling can lead to significant energy losses. Therefore, it is important to take full advantage of existing energy management systems by programming them to optimize start times and operating durations.

Many energy management systems are capable of more than just turning equipment on and off. They can adjust operating parameters based on time of day, seasonal requirements, or occupancy patterns. Facility managers should strive to use these systems to their full potential by setting up strategies that automatically adjust equipment operation. This proactive approach not only cuts energy costs but also reduces the risk of wear and tear that may come from continuous or unnecessary use.

Instituting Regular Performance Checks

Regular inspections are a vital part of a successful operations and maintenance program. Even the best-maintained equipment can operate inefficiently if it is not managed correctly. Preventive maintenance is not only about ensuring reliability and prolonging the life of the equipment; it is also about confirming that the equipment is used correctly to avoid energy waste. Facility managers should incorporate periodic reviews of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting settings. Reviewing these systems on a regular basis helps to adjust for seasonal changes and evolving occupancy needs.

Simple steps such as scheduling routine after-hours inspections can reveal if any equipment is unintentionally running. Listening for unexpected noise or using data logging devices at electrical panels can help pinpoint instances of unnecessary operation. By gathering performance data over time, managers can compare actual performance with expected results. This ongoing analysis can highlight discrepancies and prompt timely corrective action. In turn, such proactive measures reduce the likelihood of equipment malfunctions and ultimately lessen the demand for emergency repairs.

Conclusion

By revising operations and maintenance practices, facility managers can create a sustainable pathway to energy efficiency. Reassessing current procedures, implementing targeted improvements, and scheduling regular performance reviews all contribute to a more energy-conscious operation. When equipment is calibrated correctly, operated only when needed, and frequently checked for efficiency, the benefits extend beyond energy savings to include reduced operating costs and improved equipment longevity. Adopting this holistic approach to facility management not only fosters a better working environment but also strengthens the foundation for long-term financial sustainability.