It's officially summer! The season of warmer weather and longer days brings challenges for facility managers who oversee corporate real estate, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and other systems of infrastructure.

It's Officially Summer! Three Facility Management Tips

As the season transitions from wet spring weather to the humidity and heat of summer, it is essential to spend time preparing Facility Management teams for the changing season to ensure everything operates optimally. Here we discuss three tips for summer maintenance.

1. Review Maintenance Procedures

Summer is the ideal time for facility managers to evaluate, review, and revise maintenance procedures. In particular, those scheduled during the summer months, to ensure that your facility management team addresses issues that may arise due to weather changes during this time.

Learn how Intellis software can help your facility management team.

In addition, it is essential to ensure that the facility management team has procedures in place for outside activities that occur only during this time of year, such as maintaining the grounds and landscaping, as well as caring for external building elements like parking lots and sidewalks.

2. Check on Green Space

If your buildings and facilities have green spaces for employees and tenants, it is essential to schedule regular maintenance activities to care for these areas properly. Cutting the lawn, pruning the bushes, and pulling weeds require the use of your resources. Including these maintenance procedures on your team's calendar can make it easier for them to integrate into their daily tasks.

3. Summer HVAC Inspection

As temperatures increase, it is a good idea to schedule a time for an inspection of all HVAC systems. Doing this in summer will ensure that your HVAC systems are in good working condition and ready to handle any additional workload that the summer brings for your facility management team.

• Check furnace system controls and thermostat
• Tighten electrical connections
• Lubricate moving parts
• Check the condensate drain for proper function
• Clean the air conditioning coils and evaporator
• Check the refrigerant level
• Clean and/or change the air filter

4. Prioritize Energy Efficiency Across Facilities

With higher temperatures and increased HVAC usage, energy consumption typically spikes during the summer. Facility managers can take a proactive approach by conducting thorough audits to identify areas of energy loss, such as poorly sealed windows, outdated lighting fixtures, or inefficient cooling equipment.  

• Leverage Smart Building Technology:  Use IoT sensors and energy management software (like Intellis) to track real-time data and automate controls for lighting and HVAC based on occupancy and external temperatures.
• Implement Daylight Harvesting: Adjust automated blinds and lighting schedules to maximize natural daylight and reduce dependence on electric fixtures.
• Maintenance and Upgrades:  Ensure all insulation, seals, and weather stripping are intact, and consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and LED lighting where possible. Communicate energy-saving goals with staff and tenants through signage or internal campaigns to encourage participation.

5. Ensure Summer Safety and Compliance for Activities

Longer days often lead to more campus or corporate outdoor events, construction, and maintenance activities. Safety and compliance are paramount:

• Outdoor Hazards: Review walkways and outdoor spaces for slip, trip, and fall risks. Install temporary signage and barriers, especially around newly maintained areas or construction zones.
• Temperature-Related Health Risks:  Educate staff on the symptoms of heat stress. Provide shaded break areas and hydration stations for outdoor workers to ensure their comfort and well-being.
• Compliance Checks:  Conduct seasonal reviews of OSHA and local safety regulations to ensure compliance. Update training records for summer-specific tasks, such as landscaping, chemical handling, or outdoor electrical work. Use Intellis to store and track training, incident logs, and safety certifications.
• Emergency Preparedness: Review and practice summer-specific emergency protocols, such as evacuation plans for events or power outages.

6. Plan for Extreme Weather Events

Summer can bring storms, heavy rainfall, and high winds. Preparing facilities to handle these extremes protects assets and reduces downtime:

• Storm Readiness: Inspect roofs, gutters, and drainage systems. Ensure rooftop equipment is secured and electronics are elevated where flooding is a risk.
• Communication Plans: Establish direct digital communication channels to inform staff, tenants, and facility teams about severe weather, closures, or emergency procedures.
• Backup Power: Confirm the readiness of generators and battery backups. Document and regularly test backup power procedures using a facilities management system for equipment logs and maintenance schedules.
• Post-Event Assessments: Utilize mobile-enabled inspection forms to assess damage and initiate repairs quickly, all of which are logged directly in your facilities management platform for accountability.

Effective summer facility management means anticipating season-specific challenges and leveraging technology to maintain comfort, compliance, and energy efficiency. With a robust, data-driven approach and clear operational protocols, your organization can keep its infrastructure resilient and its occupants safe—all summer long.

Interested in actionable insights or ready to optimize your summer maintenance processes? Learn more about how Intellis software can simplify, streamline, and support year-round facility management.

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Additional Resources

• Mobile Technology Improves Facility Management
• Better Capital Planning and Facility Management on Campus
• Justifiable Capital Plans