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The Most Common Summer Problems in School Facilities Management and How to Solve Them

The Most Common Summer Problems in School Facilities Management and How to Solve Them

As the school year ends and summer vacation begins, the facilities team can use lower occupancy to enhance school buildings. But what are the most common problems they face during the summer months? And more importantly, how can they solve them? In this blog, we've got the scoop on the top 5 problems in school summer facilities management and how to tackle them like a pro.

To ensure a productive and successful summer season in school facilities management, it's essential to be aware of common problems that may arise. Please continue reading to discover these issues and their solutions.

Deterioration of HVAC Systems

One of the most common problems that facilities managers face during the summer is the deterioration of HVAC systems. The high temperatures can strain these systems, and if they break down, it can be uncomfortable for anyone still in the building.

During the summer months, it is crucial to regularly schedule inspections for all HVAC systems to prevent any issues. By catching any possible problems early on, you can guarantee the optimal performance of your systems. Some maintenance tasks to perform during inspections include:

  • Checking the furnace system controls and thermostat.
  • Tightening electrical connections.
  • Lubricating moving parts.
  • Checking the condensate drain.
  • Cleaning the air conditioning coils and evaporator.

Forgotten Maintenance Procedures

Another common problem in school facility management during summer is forgetting maintenance procedures. Facilities managers must evaluate, review and revise maintenance procedures, especially those scheduled for summer. Addressing any potential issues caused by weather changes during the summer months is essential. It's also crucial to have policies for outside activities that only happen during this time of year, such as maintaining the grounds and landscaping and caring for external building elements like parking lots and sidewalks.

Lack of Innovation in New Tech Solutions

Facilities managers may not take the time to evaluate newer technology to the market that dramatically improves efficiency, such as intelligent sensor solutions. This lack of innovation can hold back the facility management team's productivity.

Intelligent sensors can significantly improve operational efficiencies, such as managing the electricity, heat, and cooling on campus by using WIFI to determine how many people are in a room and sending that data to the HVAC system to adjust based on that information automatically. Facilities managers should evaluate new technology options during the summer months and determine whether these new solutions can benefit the school.

Not Replacing Air Filters

Changing air filters during pre-summer inspections is essential, but it's equally important to monitor the condition of the air filters throughout the summer months. Dirty filters can reduce equipment efficiency and lead to poor indoor air quality and more severe issues such as poor heat transfer and dirty coils.

Facilities managers should set up automated preventive maintenance requests to ensure air filters are regularly changed. Proper air circulation throughout the building is essential during summer to keep building occupants relaxed and comfortable.

Ignoring Green Spaces

If your buildings and facilities have green space for employees and tenants, properly scheduling maintenance activities to care for these spaces is essential. To maintain your lawn and garden, tasks such as lawn mowing, bush trimming, and weed removal are necessary and will require your attention and resources. Including these maintenance procedures on your calendar makes it easier for your team to build them into their day.

Conclusion: Focus on Maintenance and Improvement Projects

Summer is a great time for school facilities managers to focus on maintenance and improvement projects. First, however, it's essential to be aware of common problems during this time. Facilities managers can ensure a productive and successful summer season by regularly inspecting HVAC systems, evaluating and revising maintenance procedures, considering new technology solutions, replacing air filters, and caring for green spaces.

Are you tired of struggling with summer facilities management year after year? Let Intellis Facility Planning Solutions help! Our innovative software can streamline your facilities management process, ensuring a safe, efficient, and comfortable learning environment for students and faculty alike. Schedule a demo with us today to find out how we can solve your summer facilities problems for good!

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