Summer is upon us and now is a great time to have your superintendent take a stroll around your building to check on your building systems. Here are some things your superintendent can look for:
- Cooling Towers – check for water draining out of the main drain on the sump. There should be no excess water draining from the main drain or the float and sump levels might need to be adjusted. Also check for bacterial growth on sump surfaces, the fill, and metal components and even on the rocks around and under the tower.
- Air Intakes are often overlooked in the winter. Take the time to check any openings in the building for leaves, grass, bird nests or other obstructions. It is also a good time to clean vertical openings such as air plenums for garage exhaust fans.
- On a warm day, take a few minutes to observe how many windows on the building are open. If there are too many windows open, supply air temperatures and chiller operation may need to be adjusted. Keeping windows closed during cooling operations is a must. Drapes and blinds can also be surveyed.
- Check the roof envelope integrity. Look for missing rain hoods on stacks and ensure roof drains are clear.
- If possible, vent pool mechanical rooms. Moist, mildly corrosive air in these rooms can wear out equipment – venting can prolong equipment life.
- Check lockers and other below grade areas for condensation dripping from water lines and equipment. Ceilings should be checked for water stains.
- In the summer, pipe tracing, stair melting and other under-slab electric heating systems should be turned off.
