HVAC KEEPING THEM RUNNING
Making sure buildings are operational when HVAC systems fail requires more than skilled engineers, explains BSS. For FM contractors managing nationwide estates, access to products and technical advice can be just as important in delivering a rapid repair.
For FMs, HVAC failures can create immediate pressure, affecting customer experience and potentially forcing temporary closure. But resolving the problem is not simply about identifying the fault. Getting the right replacement product to the site quickly can be just as critical to limiting disruption.
Stephen Blow, Regional Sales Director at BSS, said that is an ongoing challenge for FM contractors as they are being asked to take responsibility for increasingly large and geographically separated estates.
“Even the best maintained HVAC systems experience failures and reactive maintenance remains a significant part of an FM contractor’s workload,” says Stephen.
“It might just be a small failure in many circumstances, but it can cause expensive downtime. For example, a retail store may struggle to remain open if the heat pump fails on a cold winter’s day, or a large gym may have to shut its doors if the aircon breaks mid-summer.
“Often an engineer can diagnose the problem easily enough, but if the required component is unavailable locally, then the repair can be delayed. The value of the individual component may be relatively small, but its importance to the operation of the building can be considerable.
“That’s why it’s crucial FM contractors have a reliable heating, ventilation, pipeline and mechanical services distributor that can provide product quickly, accurately and nationally.”
The priority for FM contractors, therefore, is to keep engineers working and buildings operational. That requires access to the right products, in the right place, at the right time.
FM contractors may have a directory of local product distributors – but it’s also important to have a national supplier that can deliver anywhere in the country on any given day.
“It’s not uncommon for FM contractors today to have buildings they are looking after in Newcastle, Leicester and Exeter,” explains Stephen.
“Searching for a particular component available in a particular region can add time and administration to an already reactive process.
“FM contractors need a distributor with a national branch network to help reduce that friction. At BSS we have more than 50 branches and trade counters, allowing customers to access products right across the country, using a single account.
“We are able to provide all products for next-day delivery to any branch, all with agreed pricing and consolidated invoicing, helping to simplify the administrative side of maintenance.”
HVAC systems can be complex and replacing a failed component is not always as straightforward as finding an identical item on a shelf.
There may be questions around compatibility, specification or whether a newer alternative would be more appropriate. In those situations, access to technical expertise can help engineers and FM contractors make decisions more confidently.
BSS has technical teams that its branches can call upon when customers need assistance identifying replacement components or alternative products.
Stephen says: “That support can be particularly valuable when a product is difficult to source or when the original component is no longer the most suitable option. Rather than simply supplying whatever is available, the aim is to help identify a practical solution that meets the requirements of the system.”
Reactive maintenance is usually about restoring service, but it can also create an opportunity to consider the longer-term performance of HVAC equipment.
If a pump or another component needs replacing, for example, there may be scope to select a more energy- efficient alternative. For facilities managers facing pressure to reduce energy consumption and support decarbonisation targets, these decisions can form part of a wider strategy to improve building performance.
“Technical teams can help identify products such as energy-efficient pumps and other solutions that may support energy-saving or water-efficiency objectives,” says Stephen.
“With a network of 53 branches across UK and Ireland, we are often closer than you think and can help find solutions quickly and easily.”
BSS supplies its nationwide branches from its 160,000 sq ft Distribution Centre in Magna Park.
www.bssindustrial.co.uk 48 | TOMORROW’S FM
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