Maintaining comfortable temperatures and humidity levels as well as clean air quality aid employee and consumer comfort, while controlling the levels of moisture reduces the risk of mould or water damage affecting merchandise.

As such, facilities management company FM Solutions believes that it is of utmost importance that retail building owners incorporate predictive maintenance for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as they play a significant role in controlling retail environments.

FM Solutions technical director Zaahir Forbes says that ensuring an optimal workplace environment through maintenance, management and operations that preserve the safety of building occupants is essential to “proper” facilities management.

“HVAC systems form an essential part of the retail industry, as they have a direct impact on consumer experience and business success. It is for this reason that proper maintenance and operation of HVAC systems is critical,” he says. 

“Preventative technical maintenance is the key to keeping HVAC systems in good working order. By conducting regular inspections and maintenance, we can identify potential challenges before they become major problems and take corrective action to ensure smooth operation,” adds Forbes.

FM Solutions uses technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its maintenance plans. These include a computerised maintenance management system to track work orders, schedule maintenance tasks, draft the maintenance schedule and monitor the performance of HVAC systems, thereby ensuring that maintenance tasks are completed within defined time frames, and that any issues are identified and addressed promptly.

“We believe that technology is the key to improving facilities management services. Businesses should be equipped with the data on HVAC performance to make informed decisions on operational and capital expenditure. With the current energy crisis, it would be prudent to understand HVAC performance and identify initiatives to maintain a comfortable and compliant retail environment,” he says.

Preventative technical maintenance help to ensure that HVAC systems are operating at peak efficiency, which can result in significant cost savings and minimise downtime or disruptions.

Forbes concludes that “FM Solutions provides high-quality facilities management services to retail businesses throughout South Africa . . . [while its] commitment to supplier development helps to promote economic growth and create job opportunities which ultimately end up benefit[ting] the entire local community”.