Preparing for Winter

Winter is right around the corner, and now is the time to prepare your building for the harsh conditions we have come to expect in the Midwest. Here are a few items to address in order to keep your building operating properly as we head into winter:

• Perform a mechanical inspection on your heating equipment. Complete any necessary repairs to ensure your equipment is operating safe and efficient for the winter.
• Be certain to change your air filters. Clean air filters improve performance and reduce energy consumption. A clean evaporator coil and new air filters can save up to 25% on your energy bills.
• Install snow and ice melting equipment. Installing heat tape in areas that are prone to freezing is a simple way to prevent snow and ice damage.  Avoid costly repairs by cleaning and updating rooftops, downspouts and gutters before the problems begin.
• Check all outside plumbing fixtures, including wall hydrants that need to be drained or shut down in order to avoid freezing.  Frozen pipes can lead to extensive water damage in your building.
• Adjust or install lighting controls to meet the changing daylight times.  Make certain outside lights are set up for the shorter periods of daylight in order to provide safety lighting for your employees and customers.

For help preparing your building for the upcoming winter season, contact Stroh Corporation at 800-243-8177.

Tips On Preparing Your Building For The Cooler Weather

You survived the grueling hot summer, but are you ready for the winter?  As the fall colors begin to show, now is the time to prepare your buildings for the impending colder weather.  A few areas to think about as we head into winter would include the following:

• Perform a mechanical inspection on the heating equipment.  Is your equipment ready to safely and efficiently run throughout the winter?
• Adjust or install timers or sensors to meet the changing daylight times.  Make certain outside lights are set up for the shorter periods of daylight in order to provide safety lighting for your employees and customers.
• Check all outside wall hydrants and fixtures that need to be shut down or adjusted in order to avoid freezing that could lead to broken pipes and damage to your building. This includes removing all garden hoses from the fixtures.
• Install snow and ice melting equipment. There were numerous companies affected by snow and ice damage last year.  Avoid costly repairs by updating rooftops, downspouts and gutters before the problems begin.

Winter will be here before you know it.  Now is the time to contact Stroh Corporation to prepare your facility for winter. Call to set up an inspection today at 800-243-8177.

Reduce Wasted Water in Your Building

Excessive water use is often overlooked by building owners and managers as a way to reduce the amount of money they spend on utilities.  However, there are several different ways that you can encourage your company to "go green" and reduce water consumption.

• Replace existing toilets and urinals with high efficient options.  This can save up to 12,000 gallons of water annually per toilet!
• Install automatic flush valves and water reducing aerators on faucets.
• Consider installing a rainwater harvesting or greywater recycling system for lawn and plant irrigation.
• Keep an eye out for running toilets & dripping faucets.
• Consider installing air-cooled ice machines instead of water-cooled ice machines.
• Sweep sidewalks and walkways instead of hosing them down.
• Run your break room dishwasher only when it is full.

Implementing a few small changes in your facility can result in big water and energy savings.  Stroh Corporation provides the equipment and services you need to reduce excess consumption.  To stop wasting expensive resources and start saving money today, contact Stroh Corporation at 800-243-8177.

Kick Your Building Into Shape By Reducing Energy Consumption

As the EPA kicks off the 2011 Energy Star National Buildings Competition, now is the perfect time to kick your building into shape. One of the largest areas you can reduce waste and save money is on energy consumption.

Before you get started, it is important to understand how your building is currently using energy. There are three things you should know about your building's energy use:

1.       How much energy does your building consume in a year and how much does it cost you?

2.       How does this compare to other similar buildings?

3.       What opportunity is there to improve the energy efficiency of your building and save you money?

Stroh Corporation has the ability to perform an Energy Benchmark on your facility.  We take a look at your past energy consumption and compare this to similar buildings across the nation.  This process takes into consideration the outdoor climate, the use of your building, and a number of other factors to calculate your Energy Benchmark Score.

We can use this information to determine how much opportunity your building has to save energy and save money.

For more information on Energy Benchmarks, contact Stroh Corporation at 800-243-8177.

Snow... In June? (Cottonwood Trees)

Snow… in June?  No, those “snowflakes” that you see falling from the sky are actually cottonwood seeds.  Unfortunately, cottonwood trees are native to the Midwest, and just a few nearby trees can wreak havoc on your air conditioning system.

As the weather warms, cottonwood trees release their seeds into the air.  These lightweight seeds can be sucked into your air conditioner’s condenser coil, which dramatically reduces the airflow across the coil.  This not only causes higher energy bills, but the real problems come from the extra strain that is put onto the unit.  Dirty condenser coils make it harder for your air conditioner to effectively cool your building and can also lead to premature equipment failure.

The right maintenance done at the right time can help avoid costly breakdowns and repairs.  Stroh Corporation provides proactive preventative maintenance programs to keep your equipment clean of debris and running at its best.  Contact Stroh Corporation today to help protect your HVAC equipment!  Call us at 800-243-8177.