The difference between a boiler system that runs efficiently for decades and one that breaks down every few years usually comes down to understanding proper boiler blowdown management. Every facility with a boiler system needs to understand boiler blowdown because it directly impacts equipment life, energy costs, and system reliability. When water turns to steam, […]
Protecting Cooling Tower Chemical Feed Systems During Winter Using Heated Enclosure
Facility managers operating cooling tower chemical feed systems in Northeast climates face a critical infrastructure decision each winter. When cooling tower chemical feed systems must remain operational during freezing conditions, the choice between proper protection and cost-cutting measures determines whether you maintain reliable chemical programs or face expensive emergency repairs and system shutdowns. This comprehensive […]
How to Evaluate Your Cooling Tower Water Treatment Company’s Performance This Season
As another cooling season concludes and buildings prepare for seasonal shutdowns, facility managers have a critical opportunity to evaluate their water treatment service performance during peak demand periods. Despite significant annual investments, many buildings operate with providers who deliver minimal communication, outdated reporting systems, and fragmented service approaches that require coordination with multiple vendors for […]
Legionella Water Testing Guide For Building and Property Managers
Building water systems present serious health risks that property managers cannot afford to ignore. Legionella bacteria causes thousands of cases of severe pneumonia annually and thrives in the warm, nutrient-rich environments found in cooling towers, hot water systems, and decorative fountains. Understanding when and how to test for Legionella has become essential knowledge for facility […]
How Often Should You Clean Your Cooling Tower?
Facility managers understand their cooling towers require regular cleaning, but determining optimal cooling tower cleaning frequency involves more complexity than many realize. The common practice of scheduling one annual cleaning, typically in spring, fails to address the distinct contamination challenges that develop throughout different operational periods. Effective cooling tower cleaning frequency requires a strategic approach […]
Water for Fountains in Commercial and Industrial Facilities
Commercial fountains in office buildings, hotels, hospitals, and industrial complexes require specialized water treatment solutions that go far beyond basic maintenance. Large decorative fountains face unique challenges including bacterial growth, scale buildup, and regulatory compliance requirements that demand professional-grade treatment programs. Property managers and facility engineers need reliable, sustainable water for fountains that maintains water […]
ASHRAE 188 Water Management Plan Implementation Guide
Building water systems present complex challenges that require systematic approaches to prevent waterborne illness outbreaks. ASHRAE Standard 188 establishes the framework for comprehensive water management plans that protect building occupants from dangerous bacteria like Legionella. These plans serve as the cornerstone of building water safety, transforming reactive maintenance into proactive risk management for facilities across […]
Commercial Water Filtration Systems to Protect Your Facility
Commercial water filtration systems provide critical protection for building equipment while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. These specialized systems remove contaminants that can damage HVAC components, reduce energy efficiency, and create health hazards within commercial facilities. Understanding how commercial water filtration systems work and their specific applications helps facility managers make informed decisions about […]
What Is Glycol?
What is glycol? If you are in charge of managing a cooling or water system, you may have heard of glycol as one possible component. Glycol is used in some water systems to keep the temperature low and consistent. However, if you are considering taking advantage of the benefits of a glycol cooling system to […]