The challenges that come along with any kind of industrial electrical project cannot be overstated. With residential electricity, some jobs can be pretty simple – but the game is changed when the building gets bigger and the system becomes more powerful and complex. For that kind of work, only qualified industrial electrical contractors will be able to get the job done.

 

Varney is a leader in this space throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. To hire a commercial electrician who is always ready to take on difficult projects, take a moment today to get in touch with the Varney team.

 

Safety is the Key

Above all else, you need to ensure the safety of everyone in and around your buildings when hiring an electrician. Sure, there will be other factors that you need to consider on the job – things like budget and timeline – but none of that matters if the work isn’t done safely and people are put at risk.

 

Ensuring safety starts by hiring a contractor that is properly qualified for the job at hand. Not all electricians are capable of doing proper industrial work, so only contractors who have proven experience in this area should be considered.

 

Complete the Work Promptly

Time is money in business. The longer it takes for a project to be completed, the more it will effectively cost. This is another reason why teaming with an experienced industrial electrician is important. If you hire another electrician who typically doesn’t work on such large systems, it may take them a long time to solve the problems at hand correctly – if they are able to do it at all. And, they might not have all the right tools, and acquiring those tools can be another time-consuming step.

 

Those problems are avoided when you just start out with an industrial electrician from day one. That way, there are no surprises on the part of the contractor, and the problems you are facing will be diagnosed and resolved more quickly.

 

Another Point on Savings

Too often, it’s easy to look at the quote in front of you as the total cost of a project. It’s a part of the cost, to be sure, but that quote doesn’t tell the whole story. You need to also think about what other costs you are going to run into down the line that are related to this project. For example, if an under-qualified electrician gives you a low quote for a job, that might be appealing – until you realize that you may have to hire a proper industrial electrician later to fix the mistakes that were made the first time around. It’s better to invest in quality from the start and be done with it.

 

Working with a trusted industrial electrician like Varney will not only save you time and money, but it will make sure everyone in and around the building stays safe, as well. Whether you have an urgent project that needs to be completed or you just want to connect with a contractor you can use the next time something comes up, reach out to Varney right away. 

The purchase of a commercial air conditioner is a major investment. It’s a necessary purchase, of course, as you’ll need a good A/C unit to keep your employees and customers comfortable throughout the year. But how long can you expect that air conditioner to last once it is installed? This article will take a closer look at that important question.

 

To work with the best HVAC contractors on the installation of a new unit, or to have commercial HVAC repair completed at your property, turn to the Varney team today for assistance.

 

A General Range

As you might expect, there is no one set lifespan that is going to apply to all commercial air conditioners. There are plenty of different factors that will come together to influence how long an air conditioner lasts, including the overall quality of the equipment, how well it is maintained over the years, and how often it is used.

 

With that said, it’s common for this type of equipment to last somewhere between 10 -20 years when used regularly. Of course, that is assuming that proper maintenance practices are applied, so the lifespan might wind up on the shorter end if the unit is rarely maintained and is used heavily. Good maintenance habits include having the air filter changed often, monitoring refrigerant levels, lubricating the various moving parts in the air conditioner, and more.

 

Good Repair is Imperative

Even with consistent maintenance, you may run into the need for commercial air conditioner repair from time to time. When those repair projects come along, making sure they are completed correctly is essential. Cutting corners by going with a cheap repair will only expose the air conditioner to bigger, more expensive problems later on. Always work with an experienced contractor who is going to do the work correctly – and who will use quality replacement parts – to make sure the A/C unit can live up to its potential in the long run.

 

Knowing When the Time is Right

As mentioned above, it’s common for a good commercial air conditioner to last for a decade or more. At some point, even the best equipment will need to be replaced, and you’ll have to think carefully about when the right time is to make the switch to a new unit. When the repair costs start to add up, and the inconvenience of going without A/C during those repairs gets to be more than you want to deal with, a new air conditioner will be required. Although there will be an upfront cost associated with that type of upgrade, the good news is that your new air conditioner will be more efficient and likely more effective than the old one.

 

Varney is a commercial heating and cooling company with a long and respected reputation in the industry. You can expect to get top-notch service from the Varney team, and you’ll always receive excellent pricing for those services. Take a moment today to get in touch and learn more about what Varney has to offer. 

Managing any kind of property is always about keeping an eye on the bottom line. Operating costs will easily creep up if they aren’t monitored carefully, and while some of those increases are out of your control, others can be managed strategically. This post will highlight some fundamental strategies that can be used to save money on your property.

 

Working with a trusted commercial electrician is certainly a tip that deserves to be mentioned, and for that, Varney is the easy pick. Of course, you can never sacrifice quality with things as important as electrical work, commercial HVAC, and more, so go with a contractor that delivers outstanding performance along with great value.

 

Keep Up with Inspections and Maintenance

This is one of the golden rules of managing a property. It’s easy to let maintenance and inspections slide when you feel like everything is going well – in fact, you’ll think you are saving money because you aren’t spending on those services. That short-term vision is going to come back to bite you later, however. With ongoing inspections and basic maintenance, small problems can be caught and corrected before they become big issues.

 

Invest in Sustainability

Making a move toward sustainable systems isn’t only good for the environment, but it can also be good for the bottom line. Specifically, improving energy efficiency throughout your building or buildings will go a long way toward reducing utility costs. Even a reduction of a few percent in terms of how much you pay for energy will make a major difference in how your numbers look at the end of the year.

 

Adjusting Temperatures

This point goes hand-in-hand with the previous point on sustainable operations. By adjusting the set point for temperatures in the building, it’s possible to save energy while making almost no noticeable difference in the experience for people inside the space. Moving up or down by just a degree or two might make a surprising difference in your costs – and it will reduce the wear and tear on your HVAC equipment since it won’t be working so hard, and you’ll get a longer lifespan out of that gear as a result.

 

Upgrade Lighting

There has been a major shift in recent years to LED lighting, but not all buildings have gotten caught up with the times. Since energy consumption is so much lower with LEDs, the savings on this point will be enjoyed right from the start. But it’s not only about cost savings – LEDs generally do a better job of lighting up a space, so depending on what kind of building you are operating, things like safety and productivity could be improved at the same time.

 

Varney offers a team of commercial plumbers, electricians, HVAC experts, and more to customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. If you are a facility or property manager who needs to control costs while ensuring the performance of your property, Varney will never disappoint.

Keeping employees healthy is critical for the success of any business. If a business deals with too many employee absences due to illness, it’s hard to keep up with the competition. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to want to see your employees stay healthy, so this is an important point all the way around. Indoor air quality plays a big role in human health, and that’s the topic that will be explored more below.

 

As commercial HVAC contractors, Varney can help you get the most out of your HVAC system and improve overall air quality right away. For help with heating and air conditioning, or anything else that Varney offers, get in touch today.

 

How Indoor Air Quality is Linked to Health

There are a range of negative health outcomes that can result from breathing in low-quality air on a regular basis. Those issues include developing respiratory problems, having irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, and even long-term problems like cardiovascular disease and cancer. It’s a major problem to have poor air quality in an indoor space where people are working day after day, as they are obviously going to be cycling large volumes of that air through their bodies over and over again. If you have noticed that your employees seem to be getting sick more often than you would expect, and those issues are often respiratory in nature, it could be that air quality is playing a contributing role.

 

What Does Poor Air Do to Productivity?

It’s not just employees missing days on the job due to illness that causes a drop in productivity, although that’s certainly part of it. There are also other problems that can play into the picture here, including reduced cognitive function due to exposure to air pollutants. Also, the general morale of the team may be lower when poor air quality exists and the space doesn’t feel comfortable and clean. An upgrade to the air quality is going to immediately feel like an upgrade to the whole experience of working in the building, and that is almost sure to boost the way employees perform.

 

Making Important Improvements

Several different techniques can be used to improve air quality in a commercial building. As a starting point, it’s a good idea to make sure the air filters are changed regularly in the HVAC systems, so they can do their job effectively. Also, adding indoor plants to the spaces can help to absorb some of the pollutants that are floating around, and even just opening the windows occasionally is a good step (assuming the outdoor air quality is good). Finally, upgrading the HVAC system through the addition of an air purifier will go a long way toward cutting down on pollutants and allowing everyone to breathe easier.

 

Industrial HVAC systems are capable of incredible performance, but only when they are working their best. Turn to the team at Varney today to address air quality issues or any other problems that have popped up with your system.

commercial plumbingIn some sense, it would seem that plumbing is plumbing, regardless of what kind of building is being served. And to be sure, there are plenty of plumbing fundamentals that apply across the board in nearly all situations. With that said, commercial and residential plumbing are not the same thing, so you need to make sure to understand the difference and get the right plumbing contractors for the job you are facing.

 

If it is commercial plumbing work that you need completed, Varney should be your first call. With an excellent track record in this industry and a reputation for quality work and fair pricing, Varney will deliver time after time. Get in touch today to learn more.

 

A Few Main Differences

You don’t have to get far into the topic of residential vs. commercial plumbing before you start to see some obvious differences appear. First, commercial plumbing jobs tend to be far larger and more complicated than residential projects. A commercial building could serve thousands of people or more on a daily basis, whereas the average house has just a few people inside at any given time.

 

Along with a bigger plumbing system comes added complexity and nuance that need to be considered during installation and maintenance. Commercial plumbing typically requires more durable equipment that can hold up to the workload that is going to be experienced in such an environment. Also, there are stricter codes that need to be followed on commercial jobs, and periodic inspections will be required for commercial plumbing that aren’t an issue in a residential setting.

 

Don’t Rely on One for the Other

If you need to hire a plumber to work on a building that you own or manage, don’t assume that the skills from one profession automatically transfer over to the other. Yes, some plumbing companies do both residential and commercial work, but you need to make sure that whoever you hire has plenty of experience in precisely the type of work that you will be asking them to do. Just assuming that a plumber is a plumber and there is no difference is a recipe for disaster, especially if you run into a contractor who is just willing to take on the job without being honest about their qualifications.

 

This is particularly important when hiring for a commercial plumbing project. You simply must find a contractor that does this kind of work regularly and will be able to rise to whatever challenges come up along the way. Even the best residential plumber isn’t a good candidate to just jump in and take on a large commercial job. That doesn’t mean they aren’t a good plumber – it just means they don’t have the relevant experience to do the work required in a commercial building.

 

Don’t let the differences between residential and commercial plumbing get in the way of getting the results you need on an upcoming project. For commercial plumbing jobs, you have already landed on the ideal partner – just call Varney today and get started immediately.

electrical servicesFor a large commercial or industrial building, electricity can be a major expense. Month after month, the electrical bill can be a substantial expense. Toward that end, any steps you can take to cut down on those costs will directly benefit the bottom line.

 

As a trusted commercial electrician, Varney can help businesses save money and energy with creative, high-tech solutions. This article is going to look at some of the many options available in this area. And, if you have a need for commercial electrical repair or any other kind of work in your building, be sure to reach out to Varney today to get started.

 

Optimize Your Lighting System

The cost of lighting a large commercial building can be significant. Of course, that cost is directly tied to how much energy is consumed by the lighting system, so saving in one area is going to mean you are saving in another. Upgrading to LED lighting through your buildings and using tools like motion sensors to make sure the lights aren’t on unless they need to be, can go a long way toward bringing down costs and improving the environmentally-friendly nature of the building itself.

 

Automate Your Buildings

There is no reason to continue to operate your buildings on a manual basis when so many automated features are now available. Through the use of smart controls, such as for your HVAC system or your security system, you can make it easier to get precisely the performance you expect from your buildings without the hassle of manual operation. Automated buildings save time as well as improve performance, so any investments you make in this area will pay off in two different ways.

 

Utilize Advanced Analytics

One of the ways to save money with electrical solutions is to rely on advanced analytics to see where the building is using more energy than it should. You never want to just assume that your current electrical system is operating optimally, as there is likely room for improvement somewhere on the property. Instead of guessing at what those improvements could be, Varney can use advanced smart tools to collect accurate data and recommend the appropriate changes.

 

Creating Custom Solutions

A one-size-fits-all electrical solution is never going to be the ideal approach for a building. To get the best possible results in terms of both efficiency and performance, it’s necessary to customize the way the building is wired and how it operates day after day. It’s important to work with a contractor like Varney that can approach your properties like the unique situations that they are, offering custom plans to get the best possible results while saving money and power over the long run.

 

When using electricity on a significant scale, as you would in an industrial or commercial setting, even marginal improvements in efficiency will make a big difference. For commercial and industrial electrical services that you can trust, turn to the team at Varney right away. 

electrical servicesGood electrical work is at the heart of every building. Not only does proper electrical wiring bring the building to life and make virtually anything possible inside, but it also keeps occupants safe by adhering to all relevant codes and restrictions.

 

Not all electrical work is the same, however. An electrician who has wired thousands of houses isn’t necessarily qualified to offer commercial electrician services, and vice versa. There are notable differences in these types of projects, and you need to have the right contractor on the job to make sure the results are what you expect.

 

To work with a commercial electrician who is proven to deliver great results time after time, make sure Varney is your first call. You will be in the right hands with the Varney team and your commercial or industrial wiring project will be completed properly, safely, and in a timely manner.

 

An Important Starting Point

Before getting into the differences between the types of electrical work that can be done for various kinds of buildings, it should be noted that it is all important. No matter what kind of electrical work is being done, it’s critical that the work lives up to a high standard and meets all code restrictions and expectations. Poor electrical work is not only going to let down the user, but it also poses a significant danger to anyone on the premises.

 

If you are going to be hiring an electrician, always make sure your chosen contractor holds all of the necessary licenses and insurance to do this work legally. Don’t accept any excuses on that point, as it’s simply too important to ignore. A licensed electrician has a professional reputation and career to worry about, and you can expect that the work will be completed properly as a result.

 

Basic Introductions

While the names somewhat tell the story of what these three types of electrical work are and where they are performed, the points below make things perfectly clear –

 

  • The work done by a residential electrician takes place in and around homes. In some cases, that will mean wiring up a new house to add all of the outlets and connections that are needed to bring the home to life. On other jobs, a residential electrician might be helping with a renovation project or repairing and updating some old electrical work that is no longer up to standard.

 

  • As the name would suggest, commercial electricians do work for businesses. Of course, that category casts a wide net, so work in this space can cover a wide range of types of work. Some smaller businesses might have electrical needs that aren’t entirely different from residential projects – while larger businesses will demand more powerful, complex wiring.

 

  • These are projects that are at the bigger, more powerful end of the electrical spectrum. This type of electrician is going to do their work in factories and similar buildings. The electrical system in this kind of setting is going to be used to power many large machines at the same time, so it will have to be designed carefully to handle such a load while keeping everyone safe along the way.

 

A Matter of Power

The fundamentals of electrical work are the same no matter what type of project is at hand. The way electricity flows, and the general design of electrical circuits, aren’t going to change from one setting to another. With that said, things certainly do change as the circuits get larger and more powerful, as different techniques and equipment are required, and a different skillset is needed on the part of the electrician. It isn’t necessarily that one type of work is harder than another – it’s more a matter of making sure the electrician you partner with understands how to deliver what you require.

 

One of the core changes from the residential setting to the commercial and industrial setting is the switch from single phase to three phase power. Most of the time, a commercial or industrial operation is going to use three phase power to be able to meet the demands of the building and the many pieces of equipment it needs to run at the same time. Residential properties usually don’t have such requirements, so a single phase system is able to get the job done without any problem.

 

Locating the Right Partner

In the world of electrical work, the line between residential and commercial is much clearer than the line between commercial and industrial. In fact, most commercial electricians are going to be able to handle industrial projects, with some exceptions. A company like Varney offers commercial electrical work in addition to serving as an industrial electrician service, and is able to handle each with the same degree of confidence.

 

When in doubt about who you should hire for an upcoming electrical project, it’s best to simply have a conversation with the potential contractors to figure out who is the best fit for the job and has experience doing exactly what you need to be done. Even if you don’t know exactly everything that your project will entail, talking with some contractors to go over the details and clear up what will be required is going to help you identify the ideal partner. Whether your job ends up being commercial, industrial, or somewhere in between, the designation doesn’t matter as much as understanding the details of the work needed and who is up to that challenge.

 

Don’t Take Any Chances

If there is one place above all else that you simply can’t afford to take chances, it’s with electrical work. This is the thing that must be done right, so turning to cheap or inexperienced industrial electrical contractors simply is not worth the risk. Varney is a proven contractor in this space that delivers unbeatable value to clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Take a moment to get in touch today to learn more.

Generally speaking, commercial HVAC equipment is very safe. The modern technology used to create commercial HVAC systems is designed to not only produce great results, but also to keep everyone in the building safe at all times. One of the few risks that comes with running HVAC equipment in a building is a carbon monoxide leak, which is a very dangerous situation if not caught right away. Below, this article will look at some safety tips to make sure no one is harmed while your industrial HVAC systems are running.

 

To work with the best commercial HVAC contractors on any kind of maintenance or installation project, get in touch with Varney today. Known throughout the region as an industry leader, your building will always be in good hands when Varney is on the job.

 

The Most Important Sign

Without a doubt, the best way to know if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your commercial building is to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors throughout the space. These are essential safety tools, much like smoke alarms, that will immediately sound a warning if carbon monoxide levels start to rise.

 

There is nothing optional about having good CO detectors in your building. This is a necessary step to take when you have an HVAC system in place, and the detectors should be tested periodically to confirm they are working. Given the affordable nature of such equipment, and the potential for one of these detectors to save lives or prevent serious illness, it’s a no-brainer.

 

Provide the System with Regular Attention

In addition to a proper set of CO detectors, you should also make sure your commercial HVAC system is getting ongoing attention from a qualified contractor. By having the system serviced regularly, any issues that could be causing a carbon monoxide leak will be spotted and can be addressed right away. In this way, you can avoid the need for the detectors to ever go off – they can just play a backup role while your ongoing maintenance keeps the system from developing a CO leak in the first place.

 

Of course, there are many other advantages of ongoing maintenance to mention in addition to preventing a carbon monoxide problem. You’ll also find that your system works better when it is maintained regularly, as it will run more efficiently and use less energy while keeping the building at the right temperature. Also, consistent service will help the equipment last longer, meaning it will be more time before you need to invest in a replacement system.

 

By following some basic steps, and not taking safety for granted, you can keep everyone in your building out of harm’s way when it comes to a potential carbon monoxide leak. Proper heating and air conditioning is always important in a commercial building, and the team at Varney is ready to jump into action to make sure all of your properties are functioning as they should. Reach out right away to learn more.

Plumbing emergencies in commercial and industrial properties can be costly and disruptive. They have the potential to bring your business operations or your tenants to a standstill and lead to significant financial losses. However, many of these emergencies can be prevented with proper care and maintenance of your plumbing system. In this post, we will explore essential tips and strategies to help you prevent common commercial plumbing emergencies in your commercial or industrial property.

Understanding Common Commercial Plumbing Emergencies

Before diving into prevention strategies, it’s important to understand the types of plumbing emergencies that businesses commonly face. These include burst pipes, clogged drains, and leaks. These issues can not only disrupt your daily operations but also result in extensive damage to the property and expensive repairs. Preventing these emergencies should be a top priority for any business or property owner.

Regular Commercial Plumbing Maintenance

One of the most effective ways to prevent commercial plumbing emergencies is through regular maintenance. Just as you wouldn’t neglect the maintenance of your vehicle to prevent breakdowns, your commercial or industrial plumbing system requires similar attention.

Scheduled inspections by professional plumbers are crucial. These experts can identify potential issues before they escalate into emergencies. Regular maintenance includes checking for leaks, inspecting pipes, and ensuring that all fixtures are in good working condition.

Tips to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

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  • Schedule Routine Inspections: Set up a schedule for routine inspections by a professional plumber. These inspections should be performed at least annually, with additional checks during seasonal transitions.
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  • Monitor Water Pressure: High water pressure can strain your pipes, leading to leaks and bursts. Invest in pressure regulation and consider pressure testing to ensure everything is within safe limits.
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  • Prevent Frozen Pipes: In colder climates, insulate pipes to prevent freezing during winter. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage and disruption.
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  • Proper Grease Disposal: If your business involves cooking, ensure that grease is disposed of properly and doesn’t go down the drains. Grease buildup can lead to stubborn clogs.
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  • Avoid Overloading Drains: Train your staff not to overload drains with excessive debris. Regularly clean and maintain your drain systems.
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  • Inspect and Maintain Water Heaters: Water heaters are essential for many businesses. Regularly inspect them for leaks, flush them to remove sediment buildup, and regulate the temperature to prevent overheating.
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  • Install Leak Detection Systems: Modern technology allows for the installation of leak detection systems. These systems can quickly identify and alert you to potential leaks, allowing for prompt action.

Emergency Response Plan

While prevention is the key, it’s also important to have an emergency response plan in place. In case a plumbing emergency does occur, knowing how to respond can minimize damage. Your emergency response plan should include steps such as shutting off the water supply, contacting your commercial plumbing company, and evacuating affected areas if necessary.

DIY vs. Professional Help

There may be minor plumbing issues that you or your staff can address, such as simple clogs or minor leaks. However, it’s crucial to recognize when a problem requires professional assistance. Attempting repairs without the necessary expertise can make the situation worse and potentially more costly to fix.

Preventing common plumbing emergencies in your commercial property is a proactive approach that can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. By educating your staff, scheduling regular maintenance, and being prepared with an emergency response plan, you can significantly reduce the risk of plumbing disasters. Remember that professional plumbers are your allies in this endeavor, and their expertise can make all the difference in maintaining a smoothly functioning plumbing system for your business.

Varney Inc. provides a comprehensive array of commercial plumbing services, encompassing repairs and installations. In the area of commercial plumbing contractors, expertise in both commercial and industrial plumbing is paramount, especially when dealing with buildings of various sizes. The team of Varney plumbers is well-versed and highly skilled in all facets of commercial plumbing, ensuring top-tier service for your business needs.

When your business needs to bring in a plumbing contractor to handle a large project, it’s important to get the right one for the job. There are sure to be plenty of contractors out there on the market that are willing to take on the work, but are they all truly qualified to deliver the results you deserve? Maybe not. This article will offer some practical advice on picking the plumbing contractor that is going to be right for your project.

 

As commercial plumbers, you aren’t going to find better than what Varney has to offer. From industrial plumbing installation to plumbing repair and much more, this is a team that is always up to the challenge. Call today to get started.

 

Start with License and Insurance

While this is a checkpoint that most potential contractors will pass, it’s a good place to start. By making sure that any contractors you are considering hold valid licenses and insurance to do plumbing work in your state, you can cut out any that don’t meet this basic threshold. Even if a business is offering you a great deal on plumbing work, don’t consider bringing them in without an active license and insurance policy. Those components are there to protect you, so they should be non-negotiable.

 

Talk to Others

As an owner or manager, it’s likely that you know at least a few other people operating in your area. Ask them about the commercial plumbing contractor they have used in the past, and whether or not they would recommend them to you. Don’t be surprised if the name Varney comes up more than a couple of times in these conversations, as Varney has been a leader in this space for years and has built an excellent reputation in that time.

 

Ask for a Quote

Once you have narrowed down your options a bit, the next step is to reach out to some of the contractors you are considering and ask for a quote on the work you want to have done. This will accomplish a couple of things. First, of course, it will let you know what the cost of the job is going to be, and you can see how that cost will vary from one contractor to the next.

 

Perhaps more important, however, is what you will learn about the business and how they do customer service. Do you have to wait a long time to receive a quote? Is the company friendly and easy to work with, or are they hard to contact and don’t seem to make you a priority? Between the dollar value of the quote and the experience you have with the business in the process, you’ll quickly get an idea if this is a contractor that you want to trust with your plumbing jobs.

 

Make Life Simple

Alternatively, rather than calling around to a list of commercial plumbing contractors in your area, just reach out to Varney today and be done with the search. Thanks to years of experience and a long list of satisfied clients, you can be sure Varney will not let you down and will handle any situation you have with care.