Every business needs reliable and safe electrical systems. But did you know that many of the electrical problems in your building can be prevented with a full-service electrical panel check? Let’s look at some of the issues our qualified RK Service technicians will inspect and how we can help keep your business safe from potential hazards and costly repairs.

What does a full-service electrical panel check involve?

A full-service panel check will give you peace of mind knowing that your facility’s circuits, breakers, GFCIs, disconnects, and wiring practices are up to code. With our electrical service panel checklist, our technicians will conduct thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing and amperage load checks of your electrical systems. These tests ensure that potential issues are caught before they become a significant problem for your business.

In addition to the panel checklist, RK Service technicians can conduct a visual walk-through, looking for issues such as proper exit lighting, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations. By doing so, technicians can notify you of any safety measures that must be taken to protect you and your customers from potential dangers lurking within your facility.

Benefits of regular electrical panel checks

Regularly scheduled inspections are essential for keeping your business safe and up to code. By periodically checking all aspects of your electrical system, including wiring practices, you can detect any future problems before they become serious hazards, requiring extensive repairs or even replacement parts. Inspections will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is running smoothly regarding power and energy usage in your building or office space, saving time and money!

Maintain safety, efficiency and code compliance with RK Service

At RK Service, we understand how important it is for business owners to keep their facilities safe and running efficiently. That’s why we offer full-service electrical panel checks, including thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing, and amperage load checks. In addition, RK Service technicians will provide a visual walk-through service looking for items such as exit lighting working properly, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks, and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations.

By having regular electrical inspections done by qualified professionals, you can rest assured that any issue will be identified before it becomes a significant problem, keeping your business safe, efficient and compliant with local codes.

Contact us today for more information on our full-service electrical panel checking service!

Check for proper licensing first.

When you have a plumbing project that may require excavation work that needs immediate, high-quality service, be sure to check your service provider’s licensing before you hire them to do the job. Proper licensing is crucial whether you are managing the repair and replacement of water, sewer or fire service lines.

Time and time again, RK Service technicians receive calls from property owners who hired a provider to perform work on their property without proper licensing and now need to hire a properly licensed company to complete the job. Though the service provider likely offered to complete the job for a lower price, hiring a company to complete a plumbing project, including excavation work, without proper licensing is extremely risky for the property owner.

Why proper plumbing and excavation licensing is essential.

For example, did you know that fire and water lines are tied to the same mainline? When working on a fire or water line, your service provider must flush and chlorinate the line to properly complete the repair or replacement. If lines are not properly flushed, water lines can become contaminated, affecting the quality and safety of the drinking water for your tenants and potentially other buildings that utilize the same city water line.

These requirements are essential for public health and safety. Unfortunately, many plumbing companies may lack proper licensing or are unaware of license requirements.

What happens if you hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your project?

Though they may offer you a better price for the job, never hire an unlicensed company to do your plumbing work. Here are the top reasons why:

• If the provider is caught operating without the proper licensing, they may lose their rights to obtain the necessary licensure, incur a large fine, and be forced to cease to perform the mitigation work they were hired to complete, ultimately leaving you with a mess and an unfinished project.
• As a property or business owner, you could receive a lien on your property due to hiring a company that does not have proper licensing. At the end of the day, the property owner is responsible for the quality of work. For example, the City of Denver can fine the property owner if the street is not properly completed at the end of the project.

What type of licensing should my service provider have?

Many property owners are unaware the company they hired cannot perform certain services. As a property owner, ensure you understand what types of licensing your service provider needs to complete the work they are hired to perform.

Here is a simple guide to types of licenses that may be used in conjunction with plumbing work. Depending on the project’s location and the type of work to be performed, ensure your provider has the proper license to complete the job.

Types of licenses

• Right-of-Way (ROW) Licenses:  Various locations may have different regulations. However, ROW licenses are generally required if performing work in the public right-of-way or on other public property for the jurisdiction licensed in. In addition, there are several sub-categories under ROW, such as Cement Sidewalk Contractor, Sewer Contractor, Excavation Contractor, Paving Contractor, Special Contractor, and Structural Contractor.

• Drainlayer License:  This license is required for a Sewer Contractor if the company does not employ a Master Plumber. This license is typically used for drain laying, replacement/repair of sewer lines, storm lines and drainage channels. 

• Fire Suppression Systems Contractor – Underground: Underground fire line is the start of any fire protection system as it supplies water to the fire sprinkler systems protecting your facility. A customer may need an excavation service to repair, replace and install an underground fire line.

• Utility Contractor License: A license that incorporates the use of tapping and is performed without shutting down the primary utility line, commonly referred to as a wet tap. The license is used to complete work on a sewer connection or where a building’s sanitary sewer system connects to a city or municipality sewer system. This classification of work is performed by a licensed plumber or utility contractor, and local ordinances must be checked to confirm the correct license.

• Water Service License: This license is used to install or repair service lines and appurtenances from the main up to and including downstream valves. When a water main bursts or breaks and impacts the city water line system, a water service license is required to make repairs.

Research first, then hire.

Hiring a company with proper licensing helps reduce costs in the long run and reduces the time of displacement and discomfort for tenants as the job will be completed the first time properly. Spending more time researching and confirming proper licensing is always worth the effort. To ensure the company hired is licensed and can pull the proper permits for your job, call the city first to verify their licensing status.

If you have a water crisis that requires remediation, repair and installation services, RK Service is fully licensed and ready to work on any job, big or small. For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.

Water issues are a nightmare for property managers, commercial and apartment building owners, and business owners. Whether a fire or potable water line bursts at 2 AM, sanitary lines back up, causing flooding or tenants report foul smells from a broken sanitary line, water and sewer issues are never fun.

Property managers and building owners often do not know what is happening underground and their first call is to Denver Water or a fire protection company. Though the water company may be able to diagnose the problem, they typically call in the experts to manage the excavation work – your friends at RK Service!

When should I call an excavation service?

Sensors are often triggered when there are issues in the water and fire pipes in your building’s systems. However, those sensors may not accurately indicate what is happening underground. It is a good idea to contact the water utility company or the fire protection company first to shut down the mains and ensure the protection of the surrounding environment. Next, find an excavation and plumbing service provider to resolve the issue.

How do I choose an excavation and plumbing service provider?

The number one thing to consider when choosing an excavation and plumbing service provider is proper licensing, processes and protocols. Denver is the most difficult city in Colorado to get licensed in plumbing and excavation services. Service providers must have all the appropriate licenses to correct the damage.

In addition, watch out for excavating companies that don’t pull the appropriate permits. Excavating without the correct permits and licenses is illegal and may result in a drawn-out resolution for the issue. Further, your business will be at risk of a lien if you do not choose an excavation company that is licensed, insured and has taken the time to pull the correct permits.

What to consider when calling for emergency plumbing services.

With dozens of excavation companies in Denver, you need to know how to choose the best one for your project that can complete all aspects of the work. In addition to appropriate licensing, property owners should look for the following:

• Experience – You want an excavation contractor with years of experience, successful projects and references you can contact.
• Insurance – A Denver excavation company must be insured and understand the responsibility for their work and others on the job site.
• Pricing – Find a competitively priced company that will deliver the quality you need when you need the job done. Choosing the lowest price isn’t always the best option. A successful project, free of issues, is always better than discovering problems caused by the lowest-priced contractor available.
• Responsiveness – As a building owner, you want to resolve the issue as quickly as possible for the comfort and safety of your tenants. Find a service provider that offers 24/7 service and a quick response time. The gold standard response time is within a two-hour window, so if the service provider says they’ll send someone out “tomorrow,” call another provider.

Pipes are fixed. Now what?

Make sure your excavation company cleans up after their work. Did you know the property or building owner is fully responsible for the quality of the excavation provided? For example, when streets are not correctly patched after excavating, the city will often redo the streets and bill the property owner directly. The invoices are typically a more considerable dollar amount than what an expert excavation company would charge.

It is important to choose an excavation and plumbing service that will fix the problem and restore the property to its original condition. You should expect a superior customer service experience from your provider and have your property looking as good as new, or better, once the work is complete.

Choose RK Service as your trusted partner.

If you have a water crisis that requires excavation and plumbing services, RK Service has the knowledge, licensing and expertise to start digging under emergency circumstances. The team can help you navigate the process with our excellent customer support.

For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.

Companies are always on the lookout for employees who will stay long-term and are committed to growing and improving. Likewise, employees want to work for companies that will provide them with opportunities to develop their skills.

Mentorships are a great way to help employees, both new and experienced, expand their knowledge and personal development. They focus on positive workplace behavior and performance, providing employees with the training needed to be successful.

Traditionally, mentoring relationships have involved senior employees guiding their younger colleagues, but hierarchy and age aren’t necessarily important in modern workforces. As long as mentors have experience that can help others learn, this is all that matters. For instance, younger employees can teach older employees about ever-changing technology in the workplace.

Successful mentoring relationships can also naturally create a rich multigeneration office culture by combining the top qualities of each participant. Senior employees traditionally have a great work ethic, loyalty and dedication. Whereas, younger employees may come to work with new ideas and passion. Together, they can make for a positive and effective team.

Research has shown that workers who have a mentor enjoy greater job satisfaction, and mentors learn from those they are guiding. But, mentoring in the workplace not only benefits the mentors and mentored, it also benefits companies with increased employee retention and knowledge sharing. On top of that, mentoring programs have shown to increase company diversity, with participation expanding minority representation in management-level positions.

Top Benefits of Mentorship in the Workplace

Something important to note is that mentoring relationships should never be forced. This can cause employees to resent the idea as an obligatory task. Instead, sharing the positive benefits with employees and offering to help connect them with a mentor, when and if they are ready, is most effective. To be prepared, companies should gather information about employee skills, communication styles and career goals. A major key to successful mentorship relationships is connecting employees who communicate well together, can connect on a personal level and are working toward attaining similar goals.

In the end, mentors need to feel that their time is valued in order to achieve a successful mentorship relationship. Those who are mentored must think of the experience as an investment in their growth, rather than a sure path to promotion.

Apprenticeships prepare workers for highly skilled construction jobs. Employers invest time and money in hands-on training, often along with regular classes. The model provides valuable real-world experience and educational instruction for workers who would like to break into an industry that is new to them. The end goal of an apprenticeship is attaining national skills standards and becoming licensed in a particular skilled trade.

There are many benefits to apprenticeship. However, many people often overlook apprenticeships, instead opting to attend college or beginning their career with an entry-level position.

Here are the top three reasons to consider an apprenticeship:

1. Learning While Earning
   Going off to college or a trade school can be a great educational experience, but it can cost a lot of money that many simply do not have. On top of that, it can be challenging to hold a full-time job in order to pay for expenses while in school.
   
   Apprentices are paid a basic living wage (the national average is $15/hour) to start while also learning and gaining experience every day. As an apprentice’s skills grow, wage increases and promotions often follow.

2. Access to Ongoing Mentoring
   Apprentices are usually assigned a mentor who is an experienced construction professional. The mentor’s role is to help plan and guide an apprentice’s learning along the way. They provide valuable feedback and support to improve an apprentice’s skills and are always available to answer questions.
3. Increased Future Opportunities
   Being involved with the day-to-day operations of a business during an apprenticeship, which usually takes two to four years to complete, allows apprentices to make connections with many important people within the industry.
   
   Future employers will also see the hard work that was required to complete the apprenticeship and will surely value that education and work ethic when considering hiring an individual.
   
   In addition, apprentices have the potential to earn college credit toward a degree through their apprenticeship program, should they decide to work towards gaining an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at a later date.

The apprenticeship model prepares workers to compete in today’s economy. The hands-on training keeps apprentices current with innovations and technology. Moreover, the majority of apprentices stay on as full-time employees upon completion of an apprenticeship, allowing for a successful long-term career with a competitive salary without college debt.

The RK Apprenticeship Program helps provide skills for a much needed construction workforce. If you are interested in starting an apprenticeship in construction, click here to learn more about what our program offers.

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year was anything but predictable or normal. Predictions for 2021 are cautiously optimistic with a combination of positive and some negative growth for the construction industry, arguably one of the largest sectors worldwide. Although large hotel and higher education projects have declined recently, others have increased, such as healthcare facilities and warehouse construction to meet current needs.

Because of measurements put in place to keep everyone safe, businesses have had to change how they function and communicate both internally and externally, limiting in-person interactions. This has also caused delays in some projects. The need to know what is happening on a job site has become greater than ever. As a result, even in an industry that is otherwise resistant to embracing new technology, construction has seen an increase in adoption of construction-specific technology, from BIM to 3D-printing, facilitating a more versatile way of working.

Without further ado, here are the top eight construction trends predicted for 2021.

1. Keeping focused on safety with continued social distancing, protective gear and enhanced protocols for cleanliness
2. Increased hiring for seamless execution of current and unexpected future projects
3. Implementation of construction-specific equipment and technology to supplement a declining workforce
4. Expanded distribution and manufacturing facilities to meet current e-commerce demands
5. More complex urban development and infrastructure projects
6. Renewed focus on sustainability and renewable energy
7. Expanded use of modular construction, increasing quality while also reducing costs and project timelines
8. Increased construction cost and pressure on the bottom line, as net profits remain slim

Construction companies must prepare themselves for the uncertain future. Luckily, with many recent innovations already in place, the construction industry has begun to optimize processes in all phases of construction.

Key developments in the construction industry will likely continue to grow and change as we progress through 2021, and we look forward to it.

Digital Builder, 2021 Construction Trends: 20 Insights from Experts, 12.17.20

Construction Dive, 2021 Outlook: 6 Trends that Will Influence Construction this Year, 1.04.21

Chad Fisher Construction, Commercial Construction Trends For 2021, 12.07.20

Method:CRM, Key trends in the construction industry for 2021, accessed 1.19.21

Let’s Build, 5 construction trends you want to look out for in 2021, accessed 1.19.21

Recently, companies have been more concerned about the health and safety of their buildings due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Not only are they worried about keeping current employees and customers safe and happy, they also want to attract new talent and tenants. It is important to address the virus-related concerns since many people are now thinking about the air quality of the buildings they will be spending their days in. So, what can companies do to improve the overall health of their buildings?

Expand on Current Inspections
In most buildings, facility managers have already upgraded their building to include health conscious features like indoor plants, water bottle filling stations and natural lighting fixtures, along with regular inspections of HVAC and other systems. As we continue to live through the pandemic, companies need to look beyond just operating efficiently to help people feel safe.

In addition to regular inspections for wear and tear, businesses should examine unseen systems, such as ventilation and cleaning protocols, which could be just as vital for safety as a leaking ceiling or a crack in a sidewalk.

Keep Fresh Air Flowing
Recycling air from one room to another can increase the risk of airborne viruses also transferring. With growing concern of viruses spreading among people in close quarters, improvements to existing ventilation systems are needed. Increasing the amount of outdoor fresh air, along with purifying existing air in the building through bi-polar ionization can go a long way. While opening windows can be a quick fix, most buildings don’t have that option.

Reducing Transmission through Touchpoints
Install equipment such as toilet sensors, touchless soap dispensers and faucets, foot door pulls, and sensory lighting to minimize touchpoint transmission. For surfaces that must be used communally, consider an antimicrobial coating system to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Encourage and Enforce CDC Recommendations
If there are areas of your building where restrooms aren’t nearby, consider installing hand sanitation stations to encourage regular hand washing.
Be sure all employees and guests are wearing masks or face coverings and wearing them properly, covering both their mouth and nose. Also, remind them to safely social distance when interacting with one another.

Evaluating your building’s current systems and equipment can help to identify ways to improve air quality, boost equipment performance and often leads to discovering new ways to increase energy savings.

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate your facility, provide recommendations and build a custom products package to fit your needs. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment. For more information about our commercial HVAC/R systems evaluations and upgrades, click here.

What Makes an Office Building “Healthy”,  April 29, 2020, Harvard Business Review

Retro-Commissioning: Significant Savings at Minimal Cost, March 5, 2013, Building Efficiency Initiative

How COVID-19 has Increased Interest in Air Quality Testing, September 22, 2020, JLL

The refrigerant R-22, also known as chlorodifluoromethane, was banned earlier this year and is currently illegal to make or bring to the United States. It contains HCFCs, or greenhouse gases, that cause damage to the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. In order to slow the environmental damage that has already occurred, governments have worked together to limit the number of ozone-depleting substances that can be used.

For years, R-22 refrigerant has been in the process of being phased out. Systems that run on it have likely reached their lifespan and are no longer effective. So, if an older R-22 system springs a leak, a tough decision has to be made. Facility managers can either retrofit the system for a replacement refrigerant, or replace the system entirely. Upgrading and retrofitting old R-22 infrastructure to work with a replacement refrigerant can save equipment, energy, money and the environment.

ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS

• R-407C is a zeotropic blend of three hydrofluorocarbons.
  • Difluoromethane serves to provide the heat capacity, pentafluoroethane decreases flammability, tetrafluoroethane reduces pressure
  • Drop-in is not recommended in cases of low refrigerant levels, a full clean-out must be performed first
• R-421A by Choice is a newer option and considered the refrigerant of the future.
  • No unit oil change required, unlike other R-22 alternatives
  • With no measurable pressure difference to R-22, retrofitting is simple and familiar
  • A blend of only two refrigerants, R-421A exhibits consistent box temperatures
• R-458A TdX 20 by Bluon is a blend of five commercially used refrigerants. It delivers virtually identical capacity performance, significant energy savings, and extended equipment life.
  • Average 15% energy savings vs R-22 (up to 25%)
  • Virtually identical capacity to R-22 (+/- 3%)
  • No oil change required; works with POE and MO
  • Operates at lower pressures and temperatures
  • ASHRAE & EPA approved, warranty protected
• MO99 (R-438R) by Freon offers the closest performance match to R-22.
  • Compatible with all traditional and new lubricants, including mineral oil (MO), polyolester (POE) oil, and alkylbenzene (AB) oil
  • Drop-in replacement for R-22; doesn’t require an expansion valve or line set changes
  • Does not require an oil change
  • Easy maintenance once the retrofit is complete
• RS-44 (R-424A) is a non-flammable mixture of HFC 134a, HFC 125, iso-pentane, butane and isobutene.
  • Compatible with mineral traditional lubricants, alkyl benzene and also with synthetic POE
  • Drop-in replacement for R-22, providing an easy and long-term solution
  • Risk of humidity in the refrigerating equipment is avoided
  • Lower discharge temperature eliminates oil decomposition problems

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate the refrigerant in your commercial system, recommend the right replacement option and execute the required retrofit or replacement. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment with one of RK Service’s expert technicians today.

COVID-19 has created significant business disruptions worldwide, and has owners and operators wondering what steps to take to ensure occupant safety going forward. Beyond just cleaning out HVAC/R systems, advanced bi-polar ionization surface and air purification systems are the modern technology facilities should consider installing to ensure their building provides a healthy environment.

Research proves that surface and air purification technology implemented directly into a building’s HVAC system can significantly reduce harmful bacteria and viruses in the air.

TOP SIX BENEFITS OF BI-POLAR IONIZATION SYSTEMS:

1. Significantly reduces dangerous bacteria and virus including human coronavirus, norovirus, staph, MRSA, E.Coli, clostridium difficile (C.DIFF), tuberculosis (TB), airborne mold spores and legionella pneumophilia.
2. Does not produce detectable Ozone*, or volitile organic chemicals (VOCs). There is no catalytic process. *UL 2998 recommends Ozone levels of less than .005 PPM. Insure all air-cleansing technologies carry the UL label. 
3. No replacements parts and minimal maintenance. Self-cleaning systems are an option.
4. System lifespan is up to 20 years with continual use and includes a 1-year warranty period.
5. Universal voltage applicable to all systems.
6. Tackles odors, particulates and static electricity in living spaces.

It is not a matter of if this technology will become a building code requirement, but when. Stay ahead of future interruptions to your business by installing a trusted purification system now.

RK Service highly recommends a bi-polar purification system install in all facilities. Our evaluation and three-step systems approach gives owners and operators the confidence they need to welcome occupants back into their buildings. Contact us to learn more.

There is a facility management staffing shortage happening now. Although the number of available positions in the industry is growing, there is serious concern about finding skilled labor to fill the roles. Not only do employers need to attract new staff to meet the expanding demand, but they also need to think about the all of the vacancies that occur as older workers enter retirement. The average age of facility management workers is 51 years old.

The labor shortage is not just happening in the United States, but worldwide. The pool of workers is down due to younger workers pursuing careers that they perceive as higher status with lower unemployment rates and competition. According to a recent survey by the Manpower Group, 45 percent of all employers say they can’t find the skilled workers they need, and skilled trades ranks as the hardest to find skill set of all.

Unfortunately, this skilled labor shortage has led to many companies putting off regular facility system maintenance. These delays can cause many issues, including:

• Increased energy consumption and higher energy bills. When equipment isn’t maintained, it often gets filled with dirt and dust, running less efficiently. According to an article by the Building Efficiency Initiative, poor maintenance can increase energy use by 30 to 60 percent, meaning companies can also expect much higher bills.
• Higher equipment cost. Without regular preventative maintenance, equipment is more likely to breakdown and require costly repairs or even replacement.
• Equipment not working effectively. Buildings may run too hot or too cold because the mechanical equipment isn’t functioning properly. This can make the building occupants uncomfortable, which can also lead to tenants not renewing their leases.

Although it is easy to overlook when understaffed, regular maintenance of facility systems not only saves money but also ensures safety.

So, what should facility managers do if they aren’t able to hire the skilled talent that they need? The best options involve working with skilled talent from a third party. Whether this means having someone brought in to train your existing internal team, or collaborating with them to handle specific things such as preventative maintenance, both can bring great benefits. RK Service offers both of these options and is happy to work with companies to figure out the right combination of training and maintenance to fit their needs.