The term "preventive maintenance" is used frequently in the management of properties and can best be described as a calculated and planned course of action, adopted by the property manager to achieve a measure of control and regulation over the physical upkeep of properties. Preventive maintenance involves implementing an organized program to reduce the risk of unanticipated defects, malfunctions, or other unsatisfactory conditions. Preventive maintenance, if performed thoroughly, should not only maintain building components in good order ( keep them clean, tidy, efficient and free from breakdown ) but should, in addition, expose problems or potential problems so that they can be rectified immediately in order to prevent further deterioration. Preventive maintenance is a course of action which strives to guarantee that the normal life expectancy of building components will not be cut short and moreover strives to extend, wherever possible, and whenever possible, normal life expectancies.

A comprehensive preventive maintenance program starts with the development of a "Master Action Plan". The Master Action Plan is used in the scheduling of annual maintenance service tasks. The Master Action Plan forms the template for each property's unique preventive maintenance program. Once the Master Action Plan has been developed, it is important that all items in the "Plan" be prioritized in a schedule or "Maintenance Calendar of Events".

Although there may be some comfort in knowing that a large mechanical contractor ( Honeywell, Carrier, etc. ) maintains the mechanical equipment in your building, it is vitally important that building operating staff play an active roll in the daily inspection and monitoring program. The Building Superintendent is your representative and has a far greater vested interest in the performance of this equipment.

Building personnel are required to keep operating records on all equipment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: With the recent dramatic increases in the price of natural gas, it is a well known fact that the best form of energy conservation is close monitoring of mechanical equipment by building personnel