Considering paying for offsite employees’ heating and cooling

Posted on March 20, 2013 by lemonpepr

home office 2Do you have employees who work from home or at an offsite location? If so, you may want to consider paying for all or part of their heating and cooling needs, especially if they are using company-owned equipment.

Though this is one aspect of having workers who aren’t at the office regularly (or at all) that businesses have traditionally not considered, it’s something that’s beginning to become a thought. After all, many organizations are now outsourcing or hiring persons who live in a location that isn’t close to the corporate office.

What are the benefits or advantages to paying for offsite employees’ heating or cooling either entirely or somewhat? First of all, it will enable you to ensure that a company-purchased laptop, tablet, desktop and/or server is housed in temperatures that are conducive to it working properly.

Secondly, having your employees work in a comfortable environment will increase their productivity levels. Thus, if your offsite workers can feel physically relaxed, there’s much more likelihood that they’ll be focusing on the job, rather than their discomfort.

Finally, it’s a nice value-added piece when recruiting new hires. Even if you simply give a “chit” toward heating and cooling costs for the area of their home, apartment or other facility, that they’ll be using as an office, it will make your organization appear more progressive and understanding.

Again, it’s up to your corporation to decide what’s right for you in terms of investing in your offsite employees. However, if your employees work in the central Pennsylvania region (e.g., Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Hershey, New Cumberland, Middletown) and you’d like to discuss their home office heating or cooling options, feel free to give the professionals at SECCO a call.

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Business energy credits for small and mid-sized companies

Posted on March 6, 2013 by lemonpepr

wind turbinesIs your business looking for energy-related state or federal tax breaks, or simply tax-related information pertinent to your company? If so, here are a few hints from SECCO to help you get the most “bang” for your organization’s bucks.

• If you use wind (or plan to use wind) to produce electricity, you can receive modified tax credits at least through 2013.

• Buying any appliances for your workspace, such as in your communal kitchen area or restrooms? There’s a credit for energy-efficient ones that’s been extended through this year.

• If you’re using alternative fuels (or considering them), you may be able to receive tax credits. (Check with your accountant.)

• Tax credits may be available for the installation of geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, fuel cells and solar water heaters.

• If you’re building an addition to your facility, or constructing a new facility, you may get credit for energy efficiency. (Work with your contractor, who should be knowledgeable about energy efficient materials, options, etc.)

• Does your company manufacture energy efficient equipment? If so, you may be eligible for a tax break.

As always, make sure you do your homework before assuming that any purchase, renovation, re-construction or alternative fuel you plan to choose will provide you with tax credits or incentives.

 

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9 Benefits of a Planned Maintenance Agreement

Posted on February 20, 2013 by lemonpepr

It always surprises us at SECCO when we discover that an otherwise successful business has no planned maintenance agreement. After all, the advantages to having this kind of partnership with a trusted maintenance provider are substantial.

To help make our case (and encourage you to set up a planned maintenance agreement ASAP!), we’ve amassed 9 of the top benefits to having such an agreement in place.

1. You will save money over time, as most planned maintenance agreements offer discounts not available if you service your equipment on an “as needed” basis.

2. Your equipment will run at peak efficiency all the time.

3. You don’t have to remember to call your service provider; they will call you when it’s time for maintenance.

4. You won’t be blind-sided by (most) major issues, because they will usually be caught very early.

5. If you have an emergency need, your planned maintenance agreement provider will already know your equipment, which can facilitate a fast remedy.

6. If you need to have a system part (or a system) replaced, you can be assured of getting good deals via your maintenance agreement service provider.

7. Your equipment has a better chance of staying in tiptop shape as long as possible.

8. You will save money on your heating/cooling bills.

9. Because you have a planned maintenance agreement, you have the guarantee of priority placement in terms of service calls.

Convinced? Then contact SECCO today and set up your planned maintenance agreement now!

 

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Do You Need a New Commercial HVAC System?

Posted on February 6, 2013 by lemonpepr

Have you begun to wonder if your commercial HVAC system has reached the end of the line? If so, you’re likely trying to figure out what to do.

First, though, it’s probably wise to contact a commercial HVAC system expert (yep, we’re recommending SECCO!) because your unit may actually be salvageable. Common issues, including poor ventilation, could be remedied through servicing.

Of course, there are some problems you might be experiencing that suggest a new unit is in order. These include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Less and less efficient movement of warm or cool air throughout your building.

2. Frequent servicing of your HVAC unit.

3. A noisy commercial HVAC unit.

4. A decline in the quality of air. (Take note that this can lead to actual physical problems for workers.)

5. Your utility bills have increased far beyond your usage would deem reasonable.

Now, you could always take a “wait and see” approach. In the short run, that will help you save money; in the long run, though, you may wind up spending more. After all, the newer HVAC systems are typically much more energy-efficient than older models are, which translates to lower utility bills (and overall operating costs) for your commercial property. In fact, some HVAC models have been known to save businesses anywhere from 20-50 percent in direct energy usage costs.

Again, each commercial HVAC system is unique, so it’s best to get knowledgeable advice from a company you trust.

 

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Why Pay The High Costs of Commercial Refrigeration Unit Downtime?

Posted on January 23, 2013 by lemonpepr

Perhaps this blog post would best be called: “When You’re NOT Left in the Cold”. After all, that’s what happens when your commercial refrigeration equipment can’t function properly.

Unless you’re in a business that requires the use of a commercial refrigeration unit (or units) like drink coolers, ice machines, walk-in coolers and more, you probably haven’t thought about the direct and indirect costs associated with downtime. If you’re in that type of industry, you definitely need to consider how much even an hour of malfunctioning could wind up stealing from your corporate coffers.

Though it’s tough to calculate exactly how many dollars will be lost when your commercial refrigeration equipment isn’t working, it’s safe to say that the sum is more than you want to lose. That’s why it’s critical to make sure that your units:

A. Are properly serviced at regular intervals. (The smallest issues can become big problem$!)

B. Are adequate for your needs. (Has your business grown? Are you using antiquated refrigeration technology? It may be time for an upgrade.)

C. Are being properly used by employees/vendors. (Poor habits when it comes to taking care of your equipment could lead to breakages and interruptions of service.)

Obviously, we suggest you contact SECCO today to get a regular maintenance contract in place. That way, you don’t even have to remember to call us; instead, we’ll call you when servicing is needed. We can also make expert suggestions to keep your commercial refrigeration units working in tiptop shape.

It’s time to BE left out in the cold… your pocketbook will thank you.

 

 

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SECCO Team Receives Craftsmanship Award

Posted on January 21, 2013 by foreman_37

SECCO Electrical Construction Crew Receives

Mid Atlantic BX Craftsmanship Award

The men and women of the Electrical Construction Crew from SECCO have received a Mid Atlantic BX Craftsmanship Award, adding to the central Pennsylvania area company’s reputation of electrical service provider excellence. 

 January 2013, Central Pa. – For the individuals who are part of the respected SECCO electrical construction crew, receiving recognition from their industry peers (and governing bodies) isn’t the reason they work long hours, remain on the cutting edge of technology or continuously educate themselves.  However, getting an award for excellence could be considered “icing on the cake”, which is what recently occurred for the electricians from Harrisburg-based SECCO.

SECCO, Inc. Craftsman Award Winners

Craftsman Award Winners (from left to right). Matt Wilson, John Banazek, Bill McSherry

The Craftsmanship Award from the Mid Atlantic BX was presented to the following SECCO Inc. Electrical Construction Services teammates Bill McSherry, Matthew Wilson, and John Banaszek for their work on the Char’s at Tracy Mansion and R H Shepard Foundry Fire. Continue reading →

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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Commercial Property

Posted on January 9, 2013 by lemonpepr

It’s 2013… time to make some resolutions!

No, we’re not talking about the personal ones like “I’m going to lose weight” or “I’m looking for a new career” ones. Instead, we are talking about new year’s resolutions that are all about resolving to make changes that will affect your commercial property — and employees — positively.

Consequently, might we suggest the following commercial property resolutions for the new year?

1. I resolve to schedule regular maintenance on all my HVAC equipment.

2. I resolve to fix all electrical problems before they grow to dangerous proportions.

3. I resolve to remedy all those window cracks, pipe leaks and roof openings.

4. I resolve to figure out ways to reduce my utility bill without sacrificing my workers’ comfort.

5. I resolve to deal with plumbing issues right away.

6. I resolve to put SECCO’s number in my smart phone contacts list.  (In fact, do it now and schedule your maintenance appointment!)

7. I resolve to get the building’s ductwork cleaned as soon as possible to reduce indoor pollutants, irritants and allergens.

8. I resolve to maximize the overall efficiency of my commercial property.

What other resolutions in terms of your commercial property or office space have you made that you’d like to share?

 

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Plan for a 2013 Energy Audit of Your Commercial Property

Posted on December 26, 2012 by lemonpepr

Unless you can state with 100 percent certainty that you’re not spending more than you need to on utility bills, an energy audit should be in your near future.

Energy audits may not sound glamorous, but they’ve been known to save companies hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per year. That’s because they identify areas of your building that are lacking energy efficiency.

Of course, you have to be willing to act upon the findings of an energy audit in order to reap the benefits. This could include:

  • Updating equipment to higher ENERGY STAR™ standards
  • “Zoning” areas of the commercial property so heating/cooling costs are kept in check
  • Repairing leaks, cracks, ductwork and more
  • Weatherizing the property
  • Taking the offensive when it comes to pest control (e.g., squirrels chewing through roof/basement, critters getting into ductwork and walls)
  • Installing new electrical wiring
  • Updating your lighting fixtures
  • Implementing building-wide policies on energy usage, especially during “down” periods
  • Adding fans in rooms where this could lead to enhancement in air circulation
  • Switching utility providers for maximum savings

Don’t waste your dollars unnecessarily another year.  Get the advantage of knowing exactly how to maximize your energy usage.

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Budgeting for maintenance for 2013 – tips for small businesses

Posted on December 12, 2012 by lemonpepr

Getting a jump on budget planning for 2013 may not seem like the most enjoyable project in the world, but the more prepared you can be for expected costs, the less stressed out you’ll be when you have to write checks for items like maintenance.

The good news, of course, is that budgeting for maintenance costs doesn’t have to take tons of time. Below are some of our favorite maintenance budgeting tips for small businesses to consider:

  • Be realistic with all your numbers by evaluating what you spent in previous years, and then checking to see if prices of necessary items (e.g., fuel) are expected to change significantly in the coming year.
  • Determine which one-time maintenance expenses you expect to make in 2013. These could include anything from energy-efficient windows to a new HVAC system.
  • Don’t forget that maintenance equipment upgrades can actually benefit you in terms of tax rebates or lowered insurance costs.
  • Expect the unexpected and set aside monies for surprise repairs.
  • Shop around for the best service maintenance plans you can get for your dollar. (Remember that value trumps cheapness.)
  • Many small businesses set aside about 1 percent of their building’s (or office space’s) total worth for maintenance costs. However, this can be difficult if you’re renting your workspace.
  • Set up regular maintenance visits from your HVAC, electrical and other contractors/technicians as soon as possible. That way, they’ll be on the calendar.

 

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15 holiday office party safety tips

Posted on November 28, 2012 by lemonpepr

It’s that time of the year and the holidays are upon us!

In order to maintain safety (and decorum) in the workplace, it’s important to treat office parties as carefully as you would any other function from a security standpoint.

Consequently, we’ve come up with 15 holiday office party safety tips to ensure that every attendee has a memorable experience for all the right reasons!

  1. Do not overload electrical switches with lights and decorations.  (Opt for non-electrical ones rather than going overboard.)
  2. Make sure that any holiday decorations do not block entrances, exits and/or escape routes.
  3. Candles are fire hazards and should not be used at office parties except in rare circumstances (and under constant surveillance.)
  4. Only serve alcohol if you know everyone will be age 21+ at your party.
  5. Make sure someone is hired to clean up post-party so no food is left lying around, as it can be attractive to insects and critters.
  6. Be certain that all client information is kept away from prying eyes, especially if outside guests (e.g., employees’ spouses, employees’ significant others, children, customers, vendors) will be onsite.
  7. Review harassment policies with employees pre-festivities as a reminder of proper decorum and expected behavior.  (And if you don’t have such policies, now is a good time to put them into action.)
  8. Encourage designated drivers to be assigned, and/or offer taxi cab services or hotel rooms for guests.
  9. Label all food dishes, especially if they contain common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish.
  10. Check the office holiday party venue for trip-and-fall hazards and eliminate them before guests arrive.
  11. Make the office party a voluntary event, and avoid conducting any business during the festivities.
  12. If you are offering adult beverages such as wine, beer, liquor and/or mixed drinks, hire a professional bartender who can regulate the amount of alcohol per drink, “cut off” those who are drinking excessively, check IDs, etc.
  13. Have the office party on a Friday if you’re serving alcohol.  (This helps avoid post-office party “sick days”.)
  14. Do not hang holiday decorations on or next to lights or light fixtures.
  15. Potluck office parties can be fun, but they can also be a source of food poisoning.  Maintain smart food safety measures throughout the office party OR hire a caterer instead.

Overall, strategize for an office party event that is going to be fun for every person.

Happy holiday office party planning!

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