FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

Window A/C Initiative

Stay Cool at School

In response to the Plant Operations Strategic Planning Initiative – Vision 2005, Dave Beurer of Mechanical Systems tracked service requests for window a/c units from 2001 and earlier. He learned there was high demand for window a/c service work during high temperature and humidity days.

Between April and May this year, our Employees Working Out of Classification (EWOCs) serviced 143 window a/c units. Each EWOC team met with their customers beforehand to explain the procedures, answer any questions and learn of the customer’s expectations. Of the 143 units serviced, nine units were referred for service and 94% of the units operated normally after cleaning. We were very pleased with that result since our past experience showed that over 80% would operate after cleaning. We were also pleased that we did not receive any service calls on the units that were cleaned.

We met our time goals for work comple-tion as advertised. Each window a/c unit was cleaned in an average time of 83 minutes. This includes the cleaning and reinstallation of the 33 units that required the use of a lift. We have built a database of window air conditioning units on campus. The database accounts for all the units cleaned in this year’s program and includes each unit’s location, model, and serial number. It also includes the Sheet Metal Shop installations of 11 new units in 2002 and 33 units installed in 2001. More importantly, we are able to account for the 300 pounds of freon contained in these units.

The first year of the program was a success!

As a result of this initiative, 245 units in the LS&A area are now enrolled in the Window A/C Maintenance Plan.

Looking Toward 2003
We expect to increase the number of units cleaned. LS&A has given their commitment to enroll 245 units in the program. These units will be on a rotating schedule over a three-year period.

Thanks to the EWOCs for their hard work, to the Sheet Metal shop for their assistance, and to the Plant Operations Lead Team for their support.

~ David Beurer
Mechanical Systems