Late Summer Pump & HVAC Tips
As summer winds down and back-to-school season begins, it’s the perfect time for facility managers to focus on preparing building systems for the season ahead. For building owners, facility managers, and municipalities, late summer is a critical window for pump system maintenance — and don’t forget your irrigation and HVAC systems.
When temperatures are still high but cooler weather is around the corner, your pumps, motors, and controls are working harder than ever to keep buildings comfortable. Taking a proactive approach now can save you from costly breakdowns and downtime later in the year.
- AC and Cooling Systems: August heat puts extra strain on cooling towers and circulation pumps. Inspecting seals, bearings, and motors ensures your system makes it through the final hot weeks without surprise failures.
- Heating Prep for Fall: Don’t wait until the first cold snap. Late summer is the ideal time to test boiler feed pumps, condensate return units, and related controls so you’re not caught off guard when the temperature drops.
- Back-to-School Readiness: Preventative maintenance ensures classrooms, cafeterias, and gymnasiums stay comfortable and functional throughout the academic year.
- Energy Efficiency: Optimizing pump systems before seasonal transitions helps lower operating costs, which is something every facility can appreciate as budgets tighten.
Back to School Maintenance Checklist:
- Inspect cooling tower pumps, circulation pumps, and associated controls
- Test boiler feed and condensate return pumps ahead of heating season
- Evaluate system performance for energy efficiency opportunities
- Check seals, bearings, and motors for wear and tear
- Verify emergency backup pumps and systems are operational
- Schedule preventative maintenance before seasonal demand spikes
Skilled Trades Are In Demand – And More Students Are Answering The Call.
The building industry is facing a pressing shortage of skilled trade workers just as trade education gains popularity. Between 2020 and 2023, trade school enrollment rose nearly 5%, contrasting with a 0.6% decline in university enrollment—signaling a clear shift toward career-focused education.
Vocational-focused community colleges drove this trend, seeing 16% growth in enrollment year-over-year.
Meanwhile, apprenticeship programs—especially in construction and skilled trades—are booming, with applications from 18–24-year-olds spiking 17%, and overall apprenticeship participation increasing over 11% recently.
Reflecting this momentum, 33% of U.S. adults now recommend trade school over a four-year college for high school graduates, surpassing the 28% who still advocate for traditional university paths.
At the same time, industry forecasts highlight a desperate need for skilled workers—estimates show hundreds of thousands of new trade hires will be required in the coming years to meet demand and offset retirements. This makes vocational training not just a smart choice for students, but a vital lifeline for the building industry.