Clients Archives

Most smart decisions come down to asking the right questions. Our newest church client in Falls Church did just this. While they had a firm that was handling routine maintenance, they decided to get more than one bid when a 20-ton unit in their gym went down. Before they chose who would handle this major replacement for them, they asked themselves three very smart questions:

Do they have experience with churches?

Their HVAC, like most churches, is much more complex than any residential unit, but not quite as large as a commercial facility. That being said, they wanted to find a service partner that had experience working with churches.

“Russ, why do you work almost exclusively with churches?”

People ask me this a lot, and it’s a great question. The answer is pretty simple: it’s where my heart is. I started Trimark Mechanical in 1996 when I saw that churches weren’t getting served well. They were either not getting their needs met by companies that were too small, or were being overcharged by larger firms. I’ve developed a team that specializes in the kind of HVAC systems that are common in churches.

Churches have limited resources, so we work to understand their specific challenges and provide options that safeguard the budget.

How We Help Our Churches

Every church has unique HVAC needs, different approval processes, and varying budgets. For example, what if your church has a pipe organ? Can you ensure that a company that doesn’t work extensively with churches will know how to help prevent damage to the instrument?

Are they thinking big picture?

It’s key that you have a partner that can craft a cost-effective plan with your entire system in mind, even when they may only be currently working on one component.

For the client we mentioned, our proposal included an option to also replace an outdated Reznor heater. The heater was working fine, and likely would for a few more years. With the deconstruction and rebuild that was happening for the failed unit though, it made more sense to replace both. Instead of paying twice to take apart the building infrastructure for separate replacements, they could kill two birds with one stone. That’s thinking ahead!

Where’s the proof?

Communication; some folks talk a big talk but you need earnest communication. At Trimark Mechanical, here’s what we do to keep clients in the loop.

Constant Communication: We beat you to the punch line by getting in touch with you about upcoming service visits or repairs before you have to reach out.
A Detailed Maintenance History: Through our cloud-storage solution, clients can access complete, detailed histories of all maintenance and repairs performed on their HVAC equipment.
Photographic Evidence of All Service Calls: Following every service call, we provide before/after photographs as well as specific measurements that prove the system is functioning properly.
Closeout Packages for Major Replacements: Following every large system replacement, we create a closeout package for clients, complete with everything they need to know about their new equipment including, workmanship and manufacturer warranties, building permits, maintenance manuals, contact information, and more.

You already have enough to manage in your day-to-day. Working with Trimark, you’ll never be chasing down the answers you need to keep your congregation, clergy, and staff comfortable.

Consider us a friend in the community

If you’re a church in the Washington-Metro area, your initial site visit is completely free. We’ll come and give you a better understanding of your HVAC system, backed by the expertise we’ve developed serving dozens of churches in the area. Contact us or call us at 703.891.4600.

When your cooling system isn’t keeping pace with summer heat, the first guess is that there’s an issue with your AC equipment. This assumption almost caused our newest church client in Lake Ridge, Virginia to make an expensive mistake. They were trying hard to decide how to handle the discomfort in their sanctuary and offices after getting conflicting opinions on which part of their HVAC was to blame. As a last-ditch effort, they went directly to the manufacturer and found out that it wasn’t the equipment that was the root of the issue. It was actually the automated controls designed to adjust temperatures based on how and when each space is used. So, what do you do when the “brain” of your HVAC system isn’t working properly?

What to consider when maintaining your automated system

Automated controls are an intelligent network of hardware and software designed to monitor, connect, and manage an HVAC system’s many components. They help organizations maximize both efficiency and comfort.

Settings for these systems need to be updated as your facility’s needs change. Your system likely has a useful life of 15-20 years, so it makes sense that room usage, occupancy, and other factors will evolve. Plus, you can’t simply rely on the original configuration or even assume that it was actually set correctly from the start. It’s more like what was originally there was written over, modified and adjusted. You always want to try to take the controls back to their baseline.

Additionally, not all technicians are fully trained on automated controls. The key is finding a mechanical services partner that invests in advanced training and can handle automated controls in a cost-effective way. Consider the following:

Certifications and licenses don’t prove skill: Training needs to be paired with hands-on experience to diagnose and solve real problems. Ask for details on similar cases to confirm a company has the experience to handle the job.

It shouldn’t be a one-man show: Some companies rely on a single technician to handle jobs with building automation technology. That puts you at risk.

Don’t turn a blind eye to alerts: Overriding codes that are designed to detect critical issues is an easy (and short-term) way to restore comfort. You need a partner that aims to troubleshoot all codes and will always search for the source of the error.

Have a pro review and adjust controls regularly: You’ll need a plan to check-in on your system’s controls and keep them in line with how you’re using your spaces.

When the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing…

By diving into the controls on our Lake Ridge client’s system computer we discovered that the boiler and chiller were fighting each other to be powered on. Specifically, the chiller would only automatically turn on once the boiler operated at maximum capacity. It was clear, the “brain” of the cooling system didn’t think it needed to be on. After reconfiguring the controls on the main computer, we went a step further to reset the controls on the boiler and chiller individually. This way, each component was truly in sync.

The previous companies who inspected the system before we arrived weren’t entirely off-base. It turned out there were mechanical issues that were preventing the HVAC equipment from providing maximum comfort. One of the main issues was that all the compressors in the chiller were not operating, holding it back from working at 100% capability – even with controls properly reconfigured.

Creating a forward-thinking plan

With controls properly set and all mechanical issues identified, we created a plan to keep things running smoothly in the future. Together, we mapped out a preventative maintenance plan and arranged annual status checks on their building automation control. Additionally, we helped the client understand which equipment would need to be replaced soon, such as the remaining compressors, so that they could better budget for future expenses.

When was the last time your controls were checked?

You don’t have to settle for discomfort. Especially when it may be as simple as having an expert check and adjust your controls on a regular basis. Reach out to us today to see how we can help. If it’s your first time working with us, know that the initial visit is no-cost, and our sole aim is to give you a better understanding of how to keep your spaces comfortable.

Troubleshooting heating and cooling issues can be difficult enough, but when combined with an unusual obstacle, such as not having access to bring in new parts, it’s going to be even harder. Fortunately, we’re no strangers to solving problems like this. We’re used to unique challenges that require unique solutions and this case isn’t any different. Read on to learn how Trimark Mechanical went to new heights, quite literally, to make sure our church client in Springfield could get their equipment fixed and restore comfortability in the Sanctuary and the Nave.

This isn’t your ordinary problem…

When we first met this church client in Springfield three years ago they had four large split systems at their facility that were going to need to be replaced. At the time, the four large split systems utilized R-22 refrigerant that needed to be replaced by equipment utilizing R-410A refrigerant, per government regulation. However, there was a pretty large obstacle in the way that made replacing the split systems an extremely difficult task to complete – it was the building itself. We’re not kidding! The air handling units (AHU’s) serving the Sanctuary and the Nave were installed before construction on the rest of the facility was complete. This meant that we couldn’t replace the existing AHU’s because the building’s structure restricted access to do so. We knew that we could upgrade the AHU’s by removing the R-22 refrigerant coils and replacing them with R410A coils but the building’s structure restricted access to even do this. The problem looked kind of something like this:

Now while you may be saying to yourself, “Who would even think to do that”, you should know this isn’t uncommon. In the past, we’ve seen other facilities where construction teams first set heating and cooling equipment and then built around it. But while this may simplify the initial construction process, it throws a huge wrench in ongoing HVAC maintenance and eventual replacement. Our client understood that better than anyone.

A brilliant idea strikes!

Upon our initial on-site visit, we understood that the key to replacing the old R-22 coils was to find a unique entry point to bring in the new parts. That’s when we got creative. During our brainstorming with the Facilities Manager, we noticed decorative louvers towards the roof of the space where the church’s HVAC was located and a light-bulb went off in our heads. If one of those louvers could be temporarily removed, we could hoist the new coils up the side of the building, slip them through hole where the louver was removed, and execute the replacement without needing to make any significant structural changes to the church. The biggest hurdle would be raising the R-410A coils 30 feet in the air, but that was still a better option than cutting a hole in the building. With the plan set, our team got to work.

We decided it’d be best to spread this project out over a few days to ensure all the necessary parts arrived on schedule and that we didn’t disrupt normal operations. We used a scissor lift to raise the large R-410A coils approximately 30 feet in the air and then slid each coil through the area where the louver was removed, bringing them inside the building. The new R-410A coils were stored in the room with the AHU’s until a day could be scheduled to conduct the replacement. Finally, we reinstalled the louver so it looked like it had never been removed.

This was one for the books

We must say, this is one of the more interesting AHU refurbishments we’ve performed. However, it certainly highlights that sometimes you must do whatever is necessary to keep people comfortable and happy.

At Trimark Mechanical, we have deep experience with church facilities and our expertise allows us to pinpoint the unique solutions to your unique challenges. No matter the obstacle. That’s what’s allowed us to be the trusted partner of this church and several others in the Washington DC Metro area for many years.

Do you have an out of the ordinary challenge you can’t seem to solve? Contact us today and we’ll figure out how we can help.

If you’re like many business owners and organization leaders, you know that preventative maintenance is necessary but may not be confident that maintenance is being performed properly. Since HVAC systems are complex, determining the credibility and thoroughness of one contract or service provider versus another can be challenging. This is why it’s essential that you have a clear idea of what legitimate preventive maintenance should look like. Read more to learn how you can ensure preventative maintenance improves and maintains the performance and longevity of your HVAC system.

What You Already Know About Regular Preventative Maintenance

Regular preventative maintenance is beneficial for several reasons. Perhaps the main advantage is that routine service checks find problems before they turn into expensive repairs. But there are other benefits, related to both comfort and cost when it comes to performing regular maintenance tasks. For example preventative maintenance:

Ensures Reliability – Your system ideally should be checked at least twice in the year. Once before the heating season and one more time before the cooling season begins. This will guarantee your system is in optimal condition before the peak usage months of the year.

Reduces Energy Costs – Your HVAC is probably one of your top energy expenses. When the system is thoroughly cleaned and maintained, energy costs will decrease while indoor comfort increases.

Improves Indoor Air Quality – HVAC systems impact our ability to breathe indoors. Preventative maintenance should include cleaning your equipment’s accumulated allergens like dust, dirt, and pollen for the cleanest and highest-quality indoor air possible.

Maintains Cost-Effectiveness. An HVAC system is a large expense and thorough preventative maintenance is critical to protect that investment. Investing in preventative maintenance is minimal compared to expensive repairs or replacements on systems that aren’t regularly maintained.

What You May Not Know: The Proof is in the Pudding

Not even sure what a good preventative maintenance visit should cover? Take a look at a recent preventative maintenance visit we completed for a long-time, happy customer.

Trimark Mechanical Preventative Maintenance Report

Comprehensive preventative maintenance is more than just a ‘tune-up’ or visual inspection. Simply looking at the quality of an HVAC system is far from enough to ensure it’s running well. There should never be guesswork involved when determining its health status.

You Need To Know About Potential Issues

You should always receive clear and simple communication to know where exactly you stand with your equipment’s condition and if to expect repairs or replacements. When potential issues are detected, they should be responded to and resolved immediately to avoid untimely system failure. Leading mechanical service providers will even go the extra mile by providing photographic evidence of individual system components to show their physical condition and wear from usage over time.

A Checklist Isn’t The Same As Proof

Most mechanical services first will have no problem providing a thorough task checklist. How do you know, though, that technicians are truly utilizing a task-by-task list during scheduled maintenance visits? Simply checking the box isn’t enough. That’s why Trimark Mechanical provides photos that show you before and after on equipment as well as any specific measurements that provide proof of a properly functioning HVAC system.

Here’s what should set off a red flag, if you see it in your maintenance report:

(Anyone can check a box! Also, your filters should be getting REPLACED twice a year.)

Here’s what you’ll see on our reports:

Seeing is believing!

Just to drive the point home, here’s another example. A standard report may have something like this merely handwritten in:

(Anyone can pencil in a number on a report!)

Here’s what will show up on a Trimark report:

Trimark Keeps You Comfortable and Happy Year After Year

Are you not sure if your service partner is providing you with quality information? At Trimark Mechanical, we strive to keep your equipment running efficiently and be your trusted partner for any critical issues or replacements. Our job is to provide photographic proof of what’s been completed during maintenance visits and we aim to uncover problems before they become emergencies.

Contact us today and ask about our comprehensive annual maintenance agreement.

To keep comfortable and ensure you’re prepared for any future issues, it’s important you know your HVAC system’s health status. But after one of our newest church clients in Fairfax faced the consequences of a system failing at the most critical time of the year, they found themselves asking: is all preventative maintenance equal?

Preventative Maintenance: Four Questions to Ask

In the dog days of summer, this church in Fairfax had experienced issues with their HVAC system. Though they had a trusted firm handling their maintenance, a serious issue popped up, seemingly without warning. The client was left wondering, could better quality preventative maintenance had uncovered the issue sooner?

Here’s what we do know: preventative maintenance involves regularly scheduled service visits to ensure your system is functioning properly and identify potential issues that need further evaluation. Any mechanical services firm can and should provide a detailed maintenance list. The question is, are they really doing what they should? And, how will you know? In the end, you should receive a detailed report with high-quality information. Ideally, preventative maintenance should aim to prevent big repairs or replacements from coming out of the blue.

When looking at the reports you’re getting out of your preventative maintenance agreement, here are four questions to ask:

Is this task list comprehensive? This is just the starting point, and most companies will provide a comprehensive maintenance task list.

Are there things specifically excluded as add-on services? Better to ask about this upfront.

How will I know things are completed? A simple checkbox or handwritten measurement isn’t enough. You need proof.

What is the process if any critical issues are identified? Make sure you’re informed in a timely manner about any potential issues found during maintenance.

Want to know more? Here’s another article on preventative maintenance and what red flags to look for.

What Preventative Maintenance Reports Should Look Like

We digress. Let’s Get Back to Our Client…

For this client, the chiller in their system failed amid the summer heat. Unfortunately, because they were in the height of summer, they found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. There was no other option but to temporarily fix the system – an unexpected cost of $6,000 – and then install a brand new system after the summer heat.

There’s no way to say with 100% certainty that there was a way to prevent spending money on a stop-gap solution. However, preventative maintenance is designed to give clients options while there’s still time. In general, not only does preventative maintenance keep your system running smoothly, but it also helps identify potential issues down the road, such as a piece of equipment that is nearing the end of its useful life.

Trimark Mechanical Steps in to Resolve the Issue

With the church discouraged from working with their old mechanical service provider, they called in Trimark Mechanical to head the installation of their new system. We recognized the client’s situation and wanted to help them get up and running as soon as possible. Realizing the importance of preventative maintenance, they also decided to switch to Trimark for their maintenance needs.

We Serve Those Who Serve the Community

Your HVAC system is among the largest expenses in your church and comprehensive preventative maintenance is critical to protect that investment. We want to be your trusted partner and take ownership of the performance and lifespan of your HVAC system.

Do you feel like your mechanical service provider isn’t providing you with proper preventative maintenance? At Trimark Mechanical, we’ll strive to improve the operation and lifespan of your equipment, even if we didn’t install it. The first visit is on us, and our sole aim is to give you a better understanding of your HVAC system. Let’s keep your congregation, clergy, and staff comfortable and happy. Contact us today!

When making big decisions, it’s important to remember that your first option isn’t always the best option. This sentiment is especially true for one of our clients who recently avoided a costly expense. A new client in Alexandria almost had to shell out some serious cash when another mechanical service provider incorrectly informed them that the A/C unit serving their classroom was dead and needed to be replaced – when, in fact, it just required a simple part repair. Read how Trimark Mechanical resolved the issue in a timely manner to keep our newest customer comfortable and happy while saving them money.

A Thorough Diagnosis is Always Essential

A client in Alexandria reached out to us because they believed the A/C unit serving their classroom was dead and needed to be replaced. As you can guess, the price for replacing the unit was going to be costly. To make matters worse they needed to rent temporary air conditioning while figuring out a solution to the problem. The recommendation to replace the unit came from a mechanical service firm who the client trusted and partnered with for many decades.

However, when Trimark Mechanical arrived to offer a second opinion, we diagnosed the issue very differently. Following our expert technician’s on-site inspection, it was concluded that the problem was actually the result of a restricted refrigeration line – a fixable issue. We had the refrigeration line repaired and the unit back up and running by 5:30 PM that same day.

Following the repair, we offered to inspect the rest of the site and found the client had a total of 60 pieces of equipment on site that were all old and neglected. After careful consideration, the client and our team created a plan to maintain the upkeep of the functional equipment. We were also able to help them develop a financing strategy to replace their older pieces of equipment. The plan will be presented to the client’s finance committee in the coming days to recommend a proactive game-plan for any other heating and cooling issues that may arise in the future.

Another Happy, Comfortable Client

At the end of the day, this case proves that cost-effective and thorough service requires a mechanical service partner who not only responds to your needs, but anticipates them. The client can now feel assured this repair is going to last for the foreseeable future. More importantly, they now have an action plan and finance strategy to resolve future equipment issues.

If your equipment is between 10-20 years old it may be time to start thinking about proactive repairs or replacement options. Trimark Mechanical will help you develop a plan with the right balance of speed, budget and comfort that won’t leave you ill-prepared in the event of a mechanical issue. Get in touch with us today at 703-891-4600 to schedule a no-cost site inspection.

As you may know by now, Trimark Mechanical is no stranger to dealing with complicated repairs. Well, here’s another BIG case that required some serious investigative skills from our technical team. The only difference is this time we were against the clock. Our client in Alexandria had a 50-ton package unit serving the entire church and it was experiencing some peculiar issues that left our client in a bind. Read how Trimark Mechanical had to go the extra mile to repair a unit’s motor before this church’s big weekend event.

The Trimark Detectives Were on the Case Again

One of our church clients in Alexandria contacted us saying their A/C package unit wasn’t working and the facility wasn’t receiving any cool air. It was especially important they get the unit repaired because the church was hosting an event the upcoming weekend. During Trimark Mechanical’s on-site inspection we noticed that the Variable Frequency Drive had completely melted into a ball of goop.

What is a Variable Frequency Drive?

A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the electric motor. VFDs are primarily used to reduce energy consumption and energy costs, increase a unit’s operational efficiency and reduce the wear and tear on the motor.

Our initial assumption was that the VFD had melted due to an electrical problem. However, when searching for an electrical component capable of generating that amount of heat, nothing could be found. This required our technical experts to investigate what possibly could have caused the VFD to melt entirely. Since the system was very sophisticated, it needed careful analysis to figure out what exactly was causing the problem.

We uncovered that the supply and return ducts sit underground beneath the church. The immediate concern when something is underground is the risk of water buildup, which is exactly what happened. The church’s sump pump wasn’t draining unwanted water causing the supply and return ducts to completely flood. So this meant the unit was trying to push air into a blockage, which in turn caused the motor to overheat and melt the VFD.

With the system completely out of commission and the event coming up that very weekend, our team had to think quickly about how to handle the repair. First and foremost, we had to drain all the water from the ductwork. Then, to provide a solution in the short term, two of our technician’s volunteered to act as human VFDs during the event to ensure that when the unit was running the motor wouldn’t overheat. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means instead of asking the church to postpone their event, our two technicians worked in alternating shifts turning on the motor for 20 minutes and then off for 10 minutes all while monitoring the temperature of the motor. Talk about going the extra mile! Luckily, by doing this we were able to keep the space comfortable all weekend long. The following Monday we were able to return to the site, replace the failed sump pump and install a new VFD to the motor.

Another Case Closed

Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of the service Trimark Mechanical provides. We never want our clients to feel like they need to sacrifice comfort or halt operations because of a challenging repair. We’re committed to putting our clients’ needs first and doing whatever is necessary to keep them comfortable and happy. This is what has allowed us to be one of the most trusted mechanical service firms in the Washington Metro area for decades. Get in touch with us today at 703-891-4600 to schedule a no-cost site inspection.

Did you see our previous client story about unraveling the mystery behind a 20+ year old cooling tower in Clinton, Maryland? Well, here’s another case of a system that required some serious detective work. Our client in Falls Church had a 25 ton gas-fired package unit that needed to be replaced, and the way the system was configured left most firms scratching their heads. Read on to see how Trimark Mechanical tackled the job in order to keep our customer comfortable and happy.

It Was Another Case for the Detectives at Trimark Mechanical

A client, a church in Falls Church, Virginia called us to say that they were having issues with their heating and cooling system. In fact, the main sanctuary had no cooling at all. When we arrived at the client’s site we found their package unit had been set up in a “unique” way. The equipment was designed to be a down-flow unit, where both the supply and return air came from the bottom. Instead, it had been jerry-rigged so that the air flow came from the side. Our first task was to figure out why the unit had originally been configured in such a way.

Round Peg, Square Hole… Well, Almost

After doing all the appropriate research, it seemed like the system wasn’t intentionally set up the way it was. So, we wanted to correct the mistake. We made the decision to keep the air ducts the same way and ordered a unit actually intended to be a side discharge. After careful consideration, we went with a high efficiency unit that would be a definite upgrade. We carefully routed the ducts in a way that would work best for the new equipment.

Another Happy, Comfortable Client

In the end, it was another job that proved that even a simple replacement requires real technical expertise. Once the new unit arrived we had our client’s heat back on within a week!

Do you have a hunch that your heating or cooling system is on it’s last leg? Give us a call at 703.891.4600 or click “Get A Quote”. You may qualify for a no-cost site inspection.

Any business property or private residence will readily admit that July is not the month to be without air conditioning in Virginia. Unfortunately, Kimco Realty found one of its Woodbridge, Va. properties in this very predicament. The NOVA South Baseball Training Academy, a tenant residing in over 20,000 square feet of retail space in a Kimco managed strip mall, was without air-conditioning in the beginning of July. Kimco needed a new rooftop air conditioning unit installed with haste to keep its client’s space comfortable for training.

Trimark Mechanical Services has been an honest, trustworthy partner to Kimco for the last five years. Kimco accepted Trimark Mechanical’s bid, confident in Trimark’s ability to deliver quality work in a short period of time.

Property managers know they can count on Trimark Mechanical to finish the job quickly and efficiently. It is reassuring to work with Trimark because they were founded by former property managers and building engineers. They get it.

Batter Up

The NOVA South Baseball Training Academy occupied 20,000 square feet of business space within the Kimco managed property. The air conditioning unit that served the baseball academy’s space had failed and could not be fixed. The ordering and installation of a new unit needed to be done quickly in order for the baseball academy to continue instructional programs.

Trimark hit the ground running—setting up an exact schedule by monitoring weather forecasts and the availability of vendor resources before the bid process was even completed. By explaining in detail to the client how each phase would be approached, many potential problems were eliminated. Client communication continued throughout the project; Keating’s input was welcomed and she was kept up-to-date every step of the way.

This thorough approach to project management allowed Trimark Mechanical to overcome several obstacles unique to this project. The electrical wiring in the Kimco property was older and not up to code. The county would not approve the newly installed air conditioning unit until the wiring was brought up to code. Despite a change in the scope of the job, Trimark Mechanical worked with Kimco and county inspectors to update the electrical system and ready the new air conditioner to pass inspection.

Not only was the new unit installed in a short period of time, Trimark kept the 20,000 square feet cool during the electrical upgrade, allowing the kids at the The NOVA South Baseball Training Academy to train hard and hone their skills in a cooled facility.

In the end, Kimco kept their tenant comfortable and happy.

Trimark goes out of their way to complete work quickly and make sure the client is satisfied. Even when faced with unforeseen problems, Trimark’s staff never bats an eye. They just take care of it.

Sliding Into Home

After the air conditioning unit was installed, Trimark Mechanical capitalized on another opportunity to deepen a valuable relationship and show that it is a leader in HVAC project management. Whether it is a longtime client or a first time customer, Trimark Mechanical Services cares for its clients with the same diligence.

Trimark Mechanical prides itself on its thorough communications procedures to deal swiftly and efficiently with the unexpected. Trimark’s trained professionals and dedicated staff guarantee client satisfaction and long-term success with a job done right.

Play Ball with Trimark Mechanical

Trimark Mechanical Services is a division of the Trimark Corporation. With over 30 years of expertise in commercial property management, Trimark Mechanical has traversed the Capital beltway providing HVAC and plumbing services to the DC metropolitan area, Richmond, Va. and Baltimore, MD commercial properties. Trimark’s certified HVAC experts and plumbers are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to fulfill annual service agreements and
on an as-needed basis.