As the temperature drops, a well-maintained furnace becomes essential to keeping your space warm and comfortable. Regular furnace upkeep not only improves efficiency but also extends its lifespan and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Here are ten furnace maintenance tips to help keep your building warm and comfortable all season long.

  1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and reducing its efficiency. Replace or clean the filter every one to three months during the heating season, depending on usage and filter type.

  1. Keep Vents and Registers Clear

Blocked vents and registers can cause uneven heating and strain your furnace. Make sure vents are unobstructed by furniture, curtains, equipment, or other objects to promote proper airflow throughout your building.

  1. Inspect the Thermostat

Test your thermostat to ensure it’s accurately reading the temperature and communicating with your furnace. If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to improve efficiency and control over your heating schedule.

  1. Check the Furnace Flame

Your furnace’s flame should burn a steady blue. If it’s yellow or flickering, there could be a combustion issue, potentially involving carbon monoxide. Contact a professional to inspect and resolve any flame irregularities.

  1. Clean Around the Furnace

Dust, debris, and other items near the furnace can restrict airflow and pose a fire hazard. Keep the area around your furnace clean and clear to allow for efficient operation and safe access.

  1. Test the Carbon Monoxide Detector

Since furnaces can produce carbon monoxide, it’s essential to have a functioning carbon monoxide detector nearby. Test it regularly and replace batteries as needed to ensure you’re alerted to any potential leaks.

  1. Inspect and Clean the Blower Motor

The blower motor is key to distributing warm air throughout your building. If you’re comfortable, check the blower for dust and dirt buildup and gently clean it as needed. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or consider having a professional perform this maintenance.

  1. Lubricate Moving Parts

Over time, moving parts in your furnace may experience friction, leading to wear and tear. Lubricate motor bearings and other moving components as recommended by the manufacturer to keep your furnace running smoothly.

  1. Schedule an Annual Professional Tune-Up

A professional technician can perform a thorough inspection, identify potential issues, and handle complex maintenance tasks. Scheduling an annual tune-up helps ensure that your furnace is operating safely and efficiently all winter long.

  1. Monitor Furnace Performance

Take note of any unusual sounds, smells, or temperature fluctuations. If your furnace is cycling on and off frequently or struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, it may be time for a check-up.

Keep Your Furnace in Top Condition All Season

A few simple maintenance steps can make a big difference in your furnace’s performance and efficiency. By following these tips, you can enjoy a cozy, comfortable space and help your furnace run smoothly throughout the winter months. And remember— our directory features a variety of reliable, local HVAC companies to choose from if issues arise. 

Common Types of Construction Projects

It’s obvious that a commercial building’s construction process is different from residential construction for a homeowner. However, the requirements for commercial and industrial construction projects vary widely depending on the type of building being built, the intended purpose of the facility, and its necessary functionality.

Commercial building projects can be broken down into several categories, each with its own unique requirements. Identifying where your project fits into these groups will ultimately help you locate a commercial construction company that specializes in the type of work you need. Keep reading to learn more about the features, and thought-provoking questions to answer for some of the most common commercial properties types.

Read more

Updated building built by a member of the builders association

Your physical building is a key part of your business. It is something that your customers instantly recognize about your company, and where you and your employees will be spending a great deal of time each week. So, it is important to make sure that your building is safe, up-to-date, and overall, a place where employees and customers alike enjoy their time. But these are just a few of the key benefits of staying on top of building maintenance. Here are some reasons why building maintenance and construction are so crucial, and how an updated building can guarantee continuous growth and success for your company.

Read more

public commerical contracters associated with the builders association

Hiring a general contractor for a commercial construction project can be a difficult decision, and should require extensive research on the companies you are considering. A great way to gain more information is to simply ask questions when you make your initial inquiry. But what questions should you ask to help determine which company is right for your project? Here are a few specific questions you can ask a general contractor when starting the process of building a commercial building: Read more

The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania hits the target with a clay shooting competition to raise money for pre-apprentice programs, scholarships and education costs.

More than 70 participants from the building trades broke into foursomes for the first annual Bustin’ Clays with the Builders on October 24 at the Lawrence County Sportsman’s Club.

The fundraiser directly impacts the next generation of skilled workers, helping students enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs move closer to their career goals.

“This event is all about generating money for our workforce development efforts with the pre-apprenticeship programs,” said Kevin Reilly, executive vice president of The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. “We’re doing everything we can to give these students a great start—providing tools, boots, and other essentials they need to move from education to skilled trades.”

Targeting the Next Generation

The Builders Association has long been a champion of workforce development in the region, particularly through its pre-apprenticeship programs. They serve high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the trades, giving them the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

There are 21 area schools with pre-apprenticeship programs – reaching about 700 students annually. These students learn the ins and outs of various trades and gain hands-on experience through projects that are judged by industry professionals.

“We want these kids to have a clear path from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship, and then into a full-fledged trade career,” Reilly said.

The event also supports a springtime pre-apprentice competition, where students showcase their skills in a judged contest. Top performers and their schools are awarded tools, further enhancing their readiness to join the workforce.

“It’s about giving them what they need, and Bustin’ Clays with the Builders is a big part of making that happen.”

Reilly applauded the sponsors who stepped up to make the event a success. Western Reserve Building Trades served as the partner sponsor, and Bodine and Company was the shotgun shell sponsor.

Walking Away with the Winnings

While the scores were being tallied, participants enjoyed lunch provided by Woody’s BBQ food truck. Prizes were awarded to the best shooters for high overall score, high overall team and sixth place winner.

 

There were also plenty of raffle prizes ranging from a new shotgun, insulated cooler and thousands of dollars’ worth of high-end tools – donated by Power Tool and Supply.

A side competition called the “impossible shot” allowed participants to pay for a chance to make a nearly impossible shot for a prize. Two people had the same score, so a tiebreaker shootout later declared the winner.

Taking Another Shot

Response to the inaugural Bustin’ Clays with the Builders has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We were really happy with the turnout and the support from our sponsors,” Reilly said. “We’re definitely planning to do this again next year. It was a great way to bring everyone together while also supporting such an important cause.”

As the region continues to experience growth and demand for skilled workers, events like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow has the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.

“It’s about helping these kids build their future. We’re just giving them the tools to get started.”

For information about The Builders Association’s pre-apprenticeship programs, or apprenticeship opportunities, email Gary Hartman or call 330-539-6050.

Framework of commercial facility under construction by local commercial contractors.

If you’re just starting to price your next commercial construction project, you may notice that national contractors sometimes appear to be cheaper than local construction companies. That’s typically because national companies can leverage their size to get better rates on materials, equipment and (sometimes) labor. 

However, there’s a lot more to completing a construction project than just economies of scale. Local general contractors bring expertise that can help your next project run smoothly, avoiding problems and delays that lead to major cost overruns. 

Let’s take a look at the top 8 advantages of working with a local business when completing your next commercial project Read more

New Commercial Building with metal framing under construction.

Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an established company, you need a building! But the question is, should you try buying a pre-existing commercial property and make it your own, or should you do a custom commercial property buildout to fit your needs? Like any major decision, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The answer depends on your business, your location, and the time/money you can allocate. 

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the course of your next commercial construction project:

Read more

The Builders Association broke ground in 2018 on a new, $1.5 million, 4,000+ square-foot office building. That news, alone, is noteworthy because it is another project that will provide economic development in the region. What made this project unique is how the structure itself would be a symbolic representation of the Association’s history, its critical role in today’s construction community, and its commitment to the region’s future.

The structure was  built on existing Builders property – right in front of the current Builders offices and much closer to the curb along Route 193 in Vienna. On top of being economically smart, remaining on the same plot of land that The Builders have based operations from since its inception is a purposeful tribute to the Association’s successful history.

Key members of this project joined together to break ground at the event. They are, left to right: Mark Zeidenstein, L. Calvin Jones & Co.; Jim Santini, Jim Santini Builder Inc.; Sam Boak, Boak & Sons; Joe DeSalvo, DeSalvo Construction; Jeff Mason, Youngstown Tile and Terrazzo Co.; Jerry Zreliak, I.C. Electric, Inc.; Jeff Donatelli, Donatelli Electric; Patrick Lankey, Axiom Architects; Robert Donatelli, Donatelli Electric; and Kevin Reilly, The Builders.

The Builders Association also celebrated its 50th year in 2019, making this building, which was completion in June – a living milestone.

Architecturally, the building is a mix of large windows, metal paneling and brick, while inside features open office space, conference rooms, and plenty of natural lighting and storage. exposed beams, ceilings and ductwork – another strategy designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the 15 skilled trades that Association Members service.

As many members of The Builders as possible were used to complete the work, with DeSalvo Construction as general contractor and Axiom as the architect.

“We host a lot of meetings, seminars, training sessions and events in our offices, which creates a steady flow of traffic. We wanted to design the new building to showcase the type of workforce our members bring to a job site,” said Reilly.

Buildings & Grounds Committee Chair Jerry Zreliak of I.C. Electric explains the project to attendees

 

Off to a Great Start

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by civic leaders, architects, the media, and members of The Builders. Kevin Reilly, The Builders’ Executive Vice-President, and Patrick Lankey, principal of Axiom Architects, presented the project’s plans, expected outcomes, and benefits of the facility to attendees. The traditional “first dig” included key Builders members who are helping to spearhead the project. The event attracted media attention as well. Take a look:

WFMJ.com

WKBN.com

Youngstown Business Journal

 

Stay in the Loop

To keep members, the industry and the public informed about the progress of its new building, look for a dedicated section on the home page of our website (TheBuildersOnline.com) to track the project. There you will see updated photos, feature articles, and other news about this special project.

“The Builders Association has been an integral part of the region’s construction industry for five decades, and we intend to remain in that role for years to come,” Reilly added. “This new building will serve as the perfect transition as we begin our next 50-year journey.”

For a second consecutive year, maximum fines for Department of Labor safety and health agencies has increased, to keep pace with inflation. The 1.02 percent increase is in line with the Consumer Price Index inflation rate as of October 2017.  OSHA made the announcement earlier this month.

Read more

Construction worker looking over commercial project plans.

Technology has transformed our lives in countless ways, and now it is revolutionizing the way we live in our homes. The concept of smart homes, equipped with intelligent devices and automated systems, is gaining rapid popularity in residential construction. From enhanced comfort and convenience to increased energy efficiency and security, smart homes offer an array of benefits for homeowners. In this blog, the builders provide insight on the rise of smart homes and the integration of technology into residential construction.

Read more