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Increase Efficiency Through Cleanliness

Big facilities make big messes. Whether it be metal casting, paint development, or manufacturing of parts for automobiles and tractors, cleanup is key to the upkeep of a facility, as well as productivity overall for a company.

Employee performance begins to drop as soon as your employees have mild discomfort; for example, itchy eyes, dry throat, and lethargicness. Discomfort of employees is linked directly to the output your facility sees. Many of these discomforts are connected to the cleanliness of your industrial plant. The less polluted your facility is, the less physical discomfort your employees will experience.

Discomfort leads to slower work and less productivity, but when employees are injured, it leads to missing days at a time, creating an inefficient environment.This can slow overall productivity for weeks at a time. Injuries occur in dirty and improperly cleaned work environments – in 2012, 11% of workers in foundry plants sustained injuries on the job. Frequently, these injuries are caused by employees cleaning spaces improperly; if this space is confined, or hard to clean safely, employees sustain injuries even faster. Employees who enter permit-only confined spaces can encounter oxygen deficiency, toxic chemicals, and engulfment – specialists are required if your confined spaces are to be cleaned properly and securely. Our personnel are trained to remove equipment from confined spaces, as well as ensure they are cleaned correctly. In order to avoid worker injuries caused by confined spaces, the use of industrial cleaners like Alpha Services must be utilized. A poor work environment leads to poor worker output: the sooner your business is cleaned using the industrial techniques Alpha Services offers, the better.

Large industrial plants are packed with machinery that must be upkept in order to maintain efficiency. Unplanned downtime due to maintenance needs, slower running machines, worn equipment can all be linked to cleaning needs. The cleaner your machinery, and the environment your machinery is in, the more efficient the factory. In addition to the cleanliness of machines, upkeep is just as important. Proper lubrication of machines is key to preservation of machinery. Industrial cleaners ensure that the lubrication used on your machinery is stored in a safe and clean environment to prevent oil contamination, which leads to equipment failure frequently. Once lubed, controlling the contamination of oil inside of a machine is just as important, and can be done through the use of specialists. The proactivity of keeping machines in working condition through environmental and pit cleaning leads to less inefficiencies in productivity. In addition to keeping machines running, keeping machines clean creates a longer life span through the reduction of wear and tear.

Many industrial plant managers and owners understand the importance of efficiency and productivity, but most don’t realize that a dirty workplace is statistically proven to be less productive. The importance of clean work environments spans all industries, as dirty workplaces breed injuries and create avoidable equipment repairs. All of this downtime, whether it be employees or machines, can easily be prevented by proper cleaning and maintenance of your overall facilities. Keep your business efficient by keeping it clean through the use of specialists in the industrial clean up business, like Alpha Services.

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Important Tips To Keep Your HVAC Running Longer

With summer right around the corner, there has never been a better time to check your HVAC system for any problems or issues. Your HVAC helps keep your facilities cool and comfortable during the summer heat. There are many benefits to maintaining your HVAC system. While you should always have a trained professional do a thorough inspection of your system, there are some simple measures you can take to help keep your HVAC system in great condition.

  1. Invest in a better air filter. I know this might seem like a waste of money, but all air filters are not created equal. Tons of bacteria particles exist in the air. These particles can cause illness and other health related problems. New high quality filters come with pleated filters that have an electrostatic charge that help catch harmful bacteria.
  2. You may notice that your air filter looks blacked or clogged. If this is the case, make sure and change it. On average, you should wait no more than 90 days to change your air filter. If you have pets, or an extra dirty work environment, you made need to change your filter more often.
  3. One of the easiest ways to keep your HVAC system running right is keeping it clear of debris and other obstructions. In the summer months especially, sticks twigs and grass can easily get caught in your outdoor units. Always make sure that lawn mower clippings and debris are blown away from the units.
  4. In summer, shut off the water supply to the furnace humidifier. In fall (or when you anticipate turning on the heat), replace the humidifier wick filter, set the humidistat to between 35% and 40% relative humidity, and turn on the water supply

While there are things that you can do yourself to keep your HVAC system in great condition, there are some things that you should leave to the professionals.

  1. A lose electrical connection is a disaster waiting to happen. Professional electrical connection tightening will greatly decrease the odds of shorts in the system.
  2. Just like almost all equipment, if your HVAC system isn’t properly lubricated then you will run into problems. Adding lubrication will reduce friction between moving parts, which will ultimately save you money by increasing efficiency.
  3. In the warm summer months you may be losing money if your evaporator and condenser coils are dirty. By cleaning them, you can expect to save money and increase efficiency.
  4. Whether you know it or not, your HVAC system produces condensate by running. This condensate drained into a collecting pan. If this goes unchecked, allege, mold and other bacteria can form which may prevent proper draining. This will lead to a possible overflow within the pan, which may cause water damage to your equipment. The best way to prevent this is by hiring a professional to clean your collecting pan.

When inspecting an HVAC system, it is always important to hire a professional with the skills and knowledge necessary to diagnosis and repair your system. Regular professional maintenance can help increase the life of your machine and keep it running properly. Alpha Services specializes in HVAC Cleaning and maintenance. Call us today for all your HVAC needs.

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Keep your Machinery in Good Working Order

Metal fabrication is the building of metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling.  Assembling is done through the process of welding.  Professional industrial metal fabrication and welding is used to manufacture, construct, produce, fabricate, or repair objects of metal.   It is also important to keep your machinery in good working condition with industrial machinery lubrication.

Metal fabrication involves cutting through the process of sawing, shearing or chiseling.  Fabrication also involves bending of materials through the process of hammering.  Assembling through the process of welding is another important factor of metal fabrication that joins materials using metals or thermoplastics by causing coalescence.  Cutting, bending and assembling are important features that make up the process of metal fabrication.

Once the fabrication process is complete, it is important to keep your equipment working properly.  A machine’s parts will eventually fail if they aren’t properly lubricated.  Lubricants are used to reduce friction and reduce heat.  The lifespan of a machine can be extended with industrial lubrication.  There has to be a perfect amount of lubrication to ensure the parts move freely.  If the lubricant in your equipment has not been appropriately selected with standard operating temperatures in mind, failure may result. With too much lubrication, there will be an accumulation of grease.  It is important to regulate the lubrication to keep your equipment in good working order.

Humidity can also play a huge role in a machine’s operation.  In Iowa, humidity levels are high, which can cause corrosion, resulting in the production of rust on your equipment.  To prevent rust build up, there are certain lubricants that can be used.  Lubricant saves you money by keeping your equipment running smoothly.  New equipment is expensive, so it is important to take care of the equipment you have.

Alpha Services prides itself on quality services.  Your industrial equipment will achieve the best services with Alpha’s industrial equipment services.  All of Alpha Services welders are trained and certified to ensure safety and quality services are achieved.  Consider Alpha Services for your metal fabrication, welding, or industrial machinery lubrication.

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Industrial Cleaning Services that all Companies Should Invest In

Ditch your traditional cleaning methods, and reach out to Alpha Services to provide you with industrial cleaning services.  Cleaner workspaces allow employees and customers to breathe cleaner air. The cost of your industrial equipment is high, so protect it by investing in industrial cleaning services today!

That traditional vacuum and mop you’ve been using is leaving residue behind!  Industrial vacuuming removes liquids, sludge and dense materials in a variety of industrial settings.  Cleaners eliminate these health problems because they clean without spreading the debris and dust.

There are dust particles, bacteria, and allergens trapped in your carpet that builds up over time.  A deep clean might be exactly what your flooring surfaces need! Alpha will do all the work for you, vacuuming confined spaces, roofs, rafters, silos, tanks, ductwork, mixers, stacks, and industrial ovens to remove any built up materials.

Without industrial vacuuming, the particles and bacteria from the carpet are released into the air and can cause sickness in the workplace.  Although the industrial cleaning services cost money, in the long run, money is saved that would have been spent on employee health issues.

Other popular industrial cleaning services include pit cleaning, power washing, dock cleaning, and confined space cleaning.  Consider the following cleaning services to ensure your business provides a clean and safe environment for your employees.

Large holdings of waste, storm water, sledge, or grease can cause problems. Over time, they may build up so materials can no longer pass through sewers and drains.  This blockage of waste poses a threat to the environment, releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere. Car washes, elevators, community sewers, and factories can benefit from pit cleaning services.

Power washing is high pressure water washing that is a safe, cost-effective method of cleaning interior and exterior surfaces that accumulate grime, sludge and oil that have built up on your buildings or equipment.

No delivery driver wants to deliver goods to an unsanitary loading dock.  Cleaning your loading dock is the last thing on your list of to-do’s, but it’s important. Dirt, residue, and spilled materials reside on the floor of trucks that haul supplies and food. These materials are transferred to your loading docks when shipments arrive.  Take the necessary precautions and get your loading dock cleaned today.

Confined space cleaning is a highly complex and in some cases a dangerous job which should only be undertaken by trained professionals using the latest equipment. A confined space may have enough room for a staff member, but not much else.  Equipment such as cleaning tanks, silos, and other industrial equipment can be dangerous. Injuries related to confined spaces could be prevented if a professional does the task.

Consider Alpha Services for all your industrial cleaning services today!

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3 Reasons to Get Your Parking Lot Painted

If you are a new company or want to re-paint an existing parking lot, Alpha Services provides line painting services for your business. Why is line painting important? 3 reasons. Curb appeal, safety, and convenience.

Curb appeal starts in your parking lot. When your existing parking lot lines begin to fade away, it doesn’t look good. Fresh, newly painted lines look great. It seems like a minimal task to worry about, but it increases the appeal of your parking lot. Your parking lot is the very first thing that customers or clients see when they come to your business.  A freshly painted parking lot makes a positive first impression, before they even walk in the doors.

Line painting provides your parking lot with increased safety and traffic control markings that are essential to promote safety regulations in your parking lot.  If your company has large amounts of traffic, crosswalk markings may be necessary for pedestrian safety.  Parking lot markings also notifies drivers of the correct locations they can park.  Handicapped designated parking spots should be clearly defined by pavement markings near the entryway.  If there are “employee only” parking zones these should be notified by pavement markings or signs.  One way traffic lanes should be marked to help avoid traffic jams or accidents. Cars that can’t see the parking lines often tend to park wherever they want.  Clear, bold markings help to ease confusion and allow for a smooth traffic flow in the parking lot.

If you have a small parking lot, a large amount of customers or employees, or frequently host large events, it is important that you have clearly defined parking spots. When the lines are faded, drivers tend to take up multiple spaces and this could impact the capacity of your lot and cost you business.

It is a lot more convenient for a driver when the pavement lines are easily seen. Many drivers won’t park in a lot that has a bad parking situation, in fear that their car might get damaged by door dings.  Having clearly defined parking spots eases the mind of every driver and is convenient for the average driver wanting to park at your business without the hassle.  When customers or clients spend less time parking or in traffic jams, they spend more time in your business. Upgrading your parking lot lines can benefit you and your consumers.

When there is snow on the ground, the lines on the pavement become less visible to drivers.  It is absolutely necessary to make sure that you take the necessary steps to ensure your business has a safe parking lot.

Don’t put your company at risk. Alpha Services can help you upgrade your parking lot with their professional line painting services.

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Benefits of HVAC Duct Cleaning for Your Business

What is HVAC Cleaning?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.  Over time, the air ducts in buildings and houses accumulate dust, dander, chemicals, mold and other contaminants that can affect the overall air quality.  HVAC cleaning is the process of cleaning out the air ducts to remove all debris from the inside walls of your ducts.

Why is HVAC Cleaning Important? 

Dirty air ducts can lead to many problems in the workplace. Most importantly, it can cause health problems among employees. Allergy related illness can often result from breathing in contaminated air, as a result from dirty air ducts.  When employees feel sick, their productivity decreases.  Get your buildings air ducts cleaned if you start to notice an increased number in employee absentees or decreased productivity.

Dirty air ducts can also increase your energy costs.  Debris in the ducts often blocks the passageway for air or heat, and results in the system overworking to try to maintain the desired temperature in your building.  When your heating and cooling system has to work harder, it can decrease the lifespan of the system. To increase cost-effectiveness, get your air ducts cleaned.

The overall air quality of a building with dirty ducts contains many contaminants.  The particles in the air, that live in your ducts, are circulated throughout the air and then re-circulated through the ducts about five times throughout the day.  There can be substantial mold growth inside ducts or other components of your heating and cooling system, and it’s important to get the mold removed before it contaminates other areas of your building or home.

When Should I get my Air Ducts Cleaned?

Most certified air duct cleaners will tell you to get your ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years.  Although it might be difficult to visibly see the contaminants inside your air ducts without special equipment, there are certain circumstances when you should get your ducts cleaned. After your building or home has undergone construction, a lot of debris is floating around the air.  The sawdust from the renovation filters into the air ducts, clogging them with unnecessary contaminants.

When moving into a new building or house, getting the ducts cleaned is also a smart decision.  If the building was previously owned, you may be unaware of their previous living or working environment.  They might have had an infestation of rodents, mold growth, or had lots of pets. Getting your ducts cleaned can eliminate the potential for allergen related symptoms to arise later on.

If you are experiencing decreased air flow through your vents, it could be the result of clogged ducts. For example, if you find yourself turning your heat way up in order to maintain a comfortable living atmosphere, your ducts probably need cleaned.  You could also try replacing your furnace filter and getting your furnace cleaned.  Sometimes this does the job, and eliminates the need for HVAC cleaning.

Know the Signs of Reliable HVAC Cleaners 

Hire someone that you know will do a good job.  With a good cleaner, comes a price.  For entire house cleaning, average prices range from $300 to $500 dollars, depending on the square footage of your house.  For buildings and office spaces, the price will range depending on the size of the building and the number of ducts that need cleaning. Avoid the cleaning specials that seem too good to be true, because they’re probably a scam. Cleaning air ducts isn’t a quick process.  A good duct cleaning should take time.  If the duct cleaners are in and out in an hour, they probably didn’t do a good job.

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