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The Basics of Elevator ADA Requirements

3/28/2022

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For many people, elevators are the preferred mode of transportation in multi-floor buildings. For some, they’re not just preferred, they’re a necessity. Elevators are essential for providing equal access to spaces for those with disabilities and mobility issues.

​As such, there are certain requirements imposed upon elevator services to ensure that these individuals get the assistance they need. Among those are regulations created and upheld by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here are a few broad ways ADA restrictions impact the elevator industry.

 
Locations
Elevators need to be located in places that are easily accessible, like a hallway with heavy foot traffic or lobby of a building, to ensure all people have quick access to the elevators.
 
Controls
Elevator control panels need to be fully operational, reachable, accessible in braille, placed beside the elevator doors, and accompanied by lights indicating the direction the elevator is moving so that everyone is able to reach, operate, and understand the mechanisms at play.
 
Size
Elevator doors and interior should be wide enough for wheelchairs users to enter, exit, and ride accompanied by one additional passenger.
 
Surfaces
Elevator floors should be slip-resistant without any loose tiles, floorboards, or carpets, accompanied by adequate hand rails to prevent falls.
 
Emergency Services
In case of accidents, malfunctions, and other emergencies, elevators require accessible emergency call buttons in plain view that connect passengers to rescue service dispatchers via telephone or video communications.
 
As an elevator service company, it is your responsibility to adhere to these requirements to ensure the safety and comfort of your elevator passengers. And as for emergency services, Insta Answer is available for elevator dispatching services 24/7. Give us a call today to get started.
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COVID's Effect on HVAC Equipment Availability

3/28/2022

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The global COVID-19 pandemic brought many industries to their knees, including the HVAC equipment industry. The unfortunate events have led to equipment and parts shortages. Some significant challenges contributing to the situation include:
 
  • Manufacturing delays: Many factories shut down when the pandemic hit. When they reopened, they faced staffing challenges due to CDC guidelines, causing delays in manufacturing.
  • Equipment shortages: Manufacture delays brought about equipment shortages, including a limited supply of finished AC units and water heaters. Consequently, it's difficult for contractors to keep up with installation and repair demands.
  • Spike in residential demand: The summer of 2020 saw an increase in residential demand for HVAC, especially conditioners, because of the July heatwave in Eastern North Carolina.
 
How It Will Get Worse
The HVAC is undergoing a worker shortage, with the demand for skilled workers outpacing the number of qualified applicants. This is because skilled trades workers are exiting the labor market, especially as the Baby Boomers retire. In the transport sector, the worker shortage limits the number of trucks hauling HVAC replacement parts.
 
The problem will also get worse as semiconductors continue to experience a shortage. These are tiny electronic chips responsible for keeping appliances running. The slow production of semiconductors will slow down production elsewhere.
 
What That Means for Your Plumbing Business
The demand for HVAC equipment and installation has risen with the pandemic, which is attractive for businesses. However, it is a disadvantage because equipment and personnel shortages can make it challenging to fulfill the demand.
 
Since your business isn't immune to the effects of the pandemic, it's essential to maintain excellent relationships with your suppliers. This will help you keep equipment in inventory and minimize price increases for the customer. While it would be inevitable to increase prices in some cases, ensure you do all you can to keep the price spikes manageable.
 
For help on how to handle the growing demand for HVAC services amid the pandemic, Insta Answer is your go-to resource. Contact us now to see how we'll manage your calls!
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5 Steps to Better Budgetting in 2022

3/21/2022

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If you're new to budgeting, you may not know where to begin. A budget is crucial to understanding and directing your financial flow. Whether you've struggled to make one in the past, or are new to financial planning, these tips can help you out:

1. Preparing your Budget
Start off by creating specific timelines for each step along the way to create a sense of urgency, which is important for any service business. You may want to involve your management team for input on specific budget numbers for every section of your business. While at it, be sure to access any historical data for building your business plan and budget.

2. Getting Buy-ins
Budgeting is much more than just crunching the numbers. You are also budgeting people, so you need to hold a meeting with your staff to get buy-ins. Let them know what you have in mind for business, or them, going forward, and any other goal you have.

3. Building the Budget
Since the budget isn't a business plan in any way, you need to be sure it provides direction for your next financial year. It helps you set goals, and be able to measure them in due time. It becomes your daily guide that leads you to your long-term goals.

4. Budget Implementation
A budget you can't implement would be of no use to your business. It requires you to set realistic goals that can be achieved within a given timeframe. You should also be ready to make any adjustments along the way since some goals may change, or unforeseen eventualities happen.

5. Budget Execution
If you know your business has enough financial muscle to stay the course, you can begin to execute the budget. It's during the execution that you review the cost-benefit analysis, decide how best to achieve your goals, and coordinate and communicate the budget.

Budgeting can be quite complicated if you don't what to look for, or where to start. Insta-Answer can take care of your customer service needs, so you can attend to other important matters of your business, such as budgeting. Let our virtual receptions step in when you step out to attend to other issues. Call Insta-Answer to see how we'll handle your calls.
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