Blog
What's Trendingat Ahern?
Ahern’s experts possess a wide range of knowledge that extends beyond system design, build, and maintenance. Our blog features a number of technical articles written by Ahern employees that range in topics from industry trends, maintenance tools and tips, to service information, and more.
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Improve Your Industrial Installation Efficiency
Ahern’s multi-trade and prefabrication services can help you improve your industrial installation efficiency and minimize downtime. Learn how we can help.

Standpipe Systems - Testing per NFPA 25
Standpipe systems consist of piping and hose connections installed throughout a building to provide reliable water for the manual suppression of a fire by either the fire department or trained personnel. Minimum requirements for standpipe inspections and testing are found in chapter 6...

Emergency Lighting Inspection, Testing, and Service
Did you know that you are required by law to regularly test your exit & emergency lighting systems? Do not take a chance with such serious matters: avoid serious liabilities and fines by having Ahern maintain and test the required exit and emergency lighting systems in your building...

Polar Vortex and Heating Systems
Building owners and occupants often ask two questions during, and immediately following polar vortex weather events: Why can't my heating equipment keep my building up to temperature when it is extremely cold outside? Can we install bigger equipment to make things work better when it...

How Lean Construction Practices Maximize Efficiency
Lean construction practices have been gaining popularity in the building industry. Learn about the benefits & how Ahern’s multi-trade prefabrication services can help.

Fire Protection Equipment & Systems to Improve Safety of Cold Storage, Warehouse & Distribution Facilities
Cold storage, warehouse, & distribution facilities present unique challenges when planning for fire protection equipment and systems. Learn how Ahern can help.

Career Fair Events- Fall 2022
You may have already seen the job fair advertisements on social media, in your local newspaper, or even heard them on the radio. Our Ahern employees will be at many different career fairs throughout this fall, and it is imperative that we get the word out as much as possible! Our...

Options Besides a FM-200 System
Clean agent fire suppression systems are commonly used in areas with heavy use of electronics, such as data centers, power plants, IT centers, record keeping, and office buildings. The main advantages of these systems are their ability to react quickly and extinguish fires before they...

The Importance of Combustion Analysis
Our team of HVAC technicians encourages equipment maintenance practices, such as combustion analysis for HVAC. These equipment maintenance practices verify equipment operating specifications are met for safe and efficient operations.

The Transition from Traditional Hard Hats to Safety Helmets
Traditionally, construction workers wear hard hats, a symbol of safety. As one of the oldest and most widely used pieces of personal protective equipment on the job, the traditional hard hat is the first line of defense when preventing...

Which Fire Extinguisher Should I Use?
Fire extinguishers are a first aid tool that should be kept within businesses for small first-response situations. Before purchasing an extinguisher, make sure you have a proper smoke alarm system set up and an evacuation plan in place; then you are ready to start looking....

Fire Protection Sprinkler System Training
Your company is ready to move into a new building – the painting is complete, windows are clean, and furniture is in place. What about your fire protection sprinkler system - is it in service and operational? These systems are commonly overlooked. What do you need to know about fire...

Elevators and Fire Sprinkler Suppression
The requirements for elevator sprinkler protection are located in NFPA 13, Chapter 8, The Standard for the Installation of Fire Sprinkler Systems. Although as a designer for over three decades I would recommend not stopping there. There is often disagreement between the responsible...

Troubleshooting Issues With Your HVAC System
You can have top-rated HVAC units and still experience issues. Here are five top HVAC issues and how to approach them. Indoor Air Quality Issues No smog allowed. When you’re breathing the same recycled air day in and day out, you want it to be good quality, clean and clear.

Tips for Valve Maintenance
Valve maintenance is important. The lifespan of a valve depends on its ability to function as intended. If not cared for properly, there can be many undesirable, costly, and potentially dangerous consequences. Despite the wide variety of valves that exist, there are some simple...

Industrial Pressure Vessels
Pressure vessels and boilers are widely used across industries for many purposes. They are available in varied specifications and an array of materials, with temperature and pressure limitations. There are many factors to consider when it comes to setting vessel specs and choosing the...

Is Your Sump Pump or Sanitary Lift Station Ready for the Spring Thaw?
Ten things to check make sure you’re ready: 1. Make sure your sump pump discharge piping is not frozen if it discharges outside. 2. If your sump pump system has a battery back-up, the battery should be tested annually. The battery back-up pump is only as good as the battery that is...

How Building Owners Can Benefit from PMA and ITM Programs
How does performing regular inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance affect your building systems? Mechanical Systems Planned maintenance will reduce a system’s energy consumption and extend its useful life. Well-maintained equipment also improves indoor air quality and comfort...

The Importance of Fire Pump Testing
What is a Fire Pump? Some fire protection sprinkler systems include a fire pump. The fire pump is used to increase the pressure when the water supply will not adequately support the hydraulic design for the fire protection system. To ensure the fire pump is performing as it was...

What is The Compliance Engine?
By Pat Galvin, Service Manager The Compliance Engine (TCE) is a third–party inspection process which notifies building owners of the need for inspection, testing, or maintenance. They also notify the sprinkler contractor of record for that building, who completes the necessary work to...