Preventative Maintenance: Keeping Campus Systems Running Strong
Date - June 6 2026
Across Florida State University’s campus, countless systems work around the clock to keep buildings comfortable, research spaces safe, and emergency resources ready when needed. Behind much of that work is the FSU Facilities Preventative Maintenance team, whose efforts help ensure critical equipment continues operating reliably every day.
Taking a forward-thinking approach to campus systems, the Preventative Maintenance team follows routine service schedules designed to identify issues early, improve efficiency, and extend the life of campus equipment. Every three months, crews inspect and maintain 704 air handlers, 416 emergency blue light poles, and 163 automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These systems play an important role in both campus comfort and safety, supporting everything from indoor air circulation to emergency response readiness.
In addition to quarterly maintenance, the team also completes yearly servicing for 1,811 fan coil units and reheats, 225 laboratory exhaust fans, and 638 exhaust fans across campus. This equipment helps regulate temperatures in buildings, maintain airflow, and support safe conditions in laboratory environments where ventilation is critical.
“We are the first line of defense. I want to thank the team for all the hard work they do every day, special thanks to Travis Watford, our program associate, who does all the ordering of material so we can get our job done in a timely manner,” said Mike Ochat, Preventative Maintenance Supervisor.
The majority of Preventative Maintenance’s work takes place above ceilings, inside mechanical rooms, or in areas most people never notice, but its impact is felt throughout campus every day. Through proactive maintenance and careful attention to detail, the Preventative Maintenance team helps reduce unexpected breakdowns, minimize disruptions, and keep FSU operating smoothly for students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike.