Effective O&M (Operations and Maintenance) is one of the most cost-effective methods for ensuring reliability, safety, and energy efficiency. Inadequate maintenance of energy-using systems is a major cause of energy waste in both the Commercial and the Residential sector energy.

Losses from cooling, water and air leaks, un-insulated pipes, maladjusted or inoperable equipment, and other losses from poor maintenance are often considerable. Good maintenance practices can generate substantial energy savings and should be considered a resource. Moreover, improvements to facility maintenance programs can often be accomplished immediately and at a relatively low cost.

O&M ARE THE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE PERFORMANCE OF ROUTINE, PREVENTIVE, PREDICTIVE, SCHEDULED, AND UNSCHEDULED ACTIONS AIMED AT PREVENTING EQUIPMENT FAILURE OR DECLINE WITH THE GOAL OF INCREASING EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY, AND SAFETY.
Operational Efficiency represents the life-cycle cost-effective mix of preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance technologies, coupled with equipment calibration, tracking, and computerized maintenance management capabilities all targeting reliability, safety, occupant comfort, and system efficiency.

Energy Savings and beyond
It has been estimated that O&M programs targeting energy efficiency can save 5% to 20% on energy bills without a significant capital investment. From small to large sites, these savings can represent thousands to hundreds-of-thousands of dollars each year, and many can be achieved with minimal cash outlays.

A well-functioning O&M program is a safe O&M program. Equipment is maintained properly mitigating any potential hazard arising from deferred maintenance.

A well functioning O&M program means not always answering complaints. Rather, it is proactive in its response and corrects situations before they become problems. This model minimizes callbacks and keeps occupants satisfied while allowing more time for scheduled maintenance.