When HVAC systems fail or high-reach maintenance is required, facilities maintenance teams often rely on rented equipment to bridge the gap. Rentals offer a solution for accessing specialized tools without the cost and upkeep of ownership.
In this manufacturer roundtable, Facility Maintenance Decisions spoke with industry experts to understand the most rented equipment types, the reasons behind their popularity and how rentals can support many different operational tasks.
FMD: What types of equipment are most frequently rented by facilities maintenance teams?
“Facilities maintenance teams most often rent portable air conditioners and heaters for fast, flexible temperature control during HVAC outages, maintenance or seasonal shifts. Spot coolers are crucial for keeping server rooms, offices and event spaces cool, while portable heaters are key for warming up unheated areas. Both are easy to deploy and ideal for temporary use. Dehumidifiers and air movers are also common rentals, mainly for moisture control and drying, but cooling and heating remain top priorities for maintaining comfort and preventing downtime.”
— Jerry Stoll, general manager, Carrier Rentals and Spot Coolers
“The power of rental is that it provides flexibility and access to specialized tools without the burden of ownership. This is essential for facilities teams managing tight budgets and various responsibilities. These teams tend to rent a wide variety of equipment based on their operational needs, but a few categories stand out.
Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP), such as scissor lifts and boom lifts, are frequently rented for high-reach tasks, whether changing light fixtures, repairing ceilings or performing exterior maintenance safely and efficiently.
Temporary climate control equipment, like portable air conditioners or heaters, is another standard rental for these teams, especially during HVAC system failures or extreme weather events. These units help maintain comfortable and safe conditions for building occupants.
Power generation equipment is often rented to provide backup during scheduled maintenance and unplanned outages, ensuring business continuity. Power is imperative in critical facilities, such as hospitals or data centers, so many turn to a rental provider for support.
Finally, floor care equipment — particularly scrubbers and increasingly, autonomous mobile robots — is growing in popularity. This equipment type allows teams to automate routine cleaning tasks, improve operational efficiency and reallocate staff to more complex or urgent work.”
— Brant Williams, vice president of sales, remediation, restoration and maintenance, Sunbelt Rentals
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
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