When Do You Need a New Commercial Boiler?

A commercial boiler is a closed vessel that generates steam or hot water for heating and industrial processing applications. The energy source used to heat the water varies from fuel oil natural gas to electricity.

Solar power is an alternative energy source for boilers. Commercial boilers are often larger than residential boilers because they have a larger area to heat.

If it has one, the boiler of your commercial HVAC system is one of its key components. If it’s not working correctly, your system won’t be able to do its job. So how do you know if it’s time to replace your commercial boiler?

If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it might be time to invest in a new commercial boiler:

1. Your boiler is more than ten years old
2. Your boiler requires frequent repairs
3. Your energy bills are increasing
4. Your boiler is not heating your building evenly

Let’s look at some facts about commercial boilers and why each sign above points to reasons it might be time to upgrade yours.

Age of a Commercial Heating Boiler Affects Its Performance

If your boiler is more than ten years old, it might not be energy efficient, and it may even be dangerous to your employees. In terms of efficiency, an old boiler will likely have a low AFUE rating, meaning that you’re not getting the most out of your investment.

In terms of safety, an old boiler may be more prone to breaking down and could potentially cause a fire. It’s important to remember that boilers do wear down over time, so even if your boiler is only ten years old, have it evaluated and think about replacing it.

Frequent Boiler Repairs Spell Trouble

If you’re dealing with frequent boiler repairs, it may be time to replace your commercial boiler. Many repairs are an indication that the boiler is breaking down and needs replacement before something catastrophic happens.

You’ll have to weigh the cost of repairs versus replacing the entire unit; if you’ve had recent significant repairs on a system that are hurting your bottom line and occur frequently, it’s time to replace the unit.

Increased Energy Bills Are a Sign It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler

If your energy bills are going up and you can’t find the reason, it may be because of an inefficient commercial boiler. If heat is escaping from around the unit or parts are failing, this will lower efficiency and cause your boiler to use more energy to heat your building.

A qualified technician can evaluate whether your boiler is the culprit behind your increased energy bills. It’s never a bad idea to look at the source of rising energy bills whether it’s your boiler, the weather, or from increased usage.

There Are Cold Spots and Hot Spots in Your Building

If you notice uneven temperatures in your building, that usually means that your boiler is not distributing heat evenly. Inconsistent temperatures cause discomfort for employees and customers.

In a retail environment, a colder store may lead customers to seek warmer environments elsewhere. In addition, hot spots can potentially lead to fires if combustible materials are too close to the unit.

If you need your commercial boiler inspected, repaired, or replaced, contact us or give us a call today at 301.417.9772!