In our cold climate, it’s important for central heating systems in offices, schools, hospitals, and other commercial buildings to be in top shape for the long winter ahead. However, the maintenance required for every HVAC system depends on the type of heating equipment in the facility, as each system generates and distributes heat differently.
Custom Aire installs and maintains all types of commercial heating equipment. In this blog, we want to highlight commercial boilers, as they are the heating method for nearly a quarter of industrial buildings.
If you own or maintain a building that is heated with a commercial boiler, or are thinking about installing a boiler in a new construction project, read below to learn more about the benefits of these systems and how to ensure your equipment operates efficiently for years to come.
How do commercial boilers work?
Commercial boilers are pressurized systems that use electricity or combustible fuel to heat up water in a large tank and then distribute the generated heat through pipes in a building. Occupants stay warm from the thermal radiation, or the emission of heat energy from baseboard heaters or radiators in each area of a facility.
What are the benefits of heating your building with a boiler?
Energy Efficiency
Commercial boilers are inherently energy efficient, because water conducts thermal energy quickly and retains heat longer than air. They also are less likely to develop leaks in their system, because they use pipes instead of ductwork, which saves energy.
All boilers have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating that refers to the percentage of fuel that is successfully converted into usable heat. For example, a commercial boiler with an AFUE score of 90 means that 90% of the energy produced keeps occupants warm, while 10% escapes through the chimney or other opening. Investing in a commercial boiler with an AFUE rating of at least 87% for your business results in lower energy bills if your HVAC system is properly maintained.
Even Heat Distribution
Because boilers use the process of thermal radiation to distribute heat in your building, the energy is evenly distributed to each area of your facility. They can also run for long periods of time, providing consistent heat for occupants, as long as the heating system is balanced correctly for the required heating load.
How often do you maintain a commercial boiler?
Like any commercial HVAC system, boiler systems should be inspected by a certified HVAC professional at least once a year to ensure the system is operating safely and efficiently. With their hot temperatures, pressurized tanks, and other potential hazards, it’s important for building owners and operators to leave boiler maintenance to the experts.
Water quality also needs to be inspected during annual maintenance appointments, as dirty water in your heating system diminishes efficiency and increases the risk of your heat exchangers, air separators, and pumps breaking down.
Custom Aire offers a range of Energy Savings Maintenance Agreements (ESMA) that provide cost-saving opportunities and custom service appointments to business owners that fit your schedule and budget.
To learn more about our services or to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC equipment, contact our experienced team at Custom Aire today!
