Commercial boilers are among the most essential parts of a business. They may be running behind the scenes, but they keep building and workplace temperatures comfortable. Without a properly functioning boiler, work inside your building might lag or even stop. Boilers typically last for more than a decade too, so it’s crucial to purchase a commercial boiler that’s right for your business. When choosing your commercial boiler, here’s what you have to consider:
Type of Boiler
There are generally two types of boilers: firetube and watertube.
In a firetube boiler, water is held inside a vessel, with the tubes around it containing combustion gases. It’s the cheaper option, although it can only produce heat and pressure at a limited range. If you’re looking for a constant supply of steam or hot water and you don’t need as much heat, then a firetube boiler might work better for you. Another benefit is that it’s easier to install and operate.
On the other hand, a watertube boiler is much more powerful. It’s available in larger sizes, and it’s capable of generating higher temperatures. Compared to a firetube boiler, it has the opposite design: water is inside the tubes, which are surrounded by the combustion gases. It’s also safer to use, although because of the added power, it’s much more expensive. This is the option for you if you need high heat and pressure and you’re expecting your boiler to handle a varied load.
Energy Efficiency
With the Climate Change Act, the UK is prioritising cutting emissions down to half by 2050. Businesses are expected to help with this, and a commercial boiler that’s energy-efficient will make your operations more environmentally friendly. Efficiency refers to how well a boiler can convert fuel into heat. In terms of business advantages, an energy-efficient boiler will also cut down on your utility bills a lot, especially if you’re using it constantly.
Go for a boiler that’s at least 85% efficient. Boilers in the UK are clearly labelled with information about their efficiency and performance, so you can check this. You can even talk to the manufacturer or supplier for the boiler’s efficiency rating throughout its whole lifetime.
Size
The size of your boiler is very important because this determines how much heat it can produce. A bigger boiler will have a higher kilowatt output. Choose a boiler that’s too big, and you’ll constantly be paying more bills than necessary. However, a boiler that’s too small won’t be able to provide you with enough heat.
Most boilers fall within the energy range of 24 to 42 kilowatts. When you’re gauging the right size for your commercial boiler, think about what you’ll be using it for, along with factors such as the amount of space it’ll heat up, layout, and number of radiators. Get the dimensions too of where you’ll put it to make sure that it’ll fit properly.
Fuel
Boilers produce heat and steam from fuel. There are many types of fuel available, including natural gas, hot water, coal, oil, electricity, and propane gas. Some newer boilers even run on biomass and solar energy.
Many commercial boilers specifically run on gas, oil, or LPG. Gas is a common choice, but oil boilers can last longer, reaching up to 25 years, while LPG boilers have the cheapest upfront cost out of the three. Whatever fuel you choose for your boiler must be readily accessible.
Installation
Beyond your boiler’s upfront specifications, look into how it’ll be installed too. For boilers that are difficult to install, the installation cost might be more expensive than the boiler itself!
Technicians are likely to charge you lower for light, compact boilers. Where your boiler will be installed will also affect the price. A boiler room that’s located conveniently will make the process quicker. Boilers that hang from walls are popular, while floor-standing boilers can be squeezed into smaller spaces without much effort. On top of this, you also have to consider if you’ll be making adjustments to your existing pipework so it can connect properly with your boiler.
Support and Maintenance
Purchasing a commercial boiler is only the beginning. A boiler can last from ten to fifteen years or even higher, and throughout that time, you’ll have to regularly maintain it so it’ll continue working safely.
For this reason, you’ll have to check the individual parts of the boiler and ask whether they can be replaced quickly when they break down. Are spare parts readily available? Parts that take a long time to obtain or install can slow down your business processes because your boiler won’t be working.
Because a commercial boiler is a major investment, it should have a reliable warranty. The length of the warranty signifies how much trust the manufacturer has in their product. Look at the small print so you can catch every detail, and choose a boiler with an extended warranty.
Scheduling consistent maintenance in advance goes a long way towards making sure your boiler works all winter and remains in tip-top condition. Even at the time of purchase, you can already opt for an annual maintenance plan. This way, as long as your boiler’s also from a quality brand, you can expect it to run smoothly for several years.
When you choose a commercial boiler, you’ll have to allot time for researching, evaluating different models, and talking to engineers about boiler installation and servicing. By doing a thorough evaluation of your options and considering the factors listed above, you can arrive at a boiler that’s a great fit for your business, saving you energy and money over the long run.
