Commercial boilers are generally those with a capacity of 300,00o Btu/hour, though there are a few boilers designed for commercial purposes with a lower thermal output.
Used to supply both hot water and heat in larger buildings, as well as for powering industrial equipment, these hydronic systems are not subject to Canada’s Energy Efficiency regulations and also are not eligible for Energy Star qualification.
Boiler Maintenance and Repair
Boilers typically lose about 20% of their heat up chimneys and flues, and this can be made worse by inadequate boiler maintenance. The most common methods of maximizing boiler efficiency, and minimizing operating costs, are:
- Improving combustion system efficiency
- Reducing air volume while maintaining satisfactory combustion
- Ensuring boiler casing integrity to minimize air/heat leaks
- Improved heat exchanger efficiency
The main purpose of using commercial boilers is cost efficiency, and that efficiency can only be achieved through proper maintenance and repair services.
Boiler Service Contractors
Boiler repair and scheduled maintenance are crucial for proper boiler operation and contracting with a highly qualified heating contractor is the best way to assure this. In the Vancouver area, Efficient Furnace is such a contractor, with highly-trained, certified technicians who can maintain your central boiler system, electric boiler or any other large-capacity, hydronic heating system.
New Commercial Boiler Technology
Some new and advanced technologies are being used to help offset heat loss, such as:
- Pulse combustion creates rapid combustion pulses in the boiler’s combustion chamber, resulting in more efficient heat transfer
- Fan-assisted combustion eliminates the need for dilution air and improves fuel mixing of fuel to increase efficiency
- Sealed combustion ensures that air required for combustion comes from outside and not from heated indoor areas
- Motorized dampers prevent heat escaping up the chimney by automatically closing the flue at idle
- Electric ignition eliminates wasteful, fuel-powered pilot flames
Older boiler systems are particularly inefficient, losing considerable heat energy through flue gases. Upgrading to newer systems with the enhanced technology listed above, along with more reliable boiler parts and better boiler controls, can be costly but well worth the investment in the long run.
If your commercial or industrial facility currently has an old boiler, it would be a wise move to consult a commercial boiler service expert about the possibility of upgrading to newer, more efficient and reliable technology. Doing so can make a substantial and positive difference to your business’s bottom line.
By: Andrew Lake