Practical Tips for Maintaining Commercial Condensing Boilers
A commercial boiler is an industrial piece of equipment used to transform energy (heat source) into a fluid (usually water or steam). Industrial-type boilers have a power greater than 70 kW.
Boiler efficiency is now real and demonstrated by several statistics and case studies. In general, the efficiency of commercial condensing boilers is superior.
However, it should not be forgotten that the efficiency of boilers can be affected by the quality of maintenance. So be vigilant in your maintenance processes.
Boiler Cost and Efficiency Management
Did you know that an annual adjustment of the combustion process (O₂ + fuel mixture, combustion air control, etc.) can result in energy and cost savings of up to 10 to 15%? Indeed, optimization and maintenance procedures can positively impact boiler efficiency.
There are normally three ways to maintain good energy performance in the use of boilers:
- Improved combustion efficiency.
- Reduction of losses external to the combustion chamber.
- Better control of the combustion furnace or boiler.
Boiler Maintenance
The simplest solution is still to subscribe to a maintenance program by commercial boiler service providers. According to the Energy Management Handbook, optimization and maintenance procedures can positively impact boiler efficiency in several ways:
- Adjust the proper air-fuel mixture (for forced draft boilers with adjustments). A specialist technician must carry it out.
- As applicable, maintenance of water supply treatment, automatic purge controls, etc.
- Cleaning the fireside and water side heat exchanger surfaces. Also, monitor the stack and heat exchanger approach temperature to prevent fouling.
- Maintain complete insulation systems on hot surfaces to control radiation losses.
- Sequencing multiple boilers to reduce partial load losses from lightly loaded equipment.
Here are the additional concepts to consider to remove unplanned stops:
Combustion test during start-up
Shortly before the cold season's arrival, the boilers are started. Before this start-up, ensure the filters are in place and clean. In addition, a general visual inspection of the unit should be carried out. Following start-up, a combustion test is strongly recommended.
Combustion test at full load
In the winter, the equipment operates at full capacity, and the combustion tests are the most appropriate. During this test, breakage or wear can be detected and may require repairs. Some of these repairs may need to be done immediately and others during the unit's end-of-season shutdown.
Stopping commercial condensing boilers
The boilers are usually shut down to start the cooling system. During this transition, a good practice is to start the chiller only a few days after stopping the boiler if the system uses the same water network. Also, a general visual inspection is in order.
Last but not least: Annual Maintenance
The first step in maintenance is assessment. This is when the technician takes the time to fully understand the customer's needs and assess any issues that have arisen over the past year. This diagnosis makes it possible to check the overall performance and propose profitable solutions.
For example, improving the thermal insulation of the building instead of replacing the equipment. Conversely, it also happens that a more economical solution is to replace obsolete equipment.
A replacement is sometimes more cost-effective due to available subsidies and potential energy cost savings. An expert in energy optimization usually carries out this assessment.
Wrap Up
Your equipment is an important investment for the comfort of your occupants and the viability of your building.
On-time maintenance will decrease or eliminate the chances of unplanned downtime and maximize the overall efficiency of your investment.
Our approved technicians at London Climate Hire are certified in heating and combustion to develop a maintenance program according to your needs.