Saving costs by avoiding breakdowns

Boilers, like all complex machinery, are prone to breakdowns. Routine inspections and servicing allow businesses to identify and address minor issues like leaks, corrosion, and component malfunctions before they become major problems.

This proactive approach not only prevents unexpected equipment failures but also reduces the likelihood of having to spend excessive amounts of money on emergency repair costs, which are typically much higher than planned maintenance expenses, especially during peak times or outside of normal working hours. A small leak or a minor component malfunction, if caught early, can be fixed at a fraction of the cost compared to a major breakdown that might require extensive repairs or even a complete boiler replacement.

Helps to keep your building energy-efficient

Boilers naturally lose efficiency over time as parts wear down, components accumulate debris, and systems become out of calibration. When a boiler isn’t performing at peak efficiency, it uses more fuel to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in increased energy consumption and lower utility bills. Routine maintenance helps keep the boiler in top condition by cleaning components, fine-tuning settings, and ensuring that everything works properly, allowing businesses to avoid a significant increase in fuel consumption and reduce unnecessary energy waste.
One of the key areas where maintenance enhances efficiency is in addressing issues like scale buildup or corrosion, which can hinder heat transfer and force the boiler to work harder. Scale buildup inside heat exchangers, for example, acts as an insulator, reducing the boiler’s heat transfer efficiency. Regular descaling and cleaning help to maintain effective heat transfer, allowing the boiler to operate at peak efficiency while using less energy.

Businesses that invest in regular boiler maintenance not only improve the system’s energy efficiency but also lower their overall fuel consumption, helping them to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals.

Employee safety

When boilers are neglected, they can develop issues such as gas leaks, pressure malfunctions and overheating, all of which pose serious risks to workplace safety.

Boilers operate under high pressure, and malfunctions in controls or safety valves can lead to catastrophic incidents like explosions. Regular inspections ensure that pressure relief valves, gauges, and safety switches function properly, reducing the likelihood of a serious accident.

Regular maintenance helps to prevent the accumulation of hazardous substances like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal if inhaled at high concentrations. Inhaling this can have serious health consequences, such as tissue and organ damage, respiratory failure, and difficulty breathing.

Additionally, maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of debris and soot, which can increase the risk of fires. By ensuring that the boiler remains clean and well-maintained and that ventilation systems are in good working order, businesses can significantly reduce fire hazards and maintain safe air quality levels in the workplace, helping to maintain a safe working environment for employees.

What does a boiler service include?

A standard boiler service usually follows a set process to ensure that the system runs efficiently, safely, and in accordance with regulations. This includes:

• A visual inspection: the boiler is checked for signs of wear, leaks and corrosion.
• A component inspection: key components such as pumps, valves, controls and heat exchangers are inspected and tested to ensure they are in good working order.
• Pressure testing: the boiler is examined to ensure it can withstand the operating pressure.
• Flue gas testing: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels are tested.
• Water quality testing: the water inside the boiler is tested for contaminants that may affect its performance.
• Cleaning: any scale and debris discovered are removed from the boiler and heat exchanger.
• Lubrication: grease is applied to all moving parts to prevent component seizure.
• Safety checks: safety devices within the boiler are tested to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Performance testing: the boiler’s output and efficiency are tested to verify its performance and condition.
• Documentation: findings and recommendations are recorded and provided to the business.

How often should they be serviced?

It is highly recommended that gas boilers be serviced at least once a year to ensure the safety of the premises. However, in high-demand settings, such as large commercial buildings or facilities with extensive heating requirements, more frequent servicing (every six months) is advised.