There are lots of factors to consider when it comes to heating a factory. One of the most important considerations is whether your boiler is up to scratch – and if you should be replacing it.
Factors that can shorten the lifespan of a boiler
1. Neglecting maintenance
Commercial heating systems work hard over the winter and should be serviced annually – including boilers.
Unfortunately, if the maintenance of your boiler is neglected, it can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of the boiler. Small issues that would have been uncovered by annual maintenance can easily spiral into bigger, more costly issues if left undiscovered. Regular maintenance also helps boost the efficiency of your boiler.
2. Ignoring water pressure warnings
If your boiler is displaying inconsistent water pressure readings – either too low or too high – maintenance is needed.
Water pressure inconsistencies can indicate a blockage in a pipe somewhere in your heating system, leaks, or other faults. Ignoring water pressure warnings from your boiler will impact its lifespan.
3. Overloading
When you upgrade your heating system or the hot water usage of your business, your boiler will likely need a corresponding upgrade too.
Overloading your boiler and using it beyond its means can be catastrophic to a boiler’s performance and longevity. You are likely to find the pressure gauge on your boiler reading higher than normal (meaning your boiler is working harder than it should be), strange noises coming from the unit, frequent boiler shutdowns to prevent overheating, and more.
Signs your boiler needs replacing
1. It’s getting old
Whilst there are many factors that can shorten your boiler’s lifespan, repairs and regular maintenance can rectify them. In some cases, however, your boiler is simply at the end of its life and needs replacing.
A crucial consideration is the age of your boiler. A modern boiler is designed to last, on average, for 15 to 20 years. If your boiler is within this age bracket and you’re starting to notice a dip in its performance, a replacement is a sounder investment than continual repairs – which will only get more frequent and costly as the boiler gets older. Commercial heating technology has also moved on leaps and bounds in recent years, with smart HVAC systems becoming ever more common and affordable.
2. It’s losing efficiency
A significant loss of efficiency is one of the main reasons to replace a boiler. This can also be a side effect of your boiler getting old, as boilers get less efficient over time.
If you’ve noticed an unusually high rise in your energy bills when using your heating, an inefficient boiler could be to blame. Modern boilers are more efficient than their predecessors by design, making replacing an aging, energy-hungry boiler more cost effective than continual repairs.
3. It’s constantly breaking down
When the weather gets cold, your factory needs a commercial boiler you can rely on – not one that breaks down constantly. Boiler downtime leads to uncomfortable working conditions for you and your staff, and potentially expensive repairs.
At Heritage, our new boilers come with a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 10 years – preventing costly repairs from catching you out unawares.
