Boilers are intricate pieces of machinery that need constant maintenance to function correctly. They can cause significant damage and cost you a lot of money if not maintained correctly. An effective preventive maintenance program will nip problems in the bud, ensuring they stay small and relatively inexpensive to repair. It will also ensure that your boiler meets health and safety regulations. So, if you do notice some issues with your boiler, is it essential to call in a boiler repair and service company to assess it and handle everything properly to minimize further problems.
Increased Lifespan
Boilers are expensive and can represent a significant investment. The longer a boiler lasts, the more cost-effective it will be to operate over time. Performing regularly scheduled maintenance and boiler repair in London can significantly increase the lifespan of a commercial or industrial boiler system.
Regular cleaning, water treatment, calibration, inspection, and annual servicing by a qualified heating engineer are crucial to maximizing the life expectancy of a boiler. A leaking or faulty boiler can be extremely costly to repair. It can also be a safety hazard and potentially dangerous. Regular cleaning, especially with a water softener, can minimize scale build-up, keeping the boiler clean and operating efficiently.
Checking the chimney and vent connections and looking for any holes in the liner of a boiler is another critical step to keeping it running as long as possible. Similarly, adding an inhibitor can reduce the corrosion of metals and the sludge build-up that can shorten a boiler’s lifespan. Keeping critical spare parts in stock can help you quickly respond to failures and prevent extended downtime.
Lower Energy Bills
In addition to increasing asset lifespans, regular maintenance also increases energy efficiency. Well-maintained boilers can save upwards of 10% on their energy bills. That’s a fantastic amount of money saved, and it’s possible to accomplish simply by incorporating routine maintenance into your operations.
The distribution systems that provide steam and hot water to various industrial processes are subject to localized stresses and deterioration over time. Adequate inspections and maintenance can help to identify leaks, damaged insulation, and failed steam traps. It is counterproductive to efficiently generate steam and heat only to lose it in inefficient distribution systems.
Additionally, a boiler’s fireside and water side should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent build-up from interfering with vital systems inside the equipment. Licensed professionals can ensure that the safety valves, flame sensors, and ignitor are clean and free of debris that could cause failure.
It helps to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A licensed professional can inspect combustion air piping to ensure it is properly vented outside the building. It will lessen the possibility of carbon monoxide leakage as well.
Reduced Risk of Damage
A boiler is a complex system with many moving parts that can break down, causing various problems from minor to catastrophic. Carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and explosions are among the most severe issues that can be caused by a boiler that has been neglected. Minor issues like leaks and corrosion can strain a boiler, requiring it to use more energy to operate efficiently. A poorly maintained boiler frequently needs repairs, leading to unexpected costs.
The likelihood of malfunctions or breakdowns can be reduced by closely monitoring water quality, safety valves, gauge glass and scanners, and pressure switches. Inspecting the chemical makeup of water can ensure that hard water minerals do not form scale on the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs.
Changes to filters, hoses, elastomeric seals, and other equipment can prolong the boiler’s life and prevent premature wear and tear. Lastly, replacing insulation that has become water-damaged due to flooding can help minimize the potential for fire and health hazards.
Increased Productivity
Boiler maintenance is critical for ensuring your boiler runs appropriately. Even a tiny, unchecked issue can become a significant problem, leading to costly repairs or safety concerns. Trained gas engineers can find minor problems and fix them before they become bigger ones during maintenance services.
The burner: A dirty combustion chamber reduces efficiency by preventing the fuel from fully converting to heat. Soot is created when fuel burns, and a build-up of it prevents the boiler from absorbing it.
Water: A boiler needs clean, fresh water to function. A boiler system’s water level should be checked daily, and the water quality should also be monitored.
Carbon Monoxide: If the boiler is not functioning correctly, it may leak carbon monoxide, which is odorless and tasteless. It is, therefore, essential to have a carbon monoxide detector installed. This way, any leaking carbon monoxide can be detected immediately and prevented from entering the building. It can save lives and limit the damage of a faulty boiler.
Reduced Risk of Injury
Boilers produce steam and heat for many different purposes. They can heat buildings and water or power turbines in power plants. These complex systems must be adequately cared for to function safely and efficiently. It includes having water chemically tested and treated by professionals, daily blow downs, and removing rust deposits from the boiler tank and heat exchanger.
The risk of injury can be high for employees if a boiler malfunctions. For example, if a boiler erupts into flames, a repairer could be burned or killed. Keeping up with routine maintenance reduces the chance of boiler accidents and ensures that your employees stay safe.
The most critical areas of a boiler system include the boiler unit, headers and tubing, and piping systems. These components are subject to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and pressures, which makes them vulnerable to wear and tear. In addition, they can be damaged by localized stresses caused by corrosion. These conditions also make them vulnerable to thermal shock, a violent contraction, and expansion of the components.
