Boilers are one of the most popular heating systems in the United States. While boilers tend to last long, they still require regular maintenance and service. If you don’t take preventive measures, you risk suffering boiler explosion accidents or other safety issues. In this blog, we share the common signs of boiler failure, effective ways to avoid boiler malfunctions, and some tips for selecting a reliable boiler service provider. Common Causes of Boiler Failure A failing boiler is not only a safety issue but can also result in costly repairs and disruption to business operations. One of the most common causes of boiler failure is corrosion, which happens when the moisture in the boiler reacts with the metal. This can result in leakage issues as corrosion weakens the boiler components High-pressure water or steam can also result in erosion, which can lead to component failures over time. You can minimize boiler failure due to corrosion or erosion by getting regular water treatment. Another common cause of boiler failure is scaling or deposit buildup. This issue leads to blockages or overheating. If this issue is not fixed, it can lead to boiler failure. If the boiler doesn’t get enough air due to flame issues or improved venting, that could also lead to boiler failure. Three Effective Ways For Boiler Failure Prevention As the property owner, if you take good care of the boiler, you can maximize its performance, efficiency, and longevity. With a properly functioning boiler, you also get reduced downtime, which is often an important objective of commercial buildings. While there are many ways to keep the boiler in good condition, here are the top three most effective ways to prevent boiler breakdowns: Regular Inspections and Testing One of the best ways to prevent boiler failure is to get regular inspections and testing from an experienced technician from a reputed company. New York requires building owners to have annual boiler testing. Some commercial boilers or high-pressure boilers may require even more frequent inspection. These laws and regulations are in place to ensure building owners do not get complacent in their boiler maintenance. While it’s important to stay compliant with the laws, regular inspection and testing offer the added benefit...
Read MoreThere are different types of heating systems in buildings. The two most commonly used systems are boilers and furnaces. While both provide heated air to keep you comfortable and protected from the outdoor temperatures, they are quite different in how they operate. In this blog, we compare boilers and furnaces to understand how they work, their pros and cons, and key considerations for choosing the right heating system for your needs. How Boilers Work In a boiler, the thermostat senses a drop in temperature and activates the boiler. The boiler heats water, and the hot water or steam gets circulated through piping and radiator circuits. Once cooled, the hot water or steam converts back to water. This process is repeated continuously until the desired room temperature is reached. Different boilers use a specific fuel type to perform this process. The most commonly used fuel is oil and gas. How Furnaces Work The heating cycle of the furnace starts when the temperature drops below the set thermostat settings. While modern furnaces use an electronic ignition system, other models use a standing pilot. Once the burner is ignited, the fuel is added to the combustion chamber, allowing the burner to heat air. A heat exchanger and blower fan distribute warm air from the furnace through the air duct system into the rooms. The exhaust gasses are vented out through a chimney or other outlets. Comparison of Boiler and Furnace Fuel Sources Boilers heat water, while furnaces heat air. However, the differences are far more complex than that. Boilers and furnaces can use oil, natural gas, wood, propane, and other types of fuel sources depending on the type of system. Each fuel has its advantages and disadvantages, including cost and availability, so you must consider what is feasible for you. If you are getting a new furnace or boiler heating system, you also need to consider the fuel type to ensure it suits your needs. Generally, electricity and natural gas are the two most commonly used fuels for heating systems, but this could be different based on where you live, the type of system you have, and other factors. Pros and Cons of Boilers One of the key advantages of boilers is...
Read MoreBoiler inspections are regulated by the New York City Department of Buildings to ensure the safe operation of boilers in the city. Building owners often need help understanding the complex requirements of boiler inspection in NYC. As time goes on, boiler inspection laws and requirements are only getting stricter. One of the key questions is how often boilers need inspection in NYC. In this blog, we aim to provide a general guideline for how often you need to get a boiler inspection, the process and requirements set by NYC, and how to choose a reliable boiler inspection service provider in NYC. Importance of Periodic Boiler Inspections Boiler inspection rules in New York City can be confusing, but there should be no doubt that boiler inspections are important. The most important reason for getting these inspections is safety. As boilers operate under high pressure and high temperatures, they pose a serious risk if not properly maintained. A boiler accident can result in explosions, leaks, or other safety hazards. Another important reason to get regular inspections is to promote boiler longevity. Timely identification and correction of issues can extend the lifespan of the boiler. Other benefits include environmental compliance, optimum efficiency, and insurance requirements. To maximize boiler longevity and efficiency and ensure you are following NYC boiler maintenance laws and regulations, get professional NYC boiler inspection services to identify and fix safety or performance issues. How Often Do Boilers Need to Be Inspected In NYC? The New York City Department of Buildings requires an annual boiler inspection to ensure boilers are operating safely and following the city’s building code requirements. This means all boilers, including high-pressure boilers and low-pressure boilers, must at least undergo an annual inspection by a licensed professional engineer (PE) or other qualified inspectors. Certain boilers, such as industrial boilers or larger commercial boilers, may require biannual inspection for a more comprehensive assessment. There could be special inspection requirements for boilers that have been modified or repaired. Generally, new boilers need an initial inspection before they can be put into service. External inspection is required more frequently than an internal inspection. The reports of inspection must be filed with the relevant department in NYC. You may need to...
Read MoreOver time, dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate inside a natural gas boiler, particularly in the oil burner and heat exchanger areas. This buildup can restrict airflow and interfere with the combustion process, leading to reduced efficiency. A clean gas boiler saves energy, lowers heating costs, and keeps your business comfortable and safe—which is why annual maintenance by an HVAC technician is essential. Signs Your Gas Furnace Needs to be Cleaned Several signs indicate that a gas fired boiler needs to be cleaned. If you notice any of these red flags, have your boiler inspected and schedule an annual maintenance with a heating system specialist. If there’s an unexplained spike in your heating bills, it could be a sign that your boiler has dirt and debris buildup. The main natural gas supply is essential for providing consistent heat. Rooms may not heat evenly in cold weather if the boiler is struggling to distribute heat due to restricted airflow caused by buildup in the system. A dusty or musty smell, when the HVAC system is running, could mean dust and debris have accumulated inside the system and are being burned off. During your annual servicing, a qualified technician will remove dust and completely eliminate dirt inside your boiler. Excessive rattling, banging, or squealing may indicate that the blower assembly or motor is dirty or malfunctioning. A natural gas boiler should have a steady blue flame. Yellow or flickering flames could indicate incomplete combustion, which may be caused by dirt or debris blocking the burner orifice. Excessive dust around your space could be a sign that your boiler is not effectively filtering and distributing air due to a dirty filter or buildup in the system. If the boiler turns on and off more frequently than usual, it could be struggling to maintain the desired temperature due to restricted airflow or another issue caused by dirt and debris buildup. Steps to Take to Keep Gas Boilers Clean There are steps you can take to keep your appliance clean and well-maintained. However, if you’re unsure about any aspect of cleaning your boiler, it’s always best to read the owner’s manual and consult a heating system specialist. Before you begin cleaning your boiler,...
Read MoreThe boiler is the heart of the system for keeping spaces warm and comfortable, but like any appliance, it experiences wear and tear. Here are some tips for extending its lifespan after you’ve had a boiler installed and signs that indicate it might be time for a replacement Factors that Impact Boiler Lifespan Routine maintenance and boiler service extend the life of your boiler system. Typical boiler care involves cleaning the heat pumps, inspecting and replacing worn parts, testing safety controls, and ensuring proper water chemistry. The quality of the water circulating through your boiler can significantly affect its lifespan. Hard water with a high mineral content can cause scaling and corrosion, which can make the boiler’s mechanical parts fail. Proper water treatment helps mitigate these issues. Over-firing, cycling on and off frequently, or operating at excessively high or low temperatures can accelerate damage. A boiler and heating system that undergoes frequent turning on and off to meet varying heating demands, may experience increased wear on components. Exposure to moisture, temperature extremes, and corrosive atmospheres can impact the longevity of your boiler. Installing weatherproof enclosures or corrosion-resistant materials can help mitigate these risks. A high-quality, well-built boiler is likely to last longer than a lower-quality model. Additionally, newer, more efficient boiler designs may offer improved longevity compared to older, less efficient models. Basic Life Expectancy Estimates How long does a boiler last? Boiler longevity can vary depending on the type of boiler, the installation method, and how well it’s maintained. Traditional cast iron boilers are known for their durability and longevity. With the right care, they’ll provide reliable heating for more than 30 years. Steel boilers are typically less expensive than cast iron boilers but may have shorter lifespans. With proper maintenance, a steel boiler can last more than 25 years. Condensing boilers are high-efficiency gas boilers that offer significant energy savings and have an average lifespan of more than 25 years. Water quality and proper annual maintenance are key contributors to the service life of a condensing boiler. The service life of combustion gas boilers can vary depending on fuel quality, maintenance, and proper ventilation, but on average they last anywhere between 15-25 years. When is it Time...
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