Too often, business owners take their boiler systems for granted, thinking they’ll run forever. While it may not happen today or tomorrow, without proper maintenance, your boiler will eventually give up on you. Failure isn’t the only problem, however. An inefficient boiler could be costing your business valuable money as well. That’s why one of the most important things you can do for your business is scheduling preventive maintenance.
Why Your Business Needs Boiler Preventive Maintenance
A commercial boiler is a pressurized system that uses combustible fuel or electricity to heat up or convert water into steam. In most cases, the hot water or steam is used to heat up the building you’re in. However, depending on what your business does, a boiler can also be used for production and manufacturing. Just like the rest of the infrastructure and equipment in your company, your boiler needs regular preventive maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
The Benefits of Boiler Maintenance
Maintaining your boiler will provide many benefits including:
- Safety: Boilers store very hot water or steam at high pressures. Some even use oil or gas to power the system. As such, boilers have the potential to explode, which could cause property damage and possibly hurt employees near the boiler room. Faulty boiler equipment can increase the likelihood of an explosion.
- Energy efficiency: The more efficient your boiler is, the less work it has to do to accomplish its task. Factors such as cracks in the tubes, lime deposits, and gaps in the spark rods can all impact efficiency.
- Reduced downtime: Downtime will result in a loss of heat in your building. As a consequence, it will make your work environment uncomfortable for employees. Preventive maintenance will ensure downtime is a rarity.
- Compliance: All commercial buildings with boilers are required to comply with the regulations set by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. Scheduled boiler maintenance by a licensed professional will keep you in compliance with these regulations.
- Insurance: If you have insurance for your boiler, it will also mandate that you remain compliant with national and state laws.
How to Get Started With a Preventive Maintenance Plan
Now that you know the benefits of preventive maintenance, it’s time to create a maintenance plan. However, it’s important to know that your plan may not be the same as other businesses’. This is because maintenance plans differ depending on the type of boiler you have and what brand it is.
If you’re unsure of how to get started, you should partner with a company that provides boiler repair services. Before you make the call, however, be sure to verify the company’s experience. They should have a long history of providing service. For example, A&G Services has been helping a variety of clients put together custom maintenance programs that work for their facilities since 1984.
Boiler Preventive Maintenance Checklist
A boiler consists of various components and each component must be functional for the boiler to work properly and efficiently. That’s why you should inspect every part of the boiler. You can find a detailed boiler maintenance checklist here, but in general, it should include:
- Examining electrical controls
- Inspecting the inside of the burner
- Checking the flue passage and vent pipes
- Monitoring gas levels
Make Maintenance Routine
Maintenance isn’t a one-time-only kind of deal; it’s something that should be done regularly. Certain maintenance steps should be taken daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.
- Daily: Everyday, you’ll want to check on the water levels and the gauge glass. Also, be on the lookout for leaks and lime buildup.
- Weekly: Once per week, you should check on the strength of the flame signal, as well as the fuel valve shut-offs.
- Monthly: This is when you want to perform a variety of maintenance tasks such as water treatment tests, lubricating the motor and other equipment, and inspecting the valves.
- Yearly: You or a professional should perform a complete assessment of the boiler, ensuring every component is in working order.
Keep in mind that inspections should always coincide with the needs of your equipment and the availability of your staff.
A&G Services Is a Partner You Can Trust
Don’t let your boiler break down when you need it the most. At A&G Services, our team of experts will work with you to create a maintenance strategy that meets your needs. Call us today to learn more about our services.
