how long do commercial boilers last?

Commercial boilers typically last around 15 years. But as with any other appliance or piece of machinery, several factors come into play in regards to your boiler’s lifespan, including:

• If your commercial boiler has received yearly maintenance
• If your commercial boiler was properly installed
• The type of commercial boiler you have
• If your commercial boiler is oversized or undersized for your property

Now we’ll delve into those factors and how they contribute to your boiler’s lifespan.

Skid mounted thermal oil boiler

1. COMMERCIAL BOILER MAINTENANCE

All machinery needs to be regularly serviced and your boiler is no different. You should have a professional plumbing contractor perform maintenance on your boiler at least once a year to:

• Clean the heat exchangers
• Inspect for leaks
• Check for control errors
• Lubricate machinery parts
• Replace air filters
• Check gas connections and pressure
• And overall ensure your boiler is running properly

Neglecting maintenance on your boiler will not only affect its lifespan but it could cost you more money in the long term.

2. PROPER COMMERCIAL BOILER INSTALLATION

Proper installation is crucial. Your boiler’s job is to heat, so if zone valves, circulators, and expansion tanks aren’t placed correctly, your boiler will not operate as it was made to. Most boiler repairs stem from improper installation so keep that in mind when searching for a commercial plumbing contractor.

3. COMMERCIAL BOILER TYPE

There are various boilers on the market today including:

• Electric boilers: average a lifespan of about 8 to 10 years
• Gas boilers: average a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years
  • Condensing boilers
  • Non-condensing boilers

Condensing boilers are newer and more efficient than non-condensing boilers, but they yield a shorter lifespan than non-condensing boilers.

4. COMMERCIAL BOILER SIZE

Choosing a boiler that’s properly sized for your property’s needs is also important. If your boiler is undersized, it will have work harder. Not only making it less efficient but also decreasing its lifespan. But you also don’t want to select a boiler that’s larger than you need because it will “short-cycle”. These frequent on and off cycles will just cause unnecessary wear and tear on your boiler.

SHOULD I REPLACE MY COMMERCIAL BOILER?

Not sure if you should repair your boiler or replace it? Below are some signs it may be time to invest in a new commercial boiler.

• Increase in energy bills
• Frequent failures
• Inefficiency
• Replacement parts are too difficult to find
• Boiler leaks

Even if your current boiler isn’t completely failing, you may consider replacing your boiler if it’s out of date. Newer models have improved heating and also support smart technology.

Whether you need assistance selecting a boiler for your facility or your current boiler needs repairs, contact Heinz Mechanical today. We specialize in commercial boilers and we have the experience to see your project through to completion.