Need a boiler? Here Are 7 Tips on How To Find The Best Type
When you look at a business, its glamorous presentation and branding are often the first thing you’ll notice. Whether it’s a service or a product, we only appreciate what we see and experience and not the other things working behind the scenes that make the service or product we’re availing of extraordinary.
Most businesses use many other things to produce services and products that would exceed their customers’ expectations. Behind the curtains, you’ll find machinery that serves as the backbone of a business. One of the types of machinery that many industries around the world utilise and rely on is steam boilers.
Today, steam boilers are still growing and thriving in the business world. Yet, many people are unaware of the critical work processes that they contribute to many businesses. Aside from business use, you’ll find many homes with steam boilers. And because boilers are essential and in demand, choosing the best type for your needs can be challenging.
If you’re having difficulty choosing the best type for your needs, here are some tips that might help you.
1 – First, determine where you’ll use it for
For people unfamiliar with boilers, it’s easy to assume that they’re just a piece of machinery that produces steam. However, many boiler types are available to cater to different business and home needs. And for you to know what boiler type is right for you, you must first determine where you’ll use it daily.
If you’re only looking for a boiler that you’ll mainly use for your hot water needs, you no longer need to dive deeper into getting to know steam boilers. Instead, I recommend going to a home hardware store to inquire about the best boiler for your home water system. On the other hand, if you’re using the boiler for your business, you must determine what role and work process it will provide.
2 – Estimate how many hours you’ll be using the boiler daily.
One thing to know about steam boilers is that they’re expensive. Aside from the expenses–you’ll spend on buying one–you’ll also be spending more on your electricity bill. If you purchase a big boiler, expect your electricity bills to spike.
According to professionals, steam boilers typically produce 24 to 42 kilowatts of energy. If you’re choosing between the top two famous boiler types, firetube boiler and water tube boiler, the latter is more costly in energy. Remember that buying a steam boiler is a massive purchase on your end. So, be smart in choosing a size that will not cost you too much energy bills from your daily usage.
3 – Determine how big is the area you have for the boiler.
I’ve mentioned earlier that various boiler types are available to cater to different needs. And each boiler type also comes in different sizes and features. Whether you’ll use it for your business or home, it’s essential to have an area where you’ll store the boiler. It would even be better to designate an area as your boiler room.
But if you don’t have one, that’s okay. Just be specific with the size of the area where you’ll be placing the boiler. Also, ensure the space is not hazardous and close to fire-prone materials. Don’t purchase a boiler without measuring and consulting a plumber about your area.
4 – Consult a technician and plumber about the layout of your area and if the boiler you’re eyeing is ideal for installation.
Boiler installation can be a long and tedious process. It could even be complicated if the boiler you bought is not suitable for the layout and pipework of your area. That’s why consulting a technician and plumber about your area layout before buying is essential.
Experts say that there are cases where people pay more for the installation than their boiler purchase. It often happens when you buy an incompatible boiler type for your area’s layout and pipework. You might also need to shut down your entire power system for safety during installation. So for the best, don’t forget to schedule a meeting with your technician and plumber.
5 – Ensure that the features of the boiler you’re eyeing meet your business or home needs.
In my second tip, I mentioned that the fire tube and water tube boiler are the two most famous boiler types. Those two have different internal processes of steam production and pressure capacity. Usually, huge factories that process chemicals and other equipment use a water tube boiler since it can produce higher temperatures and pressure capacity.
If you’re buying a boiler for steam production only, a simple fire tube boiler could be enough to provide you with your needs. I suggest looking into each feature that the boiler you’re eyeing has. Doing so will help you avoid spending money on a boiler full of features you won’t even utilise.
6 – Consider buying a boiler from a company that provides a helpful warranty you can use.
Did you know that steam boilers are one of the pieces of machinery that are low maintenance? However, that doesn’t remove the possibility that issues could happen. And since businesses use their boilers continuously for long hours daily, minor issues could occur from time to time.
That’s why buying a boiler from a company that provides a good warranty service would be helpful for you. After all, even minor boiler services can be costly. So regardless of the boiler type, take note of this tip.
7- Once you decide on a boiler type, consider the convenience of its parts replacement in the long run.
Concerning my previous point, this seventh point should be a tip you consider. Most steam boilers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on your usage and type. And since most warranty inclusions only last for a year, it’s critical to know how convenient it is to find the replacement of your boiler parts.
When the time comes that your boiler’s efficiency starts to decline, it could be a sign that you need to replace a part for it to perform optimally again. But this would be hard if the brand you’re buying from is only exclusive to specific places and stores. So to avoid this, look into parts compatible with your boiler type and brand.
Choose a boiler type compatible with your needs, not the one other businesses use.
Getting to know a technical piece of machinery can be complicated. But don’t let it be an excuse for you to buy the boiler that most businesses use because it’s famous. It will be a waste of money and features in the end. So, choose a boiler type compatible with your needs for the best.
About the author:
Bianca Banda is a writer for Trilogy Boilers Australia, a veteran specialising in boiler and burner installations, servicing, engineering, and industrial gas plumbing.