Commercial boiler installation, servicing & repair

You should only use a Gas Safe registered Commercial Gas Engineer to install your boiler as they have the qualifications and experience to install the right boiler for you and your commercial property and they will ensure it is in safe and efficient working order.

A good boiler business will also offer plumbing services so you don’t need to arrange for any other trades to be involved if you have an installation or repair.

The job of a Gas engineer as well a Gas installer is simply installing, testing and repairing gas appliances and pipes within the home. A commercial gas engineer will service, repair and install commercial gas boilers or gas commercial appliances in the commercial sector or in a commercial building including; schools, colleges and universities, warehouses, businesses, places of worship and public establishments.

There are signs that you have a faulty boiler or it needs replacing and they can often be identified before it shuts down completely and this can save you and your business a huge amount of downtime and inconvenience.

• Frequent breakdowns and repairs
• Boiler switching off and it needs to be restarted regularly
• Your property is not feeling warm even when the heating is on
• The water temperature isn’t hot enough
• Your energy bills are going up
• Boiler leaks which can sometimes lead to floods and property damage

A good, serviced and well-maintained boiler should last anything from 10 to 15 years and they can often last longer so there is no defined time when they should be replaced unless they are deemed as unsafe by your gas engineer.

With proper maintenance and regular servicing, they are expected to last at anything from 10 to 15 years or longer, however, cast iron boilers should be replaced if they have been operating for more than 20 years.

Examples of properties include warehouses, factories, leisure centres, schools, churches, halls, , retail outlets, supermarkets and the list goes on. If the piping needed for a boiler is more than 35mm in diameter then you will need a commercial or industrial style boiler and suitably qualified gas engineer to install it.

Because every property is unique and has different requirements, it is difficult to estimate how much a new commercial or industrial boiler would be for your property. There are however things to think about when it comes to costs.

Factors that will impact the cost of a commercial boiler installation are:

• If you are planning to replace an existing combi-boiler with an equivalent in the same location in your property
• You are planning to have a replacement boiler installed in a new location within your property
• If your pipes and radiators need replacing to suit the boiler you are having installed
• If you have chosen to have a completely different heating system installed to the one you currently have

The price of your commercial or industrial boiler will depend on the type and size of the boiler and the technology and special features that you go with.

Any unit that has a 70kW power rating and above is classified as a commercial boiler. As such, regular servicing is needed to make sure it’s working effectively and efficiently.

Commercial boiler servicing is, above all, about giving you peace of mind regarding its safety. This makes sure that your boiler is operating properly, while also checking that its seals, gaskets, and heat exchanger does not show any signs of damage.

Regular servicing makes sure that your property has continuous access to heating and hot water, taking away any worry that it would break down during operating hours.

A common mistake of property owners is being too complacent with a functioning boiler; hence, discrediting the need for regular maintenance.

However, if a slight damage is not detected early on, it could lead to an even bigger problem that could derail operations and/or put people at risk. Servicing could prevent this from happening.

If you are unsure that you need one, here are a few symptoms you need to look for:

A drop in temperature

If your property remains cold despite the boiler switched on, it could be a potential boiler problem. The first thing you need to do is check if your radiators and pipes are heating up at the same time and to the same temperature. If the radiators are working properly, then your boiler is the problem.

A rise in fuel bills

An inefficient boiler will use more fuel, giving a company consistent increase in gas bills. Most owners, however, opt to switch gas suppliers without considering it to be a boiler problem at first.

Noises

Any previously unheard of noises should not be ignored. Unusual noises include whirring, ticking, or clunking. Take note that a busy commercial setting would drown out these noises—a potential early warning sign that you could be missing

Step 1: Visual inspection.

The engineer would check if your boiler, pipework, and flue are all installed correctly. This includes all internal and external components. Proper ventilation, the flame in your boiler, and signs of corrosion and leaks are also checked.

Step 2: Component Check.

Next, your boiler casing will be removed to take a closer look at each internal component. Among the parts that need particular attention include:

• Gas pressure and flow
• Flue and combustion (using an analyser)
• Heat exchanger
• Burner
• Main injector
• Spark probe
• Electrical connections
• Fans
• Seals
• Electrodes
• Condensate trap and pipe
• Safety devices

Step 3: Testing.

The next step involves a performance test that would ensure your boiler is working in accordance with The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

If there are any issues discovered (e.g. faults, gas leaks, damaged parts), the engineer will take note and include them in the final report, these repairs are not included within the service cost.

Step 4: Reporting.

When the process is completed, your engineer will provide you with a report. Any notable issue will be included, especially if it involves repairs or replacement. You would also be informed if your boiler is in violation of any building and gas safety regulations.

Poorly maintained boilers can prove to be unsafe to people and disruptive to the business. A proactive approach to system maintenance would be beneficial to you in a number of ways:

• Safety. Damaged boilers (e.g. gas leaks, not properly ventilated) can cause health hazards to the workplace.
• Reduce bills. With an efficient boiler, fuel wastage can be prevented, reducing your monthly energy and fuel bills.
• Identify issues early. Regular maintenance means any issue, however minor, will be reported to you.
• Maintain warranty validity. Most insurance companies require boilers to be serviced every 12 months. Documentation will be provided after each service, which you can then show to your insurance if or when repairs are needed.

Commercial boilers are amongst the sturdiest equipment on the market. They rarely break down without first giving a few early warning signs. It is then your responsibility to be proactive with system maintenance by scheduling regular boiler servicing.