Whether it’s better heating performance or lower running costs, it always pays to look after your commercial boiler – even if you’ve only just had a new one installed.
In our latest guide, we look at ways you can extend the longevity and reliability of your system, covering everything from daily upkeep to preventative maintenance.
Back to basics: specification and installation
Before you can think about extending the lifespan of your commercial boiler, you’ll want the essentials in place. If you’re looking at a new boiler, this means sourcing a unit that’s suitable for your business, fully compliant, and ready for the future.
Choosing the right boiler is imperative for the longer-term health of your system. Go too small, and your boiler will struggle to produce the necessary heat and work too hard to last. Go too big, and you’re likely to waste energy and spend far more than you need to.
Installation is the other part of the puzzle. By law, all boilers must be installed and serviced by an experienced Gas Safe-accredited technician for your safety and peace of mind. So, make sure you choose an installation partner who can demonstrate this expertise – JLA has 450 in-house engineers with all the relevant qualifications.
Your commercial boiler should be installed in a well-ventilated, dry room so it can perform at its best. Your boiler engineer will make sure there’s sufficient clearance around it, and will also check that all pipework is well insulated for the winter months.
Regular monitoring and upkeep
Simple, regular maintenance shouldn’t feel like a chore, and is a great way to keep your commercial boiler operating reliably. Keeping an eye out for small issues as they emerge will also help you improve long-term performance, which should increase the boiler’s lifespan. Here are the main things to add to your rounds.
Flush the system
Over time, sludge and mineral deposits accumulate inside your boiler, causing corrosion. We recommend flushing the whole system to clear these deposits and help to improve overall efficiency.
Check the pressure
Boilers usually need to operate within a set pressure range (typically 1.0–1.5 bar). Too high or too low can stress the system and lead to disruptive downtime. If the system needs water adding to it, make sure to use the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bleed the radiators
By bleeding your radiators, you’ll remove trapped air from your system and make sure heated water fills the whole unit. In turn, you’ll reduce strain on the boiler, which means greater efficiency and safer operation.
Use your thermostats
Thermostats ensure you get the heating or hot water you need, when you need it – which is far better than constantly turning your boiler on and off again. This will minimise wear and tear, and save energy.
Run an idle boiler
During the warmer months, some organisations are much less likely to rely on their commercial boilers for heating. Prevent parts from seizing or gaskets from drying out by firing up the boiler on a semi-regular basis.
Short cycling
Turning a boiler on and off in short bursts can drastically accelerate wear on its critical components. Make sure you’re giving the system time to come online and warm up properly.
Professional servicing and maintenance
Prevention is always better than cure, which is why regular commercial boiler servicing and maintenance are vital for the long-term health of your boiler. For newer units, it might also be the only way to protect your guarantee.
A comprehensive service plan and audit will help you to spot and sort any problems while keeping you fully compliant with your legal obligations, such as your annual gas safety check and certification. Carried out by Gas Safe-registered engineers, JLA’s competitive maintenance plans include:
- An annual service and gas safety check
- Asset specific compliance certification (CP15)
- Same/next day business hours response times
- No call out charges
- 24/7 helpline for faults or emergencies
- A choice of 5 or 7 day a week contracts
Repairing faults or issues quickly
If your boiler develops a fault, such as unusual noises, a leak, or even differences in how it looks visually, you should contact an engineer for support as soon as possible.
Leaving it to chance is likely to affect the performance, reliability and lifespan of the system, and could even create a safety or compliance issue down the line.
For help and advice with your boiler and commercial heating system, contact JLA’s experts today.
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