Your Guide To Commercial Boilers – Total Boiler Services
When you need a new boiler for your commercial property or business it’s really difficult to know and understand which one is the right one for you in regards to output, efficiency, cost and installation. As a commercial property owner or business it’s important you are aware of the different types of Commercial Boilers and Total Boiler Services can help you with this.
We will come out to your property and carry out a site assessment to see the boiler you currently have, how it is operating if we can do anything to upgrade or prolong its life. If not, we will assess and recommend which type of boiler is best suited for your business and property.
The considerations for the type of boiler you have will be:
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- The size of your property
- The heat and hot water requirements of your business
- The mains water pressure
- The mains gas supply available
- The space you have available to house a boiler and or water tank
Commercial boilers provide heating and hot water to non-domestic buildings. They are usually pressurised systems that burn fuel or use electricity to generate hot water or steam. The hot water or steam is circulated through pipes in the building to create a comfortable temperature and to provide hot water when it is needed. The most common fuel for boilers is gas, oil and electricity, although more and more businesses are now changing to renewable energy boilers to reduce their ongoing energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
Generally, a commercial boiler has a 70kW power rating or above and certain size properties will require this output to ensure the boiler system is not put under too much pressure, which can result in breakdowns down and it not lasting as long as it should.
Types Of Boilers
Commercial Gas Boiler
A commercial gas boiler is a pressurised system that burns the gas fuel to create heat. The heat is transferred to the water via a heat exchanger and either the hot water or steam is then passed through the boiler system, pipework and radiators to provide the required temperature and hot water.
A gas boiler relies on fuel combustion and a burner that provides flames that heat the water in the system. The burner produces a mixture of oxygen and fuel that generates a constant flame for the system to work effectively. Gas boilers nearly always have a combustion chamber where the high-temperature, fuel burning takes place.
Commercial Electric Boilers
A commercial electric boiler utilises electrical energy to generate heat and hot water. The electricity heats an element in the boiler which water passes through and is subsequently heated. The heated water is then passed through the boiler system and properties pipework and radiators providing heat to the required temperature.
Commercial electric boilers do not transfer combustion energy into the water as some other boilers do. Electric boilers can be installed vertically or horizontally for steam or hot water applications to fit the properties layout.
Commercial Oil Boiler
A commercial oil boiler uses oil as its fuel for combustion and the burner in the boiler provides the flames that heat the water. The burner process creates a constant flame by mixing oxygen with the oil. The water or steam is then pumped through the boiler system, pipework and radiators to provide hot water and the temperature required. Most commercial oil boilers typically have a combustion chamber as well.
An oil boiler requires an oil tank that is located outside of the property above or underground. An oil tank needs to be well maintained to prevent leaks and you will need to ensure oil deliveries are arranged before you run out. The price of oil varies and there will be different options available from different oil suppliers. The oil is delivered by an oil tanker and filled directly into your oil tank.
Commercial L.P.G Boilers
An LPG boiler operates in the same way as a gas boiler does, using mains gas. Instead of being connected to a mains gas pipe, it is connected to an LPG tank which is located outside of the property as an oil boiler does. The workings of an LPG boiler will be similar to an oil boiler.
Domestic Hot Water Boiler
Depending on the size of your business or commercial property, the heat and hot water you need, the mains water pressure and the fuel supply available, a domestic boiler may fit your requirements. Total Boiler Services will assess your needs, property and any existing heating appliances and will be able to advise and recommend the best and most efficient option for you.
Condensing Boilers
Commercial and residential property owners are increasingly using condensing boilers.
A condensing hot water boiler is a highly efficient boiler that on average runs at 90% or higher efficiency which is way over what other boiler types can achieve. A condensing boiler’s specifically designed heat exchanger lowers the temperature of the flue gas enough to cause condensation, which provides additional energy for the system.
The larger heat exchangers in condensing boilers use the latent heat as fuel, which in other boilers would normally dissipate into the atmosphere. This process increases the energy efficiency of the boiler again, lowering energy costs and carbon footprints meaning they are beneficial to home and business owners, as well as the environment.
Types Of Condensing Boilers
- Combi Boilers
- System Boilers
- Conventional Boilers
Combi Boiler
Combi boilers are a cost-effective boiler solution for many businesses and homes controlling both hot water supply and temperature distribution. A combi boiler heats water directly from the mains supply offering instant and unlimited hot water when needed with no requirement for a hot water cylinder or water tank. This decreases the fuel costs needed compared to other boilers that continually keep water hot in a cylinder or tank. It reduces the space needed to house these tanks, as well as reduces the installation time and costs. Combi boilers provide powerful showers and, or water supply, negating the need for pumps. There is less pipework required meaning less installation time and ongoing pipe maintenance. This also reduces the likelihood of pipework freezing or leaking.
System Boilers
You can use a system boiler if you have more than one bathroom at your property. They are a compact design and the water is heated via a heat exchanger which transfers energy from the gas jets to the water. When the water is heated it is pumped into the hot water cylinder for it to be stored until it is needed, providing instant hot water. If you use all of the hot water in the cylinder then you need to wait for it to refill and be heated. The main components of a system boiler are built-in and this makes installation easier than other types of boilers. The pump and expansion vessel are also built-in and this negates the need for a header tank. The pipework needed for a cylinder decreases the likelihood of pipework leaking or freezing making them an easier and more cost-effective boiler to maintain. System boilers can be used with solar thermal systems, which makes them a very energy-efficient choice.
Conventional Boiler
A conventional boiler is also sometimes referred to as a traditional, regular, open vent or a heat-only boiler. They have a cylinder and a water tank so are not a great option if you have limited space at your property, however, they are suitable for properties with low water pressure. The capacity of a conventional boiler allows it to supply large volumes of hot water to multiple bathrooms or washrooms. If there is already a traditional heating system in place then a conventional boiler is a good choice as the pipework may not need changing or just need a small amendment. A conventional boiler can be used in conjunction with solar heating which will decrease energy bills again on top of the efficiency of the boiler.
Commercial Biomass Boilers
Commercial or Industrial Biomass Boilers work in much the same way as a gas or oil supply boiler does, but uses the heat generated from burning natural materials to provide heat and hot water. The fuel used to generate heat in a biomass boiler is natural, including wood, pellets, chips and logs. The boiler burns the materials (the fuel) which heats the water inside which is pumped through the properties pipework. When the water cools it is fed back into the boiler to be heated again. A biomass boiler will significantly lower energy bills as well as reduce properties CO2 emissions.
A biomass boiler contributes towards a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions, improving your carbon accounting report. This can offer carbon credits and tax relief to some businesses as well as the opportunity to apply for certain grants.
Biomass is recognised as a renewable energy source and is more environmentally friendly than the burning of fossil fuels (coal, gas, and oil). Biomass systems do produce and release some CO2 into the atmosphere when combusted, however, it is no more than the amount absorbed by plants during their lifetime.
Electrode Boiler
An electrode boiler is a commercial boiler that produces steam and heat by using electricity to flow through streams of water. Electrical current is carried by the conductive and resistive properties of water, and its electrical resistance is used to heat water and create steam. An electrode boiler converts electrical power into heat in a reliable and efficient way of doing so. When compared to conventional fossil fuel boilers, they are extremely efficient at converting power to heat with minimal or no heat transfer losses.
Although electrode boilers have been around for many years, they are now being used much more as they are a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel boilers.
Electrode boilers are commonly found in commercial properties and are very useful in industrial applications since they produce heat, water, and steam in a highly efficient and environmentally friendly way.
Total Boiler Services are industry experts in commercial and domestic boilers. We plan, design and install all types of boiler systems and can offer you maintenance and repair after services. Contact us on 02922 407934 today to book your no-obligation site survey.
