How to Choose a Commercial Boiler discussed by Total boiler Services
Choosing the right Commercial Grade Boiler for you, your business and your property are essential to ensure you have the warmth and hot water as and when you need it. The size of your property will determine the type, make and model of your boiler. Always remember if you have a large property and your commercial boiler isn’t big enough it will have to work too hard to heat and give you the hot water you need in your property resulting in it not lasting as long as it should do as it will be overworking the capacity it is designed for.
Choosing the right commercial boiler will control the temperature of different areas and rooms in your property and provides a comfortable indoor environment regardless of external temperatures and conditions.
The primary function of your commercial boiler is that it services the needs of the property in size, energy efficiency, cost, along with good servicing and warranty options.
There are three main types of boilers:
- Combination (Combi) boilers
- System boilers
- Conventional (also called traditional, regular boilers, open vent or heat only boilers) boilers
Combination Combi Boilers
A combination boiler, otherwise known as a ‘combi’ boiler is a high-efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler in a single unit. A combi boiler heats the water coming directly from the water mains when you turn on a tap and this means you don’t need a hot and cold water storage cylinder tank stored anywhere in your property which will take up valuable and costly space.
Combi boilers are both cost-effective and energy-efficient as the water is heated as you need it rather than being heated and stored in a hot water tank. The hot water is delivered at the same mains pressure and this means if you have a shower in your property you don’t need an electric shower pump.
System Boilers
System boilers need a cylinder or hot water tank for storing the hot water once it is heated. The major heating and hot water system components are built into the boiler itself, making them reasonably quick and easy to install. There is no need for a hot water tank in a roof space or taking up space anywhere else in your property so they are a valuable space saving boiler option. System boilers also work with solar water heating systems which offer a lot of environmental benefits as well as lower energy bills.
Regular Boilers
Regular boilers which are also known as traditional, conventional or heat only boilers are normally suited to properties which already have a traditional heating and hot water system which is linked to a separate hot water cylinder/tank. They also need a cold water storage tank in the loft space to feed the hot water cylinder as well as a tank that maintains the water level of the central heating system.
A regular boiler is often the best option if you are replacing an existing boiler if the property has an older radiator system, as it won’t have to cope with the higher water pressure from either a system or combi boiler.
Total Boiler services are experts in all types of commercial boilers, whether they are gas, electric or oil and have extensive experience in planning new boiler systems for businesses or commercial properties, installing it, maintaining it and servicing it. Contact us today on 02922 407934 if you need a service, repair or if you are thinking of replacing your existing commercial boiler system and our qualified and expert gas engineers can help from planning to design through to supply, installation and after care.
We work throughout Wales and the West of England and are qualified to work on all commercial boiler makes & models.
Considerations when Choosing a Commercial Boiler
Commercial Boiler Size
The size of your commercial boiler will depend on the size of your property so it is an essential consideration.
Like with everything, if you buy a commercial boiler that is too small and not capable of heating the size of your property then it won’t provide you with the warmth and hot water that you need. It will have to work a lot harder to try and keep to the temperature you need and this means it won’t last as long as it should do and you will end up replacing it before you should need to.
Installing the right size and type of commercial boiler in your commercial property or business will save you money in the long run as smaller boilers in larger premises will be overworked and will need replacing sooner adding a huge cost to your long term heating costs.
Domestic boilers have a range of up to and including 70kw net. Above 70kw net and the installation and boiler is considered commercial. If the piping needed for a boiler is more than 35mm in diameter then this means you will need a commercial boiler and commercial gas engineer to install it.
Commercial boilers are measured in kilowatts and the bigger the capacity the higher the kilowatt output will be. When choosing a commercial boiler the following should be considered:
- The commercial boiler size should relate to the hot water needed in the building
- What the boiler is being used for and the type of heating needed (constant, timed)
- The water flow rate in your property
- The number and types of radiators in your property
- The number of bathrooms and, or kitchen areas in your property
- The mains pressure
- The air space
- The space you have available to store your boiler
The type of business and property will determine how much hot water is needed throughout the day and if areas need to be heated at different times of the day. If you use your boiler for continuous hot water that isn’t needed then it will waste energy and increase your energy costs without any need for it.
Commercial Boiler Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is vitally important to protect the environment as well as reduce your business or properties energy costs.
Businesses are now under a huge amount of pressure to be energy efficient and lower their carbon footprint and installing the right commercial boiler for your property will contribute to this. There is some funding available for businesses to help them improve their heating systems and help them reduce their carbon emissions so find out if you are eligible for any of these.
Installing the right size commercial boiler for your business or property will impact your carbon emissions and your energy costs so it is a very important factor.
A commercial boiler system should be designed around your business, its needs and be programmed to ensure it offers you optimum energy efficiency, reducing your energy bills in the long run. If your commercial boilers EPC rating is F or below then it has to be replaced as per the Government’s Energy Act which sets out the following rules:
Landlords of privately rented non-domestic properties cannot grant new tenancies or renew existing ones if their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is below E as of 1st April 2018
Property owners cannot let their building to existing tenants nor allow new lets and renewals if they do not meet the minimum EPC of E as of 1st April 2023
Space available for your Commercial Boiler
The space you have available in your property will dictate the type of commercial boiler you have installed. Some boilers don’t need hot water tanks or cylinders so will take up less valuable space. If you already have a hot water system in place which is in good working order then this will dictate the type of boiler you choose. A commercial boiler’s cost for supply and installation will also need to include the cost and consideration for any existing and new pipework and fixtures which may need updating.
When choosing a new commercial boiler you should balance the initial cost outlay with its energy efficiency and the cost savings it will give you in the future.
Commercial Boiler Safety, Maintenance and Aftercare
When choosing a commercial boiler system for your business or property you should use a professional and reputable boiler company like Total Boiler Services. We will come out to your property and assess your existing system, the space you have available, your hot water and heating needs, the size of your property, the mains water pressure, the water flow in your property and your operational needs. We will plan and design a commercial boiler system which will match your requirement, will be energy efficient, with a comprehensive warranty and many aftercare services available for you.
We will provide you with commercial boiler options as well as the boiler’s life costs which predict the energy the commercial boiler will use and the cost to run it. Our technical support team is always on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and we can often fix your commercial boiler remotely, and if not we often know what the problem is before one of our gas safe registered engineers arrive with you making it quicker and easier to repair.
Commercial boilers last anything upwards of 10 to 15 years and having a clear and comprehensive boiler warranty will give you peace of mind for its reliability.
Our commercial boiler repairs and servicing ensure that your boiler is working safely which is your legal responsibility as a commercial property or business owner.
Regular aftercare and servicing from your commercial boiler supplier minimise the risks arising from leaks, faults and gas issues which can potentially result in injury to employees and customers and damage to your building. Regular maintenance and servicing visit also ensure your commercial boiler keeps working as efficiently as when it was first installed, protecting your carbon emissions and energy costs.
How do you know if you need a new Commercial Boiler?
There are lots of signs that a commercial boiler needs replacing or repairing and they can often be identified before it breaks down completely which can save you and your business a huge amount of downtime and money. The signs can include;
- Your boiler needs to be switched off and on again regularly
- It has frequent breakdowns and repairs
- Your property is not feeling warm when the heating is on
- Your water isn’t hot
- Your boiler is making noises; creaking, humming, buzzing, groaning
- Your energy bills are increasing
- Your boiler is leaking which can often lead to floods and property damage
If you are considering putting in a new heating, plumbing and pipework system Total Boiler services offer a full consultancy service to advise you on the industries most up to date and state-of-the-art energy-efficient and cost-saving products. Our team will plan and design it in accordance to your businesses or properties requirements and needs and we will project manage it from start to finish, including the decommissioning of any older systems, installation, testing and compliance sign off, along with planned aftercare.
If you are looking to replace your Commercial Boiler in South Wales or the South West, contact us today on 02922 407934 and one of our team will answer any questions you may have or we can book in a repair, service, maintenance visit or installation survey at a time to suit you.
