If you are running a business, investing in an efficient, modern boiler could really help save you money in the long-term. Many prudent business owners will be considering installing a new boiler for their premises to mitigate their ever-rising costs.
If your old boiler is inefficient, then keeping your premises warm and well supplied with hot water may be costing your far more than it should.
Choosing the right commercial boiler can be daunting: it involves a significant financial commitment, so you need to get it right. Making the right choice and investing in the best boiler could make quite a difference to your business.
Here are a few things you might want to think about when choosing a new boiler.
Efficiency
When looking for a new boiler, it is important to ask questions about the efficiency ratings of the different models. A new boiler is likely to be significantly more efficient than your current boiler, especially if the latter is over ten years old. You need a system which warms your property quickly, thoroughly and evenly to the desired temperature, while minimizing your emissions-and to do all this without costing more than it should.
You may also want to check-out other elements of your heating system (radiators, thermostats, heating controls, the water in the system) and ensure these are not reducing your efficiency.
Boiler size
It is essential that the boiler you choose is right for your premises. Boiler capacity is measured in either BTU/h or kilowatts(kW). While these figures may mean little to a non-expert, you should avoid installing a boiler with capacity which is too low or too high for your premises. Too high and you will be wasting a lot of money over the long term, too low and it will simply not produce enough heat.
Work out the size of your premises, the floor space, and the number of rooms and radiators. Then get some help calculating just how much heat and hot water you are likely to need.
Although modern boilers tend to be very compact compared to older models should still think about where the boiler is to be located. Is there sufficient room for it, with easy access for engineers should repairs and adjustments become necessary? Is it in a safe location?
Type of boiler
The three types of boiler are combi, heat-only and system boilers. Choosing the right one for your business is crucial, as each type has its pros and cons. As an example, heat-only boilers are generally good for premises needing a lot of hot water. Factors to consider when choosing the boiler include the type of premises and the nature of your business. A restaurant, for example, will have different needs from an office suite. Discuss this with your installer/supplier, who will be able to advise you on your best option. For more detailed guidance on the commercial boilers available, take a look at our guide.
Fuel type
Find out the fuel requirements for a boiler before making your purchase. Boilers can run on electricity, heating oil, natural gas, solar energy, and biomass, but not all of these will be available to you, and some may cost you more than others. Make sure the type of fuel needed is available at your premises, and importantly, that it is cost-effective.
Budget
Getting a new boiler can be expensive, but remember to balance this with the money that could be saved by having a more efficient system in place. Spending a little more at the outset may be offset by the long-term savings. As with so many things, the cheapest option could end up costing you more.
Aftercare support
A new boiler, if well chosen, should provide many years of good service. However, if things do go wrong, you need to know about the aftercare available, and what is or is not covered by the warranty. Also, make sure the boiler you go for is a model for which your supplier can readily access parts should any need replacing.
Xgas will be able to advise you on the options available for your business. If you think your boiler needs changing, get in touch and find out how an efficient modern boiler could make a real difference to your business. The more information you give us about your business and your premises, the better we can advise you about the best option for you.
For more information, visit the commercial boilers page.
