Commercial boiler maintenance is critical for ensuring the optimal efficiency and safety of your facility. With that said, let’s dive into recommended maintenance.

Most commercial boilers typically last for more than a decade with proper care. Since a boiler malfunction can result in property damage and possible health hazards, The National Boiler Codes specify that all commercial and industrial boilers must be checked by a licensed boiler contractor at least once a year. High-pressure steam boilers and low-pressure steam and hot water boilers every 2 years.

However, regular boiler servicing and maintenance is also a must. Business owners and commercial landlords should check their boilers regularly. Here’s a quick rundown:

Daily

• Check if the boiler temperature and pressure and exhaust temperature is within the manufacturer’s stated range
• Look around and under the boiler for any leaks of water, flue gas, or fuel
• Keep the area around the boiler free from obstacles 
• Examine the flame through the boiler’s sight port to see if there are any sooting or signs of damage
• Note any error or service codes on the display panel and report these to a technician immediately
• Inspect the piping and components quickly for any blockages

Weekly

• Check if the de-alkaliser, water softener, or chemical feed system have the proper level of chemicals and salts

• Examine the fuel safety valves in the main burner for leakage and issues
• Inspect and clean compressor air filters, and ignition electrodes
• Test if the operating and safety controls are turning on and off properly while noting the pressure gauge
• Do an evaporation test for low water levels, at which the burner should stop, and alarms should sound
• Go through alarms and signal lights to make sure they’re functioning as expected

Monthly

• Test the boiler safety relief valves based on the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations
• Remove any debris or dust in the filter access panel and clean or replace the air filter as needed
• Thoroughly examine the safety relief valve and relief valve discharge pipes for weeping or leaks
• Check the combustion air piping and flue gas vent piping for signs of corrosion
• Look out for condensate, which appears white and powdery, in the piping because this again is a sign of corrosion
• Inspect the fan, air pressure, and high pressure or temperature interlocks

Quarterly

• Observe the burner flame’s appearance, which should look blue to indicate proper and complete combustion
• Inspect electric wirings and switches for any loose connections or signs of overheating
• Check the combustion control system and reset it with a combustion analyzer that reads oxygen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide levels
• Examine the gaskets on the waterside and fireside and replace them if necessary for leak prevention
• Replace or clean and reinstall the plugs in the control pipes

Annually

Every year, you’re required to have your boiler go through a comprehensive inspection, where every component is examined. This involves the following:

• Leak testing on all fuel valves
• Go through all control settings, including those for test safety and operations
• Check the gas and safety valves based on manufacturer recommendations
• Look out for signs of degradation in insulating materials
• Search for oxygen corrosion in all valves and piping
• Clean the burner assembly, igniter, and flame sensors as well as the boiler furnace
• Remove sediments inside the boiler by opening maintenance holes and hand holes and flushing them with water
• Make sure the heating system is working fine, and water pH levels are correctly maintained

In the end, it makes dollars and sense to inspect your equipment regularly. Best of all, you don’t have to wait for your annual inspection to begin. You can use a daily, monthly, and periodic boiler maintenance checklist to ensure your equipment performs as efficiently as possible.