If you’ve been putting off boiler upgrade and repairs, this is the best time to get them done. Read on to learn why you should schedule boiler upgrade and repairs this summer.
9 Recommended Boiler Upgrades And Repairs This Summer
Gain Efficiency
Some boiler upgrade and repairs will improve your boiler’s efficiency and reduce your company’s energy costs. For example, if your boiler burner is controlled by a single modulating motor, driving a common motor jackshaft, wear and tear over time may be causing slip and hysteresis, resulting in poor air-fuel ratio control.
Controls
Consider replacing this type of system with a parallel positioning control system. This approach controls the fuel and air valves independently, electronically tying them into the electronic firing-rate control on the boiler. The improved control throughout the firing range will eliminate slip and hysteresis, improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. Just as importantly, the repeatability these controls allow will help maintain compliance with air quality control requirements. Low NOx limits, such as those in place in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, essentially require these more modern control systems.
Oxygen Sensor
You may need to add an oxygen sensor/transmitter to the exhaust gas to maintain peak efficiency. This minimizes any excess air while optimizing the fuel-to-air ratio.
Steam Trap Surveys
For steam applications, conducting periodic steam trap surveys can have a positive effect on fuel consumption while preventing possible damage to your boiler system. Steam traps filter out condensed steam and non-condensable gasses without letting the steam escape. If the condensed steam is allowed to return to the boiler, it can cause damage.
Variable Speed Motor Drives
Additionally, you may want to add variable-speed drives (VSD) to existing motors. Commonly used on boiler feed and circulating pumps as well as combustion-air motors over 5 hp, adding a VSD reduces energy consumption and electric bills. Moreover, because a motor outfitted with VSD starts up gradually, it reduces stresses on the motor shaft and bearings, extending operating life.
Regulation Compliance
Carbon monoxide leaks are serious threats to employee and customer safety. Thankfully, when you perform boiler maintenance, you can catch leaks before they do you and your business major harm. Yellow flames on gas burners, overheating, corrosion and black soot on oil boilers are all major signs that the fuel is not burning correctly, and you could end up having a safety hazard on your hands. To maintain regulatory compliance and pass boiler inspections, a trained eye must be there to catch these issues before you get slapped with a fine.
Be Proactive
In the winter months, boilers are in constant use and cannot be taken offline for upgrades. Therefore, summer is a perfect and convenient time to get this item checked off your list. It is best to take advantage of the downtime and gear up for the rest of the year by performing needed repairs and upgrades now. It’s easy to put off repairs and upgrades until they’re essential, but the last thing you want is a boiler breakdown in the middle of winter.
Easier to Schedule
It may be easier to schedule boiler upgrade and repairs this summer because boiler service companies get busier in the fall and winter, as the heating season ramps up. Stay ahead of your competition by getting your upgrades done before schedules fill up and potential labor rate increases kick in.
Your Facility Will Be Safer
If you are concerned about maintaining a perfect safety record, it’s a good idea to get boiler upgrade and repairs done in advance of problems. There are many things that can go wrong with a boiler system: from clogs in the pipes to water damage caused by burst hoses. If you let an issue persist, it can lead to more costly problems down the line.
Conclusion
Summer is around the corner, so it’s time to schedule important repairs. If you’ve been delaying your boiler repairs and upgrades, call Bay City Boiler today to speak with a boiler specialist.