Boiler technology has changed drastically in recent years. No longer is it necessary for a facility’s heating system to take up an expansive area, or cost a fortune to operate. New innovations have made it possible for boilers to be safer, smaller, and far more efficient to operate than old steam boilers.
If you already have a working boiler, upgrading to a more efficient system might seem inconvenient and unnecessary. However, you may be surprised by quickly an investment in increased efficiency can pay for itself by saving you money, space, and time in the long run.
When done right, making the switch to energy-efficient heating yields these five key benefits:
1. High-Efficiency Boilers Have A Smaller Footprint
High-efficiency boilers have smaller footprints — in more ways than one. Not only do they leave a lighter environmental footprint, they also take up less physical space.
Saving on square footage is an important consideration for many types of facilities. In particular, owners and managers of multifamily buildings can realize huge benefits by converting to a centralized boiler system. Doing away with individual units inside each residence frees up space that can add value to the property. It can also help to streamline maintenance and safety operations.
2. High-Efficiency Boilers Can Adjust To Your Needs
Perhaps the biggest game-changer in the industry is the way that new, high efficiency boilers use modulation to work more intelligently.
Older boilers operate on a very basic “on” or “off” principal. They either go full-bore or not at all.
Today’s high efficiency boilers are equipped with technology that allows them to modulate and run at several intensity levels ranging from very low to full-blast. Since they are consuming on-demand, these newer models are remarkably less wasteful.
Doing away with the old on-or-off-only system has revolutionized the way these systems operate. Not only does it makes a huge difference in energy savings, it cuts down on the level of general wear and tear within the unit and its components.
3. High-Efficiency Boilers Save You Money
Some facility managers might cringe at the thought of spending money to retrofit or replace their boiler with a high-efficiency setup. Done right, though, such an investment can start to bring returns in the form of energy savings (and the subsequent reduced energy bills) within the first year or two.
Plus, a more efficient boiler may save you money when it comes to maintenance. Steam boilers, especially very old ones, tend to require a high level of maintenance and care in order to operate properly and safely. On the other hand, modern high-efficiency boilers can typically be managed with a simple maintenance program.
4. High-Efficiency Boilers Make Your Entire Operation More Efficient
High efficiency boilers aren’t just more efficient in terms of energy consumption. Since you’re less likely to experience downtime for maintenance and repairs, your facility’s operations are less likely to be interrupted.
Modern systems built with several independent, integrated modules with their own separate heating units are becoming increasingly popular. If one module fails, the others are still able to function, filling in the gap for the missing unit until it can be repaired. If an old boiler goes out, the entire system will not be operational until the necessary repairs have been made.
5. You Won’t Necessarily Need To Scrap Your Existing Boiler
If your old equipment is doing just fine, you don’t necessarily have to throw it out and spring for all new units. In many cases, older-style systems can be retrofitted with energy efficient components with great success.
Even with older systems in place, facilities can see anywhere from 20% to 50% energy use reduction after a quality conversion. To get these kind of results from a high efficiency conversion, it is imperative to work with a team of experts who can perform competent analysis on your facility and existing equipment.
By factoring in all the variables that affect a particular facility and its operations, a skilled energy technician can create a customized system that works as efficiently as possible.
Beyond your boiler itself, don’t forget to consider other factors that can help your heating system to operate more efficiently. Simple things like upgrading insulation and sealing drafts can go a long way toward helping a high efficiency boiler operate at its peak potential and to see the best possible numbers in terms of heating efficiency and energy costs.
Not sure if your boiler is running as efficiently as possible? Contact us today to schedule an assessment and consultation.
