Gas or Electric Boiler

Which type of boiler system is best suited for your commercial building?

Small commercial buildings and manufacturers usually rely on some type of boiler system to heat their premises. Most often they use what are known as hot water boilers, where water is heated and then distributed throughout a closed system. Boilers typically run on gas, but some models run off of electricity or even oil. Which type is best suited for you is a discussion you should have with a qualified HVAC technician.

Lower Energy Costs

A central heating boiler can account for up to 60% of energy bills. Whether or not you employ gas or electricity it is important to keep the system well maintained to try and keep these costs down. Discuss with a HVAC technician whether a gas or electric boiler may be an effective way for your business to cut down on costs. They will look into your heating demands as well as the gas prices in your area.

Types of Boilers

Electric boilers are effective at heating, but there will be a substantial increase in your utility bill. The system is very efficient and with no emissions and no need for a chimney there is a 0 to 5% loss of heat to outside. The minimal environmental impact is something to consider for a business that has an invested interest in preserving the environment. Something else to consider is the possibility of a loss of electricity. If you are in an area with overhead power lines during a blizzard what are the chances of losing power to your business? Loss of power with an electric boiler will also mean no heat in your establishment. Electric boilers are better suited in areas with underground power lines where power outages occur rarely.

Oil burners are rarely seen today and typically found only in older buildings and homes. The tanks needed to hold the oil are unsightly if above ground, and a huge environmental hazard if buried into the earth. The need to have the tank replenished is an inconvenience not seen with gas models, since their fuel comes directly through lines supplied by gas companies.

With a boiler you have the option of installing multiple thermostats that allow for you to control the temperature in each room. This can help keep costs down by maintaining lower temperatures in unoccupied parts of the building.

Preventive Maintenance

If your business relies on a boiler for its heating needs consider adopting a preventive maintenance program to help cut down on repairs, but that is just one benefit of keeping the system well maintained. Frequent system checks will improve its safety and reliability, will delay the need of a costly replacement, and save you money on your utility bill.

If the heating system in your business is in need of replacement you have a lot of things to consider. Talk over your options with Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC Heating and Air Conditioning, a Saint Louis commercial HVAC company.   With more than 30 years of experience, our technicians can install a new boiler system, complete routine maintenance, or quickly handle an emergency boiler problem.  Contact us at (314) 471-7625.