In addition to scheduled appointments with a heating technician, commercial boilers need to be inspected frequently to ensure efficient operation and keep safety risks to a minimum. In today’s post, Perfect Degree HVAC shares boiler maintenance tests that commercial property owners and managers should be familiar with.
- Daily inspections. Boilers use pressure and hot water to circulate heat throughout the building, which means the gauges will need to be monitored constantly. You should have a daily checklist that includes checking the pressure and exhaust levels, checking for unusual noises or vibrations, and checking underneath for signs of leaks. The burner should be regularly inspected for accumulated soot or signs of damage. If the display panel indicates error or service codes, contact your heating technician immediately.
- Weekly inspections. Some components are not as urgent, but should be checked on a weekly basis. Key components such as the pilot light and main flame, water softener and chemical feed system, and safety valves all need regular inspections. The boiler’s user guide should have a list of tests that need to be performed weekly: pressure gauge tests, evaporation tests, and alarm tests, to name a few.
- Monthly inspections. Monthly boiler maintenance generally involves testing the quality of the water. Components such as the filtration system should undergo testing. The water must also be tested for pH (acidity) level and for impurities, which can accumulate in the pipes sight unseen and result in clogging. Other piping in the system, including safety valves, should also be inspected for condensate and signs of corrosion.
- Quarterly inspections. Quarterly inspections are generally conducted to prepare for the season. In preparation for the winter season, the pipes must be properly insulated to prevent freezing, which can cause burst pipes. Electrical systems, including temperature and pressure sensors, should also be inspected quarterly.
- Annual inspections. Annual inspections are conducted by a heating technician, and are the most comprehensive. A typical inspection routine involves leak tests on all fuel valves, calibrating control systems, and a thorough cleaning of the boiler furnace and adjacent systems. Repairs may also be conducted if the technician finds urgent issues.
When you need a capable heating technician for your commercial property, give Perfect Degree HVAC a call at (610) 529-7372. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an inspection. Our team serves communities in the entire Tri-State area.