HVAC
repair. Given that 80% of a building’s lifetime costs are operational, the economic argument for boiler replacement is certainly compelling.
The environmental benefits from installing replacement condensing boilers are equally persuasive. While condensing boilers typically achieve ultra-low Class 6 NOx emissions at or below 40mg/kWh, older non-condensing boilers are many times higher, at between 150-260mg/ kWh. As such, the cleaner operating condensing boilers support action to improve air quality. Factor in the positive impact of more reliable, better controlled heating on occupant comfort, wellbeing and productivity, and the business case is still more robust.
Planning the switch The switch from non-condensing to condensing boiler technology can and should be seamless. But it’s worth planning ahead to allow sufficient opportunity to accommodate any additional design factors into the schedule and budget – including flueing arrangements and/or a change of fuel source if required. This is particularly relevant when carrying out boiler replacements across several properties.
“A 25-year-old non-condensing
boiler will achieve 70% efficiency at best – in other words, it will waste 30% of the gas input.”
Implementing a rolling change programme is a practical means of ensuring a smooth changeover. With a planned, staged replacement programme there is adequate time to design and budget for the most appropriate solution that will maximise energy and cost savings. And, as the phased replacements can be carried out in a live environment, this approach also minimises any disruption to the daily operation of the building.
Max reliability When it comes to boiler selection, sharing the heat load across multiple condensing boilers rather than installing one large output boiler is an increasingly popular option to achieve a more secure heating system by providing inbuilt backup. The inbuilt redundancy of the design means that even if one boiler should fail, the service will continue uninterrupted.
This arrangement also allows the boilers to operate at part load where they are most efficient and therefore reliable. At the same time, it enables non-disruptive servicing, while the reduced wear and tear will extend the boilers’ lifecycle.
Water quality Water condition can affect both the performance and the lifecycle of heating equipment. When installing new condensing boilers onto old systems, it’s worth
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considering integrating a plate heat exchanger to protect the new appliances from debris and contamination. Air and dirt separators will also help achieve and maintain good water condition on the primary circuit. Once fitted, the water should be routinely assessed to ensure good quality.
Controlled performance Achieving and maintaining optimum boiler performance requires good control. A weather compensated control helps the boilers adapt to the fluctuating demand according to the outside temperature to ensure still greater savings. In addition to time, optimisation and full temperature control, adding a sequential control to a cascade arrangement will rotate the lead boiler and lengthen the serviceable life of the boilers. Control settings should be checked on a regular basis – and reset where necessary.
Maintaining high performance As with all boilers, adopting a regular maintenance and servicing programme for the condensing boilers will ensure continued high performance. Additional features like internal lights or the availability of spare parts kits make maintenance of condensing boilers a faster, simpler process. And as the latest boiler models are designed to enable easy part removal and replacement, this again reduces operational costs.
Manufacturer support Good manufacturer support adds immeasurable value to heating equipment. Free downloads of accurate, up- to-date product information and BIM files will support asset management, helping FMs make informed decisions about heating and planned maintenance. BIM can also assist in supply chain collaboration and with the procurement process or costing decisions, again resulting in time and cost savings.
“Sharing the heat load across multiple condensing boilers
can help achieve a more secure heating system by providing inbuilt backup.”
A relatively simple boiler replacement can transform the energy performance of a building. For building owners, the cleaner, greener operation delivers lower operational costs while meeting environmental commitments. For building users and occupants, the more reliable operation creates the more comfortable environment that is increasingly associated with improved wellbeing and enhanced productivity. And with condensing boilers at the heart of a well-designed, well-controlled and well-managed system, FMs can be assured of a smooth running heating service.
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