HVAC SYSTEMS
facilities still rely on manual monitoring and maintenance of boiler systems. Upgrading to automated solutions can enhance efficiency and safety, while saving time.
n Embracing modern technology: investing in high-efficiency boilers or economisers can drastically reduce energy consumption, providing a significant return on investment over time.
5) Rethink Reassessing operations ensures that the boiler house remains aligned with the facility’s evolving goals and demands. n Reassess load demands: healthcare facilities often experience fluctuating energy needs. Regularly reviewing these requirements helps eliminate inefficiencies, and ensures that boilers operate at optimal levels.
n Measure and monitor impact: Implement systems to track key metrics like energy use, emissions, and boiler efficiency. This data allows for continuous improvements, and supports informed decision-making.
6) Repair Proactive maintenance prevents small issues from escalating into costly problems. n Routine maintenance checks: Even minor issues, like steam leaks or scale build-up, can lead to significant inefficiencies. For example, a small leak can waste thousands of pounds in fuel annually if left unchecked.
n Invest in preventative maintenance: scheduling regular inspections and servicing helps ensure that boilers and associated systems remain in peak condition, extending their lifespan, and maintaining efficiency.
From small steps to big impacts Even seemingly minor adjustments in boiler house operations can yield substantial benefits. For example, raising feed tank temperatures can lower fresh water use, reduce chemical needs, and save on fuel, while fixing steam leaks not only saves energy, but also enhances safety by reducing pressure imbalances. These small improvements can collectively result in up to 25% savings in boiler house costs, providing much-needed relief for tight healthcare budgets. Additionally, these actions contribute to broader sustainability goals by lowering emissions and reducing environmental impact. Optimising boiler house operations isn’t just about
upgrading equipment; it’s also about empowering the people who operate and maintain these systems. At Spirax Sarco, we understand that well-trained staff are crucial to sustaining long-term efficiency improvements. Our specialist training programmes are designed to equip healthcare facility teams with the knowledge and skills needed to identify inefficiencies, conduct routine maintenance, and implement best practices. These courses cover topics like steam system fundamentals, energy- saving techniques, and safety procedures, ensuring that staff can confidently manage their boiler house systems. By investing in training, healthcare facilities not only improve their immediate operations, but also foster a culture of sustainability and continuous improvement.
A Spirax Sarco apprentice gaining from his colleague’s experience and knowledge ‘on the job’. The company highlights the importance of ‘empowering’ the people who operate and maintain boiler and other healthcare HVAC plant via effective training.
February 2025 Health Estate Journal 55
The author emphasises that ‘even seemingly minor adjustments in boiler house operations can yield substantial benefits’.
Begin your journey with optimisation Optimising the boiler house is an essential first step toward broader sustainability goals, such as achieving Net Zero. By identifying easy wins, healthcare facilities can create a foundation for ongoing improvements that support both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. These steps not only benefit the environment, but also ensure that healthcare facilities can allocate more resources to patient care by reducing unnecessary energy costs. At Spirax Sarco, we’re committed to helping healthcare facilities on their sustainability journey. Our tailored solutions and expert guidance are designed to meet the unique needs of the healthcare sector. Whether it’s optimising boiler operations, implementing automation, or providing training, we work alongside facilities to deliver tangible results. With decades of experience, we bring both technical
expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges healthcare organisations face. Our goal is to help facilities achieve their sustainability objectives without compromising the quality of care they provide. Equally, from equipment upgrades to training and maintenance, we offer end-to-end support, and our proven solutions deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and emissions reductions. Optimising the boiler house is about more than just
technology – it’s about making informed decisions that benefit the facility, its budget, and the environment. By applying the Six Rs of Sustainability, investing in training, and collaborating with a trusted partner, healthcare facilities can take meaningful steps toward achieving their efficiency and sustainability goals. Together, we can create a more sustainable future – one small step at a time.
Steve Bishop
Steve Bishop, a Business Development and consultant specialist at Spirax Sarco (UK & ROI), has a particular focus on the hospital sector, as well as many years’ experience of a variety of general industrial and steam-using processes, including manufacturing experience across a variety of industries. He said: “I’m passionate about the crucial role that steam continues to play in the delivery of thermal energy for our customers, and how we are rapidly developing new technologies and approaches in order to achieve this, in a way that completely aligns with our collective Net Zero goals and challenges.”
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