BOILERS & BURNERS


Regular servicing is essential for ongoing efficiency


Adam Johnson explains how regular servicing and maintenance will help prolong the life of commercial boilers and max imise their lifetime performance.


Adam Johnson


Southern regional sales manager at ATAG Commercial


www.atagcommercial.co.uk


W


ith gas boilers integral to light commercial heating systems throughout the country, regular servicing


remains paramount. With any boiler, regardless of its age, inspection and maintenance is essential for ensuring all components are working safely and efficiently. Preventing boiler breakdown is


particularly important in commercial settings; not only can this be costly but also extremely inconvenient to businesses. For example, in hospitality environments (such as hotels) guests’ stays can be compromised, while in healthcare applications, patients could even be affected. As a result, it is imperative for companies to have a maintenance and servicing strategy in place.


When engineers are called upon to


undertake servicing jobs, it is essential for inspection and maintenance tasks to be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions at all times. At ATAG Commercial, we recommend an inspection is conducted at least after every 4,000 boiler operating hours – or at least once every year (whichever occurs first). Indeed, most insurance companies require boilers to be serviced every 12 months in order to keep their warranty valid. An inspection should consist of a visual check, looking at the general condition of both the boiler and the overall installation, as well as evaluating when maintenance works are required. Should individual maintenance steps


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need to be carried out, the parts requiring most attention include the burner and heat exchanger, as well as the main injector, spark probe and electrical connections. The heat exchanger, in particular, needs looking after, with stainless steel versions of these essential components not only aiding reliability but also enhancing direct heat transfer and levels of condensation. Stainless steel is naturally more resistant to corrosion than aluminium, but ensuring the system water is clean further prevents corrosion and rust developing.


Checked and cleaned The inside of the boiler should also be cleaned to remove any debris or potential blockages. For instance, if the inside of the boiler casing is heavily polluted with dust, it is likely the fan impeller will be in a similar state, so it should be cleaned to ensure optimum functionality. Similarly, the heat exchanger should be checked and cleaned with a soft brush and vacuum cleaner if required, with care taken to ensure no debris falls into it. Regular cleaning reduces the possibility of any damage being caused by rust or corrosion, naturally prolonging the lifecycle of the boiler, while maximising its overall lifetime performance. A commercial boiler should


also be checked against existing directives that cover non-domestic establishments. This includes gas safety guidelines, Building Regulations and water by-laws, as well


as the relevant British and European standards, such as The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.


The importance of these standards should not be underestimated. In addition to stipulating the performance test criteria to ensure boilers are functioning correctly, the regulations place responsibilities on those installing, servicing, maintaining or repairing gas boilers and fittings, as well as suppliers and users of gas, including certain landlords. Adhering to these requirements ensures the safe installation, maintenance and use of gas systems (including gas fittings, appliances and flues) in domestic and commercial premises, including offices, shops and public buildings. Failing to do so can result in some expensive fines – or even a prison sentence.


Fully informed Once all checks have been completed, a report should be left with the building’s owner (or facilities manager) detailing the work that has been conducted. Servicing and maintenance can


be improved if the boiler itself has a means of informing companies of any issues before they develop. Indeed, ATAG Commercial’s XL-F and XL-W boilers utilise a touchscreen HMI (Human-Machine Interface) positioned at the top of all wall-hung and floor standing models, for easy access and use. This HMI aids with installation, inspection and maintenance and is


Four floor standing XL-F boilers installed at the historic Littlecote House Hotel in Hungerford, Berkshire


supported by an integrated cascade manager. A ‘service mode’ is available on the display screen, which indicates ‘months to maintenance’, as well as various settings to assist engineers, including easy access to parameters, BMS, weather compensation and the cascade manager. Specific settings can also be accessed quickly by inputting the corresponding technical code from the manual. While light commercial boilers


can be serviced at any time of year, it makes sense for work to be carried out towards the end of the summer months. During this period, heating won’t be in demand, so if there is an issue, it is not as problematic as it would be in the colder, more wintry months of the year. It is also a practical option for applications such as schools, as boilers can be serviced during the holidays, when there are no students present. In a commercial setting, poorly maintained boilers can be both unsafe to people and disruptive to businesses. Regular servicing and maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and significant health hazards, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. It remains vital that any commercial boiler is serviced regularly and to a high standard, as this will keep them working efficiently and safely, maximising performance for their entire operating lifecycle. ■


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