COMMERCIAL HEATING SYSTEMS


Why planned maintenance is essential for avoiding system downtime


Heating systems are central to safe, efficient and sustainable building operations, yet servicing is still too often treated as a reaction to faults rather than a strategic measure, says Graham Barker.


Graham Barker www.rielloburners.co.k


C&I service director at Riello


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ndustry evidence shows that well-maintained heating and HVAC systems can deliver energy savings of 5 – 15% while reducing


the likelihood of breakdowns and extending asset life. In Commercial & Industrial (C&I) environments, where system downtime can be costly and disruptive, structured servicing regimes are essential. For commercial gas equipment, inspections, replacement of consumables, and combustion checks are critical not only for efficiency but also for safety and warranty protection. Oil-fired systems demand even closer attention, with best practice involving bi-annual servicing – a minor inspection and combustion check, followed by a major service with full component replacement and reset. These processes help to


identify early signs of wear, such as deterioration of ignition electrodes, flame sensors or nozzles. Replacing such low-cost consumables during planned servicing can prevent expensive failures and unplanned downtime.


Annual calibration Accurate diagnostics depend on calibrated instruments. If test equipment drifts out of calibration, combustion settings may be adjusted incorrectly, creating both efficiency losses and potential safety risks. Most manufacturers recommend annual calibration and compliance audits increasingly require evidence that only calibrated instruments are in use.


Preventative maintenance Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) shifts servicing from reactive


EIBI | FEBRUARY 2026


Research shows that proactive maintenance can cut energy use and emissions while reducing lifecycle costs


repair to proactive asset care. Regular inspections, component replacement, and scheduling around planned downtime minimise disruption while ensuring efficiency is maintained. For critical applications, keeping first-line spares on site can further reduce the risk of extended outages by eliminating delays in sourcing parts. Industry research shows that


proactive maintenance not only reduces energy consumption and emissions but also improves lifecycle cost management. In the context of net zero, where every percentage point of efficiency counts, servicing regimes are emerging as a frontline tool in carbon reduction strategies.


Service packages Alongside preventative maintenance regimes, structured service packages are playing an important role in raising standards across the sector. Increasingly, manufacturers are supporting installers, service providers and end users by offering comprehensive service plans that combine commissioning, ongoing care, and expert intervention. As one example, at Riello we provide a range of packages that include initial


commissioning — ensuring optimal performance from day one — through to long-term after-sales support. For customers, the benefit lies in peace of mind, knowing that installed equipment is maintained by those with the deepest product knowledge, with servicing and maintenance delivered to manufacturer standards. This approach reflects a broader


industry trend towards managed service models, where reliability, performance, and efficiency are guaranteed as part of the equipment lifecycle.


Predictive maintenance The next frontier is predictive servicing, enabled by connected sensors and data analytics. Early trials in HVAC systems show how machine learning can anticipate faults before they occur, allowing interventions to be scheduled precisely when needed. For C&I heating, predictive approaches could significantly reduce downtime, improve safety, and cut operating costs.


The skills dimension Effective servicing depends on the


competence of engineers. With the sector facing a well-documented skills shortage, these training programmes are helping to close the gap. As one example, Riello Burners


trains more than 200 engineers each year to carry out structured servicing, embedding both theory and practical skills. By offering such training, manufacturers and training providers are strengthening industry standards and preparing engineers for increasingly complex systems.


Strategic imperative Servicing is not a technical afterthought. It is a strategic enabler of efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. For operators of C&I heating systems, structured maintenance should be considered as integral to energy and carbon strategies as equipment selection itself.


In a sector under pressure from


regulation, rising energy costs and net zero commitments, preventative servicing is one of the most practical steps available to balance performance, safety, and long-term resilience. ■


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