Are you considering purchasing a new commercial boiler and wondering which one is right for you? Then you’re in the right place, as we’re going to run down everything you need to think of when you need to choose the perfect commercial boiler for your requirements. Read on and weigh up the various factors affecting the type of commercial boiler you choose, and make an informed decision.
What Type Of Business Do You Have?
This is an essential question, as the way you will use your boiler determines which type of commercial boiler you need to choose. Do you own a small shop or retail outlet and only need the boiler for hot water to wash hands? Then a smaller boiler of just 20-30kW should suffice.
If you are a large establishment such as a school and need to run hot water and heating, then perhaps 200-400kW should cover all of your needs. Operating a gym which needs hot water, showers and perhaps a steam room, then you should be looking at a boiler capable of delivering 500kW all the way up to 1500kW depending on the size and expected usage.
Hospitals and universities which need hot water on demand for a number of reasons should consider a commercial boiler, or multiple boilers, with an output of 1000kW or higher.
How Energy Efficient Does It Need To Be?
With a greater push towards a greener, cleaner planet, many businesses looking to purchase a boiler should also pay close attention to how energy efficient their commercial boiler actually is. In short, efficiency comes down the performance produced when heat is created by the source of fuel.
It will usually result in a reduced energy bill, especially if it has a rating of above 80% efficiency. All British made boilers will have this rating displayed so be sure to look into this aspect as well before making a final decision.
How Big Does Your Boiler Need To Be?
Bigger is better when it comes to boilers, but choosing the right size of commercial boiler for your exact requirements is always prudent as you don’t want to be paying out more on energy bills for an over-productive boiler delivering a kW output you don’t need.
If the boiler is too small, on the other hand, it’s going to struggle to meet your demands and leave you lacking when it comes to getting quick access to hot water and heating. Don’t just opt for a smaller one as it has a good rating or reviews, as everything from the amount of floorspace you have to the number of radiators will affect your decision.
What Kind Of Commercial Boiler Do You Need?
Boilers can usually be categorized into firetube or watertube. With a firetube style you will benefit from a cheaper appliance purchase price and installation, but it is limited in the amount of heat it can put out.
A better option for larger establishments is the watertube style, which comes in a variety of sizes and prices can be much higher. However, it has lots more power and will cope with high demands placed on it, from heating a multistorey apartment block to a leisure centre with a heated pool or jacuzzi.
What Type Of Fuel Is Best For Your Needs?
There are so many ways to heat water with a commercial boiler these days, and it can be confusing when trying to find the best one for your exact needs. Choose from natural or propane gas, oil, biomass or electricity. Gas is by far the most common selection as it is cheap compared to the rates charged by companies for electricity, and oil boilers can last two decades or more compared to the 10 years most combi boilers are expected to run for.
How Much Can You Afford?
Price is most definitely a factor that needs to be accounted for, and we advise you get the best boiler you can afford. An initial outlay on an energy efficient but more expensive boiler will give you that money back in terms of how much you save on fuel use each month over the course of a few years.
A lower initial cost of the boiler could end up costing you more money in the long run with higher bills due to its inefficiency. Getting the right boiler for your exact situation instead of splashing out on something oversized and overperforming for your business doesn’t make financial sense.
Still need advice on which commercial boiler to choose? Reach out to the friendly and knowledgeable team here at Rowlen by phone or through the online contact form and we’ll be happy to discuss the range of options available to you, unique to your premises requirements.
