If your heating system isn't up to par, you could be facing higher energy bills, equipment failure and expensive repairs. Get the most out of your heating system with regular inspections, preventive maintenance and targeted upgrades.
Take the heat off
Ensure optimal system performance and improve heating system efficiency with the following maintenance strategies:
- Get an inspection. Have your system cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician at the beginning of each heating season.
- Change filters. Clean filters help improve system efficiency and maintain good indoor air quality. Change filters monthly or according to manufacturer's guidelines.
- Seal leaks. Leaky ductwork reduces occupant comfort. Seal holes or cracks with mastic tape.
- Insulate ducts. Keep heat from escaping and prevent large energy losses with duct insulation.
- Clean ductwork and registers. Regular cleaning improves occupant comfort and indoor air quality.
- Ensure proper heat distribution. Keep areas around registers unobstructed by furniture or equipment.
If your heating system needs frequent repair, it may be time for a replacement. Make sure your new system is sized correctly to fit your needs. Geothermal and air-source heat pumps are highly efficient alternatives to traditional heating systems for many commercial applications.
Fueling boiler efficiency
Boilers used for space heating have unique operational requirements. Although regular maintenance and annual cleaning and inspections are important, you can maximize occupant comfort and the overall energy efficiency of your system by doing the following:
- Measure oxygen levels. Use inexpensive flue gas analyzers and oxygen trim systems to monitor flue gas levels and adjust excess air levels as needed. Oxygen levels shouldn't exceed 6%.
- Monitor flue gas temperature. A rise in temperature may indicate the formation of scale or deposits on boiler tubes.
- Clean scale buildup off tubes regularly. Scale buildup inhibits heat transfer, forcing the boiler to burn additional fuel to meet hot water and steam requirements.
- Measure carbon monoxide levels. Acceptable limits are within 200 parts per million. Excess levels are a sign that combustion is incomplete and fuel is being wasted.
- Inspect boiler insulation regularly. Repair or replace any damaged or missing insulation.
- Check steam traps for leaks. Excess steam emanating from the feed water tank vent may indicate a leak. Install a wireless monitoring system.
Efficiency upgrades can increase boiler efficiency. Boiler economizers preheat feed water and increase efficiency by as much as 3%. Replacing an older burner with a new, energy-efficient model can result in energy savings and a quick payback by maximizing combustion efficiency.
Check the temperature
Efforts to optimize heating system efficiency shouldn't stop at your heating system. Take measures throughout your facility to minimize heat loss, increase building comfort and reduce overall energy costs:
- Weatherize windows and doors by filling cracks and putting weather-stripping around gaps where climate-controlled air can escape.
- Tune building controls such as sensors, dampers and thermostats to match your current operating schedule and the change of season.
- Add insulation to walls and ceilings. Poor insulation will reduce heating system performance and occupant comfort.
By following these guidelines, your building will be comfortable, and you'll take the heat off your energy bills during the colder months.