Your commercial boiler is the beating heart of your office. Without it, your office would likely be a cold and gloomy place, and far from attractive to both potential and current employees. Many businesses don’t even realise how much they rely on their boiler until it breaks down – and suddenly the whole office descends into chaos.
With winter on its way and the cold weather due to set in, there’s no better time than now to make sure your commercial boiler is in top condition. If your boiler breaks down during winter, your employees could be left in a freezing cold office; not only is this far from pleasant, but it can also affect productivity levels too.
In fact, as a business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your employees are comfortable in their working environment and have everything they need, including heating and access to hot water. Your employees need hot water and heating to keep them safe, healthy and happy, so preventing a boiler breakdown and keeping an eye out for tell-tale breakdown signs is key.
Below, we take a look at the signs your boiler needs replacing.
The boiler is leaking
All leaks, no matter how big or small, need to be paid attention to. A leak indicates there is a problem with your boiler; ignoring it will only lead to bigger problems and more costly repairs. There are lots of different reasons why your boiler may be leaking, from cracks within the body of the boiler to seals that have become dried or perished over time.
Commercial boilers should be constantly checked for leaks. Not only do leaks pose a risk to the boiler, but they can also cause water damage in your building which can be costly to repair and even lead to structural issues too.
If you notice a leak coming from your boiler, you should contact a professional boiler maintenance company right away to come and inspect and repair the issue for you.
You can hear strange noises
It’s not unusual for your boiler to make some noises as it fires up and runs. However, if you notice any strange or unusual sounds coming from your boiler throughout the day, it could be time for a replacement. As your boiler ages, it may start making strange noises, from bubbling sounds to crashes and bangs. These sounds should always be paid attention to and addressed immediately.
Boiler noises vary and they can be caused by lots of different things, from pressure build up to blockages within the system. If you can hear a whistling noise coming from your boiler or radiators (otherwise known as kettling), this is an indication there is a build up of sludge and limescale in your boiler which can quickly reduce your boiler’s life expectancy.
On the other hand, loud noises such as bangs or clanging indicates there is a blockage or pressure issue. The only way to get to the bottom of the problem is to have your boiler inspected by a professional.
The boiler is old
If you can’t remember the last time your commercial boiler was replaced or it’s been ticking away for quite a few years now, it could be time for a replacement. Even the best and most expensive commercial boilers won’t last forever. Most boilers last from 10-15 years, so if your boiler is reaching the end of this period then it’s worth thinking about getting a replacement.
Even if it seems like there’s nothing wrong with your boiler, a new boiler will be more efficient for your business. While the condition of a boiler often depends on how well it has been serviced during its lifetime, it’s always best to replace a boiler after a certain timescale to avoid any risks.
Your energy bills are high
If you’ve noticed your energy bills creeping higher and higher over the last few months, you could have a boiler problem on your hands. As the system gets older, it becomes less efficient and this could be why your bills are rocketing. Your boiler may not be operating at full capacity; this could be down to a small repair that’s needed or simply because your boiler is old.
Today, modern boilers use advanced technology to ensure they run as efficiently as possible. If you’re using an older model, you could be sacrificing efficiency and in turn, pouring money down the drain. Inefficient boilers will struggle to heat up a building as quickly as newer models and will work harder to produce heat.
The boiler often breaks down
As previously mentioned, nothing throws people into panic quite like a broken boiler. Suddenly having no access to heating and hot water can be extremely problematic, particularly in the depths of winter. If your office becomes too cold, your employees could catch colds and you can put their health at risk. A boiler breakdown can even lead to business downtime while you wait for the issue to be fixed, which will likely have a financial impact on your company.
If your boiler has broken down a few times in the last year or you’re constantly forking out money on repairs and maintenance, it’s probably time for a new boiler altogether. While one boiler breakdown in a year could just be unfortunate, two or three breakdowns indicates there is a bigger underlying problem.
While a boiler replacement may be a hefty investment for your business, it will save you money on maintenance, repairs and breakdowns and also lower the costs of your utility bills too.
Varying temperatures
You may have noticed different rooms within your building heat unevenly. For example, one meeting room may be warm and cosy during the winter months, whereas someone’s office could be freezing. If this is the case, there may be a problem with the boiler’s controls. While you can hire a professional to fix the controls for you, this is often only a short term solution and you should instead consider a boiler replacement.
Investing in a new boiler will eliminate the need for frequent repairs and save you money in the long run, ensuring each room in your building is evenly and quickly heated when required.
Mitchell’s: heating engineer and installation specialists in Gloucester
At Mitchell’s, we’re proud to be the only heating company you’ll ever need in Gloucester. We offer a range of unbeatable heating services, from heating installations to boiler replacements. Our heating engineers and specialists are highly qualified experts, qualified to work on a wide range of heating systems and commercial boilers.
If your facility is in need of heating services, you needn’t look further than us. Our services are available on a one-off basis or they can be bundled into other service offerings for a more cost-effective solution. Whether your boiler has broken down and you need a replacement or you’re in need of experts to carry out your annual boiler service for you, Mitchell’s is the company for you.
To learn more about our services and how we can take care of and manage your entire building, from its builders to its plumbing to its IT systems, visit our website today.