Finding the right equipment to maximize your business operation can be quite exhausting, especially if there are lots of options to choose from. As a business owner, you’re after the longevity, capability, and benefits of your investment. Your goal is to go after the right equipment that would maximise your invested amount, and have a return in great value.
Steam boilers are one of the most efficient and reliable machinery that most industries use. But, they may not be for everyone. To understand and assess if your business would benefit from steam boilers, try to ask the following questions first before sealing the deal on that boiler you’ve been eyeing.
1. In what aspect would my business use steam boilers?
First and foremost, lay out your business plan and ask yourself “In what aspect would we use boilers?” If your business’s products or services require boilers for production, it would be nice to also consider how much you will be depending on boilers. Look at the bigger scale of ‘where’ and ‘how much’, for you to gauge if getting a boiler would maximise and benefit your business operation.
You wouldn’t want to spend an enormous amount and only benefit from it short term. Your goal should be, ‘every money I allot for my business, will make me more money in return.’
2. What type of boiler does my business require?
Steam boilers have different types. The two most common and popular ones that are used by the majority are the firetube boiler and water-tube boiler. Firetube boilers are the cheaper ones when compared to water-tube. It operates by having water inside the vessel, with its tubes containing the combustion gases – that fuel steam production.
On the other hand, water-tube boilers operate by having the water inside the tubes along with the combustion gases. In terms of capability, water-tube boilers are considered more powerful. Because of its power, it is capable of producing pressure to generate high temperatures, compared to a firetube.
Familiarize yourself first with the types of boilers, and understand how they work. If your reason for buying a boiler is to generate a warm temperature for your business, a water-tube boiler may be the better option. If you’re a small business owner who is just starting, maybe a firetube boiler will work better with your budget and business size.
3. What size should I get?
In conjunction with the previously discussed point, choosing what size to get will depend on your business size and work production. At this point, you should already have a boiler in mind. Before settling on a particular size, ask the manufacturer about its kilowatt output. It would brief you on the estimated cost of your bills coming from boilers.
Keep in mind that size is one of the most important factors that would define a boiler’s efficiency. A small boiler would only be capable of producing a limited heat temperature. While a big one might cost you a weighty electric bill.
When choosing the right size, don’t forget the space and measurements of the area where your boiler will be installed. Make sure to get the space dimensions of the area to avoid installation issues and boiler operation.
4. How does my business property’s pipeline work?
Following the discussed point, knowing how your property’s pipeline is a must. After all, it is an important bridge that links your boiler’s performance. Most especially if you’ll be using it for warm temperature production. If you don’t own the property where your business operates, request for its pipework blueprint from the landlord. This will help you with the size and steam flow from the boiler to the designated area.
Also, have the pipelines checked by professionals before installing the boiler. This would save you from future pipe issues that might halt business operations. It wouldn’t be nice to have a brand new boiler installed and connected to a decaying pipeline.
5. What type of fuel will power the boiler?
For firetube and water-tube boilers to produce steam, they require fuel. One of the most prevalent types of fuel used is natural gas. Unfortunately, some types of fuel are not eco-friendly and require more costs. When choosing a boiler, take note of the type of fuel that powers it. It won’t hurt to consider going for a better fuel option that wouldn’t harm the environment. Keep in mind that choosing a boiler powered with fuel that is readily available anytime is beneficial.
Some boilers, depending on their type and brand, can operate with two different types of fuel. Opting to this can also help you mitigate price fluctuations in unexpected times. Then again, it all boils down to your business’s budget for expenses.
6. How do I maintain the boiler in the long run?
Steam boilers are a good investment because they are built to operate for a decade or more. On average, its lifespan is around 10 to 20 years, when maintained consistently. Looking at a business’s timeline, you should be able to reap the profits from all your expenses after 10 years.
Boilers produce so much work and for them to generate the desired production, they require maintenance. Expect that in the future, you will encounter some parts that need to be serviced. Consulting with the manufacturer about the boiler’s parts is a must. Ask whether a certain part can be replaced when needed and where to avail it. Considering how long it would take for a certain part to be reinstalled is necessary, to avoid slowing down your business operation.
Making sure that the boiler you will be getting works on any season is a must. The goal should be to consistently produce quality work as much as it can regardless of the time and season.
Some companies and manufacturers offer a maintenance plan. If you can’t commit to checking your boiler’s condition, getting a plan would help. This would save you so much time from looking for engineers and professionals to assist you in case of malfunction. Having a maintenance plan will assure you that nothing will be overlooked, and promote a seamless business operation.
Do your research before anything else
Just like any business investment, boilers require enough time to be understood. There are only two possible things that can happen if you choose the wrong type: it’s either you waste money or make more money. Of course, we all are aiming for the latter one.
What do you think about the discussed points? If you have any helpful questions to add, share your thoughts in the comments below.
About the author :
Bianca Banda is an ardent writer, aiming to share helpful information and ideas effectively and engagingly. She is a massive lover of Japanese cuisine, a self-proclaimed melophile, and enjoys binge-watching comedies or variety shows.