Avoiding Winter Boiler Breakdowns
With winter approaching, now is the time to prepare your heating boiler for start-up and trouble-free service. Experience shows that heating failure is the most common equipment breakdown.
The leading cause of boiler breakdown is a “low water” condition that can be prevented by properly operating safety devices. The trouble often starts with a small leak that escalates into boiler burnout when the devices are not working as they should. The risk is very real and calls attention to the need for boiler inspections and regular maintenance, including careful start-up procedures.
The failure to properly maintain or operate boilers can lead to big losses like these actual claims:
- A school’s boiler failed because of low water conditions caused by sediment. Total paid loss: $123,000.
- An apartment building’s boiler shut down and failed when it was restarted improperly. Total paid loss: $28,000.
- A plastics manufacturer had to pay employees overtime to make up production when low water damaged the boiler. The roof had to be removed and replaced to install a new boiler. Total paid loss: $60,000.
Hartford Steam Boiler offers a “Heating Boiler Start-Up Checklist” that shares tips from equipment specialists. To obtain a free copy, call HSB’s 24-hour Fax-On-Demand Service (1-800-716-7874) and request Document No. 401.
