Boiler water applications can vary in both size and complexity, but one thing is consistent, the additives used in your comfort heating water are specific to the system you are supplying them to. When selecting additives such as glycol, knowing your boiler type, material, and that of the adjacent piping is imperative. Different glycols are designed for varied equipment materials, aluminum, for example, so knowing this information beforehand can save you and your facility a significant amount of time and money.

It’s a question as old as the heating designs themselves— Which is superior, water tube or fire tube boilers?  While both technologies have developed enormously throughout their lifetime, both water tube and fire tube designs possess certain inherent benefits and shortcomings. In this blog, we will highlight what makes these two boiler styles unique, putting a magnifying glass to the advantages and disadvantages of each design.

Short cycling occurs when a boiler powers down before being able to complete a typical boiler cycle and is called upon to satisfy a second call for heat, in quick succession. A typical boiler cycle consists of firing, post purge, idle period, pre-purge and then back to firing. Boiler short cycling can be seen in two critical areas; mechanical and economic.

In this blog, we discuss how this affects the boiler and how we can mitigate short cycling and losses incurred from it.

Eventually, all commercial heating systems need to be replaced – and whether you replace one unit, or five, it will require a significant investment in time and money.  In upgrading your system with the latest technology can offer in condensing equipment, high system efficiency, building management and connectivity, the cost to retrofit your boiler room can escalate quickly.

Hydronic Boilers Piping Arrangements

Just like we would debate over sports, music, or politics, engineers have long held strong opinions about piping arrangements for hydronic heating systems.  Which is better:  Primary-Secondary or Variable Primary?  They each have their benefits, but most boiler manufacturers tend to side with Primary-Secondary.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a different choice?

Commercial Boiler Efficiency

Placing system efficiency at the forefront of commercial boiler acquisition continues to be a trend in the heating and water heating industry. Manufacturers are racing ahead to push the limits of technology by offering aggressive turndown capabilities approaching, and even exceeding 20:1, at the detriment of system efficiency. 

Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers

Stainless steel has increased in popularity over time due to its success in a number of different environments and applications. Stainless steel commercial boilers have proven to be reliable and efficient in both retrofit projects and new installations.  

If you are curious to learn why stainless steel has gained popularity in the heating industry, Patterson-Kelley has compiled a list for you that includes the top three benefits of owning a stainless steel commercial boiler.

Changing the Perception of Aluminum Commercial Boilers

The commercial heating industry has faced an ongoing debate on the benefits of stainless steel heat exchangers versus aluminum heat exchangers. The process of choosing a new boiler has become confusing for both building owners and engineers. 

Why Annual Maintenance?

Like changing the oil of your Ferrari F60 every 3,000 miles, all heating equipment, both boilers and water heaters, require annual maintenance. No matter the life expectancy of a heating system, ‘WEAR & TEAR’ will interfere with the performance of your heating equipment.

Boiler Control Innovation

The technological innovation of boiler systems has drastically enhanced how users interact with their boilers. The industry continues to improve safety and efficiency standards to fit the game changing environment. Today, users seek features that influence the return on their investment. These notable features include increased energy efficiency, great zone controls and low operational costs; all of which can be achieved by selecting the right boiler control technology.