By: RK Service

Boilers are one of the most important pieces of equipment for facilities in many industries. They play a critical role in energy production and other industrial processes as well as provide comfortable working conditions in commercial buildings. Although proactive boiler maintenance improves efficiency and lowers costs, the primary benefit is peace of mind, something you simply can’t put a price on.

A Planned Maintenance Agreement for boiler systems helps prevent shutdowns. If a boiler breaks down, operations can grind to a halt and cause a loss in productivity. Proactive maintenance uses scientific techniques and analysis to predict and fix boiler problems before they arise. Maintenance reduces the stress a heating system undergoes during regular operation. A boiler can begin to develop corrosion and loose connections if it does not receive routine maintenance.

Here are some of the main benefits of a Planned Maintenance Agreement:

• Routine boiler maintenance saves money. Whether the savings are from increased productivity and efficiency, avoiding shutdowns, extended life or accident prevention, boiler maintenance can save companies money. The small cost of routine boiler maintenance, inspection and repairs creates a long-term return investment.
• Maintenance increases the efficiency of the boiler. It is essential that the boiler operates as efficiently as possible to keep fuel and energy costs at a minimum while also maximizing output. Regular maintenance and inspections aid in spotting and correcting efficiency problems.
• Scheduled boiler maintenance and inspection increases lifecycle. Proper maintenance can prolong the life of boilers and prevent costly new purchases due to boiler failure.
• Regular boiler maintenance helps prevent accidents. Most boiler-related accidents can be prevented by safely detecting and correcting potential problems, such as poor combustion or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Proper maintenance is necessary for compliance. Most states have laws that require boiler inspections by certified inspectors. In order to remain compliant with general emission and safety standards, it is essential for companies to exercise good boiler maintenance practices.

Some signs that your boiler may need servicing:

• Flame Color: When the flame is yellow rather than blue, carbon monoxide may be present.
• Soot: Black stains or build-up around boiler could be a sign of incomplete combustion.
• Pilot Light: A pilot light that keeps going out is often due to a defective thermocouple.
• Condensation: Increased condensation may be a sign of a leak.
• Strange Noises: Clunking or whirring noises could be a sign of pump or fan issues.

Startup, Shutdown and Layup: Under an Agreement, We Take Care of it!
Each year, when fall rolls around, specific procedures need to be followed prior to restarting a boiler that has been dormant for the summer months. The entire system should be checked over and operating procedures carefully reviewed by a service technician before putting the boiler back into operation. Proper startup is required to keep a boiler operating efficiently throughout the year.

A proper layup in the spring is also necessary for the protection of the boiler while in storage. The quality of a layup in spring will translate to the quality of the startup in fall. Startup, shutdown and layup and proactive maintenance throughout the year all contribute to keeping the system in good working condition.

RK Service can help provide you the peace of mind of knowing that your system is maintained properly throughout the year and will work when you need it most. Contact us at service@rkindustries.com for more information or to schedule maintenance.