Wayne, NJ Boiler Repair Experts Explain Boiler Efficiency

Our Wayne, NJ Boiler Repair Team Explain Their Tips for Achieving Boiler Efficiency

If you notice that your energy bills are rising significantly over several months, one of the common culprits could be the boiler system. So, understanding how to enhance boiler efficiency can help you save money on heating bills for the years ahead. Many systems lose heat in the process of boiling water. Improving the system efficiency means improving the heat generation process and minimizing the amount of energy lost to flue gas.  

Our Wayne, NJ boiler repair team has decades of experience in systems analysis. Today we’re highlighting our tips for enhancing boiler efficiency.

• Lower the Stack Temperature

The first step to enhancing boiler efficiency is lowering the stack temperature. You might consider a night setback, which allows the boiler temperature to drift during the evening when you may not notice ambient changes as much. Lowering the stack temperature can help you to reduce running costs over time. 

• Tune the Burner

Turn the burner regularly to achieve optimal performance from the system. One of the common issues homeowners face is that the boiler may not be getting the right amount of air. 

The boiler requires a specific level of oxygen to maximize combustion. When not enough oxygen is present, the carbon within the fuel can be oxidized, which may cause the creation of carbon monoxide. This carbon monoxide limits the heat released from the boiler because the fuel product doesn’t burn completely. In addition, a lower amount of air in the system can also lead to the build-up of soot and smoke, creating dangerous conditions within the property. 

Too much air in the system causes similar issues, as the extra air enters the system cold and is sent out via the system stack hot, which wastes heat generation. And so, you must turn your burner carefully to achieve the most efficient level of air within your unit.

A skilled NJ boiler repair professional can take on the burning tuning process for you. They measure the amount of air required in your system with an O2 probe. They insert the probe into your unit stack and begin tuning the burner to maximize air efficiency based on the probe reading. 

You may find the temperature of the air drawn into your boiler system changes with each season. So, ensure you consult with your local repair experts directly to create a tuning schedule.

• Use a Blowdown to Recover Heat

Recovering heat from the boiler blowdown is a highly effective method of enhancing boiler efficiency. The blowdown valve removes boiler water that contains both soluble and insoluble solids. The valve also helps reduce the number of dissolved solids in the water to prevent scale. However, it uses energy when it removes the water. You can recover some heat energy by installing a heat exchanger, which cools the system while heating the return water. A heat exchanger can significantly enhance system efficiency and reduce your energy bills for the years ahead. 

• Preheat Combustion with an Air Preheater

A large amount of the energy used by the boiler is the result of heating the combustion air with a constantly running flame. When the air is warmer before entering the boiler, the system requires less energy to make the same amount of steam. By increasing the air temperature by 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can save as much as 1% of each fuel bill.

Many homeowners now consider using air preheaters, which limit the amount of work the system has to undertake. Our local Wayne NJ boiler repair expert can help explain the value of air preheaters and recommend options for you.

• Clean the Water Side 

When you keep the water side of your boiler clean and free of potential leaks, you can further improve the rate of heat transfer to the water. Take the time to clean out the mud legs or drums within the system. Over time, you’ll notice that scale accumulates on heat transfer surfaces due to the impurities within the water. This scale can impede heat transfer over time. It can also cause the boiler to overheat, which may mean you spend more on boiler repair services in the future. 

If you don’t know the complete requirements of the cleaning process, call your boiler repair expert to analyze your unit and carry out professional maintenance. 

• Add Insulation to the Valves

Exposed valves in the boiler may cause the system to lose a significant amount of air due to heat loss. The system heat loss can also make the room in which the boiler is installed very hot. So, you may consider adding insulation to the valves to seal in some of the heat created by the unit and reduce the ambient temperature of the environment. Using insulation can also help lower the potential for burns should someone in the building get too close to the system.

• Return the Condensate to the Boiler

When steam transfers heat in the boiler it forms condensation. 

Condensation is an instrumental by-product in achieving higher levels of boiler efficiency. Because the water does not have any dissolved solids or gases and is already hot, it can immediately return to the system. Reusing this water mitigates the need for further use of chemicals and cold water, and no treatment is required for the boiler to operate effectively. You can reduce your wastewater and water treatment costs by simply returning the water for use in the boiler again. 

Your local boiler expert can install a high-pressure condensate return system for you. 

• Control Blowdown Rate

The blowdown process removes impurities from the water and helps to keep your boiler surfaces clean and free of contaminants. You also note, however, that the blowdown process also removes heat from your system. Your blowdown rate should be limited to the maximum amount necessary to control the number of dissolved solids. Many homeowners benefit from installing an automatic blowdown valve, which runs throughout the year and helps create a steady blowdown rate.

• Install a Variable Frequency Drive

If your burner fan or pump operates without a variable frequency drive, then you might consider an upgrade. Variable frequency drives help control equipment performance and reduce the chances your system wastes electricity at partial loads. They ensure you capitalize on all available energy resources and limit system waste.

• Analyze Steam Traps

When steam traps fall into disrepair, they remain open. An opening may allow steam to escape and then blow directly into the condensate system. 

You can maximize the efficiency of your home boiler by reviewing your steam traps regularly. And by having broken or sticking traps replaced by qualified repair professionals. Only trusted local experts have the expertise to help you find the best available steam traps and replace them using compatible parts for your system. 

• Install an Economizer

Economizers work by harnessing wasted flue gas to heat the feed water on its way to the boiler. If a steam boiler does not have an economizer, it could be wasting fuel and causing you to spend more money on your heating bills. When you install an economizer, you both save money in the long term and prevent the damage caused to the system by feeding the boiler with cold water.

• Reduce Carryover

In addition to the blowdown, another critical area of control is the carryover. This carryover is water that leaves the system in the form of steam. It includes impurities such as dissolved solids that leave deposits around the steam structure and get caught in the control valves and pressure regulators. Over time, this causes significant damage and will require you to call your local Wayne, NJ experts to complete boiler repair. 

• Clean the Fireside of the Boiler

The fireside of the boiler tubes can become blocked with soot. This soot acts as an insulator and brings down the heat transfer rate, thereby increasing fuel use over time. The low heat transfer rate forces flue gases to pass through the unit without transferring heat to the water. 

Talk directly with our local boiler repair team in Wayne, NJ, to discuss our boiler cleaning services. Our experts can help clean your system and remove impediments causing heat transfer loss.

Turn to Air Temp for Boiler Repair Services in Your Wayne, NJ Home

Our experts at Air Temp have decades of experience maintaining and repairing boiler systems for our clients throughout Wayne and the surrounding areas of New Jersey. We can help you pinpoint your boiler issues and improve the overall efficiency of your unit.

Ready to speak with an expert? Call our experienced repair team now.