Central Heating Systems for Commercial Buildings in the North Bay Area

Your business may have a well-defined energy budget, but what portion of those funds have you earmarked for upkeep of vital systems such as your furnace or boiler? The efficiency of commercial heating systems, as we’ve explained, can depend heavily on good maintenance and proper operation. Here are the essential facts to understand.

Commercial Heater Maintenance

Most heaters do not require maintenance regularly but will benefit from a professional check-up at least once every year. Systems which see heavy use throughout the year will benefit from more frequent servicing, such as every six months. Each component in a heating system has a different lifespan; ask your service technician when to plan for replacement parts.

With efficiency and central heating systems explained, the next natural curiosity to arise often concerns what heating option you should choose. What do most commercial operators select for their buildings? Of the many types described above, boilers are most commonly found throughout large to medium-sized buildings. However, forced air systems powered by gas furnaces continue to grow in popularity and package units of all types, including central heating using electric power, can prove a viable option.

Commercial Boiler

Commercial boilers may be small and simple or large and complex, but they are all functionally the same in operation. Using either traditional fuel such as natural gas or the power of electricity, a large volume of water undergoes heating to a high level – often as high as 180 degrees or more. Circulating this hot water through metal radiators placed throughout the building allows rooms to warm as needed. As mentioned above, water retains heat for a long time and thus provides more consistent and cost-effective heat. However, boilers also do not require the movement of air, and therefore, can contribute to better air quality in large buildings. The can also eliminate costly maintenance such as duct cleaning.

Efficiency

By far one of the most significant advantages for modern boilers is their high efficiency. While the boilers of yesteryear were quite inefficient, sometimes reaching an efficiency of barely 50%, today’s high-end units can achieve efficiency between 90 and 98.5%. In other words, nearly all the fuel or electricity your business purchases for heating actually goes to that end. While gas furnaces can sometimes achieve similarly high levels of efficiency, boilers get there consistently – and that explains why they remain so popular.

Today’s Boilers Can Achieve Efficiency Between 90 and 98.5% Consistently.

It’s easy to take for granted the numerous and complex systems we have for staying warm indoors today, but behind that reality is decades – even centuries – of hard work and innovation. Pinpointing when the first heater was invented is difficult owing to the many forms heating has taken over the years. However, the most common example is the Roman hypocaust, which used hot smoke from a contained fire to warm floorboards and walls. Ever since then, people have sought more effective ways to heat indoor spaces consistently.

Though Adequate for Smaller Spaces, Convective Heating is Very Inefficient Overall

While other ancient societies experimented with the development of installations that seem similar to the idea of a central heating system, including India and later Romans, simple convection was the primary means of moving warm air into cold spaces. Though adequate for smaller spaces, convective heating is very inefficient overall. It takes a leap forward in time to the Industrial Revolution before we begin seeing the advent of ideas that would lead to modern installations, such as the development of hot water radiator heating systems.

Should I have the ductwork inspect my building?

Yes, especially if you cannot remember the last time you requested such an inspection. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork, negatively impacting air quality and possibly introducing stale or “musty” odors into conditioned spaces. A good rule of thumb: have your ducts inspected and cleaned approximately every two to five years. Your HVAC contractor can make a long-term assessment of your ducting’s condition as well.

Which thermostat is right for my commercial building?

Yes, especially if you cannot remember the last time you requested such an inspection. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork, negatively impacting air quality and possibly introducing stale or “musty” odors into conditioned spaces. A good rule of thumb: have your ducts inspected and cleaned approximately every two to five years. Your HVAC contractor can make a long-term assessment of your ducting’s condition as well.

How long should my commercial HVAC last?

Yes, especially if you cannot remember the last time you requested such an inspection. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork, negatively impacting air quality and possibly introducing stale or “musty” odors into conditioned spaces. A good rule of thumb: have your ducts inspected and cleaned approximately every two to five years. Your HVAC contractor can make a long-term assessment of your ducting’s condition as well.

Why are humidifers used more in heating than cooling?

Yes, especially if you cannot remember the last time you requested such an inspection. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork, negatively impacting air quality and possibly introducing stale or “musty” odors into conditioned spaces. A good rule of thumb: have your ducts inspected and cleaned approximately every two to five years. Your HVAC contractor can make a long-term assessment of your ducting’s condition as well.

How do I know if my heating unit is big enough?

Yes, especially if you cannot remember the last time you requested such an inspection. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork, negatively impacting air quality and possibly introducing stale or “musty” odors into conditioned spaces. A good rule of thumb: have your ducts inspected and cleaned approximately every two to five years. Your HVAC contractor can make a long-term assessment of your ducting’s condition as well.

How can I increase the efficiency of my HVAC system?

Yes, especially if you cannot remember the last time you requested such an inspection. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork, negatively impacting air quality and possibly introducing stale or “musty” odors into conditioned spaces. A good rule of thumb: have your ducts inspected and cleaned approximately every two to five years. Your HVAC contractor can make a long-term assessment of your ducting’s condition as well.

Why is commercial heating and cooling so maintenance so important?

Yes, especially if you cannot remember the last time you requested such an inspection. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork, negatively impacting air quality and possibly introducing stale or “musty” odors into conditioned spaces. A good rule of thumb: have your ducts inspected and cleaned approximately every two to five years. Your HVAC contractor can make a long-term assessment of your ducting’s condition as well.