As winter sets in, could you imagine your business not having proper heat or hot water? That can happen when you don't keep up with regular boiler maintenance. If you're not sure whether it's time to schedule an inspection or repair, then here are some signs to look for.

1. It's Increasing Your Bills

As you review your business's overhead each month, are you noticing an increasing amount of energy bills? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas accounts for 34% of total energy use in commercial buildings. If nothing else has changed, then you may be able to link it back to your boiler. Getting regular maintenance can help prevent those bills from going up and your boiler from becoming overworked and breaking down prematurely.

2. It's Making Noises

Has your commercial boiler been making an excessive amount of noise? That may be a sign of sediment buildup. As sediment begins to build in a boiler, you'll hear it moving around, especially when someone is using hot water.

3. It's Providing Poor Heating

Does it seem like your building doesn't heat the way it used to? Do you find yourself still wearing a scarf even while indoors? Has the hot water throughout the building been lacking in terms of temperature? If so, it's a sign that your commercial heater is losing its efficiency level. The last thing you want is for it to stop working, especially in the middle of winter.

4. It's Old

You can expect a commercial boiler to last between 15 and 30 years, according to Bob Vila. There are many factors that play that can determine just how long it will last. You shouldn't wait until it breaks down. You should schedule regular boiler maintenance to keep it up to par. The size and usage of your boiler can also affect its lifespan. In other words restaurants, schools, and hotels may use their commercial boiler more than a small office and need more maintenance.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to tell whether your boiler may be in need of regular maintenance, repairs, or replacement. Your boiler is essential for keeping your commercial business functioning and in compliance. After all, people need hot water to wash their hands, and they should be in a heated environment, especially when there's cold weather. For expert boiler maintenance, call us today at Northwest Iron Fireman Inc.