Frequently Asked Questions

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 There are over 40,000 regulated boilers in Colorado.

• In general, there are two categories of boilers: low-pressure heating boilers and high-pressure boilers.
  • Low-pressure heating boilers:
    • Are either steam boilers that operate with no more than 15 psi steam pressure or hydronic (water) boilers that operate with no more than 160 psi water pressure and no more than 250¬∞F operating temperature;
    • Are commonly found in office buildings, schools, and apartment buildings providing hot water heating or hot water supply; and
    • Include domestic water heaters if the heat input is 200,000 BTU/hr or greater, 210¬∞F or greater, or if the water volume is 120 gallons or greater.
  • High-pressure power boilers:
    • Are steam boilers that operate at steam pressures greater than 15 psi;
    • Include high temperature/high pressure hydronic (water) boilers that operate at greater than 160 psi water pressure and/or 250¬∞F; and

• Pressure Vessel: Constructed from high-strength steel, the pressure vessel contains gases or liquids at high temperatures and pressures.
• Burner: Provides heat by combusting fuel and oxygen, including natural gas, low-pressure propane, No. 2 oil, coal, and more.
• Tubes: In watertube boilers, metal tubes contain water and are externally heated, while in firetube boilers, heated gas passes through tubes, heating water surrounding them.
• Economizer: Transfers heat energy from exhaust gases to heat the water entering the boiler, enhancing efficiency.
• Deaerator Tank: Pressurized feedwater tanks that remove oxygen and other dissolved gases from the water fed into the boiler, preventing corrosion.
• Heat Exchanger: Transfers heat from the hot gas to water via a heat exchanger.
• Control Panel: Enables operators to control boiler settings such as temperature and pressure, including detailed analytics for commercial and industrial use.
• Feedwater Tank: Collects and supplies treated water to the boiler, incorporating chemicals for water treatment.
• Combustion System: Combines air and fuel to produce heat, with precise balance for efficient combustion.
• Reverse Osmosis System: Removes dissolved impurities from raw water, enhancing boiler performance.
• Chemical Monitoring Systems: Monitor and adjust chemical levels for optimized boiler operations.
• Fuel Types: Utilize various fuels like gas, oil, coal, and biomass, tailored to specific requirements.
• Water Treatment: Prepares water by removing dissolved solids, ensuring longevity and efficiency of the boiler system.

It is essential to prioritize the regular servicing of your commercial boilers and all building support systems, ideally scheduling maintenance at least once annually by a certified factory-authorized technician. By engaging a qualified professional, you gain access to invaluable insights and recommendations regarding necessary repairs, potential upgrades, or procedural adjustments aimed at prolonging the lifespan and enhancing the reliability of your equipment. This proactive approach not only promotes efficient and safe operation but also guards against potential disruptions and costly repairs in the future. 

1. Leaks: Any leakage from the equipment warrants immediate repair.
2. Unusual noises: Strange sounds emanating from the equipment could signify underlying issues.
3. Decreased efficiency: If the equipment isn't performing as efficiently as before, it may require repair or replacement.
4. Control issues: Difficulty in finding suitable replacements for existing controls may indicate the need for repair or upgrade.
5. Age: equipment typically has a lifespan of 20-25 years. If your equipment surpasses this age threshold, it's prudent to evaluate it for potential upgrade or replacement. However, before making a decision, assess the condition of the pressure vessel. Some upgrades can extend the equipment's lifespan and improve its performance while reducing operating costs.

•  Firetube Boiler: Here, the combustible fuel source is contained within a tube surrounded by a vessel filled with water. The tube gradually heats the water around it, eventually producing steam.
• Watertube Boiler: In this design, water is contained within multiple tubes, and heat from the combustible fuel source is applied to the outside of the tubes to produce steam.