Inspect the Cold Boiler System 

The first thing you need to do is inspect the boiler before re-commissioning it. It’s wise to have a checklist of items to ensure a comprehensive look at the system. A few areas you need to inspect include: 

• Check the valves and system for any evidence of calcium deposits or leaks.
• Check the expansion joints and make sure they can expand properly when the system warms up.
• Take a look at the fuel supply. Make sure the pre-heating equipment is functional. Confirm the tank is full. If there is any firing gas, make sure the pressure is appropriate. 
• Make sure all inspection openings have been properly gasketed and closed. 

After you complete these steps, you can move on to the next area. 

Open the Vents and Fill with Water

Next, you need to open up the boiler vents. Start with the manual boiler feed valve. Ensure all the blowdown valves are closed properly. Open the manual gas valves and make sure they are not leaking.

After this, you should fill the boiler with water. Make sure you fill it to the appropriate level based on the sight glass. When you do this, be sure to look at the boiler feed system. Make sure the pumps have been aligned properly, and look at the feed water valve for any signs of leaks or damage. 

Finally, you should take a look at the condensate transfer pumps throughout the system. Make sure they are working appropriately. 

Engage the Burner Switch

Now, you are ready to turn on the boiler. Engage the burner switch and turn on the control circuit. Start to warm the boiler slowly, and allow it to expand gradually. Keep an eye on the gauge glass on the low water cut-off. Make sure the proper level is met. 

As the boiler continues to warm up, make sure the operating systems are working properly. Take a look at the water softener and make sure that it is functional as well. Once the boiler is warmed up, switch it over to automatic operation.

Proper Cold Boiler Shut Down

Once you are ready to shut down your boiler, turn off the burner. Make sure you shut off the fuel supply to the boiler as well. If the superheater outlet drain valve is equipped, open this up.

Next, you should close the main steam stop valve. Make sure all the drains are open. Finally, shut down the entire boiler feed system. This will make sure you turn your boiler off properly.

Contact McKenna Boiler for Help with Boiler Maintenance

Whether you have a hot boiler or a cold boiler, you have to make sure you turn it on and shut it down properly. That way, you can keep your utility bills low, reduce your maintenance expenses, and get as many years of use as possible out of your boiler system. That is where we can assist you. We are McKenna Boiler, and it would be our pleasure to help you with boiler maintenance and repairs. We will make sure you get as much out of your boilers as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our boilers, boiler accessories, services and more.

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1. Invest in Routine Boiler Maintenance

Daily inspections are valuable when considering the return on investment for your boiler. Even though you may think the boiler is working well, routine maintenance helps operators identify any signs of leaks, breaks or other types of damage early-on. If a loose screw is significantly reducing performance output, the boiler loses its efficiency. Such minor details are often overlooked, but can significantly impact boiler performance. 

Furthermore, boiler maintenance can reduce utility costs by maintaining production levels. When the boiler requires more energy to spend generating the same target output, you’re operating at a loss. Alongside daily inspections, monthly boiler maintenance from a reliable boiler company ensures that the internal and external systems of the boiler are operating smoothly. Consider the frequency, duration and target output levels of your boiler when developing a custom maintenance schedule. 

2. Check the Waterside

Next, you have to check the water components of your boiler. You are looking for any mineral scale that might reduce the efficiency of your boiler. Any type of blockage within the pipes will affect production levels. If it takes more energy for the boiler to push the hot water or steam, this can be an indicator that the pipes have build up. Check the tubes, furnace area, and gasket sealing surfaces. If you lack the tools to perform these inspections, reach out to a professional who is well-equipped for these types of exams. 

3. Check the Fireside and Burners

Additionally, you also have to check the fireside and burners. You are looking for any signs that might reduce the efficiency of your boiler. You should also take a look for any leakage that would require repair. If you notice a lot of soot, this could indicate a larger problem. You also need to take a look at the dampers, electrodes, novels, hoses, scanners, and diffusers. You are looking for any signs of blockage or erosion. If there are worn or damaged parts, they should be replaced in order to optimize the efficiency of your boiler’s combustion processes. 

4. Do a Visual Inspection for Cracks

You should also take a step back and do a visual inspection, looking for any signs of cracks. Even minor cracks can significantly reduce the efficiency of your boiler, adding to the stress on the inner components. This can also drive up your utility bills. If there are cracks, metal parts could also be damaged. When seeking professional boiler technicians to repair, make sure they use a high-quality patching compound. That way, these cracks do not return.

5. Analyze the Controls

Finally, you also have to analyze the controls. Proper water levels are critical for operational safety and maximum efficiency. Therefore, take a look at the glass on the gauges. Look for any signs of cracks or erosion. You also need to inspect the equipment, taking a closer look at their output. That way, you will know if something goes wrong. If one of the controls isn’t reading accurately, this indicates that there is a deeper issue in your boiler system. That is where we can assist you. 

Contact McKenna Boiler Today for Boiler Services

While boiler tips and guides can be found online, having a resource readily available to perform these tasks can be difficult. We always encourage boiler owners to be proactive in predictive maintenance. However, we understand that they’re a time commitment that is of lower priority when things are going well. In order to minimize boiler damage and complete failure, you should invest in professional boiler services. McKenna Boiler proudly serves clients nationwide with turnkey solutions. Alongside our exclusive line of industrial boilers, we also offer boiler maintenance and boiler repairs for all boiler types. Contact us to schedule routine maintenance and inspections with our certified technicians to maintain your boiler’s overall health and performance.

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How Do You Start a Boiler?

There are a lot of steps involved in the boiler startup procedure. These include:

• First, you have to turn on the burner switch and make sure the pilot lights appropriately. 
• Next, you should make sure the boiler vent and drain are open. This is important for bleeding any air that may be present. 
• Following this, you have to open the main steam stop valves. 
• After the pressure in the boiler reaches between 10 and 15 PSI, close the vent.
• Now, test the low-water cutoff system. Secure the boiler feed and let the boiler steam off naturally. 
• When the pressure reaches between 75 and 85 percent of the system line pressure, open the non-return valve.
• Test the safety valve to make sure it is operating appropriately. 
• Increase the boiler pressure gradually, allowing the boiler to acclimate to the current environment.
• Finally, you should close the drain and verify that all controls are working properly. 

If you experience any issues during this process, have an internal expert examine the system. Might we suggest McKenna Boiler? We offer same-day service where we send our boiler technician to physically examine your boiler system. 

How Do You Shut Down a Boiler?

Once you are done working with your boiler, you need to make sure you shut it down appropriately. A few important steps you have to follow include: 

• First, shutting off fuel that powers the burner. 
• Next, you should open the superheater outlet drain valve if your boiler system has one. 
• After this, you should close the main steam stop valves. 
• Open all drains on the boiler system. 
• Finally, you should shut down the main boiler feed system to complete the process. 

Once you have completed the steps, your boiler system should be powered off appropriately. 

How Does This Improve Boiler Performance?

It is true that it will take you a few minutes to go through these steps; however, you have to make sure you work the steps appropriately in order to properly take care of your boiler. If you try to rush through the steps, you could place a lot of stress on the internal components of the boiler. Additionally, keeping fluids and gasses trapped in the pipes for extended periods of time can cause severe damage to the pipes. As a result, you may end up with serious issues that could lead to a major repair bill. Furthermore, this could also create a significant safety hazard. These factors prove even more reason to make sure you go through the start-up and shutdown boiler processes appropriately. 

Contact McKenna Boiler for Professional Boiler Services

Your boiler system has a lot of internal components that require routine maintenance to ensure perfect harmony. If you do not start or shut down your boiler correctly, you put your boiler system and facility at major risk for complete failure. At McKenna Boiler, we serve as reliable boiler professionals who can maximize the operational efficiency of your boiler. We handle everything from boiler installation to boiler maintenance and even boiler repairs. Contact us us today to learn more about our services.

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An Overview of Preventive Boiler Maintenance

As the name suggests, the goal of preventive maintenance is to actively maintain your machinery. That way, you can prevent mechanical errors, damages, and malfunctions by taking care of your boiler when it’s offline. You should invest in routine inspections, cleaning, and other practices to assess the exact needs of your equipment before it develops problems.

Inspecting your boiler on a regular basis can be difficult. With changing compliance regulations in your industry, you should work with boiler experts who stay up-to-date on these regulations. Trained technicians can keep your boiler on track with respect to routine maintenance. By individually assessing each component of your boiler, damaged parts can be replaced, repaired and cleaned as often as necessary. In turn, a properly maintained boiler will reduce the chance of major problems from forming. 

It is true that preventive maintenance will cost money. On the other hand, it’s an investment on the most critical machinery in your production line. It is far cheaper to maintain your boiler than to constantly repair it. Furthermore, preventive maintenance can also improve the efficiency of your industrial boiler, reducing the amount of money you spend on utility bills. 

Take Advantage of Predictive Boiler Maintenance

Another type of maintenance is called predictive maintenance. This is the process of incorporating advanced technology and monitoring of individual systems. This program will monitor vibrations, emissions, deficiency readings and more. The goal of this system is to calculate your current operations. Then, using historical data, these programs anticipate potential repairs. With data analysis, you can assess the workload of your boiler and predict when your boiler will have to be serviced to prevent repairs. That way, you can schedule maintenance visits in advance. This allows your company to prepare for upcoming downtime.

In order to take advantage of predictive maintenance, you need to record relevant data on your machinery. Then, operators can reach out to servicing professionals well in advance of the next visit. If you take advantage of controls that measure outputs and individual correlations, you can extend the life of your boiler. 

This type of boiler maintenance can be helpful. You need to assess cost, safety, regulations, your schedule and the output of your boiler. If you put both of these practices to work, you can improve the efficiency of your boiler and get more years out of them. We are here to help you do exactly that. 

Rely on the Trained Professionals at McKenna Boiler for Boiler Maintenance Services

If you want to keep your overhead expenses as low as possible, you need to work with trained professionals who can accurately assess the needs of your commercial or industrial boiler. That is where our team can assist you. A McKenna Boiler, we consistently place the needs of our plans ahead of our own. By leveraging the best practices in our industry, we can place you in the best position possible to get the most out of your boiler. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team! It would be our pleasure to assist you.

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Treat the Water in Your Industrial Boiler Effectively

Make sure that you are treating the water periodically. If you do not treat your water properly, this can damage the equipment in your boiler. Over time, this can significantly reduce the lifespan of your boiler system. Furthermore, dirty water or hard water can also lead to critical failures in the boiler itself, posing serious safety threats. 

To protect your boiler, implement cleaning tasks to prevent the buildup of hard scale. There are numerous water treatment solutions available. To learn more about how you can treat the water that goes through the boiler, reach out to our trained professionals at McKenna Boiler today. 

Rotate the Lead Boiler

If you are looking for a boiler that will provide you with a longer lifespan, go with a modular boiler system. Then, make sure that you rotate your lead boiler. A modular boiler system will help you rotate which boiler is doing the most work. That way, you don’t burn out a single boiler too quickly. Boiler sequencing is one of the biggest trends in the industry and can reduce the wear and tear on the boilers in operation. Work with trained professionals to learn more about how modular boilers and boiler sequencing can help you get more years out of your boiler system. 

Look For Boilers with Advanced Monitoring and Diagnostic Controls

You should also opt for boilers that provide you with an added level of control. You need to make sure that you are monitoring your boiler closely. Of course, you have a lot to do during the day, so look for a boiler that does this on its own. With an advanced diagnostic system, you can monitor your boiler in real-time. Then, if you detect issues, you can address them appropriately. Make sure that you partner with trained professionals who can help you understand exactly what information is coming from your boiler’s monitoring and diagnostic system. 

Schedule Boiler Inspections Often

Finally, if you want to get as many years as possible out of your boiler, you need to get it inspected on time. You may feel like nothing is wrong with your boiler; however, not every boiler issue is going to be obvious. That’s why we recommend receiving routine maintenance services from boiler professionals who can detect the smallest details that could potentially lead to more serious problems. Oftentimes, when these minute details are overlooked, they tend to snowball into something larger and more costly. Instead, catch these problems as early as possible and protect the lifespan of your boiler. Inspect your boiler once per year with the help of trained professionals. That is where we can help you. 

Contact McKenna Boiler Today for Boiler Maintenance Services

We know that you have spent a lot of money on your industrial boiler. We want you to get as many years as possible out of your industrial boiler system. At McKenna Boiler, we have the tools, training, and expertise necessary to help you maximize the efficiency of your boiler with professional boiler mechanical services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you! 

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Increased Focus on Remote Capabilities

One of the first trends that became immediately apparent was a focus on remote capabilities with respect to boiler control. In 2020, there was a massive shift away from working in-person and toward working remotely. At the same time, people still needed to make sure they were able to take care of their boilers even from a distance. 

That is where remote capabilities are important. The boiler industry had to adapt quickly. Now, there are boilers that provide individuals with the opportunity to control the settings on their boilers remotely. Furthermore, they might even be able to receive notifications from their boiler when there’s a performance issue. This is incredibly important not only from an energy efficiency perspective but also a safety perspective.

Renewed Focus on Boiler Maintenance

Because of the shelter-in-place orders, people are spending more time indoors. For this reason, a lot of boilers ran more often than they did in the past. In some situations, these boilers were not able to handle the increased wear and tear. If boilers break down unexpectedly, this can lead to massive repair bills and key safety concerns. 

Therefore, experts are seeing a renewed focus on boiler maintenance to ensure boilers are in top condition to meet production and safety regulations. When people invest in routine boiler maintenance, they are able to improve the efficiency of their boiler and reduce their overall utility bills. Furthermore, this also reduces the chances of their boiler breaking down, which can lead to a major repair bill or complete replacement. Because of this, the industrial boiler market is expected to grow significantly this year.

Green Energy and Environmental Protection

Finally, there has also been a significant shift toward green energy and environmental concerns. 2021 is going to see a continuation of this trend. It is critical for everyone to think about their carbon footprint. At McKenna Boiler, we are cognizant of ours as well. 

Boiler engineers are optimizing units that can perform well and keep the air quality safe. For a more sustainable future that will inevitably lead to more production and automation of manufacturing, McKenna Boiler offers a green boiler that will meet these industry standards. We work hard to stay on top of the latest trends in our industry because we believe this is important for providing you with the best service possible. If you would like to learn more about green energy options, we would be happy to review our advanced clean energy choices with you! 

Contact McKenna Boiler Today for More Information on Industrial Boiler Rental Services!

Without a doubt, 2021 is going to present the boiler industry with more opportunities for growth and innovation. At McKenna Boiler, we know that you are getting ready to kick off the new year hot and ready. Our team of boiler professionals want to make sure that you are set up in a position to be successful by taking care of your boiler. If you are looking for an industrial boiler rental or require boiler installation services, we are here to help you. Contact us today to learn more about our boiler maintenance, repair, and installation services.

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No Heat or No Hot Water

This is one of the most common problems that people might experience with their boiler during the winter. If there isn’t any heat or hot water coming from the boiler, there are a few possible problems that could be the cause. These include:

• The circulator pump might be experiencing problems. If the circulator pump is running, then a trained professional will take a closer look at the surface of the pump to see if it is running hot. There are some cases where the circulator pump might not be running at all. Or, it might be overheating.
• If the problem is not the circulator pump, then there might be an issue with the ignitor. If the ignitor is not working, then the boiler won’t light. There might also be a problem with the boilers pilot valve assembly. Trained professionals will take a look at the vent pipes and make sure there are no blockages.
• There could also be an issue with the relay switch. If there is a buzzing sound coming from the boiler, then the control may not be operating correctly. This could prevent the boiler from operating the relay appropriately. To fix this problem, a trained professional can remove the control cover and fix this problem.

These are a few of the boiler problems that might be leading to a lack of heat or hot water coming from the boiler.

The Boiler Keeps Shutting Down During the Winter

If the problem is that the boiler seems to keep shutting down, then the problem might be frozen pipes. A buildup of condensation might also cause a blockage in the lines. If there is an error display on the thermostat or if there is an error display on the boiler itself, then this could be a sign that the pipes are frozen. There might also be a bubbling or gurgling sound coming from the pipes. Insulating the pipes during the winter can help prevent the pipes from freezing. Any pipe issue needs to be addressed immediately by boiler professionals who can assess and repair your boiler. 

The Boiler Is Too Noisy

One of the most common causes of a noisy boiler during the winter is something called kittling. This is similar to the sound that a tea kettle makes when it starts to boil. The culprit is usually lime that runs through the boiler. A trained professional can try to flush the boiler to fix this problem. If this doesn’t work, then the heat exchanged might need to be replaced.

Trust the Team from McKenna Boilers for All Boiler Service Needs

If you are looking for help with boiler maintenance services, then rely on the team from McKenna Boilers. At McKenna Boilers, we provide outstanding boiler service to all of our clients. Our boiler maintenance services will make sure that your boiler works well when you need it most. If you are looking for trained professionals who can help you take care of your boiler, then contact us today!

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What Are the Dangers of a Leaking Relief Valve?

If you have water that is leaking from your boiler, this can reduce the life of the entire system. When your relief valve leaks, it is possible that you may be introducing untreated water that contains too much oxygen or a variety of other impurities into your boiler system. Extra oxygen can attack the piping and the pit of the boiler, leading to corrosion and leaks.

Furthermore, the solids that are introduced to your system by the weakened relief valve can also impact the safety of the system. Solids can build up on the interior surfaces of your boiler, lowering its ability to transfer heat. If solids form on the seat of the release valve, the leakage will increase and waste a tremendous amount of water. Leaving a leaking relief valve untreated will drive up your utility bills and decrease productivity, 

Troubleshooting a Leaking Relief Valve

If you noticed that the relief valve if your boiler is leaking, then you need to address this as quickly as possible. Here are some strategies to employ before calling a boiler service and repair company: 

• Check the Pressure: There is a chance that something might be off with the system pressure of your boiler. Take a look at the default settings of your boiler. The pressure should have been set during the last maintenance check. If the pressure of the boiler is off, this could be the culprit. 
• Washers and O-Rings: There could also be a chance that washers or O-rings may have worn out. When they wear out, this can lead to leaks. These parts could be relatively easy to replace, particularly if they are exposed. 
• Valve Settings: You should also check the other settings of the valve. If the valve settings are turned up too high, then water is flowing out in a quantity that’s too much to handle. You may be able to fix the settings with a few simple tweaks. 

If these common solutions are not able to stop the valve from leaking, then it is time to reach out to trained professionals at McKenna Boilers for assistance. Furthermore, even if you were able to fix the leak yourself, you also need to call trained professionals to figure out why this leak happened in the first place and how it can be prevented in the future. That is where we can help you.

Contact McKenna Boiler for Boiler Service and Repair

If you are looking for help with boiler maintenance services, then trust the team from McKenna Boiler. We provide exceptional boiler service and repair to everyone who calls. By relying on our boiler maintenance services, you can prevent serious issues from arising with your boiler. We invest in the latest equipment in our field because we know that this places us in the best position possible to provide you with the boiler services that you deserve. Contact us today to make an appointment with our experts!

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Insulate or Heat All Pipes in Your Plumbing System

One of the biggest risks that arises during the winter involves freezing water pipes. When water freezes, it expands. If water freezes in your commercial pipes, the pipes might rupture. Then, when the water thaws, you will end up with flooding in crucial parts of your building. Therefore, make sure that all of your water pipes are properly insulated and heated. They need to be kept above 32 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. You can use either electrical or steam-based heating lines to ensure that your boiler survives the cold weather. Keep in mind that if your heat tracing system is based on steam, it is only going to operate one more boiler is running. 

Drain Your Boiler When it Is Not in Use

If you are not planning on keeping your boiler running at all times during the winter, then you should make sure to drain the boiler and all water lines connected to it. This will markedly reduce the risk of water freezing in your pipes. When water is allowed to sit idle, there is a much higher chance of freezing. Keep in mind that if you do shut down your boiler, it will take time to warm up when you restart it. If you increase the temperature or pressure in your boiler too quickly when you turn it on again, this could seriously damage the joints, pistons, and metal parts in your boiler. Heating your boiler up too quickly could result in expansion breakage. 

Check Your Flow of Fuel

If your fuel oil lines are not properly insulated or heated, the viscosity of the fuel in the lines could become too high for your fuel pump. As a result, this could impact the flow of fuel through your lines, leading to permanent damage to your pump. Remember that standard oil starts to gel at around 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, make sure that your lines are well above this limit. In addition to heating and insulating your fuel lines, you could also switch your fuel to a winter mix. A traditional winter mix is about 50 percent fuel and 50 percent kerosene. 

Professional Boiler Service With McKenna Boilers

If you are getting your boiler ready for the winter season, then you need to invest in boiler maintenance services from McKenna Boilers. At McKenna Boilers, we provide premier boiler service and repair professionals to ensure your boiler is ready for the cold temperatures. Your boiler is going to work hard this winter, so make sure it can handle this workload with our boiler maintenance services. Contact us today to learn more about how our boiler service and repair experts can help you get your boiler ready for the winter season!

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Looking at Traditional Linkage Boiler Systems

Linkage boiler systems are the traditional method. This is a standard, single point system. Multiple arms are coming off of it. For example, one arm might control the air damper while the other one controls the gas valve. Because all of the arms are connected, a shift in one part will impact the others. If the air valve is open, then this can start a chain reaction where the gas valve opens followed by the oil valve. In this manner, if one area is causing a problem, it’ll affect the rest of the boiler system. This can affect your turndown ratio and decrease fuel efficiency and production.

It is important to regularly maintain your linkage systems as well. There are lots of nuts and bolts holding it together. They’ll inevitably slip, move, and open up over time of use. If you’re not checking these points, this will greatly impact the efficiency of your linkage control system. A linkage control system is significantly cheaper than other boiler options. However, in the long run, a linkage system is going to require about five to ten percent more fuel due to reduced efficiency.

To ensure high performance of your linkage control system, inspect your boiler at least once per month. For additional support, seek boiler maintenance services from a trusted company like McKenna Boiler. 

Looking at Newer Parallel Boiler Systems

When compared to linkage positioning, parallel positioning is the modern solution. With a parallel positioning control system, there’s usually a separate servo motor for every point including air, oil, and gas. This provides the user with independent control over these aspects. A parallel positioning system provides opportunities to improve performance with micro-tuning. Because the various components are not linked together, it’s possible to change one part of the boiler system without directly affecting the rest. It’s far easier to start a parallel positioning system and requires less maintenance to overhead costs.

Since there are lots of parallel positioning systems, you must research for a system that can benefit your boiler and effectively reduce hysteresis. Even though gears naturally have a small amount of hysteresis, professionals who offer boiler mechanical services work with parallel positioning systems to minimize this and improve overall efficiency of your boiler. Because parallel positioning systems leverage the latest technology including advanced motors, touchscreen, and HD technology, this investment will provide business owners with the necessary tools to maintain and improve their boiler system. Thanks to the higher efficiency of parallel positioned boilers, businesses often save ten percent or more on their gas expenses. You can reinvest the money you’d spend on additional fuel on another boiler to increase production.

Check out our industrial boiler rentals to experience these benefits before taking the leap.

Professionals Who Maximize Boiler Efficiency

These are a few of the key points to note when it comes to the efficiency of traditional linkage vs parallel positioning boiler systems. To get the most out of your boiler system, rely on comprehensive boiler maintenance services from reliable boiler repair companies like McKenna Boiler. Contact our team today to learn more about our services and boilers!

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