What Are Commercial Electric Boilers?
Commercial electric boilers, also called industrial electric steam boilers, are small heating systems. They use electricity to heat large houses, offices, and factories. They work similarly to conventional boilers that use gas or oil but use electricity instead. They heat water and circulate it around the building to provide heat, much like radiators heat a room.
The good news is they also help protect the environment. By using them, we can reduce pollution and help the planet. Plus, if they’re powered by clean energy like wind or solar, they’re even better for the Earth.
Commercial Electric Water Boilers
You might wonder when an electric boiler becomes a “commercial electric boiler.” There’s no fixed rule, but in the boiler world, any boiler with an output exceeding 50 kW is typically called a commercial boiler.
What’s important is that commercial electric water boilers use energy to create safe, clean hot water heating. This doesn’t involve burning anything, so there’s no risk of gas leaks, smoke, or carbon dioxide. Electric water heating technology has also improved, making water in heating systems heat up faster and stay warm consistently.
Are Commercial Electric Boilers Worth Buying?
In short, yes – commercial electric boilers and electric steam generators are worth purchasing.
There’s no question it’s worth it because it uses less power and has lower operating costs than gas appliances. This makes sense since electric boilers are typically more efficient than gas boilers. Because of their efficiency, they also have a lower carbon footprint.
6 Things You Should Know About Commercial Electric Boilers
To determine if these boilers are worth your money, let’s look at key points no one tells you about.
1. Electric Boiler Efficiency
Commercial electric boilers are considered 100% efficient. The conversion from BTUH or MBH to KW typically shows 100% efficiency in boiler manufacturer literature.
Though effective, 100% might be somewhat exaggerated. Even after insulation, some heat escapes to the surroundings. The boiler itself and metal components require some energy to heat up. However, 96% would be a fair number. Circulating boiler efficiency may vary by manufacturer but typically ranges between 95% to 97%.
2. Heating Element Size
Most commercial boilers use Incoloy 800 to cover heating elements. This material prevents damage from rust while remaining affordable.
Think of a heating element as a very hot surface surrounded by water. Chemicals in the water may stick to components and form coatings. On smaller, higher-power elements, this happens faster than on larger, lower-power elements.
Here we measure the power used compared to the element’s surface size – called “watt density.” For elements to work properly long-term, aim for no more than 75 watts per square inch. Some manufacturers recommend less, like 50 watts per square inch.
3. Space Requirements
Commercial electric boilers tend to be larger than the gas condensing boilers you might be used to. To ensure you have enough space for the boiler, take measurements early. Here are examples of boilers with 3 million BTU capacity:
| Manufacturer | Series | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan | Gas-fired | FF-3000 | 35″ x 93″ x 75″ |
| Elco | Gas-fired | BMK-3000 | 28″ x 68″ x 78″ |
| Bryan | Electric | 900BH | 59″ x 84″ x 82″ |
| Cemline | Electric | VB200FTB900 | 60″ x 60″ x 91″ |
4. Element Control and Staging
Elements in electric boilers turn on and off gradually to maintain desired temperature – called stepped control. The controller should also modify the firing sequence of components to ensure equal wear. A good boiler specification should mention this staging control to help you make decisions.
5. Maintenance Requirements
You might think commercial electric boilers don’t need maintenance since there’s no burner. This isn’t true. Safety controls should be checked per manufacturer recommendations to ensure proper operation. Elements should be inspected regularly for damage. If the system uses water treatment, this should be maintained similarly to gas equipment systems.
6. Converting BTUH to KW for Boiler Sizing
Remember this simple math to convert boiler size from BTUH to KW:
- To convert BTU to kW: multiply by 0.000293
- To convert kW to BTU: multiply by 3414
Commercial Electric Boilers: Electricity Usage and Lifespan
Do Commercial Electric Boilers Use a Lot of Electricity?
Electricity is typically more expensive than natural gas. One reason is generation and distribution costs. Another is that most electric utilities are privately owned by large companies rather than government entities. A typical commercial gas boiler only needs 1-3 kWh/MBTU. However, commercial electric boilers average 4-8 kWh per million BTU (kWh/MBTU).
How Long Do Commercial Electric Boilers Last?
With proper maintenance, commercial electric boilers can last 15-20 years. However, their lifespan depends on water quality, maintenance frequency, and operating conditions. The heating elements typically need replacement every 5-10 years.
How Much Do Industrial Electric Steam Generators Cost?
The boiler size and whether it needs indoor or outdoor housing affect electric steam boiler prices. Small commercial electric boilers may cost between $1,500 to $3,000, while large ones can cost up to $10,000. These prices fall between gas and oil boilers.
While more expensive than gas and oil boilers initially, they offer advantages including quieter operation, better heat distribution, and requiring less maintenance.
Commercial Electric Boiler Manufacturers
When considering commercial electric boilers, making an informed decision is crucial. Manufacturer reliability and quality vary, affecting boiler lifespan and efficiency. Boiler Philippines stands out as an excellent choice known for pursuing excellence. Their boilers combine cutting-edge technology with careful engineering to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
What truly sets them apart is their customer-focused approach. Boiler Philippines provides comprehensive assistance from initial selection to after-sales support. Their commitment to excellent service and top-tier products makes them a reliable partner for your heating needs.
Conclusion
Industrial electric boilers serve you in multiple ways. They provide needed efficiency along with zero emissions and little maintenance. However, it’s important to consider several factors and not believe everything manufacturers claim. For example, remember that commercial electric boilers require maintenance and their efficiency is less than 100%.
When purchasing boilers, it’s crucial to consider trustworthy manufacturers with honest claims. Contact us for the best commercial electric boilers and customer service. Don’t miss the opportunity to revolutionize your heating system – order your preferred boiler today!