While unseen by most, a steam boiler is one of the most important pieces of equipment inside any hospital. Steam boilers are responsible for supplying hospitals with heat, humidity, hot water, and sterilization, all of which are essential for the hospital to function. For that reason, it’s important for hospitals to have boilers with a long lifespan so they can get the most out of them. At the same time, it’s also crucial to recognize when a boiler’s life has run its course and when it’s time to replace it.
Eye Test
Just by looking at a boiler, you should be able to tell if it’s approaching the end of its lifespan. If it looks worn down or has signs of rust, you’re most likely going to be better off replacing it. Perhaps more importantly, if you find yourself having to make both frequent and costly repairs, it may be time to buy a new one. Ideally, you would get at least 20 years out of a boiler. But if it’s only been 15 years and you’re starting to spend more on repairs and fuel than you have in recent years, it’s best not to push your boilers to the 20-year mark.
Outdated Technology
It’s also possible that boilers of a certain age are still using outdated technology, in which case there are reasons to consider replacing it. Modern boilers tend to be smaller, more energy efficient, and better for the environment. Sometimes, it’s not worth pushing a boiler to its maximum lifespan if you can get a new boiler that will be a massive upgrade in terms of steam production and helping you save on energy costs, which is possible with many modern boilers.Safety
Increasing safety concerns can also be a reason why a boiler is reaching the end of its lifespan. Traditional fire tube boilers are not as safe as more modern water tube boilers. For instance, Miura has never had a report of a catastrophic explosion with one of our water tube boilers in the history of the company. The same can’t be said for fire tube boilers. Also, it’s only natural for boilers to become more prone to failure as they get older. Again, it’s nice to get at least 20 years of service out of a boiler. But with safety being such an important factor, especially for hospitals, it may be better to upgrade to a more modern, water tube boiler that can provide peace of mind from a safety perspective.Warranty & Servicing
Finally, the warranty that comes with a boiler, as well as the upkeep and servicing it receives, can play an important role in the lifespan of a boiler. For example, Miura offers a seven-year warranty on all of our pressure vessels. As long as you follow the terms of the warranty, Miura will take care full responsibility for any malfunction within the first seven years. Miura also has a remote monitoring system to track any potential issues with our boilers, making it easy to keep up to date on any servicing that’s necessary. With the right boiler and regular maintenance, there’s no reason your boiler can’t have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.At Miura, we do everything possible to help you get the most out of your boiler. Contact Miura today to learn more about how our boilers can give you a safe and efficient source of steam for many years to come.
