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Should I Turn My Boiler Off in the Summer?
May 26th, 2023
Last updated: June 9th, 2023
The combination of rocketing bills and the warmer months approaching means many business owners will be wondering if it’s possible to turn off their boilers during the summer.
Of course, there are benefits to consider, it’s essential to understand the implications, and whether you could be doing harm by switching off your boiler. We will explore the options below and discuss whether turning off boilers in the summer is a wise decision, with a focus on commercial boilers.
In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards energy-efficient boilers as the country aims to reduce carbon emissions. Commercial boilers, which are designed to meet the demands of large-scale operations, play a vital role in various industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Benefits of Turning Off Boilers
Of course, the number one benefit of turning off boilers in the summer is the fact that you will use less energy and spend less on your bills.
Of course it is true that turning off boilers during the summer can lead to substantial energy savings. While it is true that boilers consume a significant amount of energy, especially in commercial settings, completely shutting them down may not be the most sensible approach. In commercial establishments, hot water and heating needs may still arise, albeit to a lesser extent.
The Arguments Against Turning Off Your Boiler
Maintaining a certain level of warmth and hot water availability is essential for comfort and sanitation in commercial environments. For example, restaurants and hotels may have ongoing operations or require hot water for cleaning and laundry. In healthcare facilities, hot water is crucial for sterilisation and maintaining hygiene standards. Therefore, keeping the boilers operational throughout the year is necessary to meet these demands. This is why it is so important to keep your boilers in good condition and avoid emergency breakdowns.
However, that does not mean commercial boilers should operate at full capacity during the summer months. A more efficient approach is to implement a summer mode or reduce the boiler output to a minimal level. This way, the boiler operates at a lower power setting, ensuring energy is not wasted while still being ready for any necessary usage.
Modern boiler installation usually means a boiler with advanced energy-saving features. Depending on whether you have an electric boiler, gas boiler, or LPG boiler, you may also have a summer mode on the boiler itself. If you need advice, remember that we can help no matter what type of boiler you have.
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Moreover, boilers that run on fossil fuels, such as natural gas or oil, can benefit from reduced operating times during the summer. By lowering the boiler output or implementing a summer mode, businesses can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability goals.
Another aspect to consider is boiler maintenance. Summer can be an ideal time to schedule routine maintenance and inspections for commercial boilers (you certainly don’t want a winter breakdown). This proactive approach ensures that the boiler operates optimally and minimises the risk of breakdowns during the peak winter season when heating demands are bound to be higher.
Consider Your Heating and Hot Water Needs
If you run a gym that has showers, and these are heated by a hot water tank or commercial boiler, then there is really no option to turn the boiler off, even in the summer. However, if you run a car garage or workshop and you don’t really need hot water then it is possible that during the summer months you might be able to switch it off from time to time.
Are There Risks to Turning the Boiler Off?
If you don’t need the boiler for heating or for hot water then it is possible that you might not need it in the warmer months. You may come to the conclusion that you don’t want to have the boiler on for these months.
Even if you have showers and need hot water, if they run on a different system such as an electric shower system, you might be able to forgo the boiler. The truth is that most commercial settings need their boiler all year round.
There is also a school of thought that your boiler needs regular use to stop the parts from seizing up and requiring repair. It is a good idea to get your boiler seen to and maintained after a long period of being turned off.
Summary
The decision to turn off a boiler during the summer depends on various factors, especially in the commercial sector. While reducing energy consumption is crucial, it is important to strike a balance between energy efficiency and meeting minimal hot water and heating requirements.
If you have a boiler installed which offers a summer mode or lower boiler output you can achieve this balance while still ensuring operational readiness. Additionally, scheduling maintenance during the summer months can help prolong the lifespan of commercial boilers and lower the risk of breakdowns.
Robinsons Facilities Services can provide a commercial boiler service plan, emergency repairs, and even installation and commissioning. Contact us today for all planned, reactive maintenance or emergency call out. Call 01423 226578 or get in touch to see how Robinsons Facilities Services can help.
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Here are some essential tips to help you prepare your commercial building for winter.
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