The Importance Of Boiler System Insulation In A Steam-Heated Water Hotel
Posted on: 29 September 2015
Do you own a hotel? Is the water your guests use heated by a boiler system? If so, read on to learn about the importance of keeping your hotel boiler system's insulation in tip-top shape.
Benefits Of Proper Boiler Insulation
Just how important is your boiler system's insulation? It's very important. Check out these benefits of a properly insulated boiler.
Lower Energy Costs. The average hotel occupant uses 20-35 gallons of hot water per day. That's a lot of water to keep hot and ready, and it takes a lot of energy to heat all that water. If your boiler's insulation isn't up to par, you could be wasting up to 90 percent of that energy, which equates to a pretty big loss in profits.
Fewer Liability Issues. Boiler insulation performs a double-duty. Not only does it keep heat from escaping the inner workings of your system, but it also keeps the outside of the boiler cool. You may have a great lock on your boiler room door, but there is always a chance that a guest might slip past your security measures and make it into your boiler room. If this happens and you don't have the proper insulation to keep the outside temperature of your boiler cool, that occupant has an increased risk of getting burned.
Less Risk Of Winter Freeze-Ups. If your boiler doesn't have proper insulation, you run the risk of your water heating system freezing up in the winter months. Since water expands when it freezes, some of the pipes that pump water to your guests' rooms will inevitably burst, if the problem isn't remedied in a timely manner.
And when a water pipe bursts, it could cost thousands of dollars in property damage. Furthermore, the steam and water spewing forth from a burst pipe could damage your guests' belongings, and injure both your guests and any of your employees who happen to be in the area.
The Importance Of Regular Inspections
Even if your hotel's boiler system is brand new, it's still crucial that you inspect it regularly for problems with the insulation. A single leaking valve can saturate a large amount of your unit's thermal protection, and wet insulation performs worse than if you were to have no insulation at all on your boiler system. Furthermore, wet insulation increases the risk of developing black mold in your boiler room. Black mold can pose health risks to your staff and your guests.
Inspect your hotel's boiler system's insulation often. If you find missing or worn insulation, have it replaced. If you encounter wet insulation, rent a temporary boiler from a company like Nationwide Boiler and have the leak in your primary boiler repaired before replacing the wet insulation. Replacing wet insulation without first addressing the underlying issue that is causing the moisture will only result in a recurring problem.
Type And Amount Of Insulation
The insulation requirements and installation practices for boiler systems are set by the manufacturers of steam-generating boilers. The most common types of insulation used on boilers are fiberglass blankets, mineral wool blankets, and ceramic blankets. Some boiler systems require a double layer of insulation, while others work at maximum efficiency with only a single layer. Contact the manufacturer of your boiler system to find out what type of insulation will work best for your system.
It should be noted that the exterior of your boiler isn't the only thing that needs to be insulated. In order to achieve maximum safety and efficiency, you'll want to insulate all parts of your hotel's boiler system, including the steam lines, hot water pipes, blowdown vessels, valves, and deaerators. Because of the extensive area that needs to be covered by insulation, it's best to seek the help of a professional instead of attempting the work yourself or having maintenance staff with little boiler experience complete the task.
As a hotel owner, you are responsible for providing your guests with hot water and a safe environment in which to enjoy that hot water. Proper boiler system insulation will ensure you deliver on this promise, while at the same time offering you the added benefits of reduced liability risks and lower energy costs.
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