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Nobody wants a dead boiler, but it is always a cold Tuesday night in January, the super's phone is ringing off its hook, and thirty tenants are crowding the lobby in their winter coats. It always seems to happen on the worst possible occasion, yet there are multiple things you can do to avoid waiting three weeks for a new heating source to arrive. Let's discuss the options.
Why boilers die at the worst time
Boilers work the hardest when it is the coldest out, and therefore experience the most strain on the system. Cracked sections, faulty burners, leaking tubes, the list goes on. It could have been faulty for months, without a true cold snap, and die right when the cold weather arrives. Another reason for mobile boilers failure is that many city systems are simply old, making spare parts hard to find, or requiring a longer repair time then expected if the system has to be replaced.
What are temporary heating systems?
Temporary heating systems are essentially portable heating plants that are mounted onto a truck or trailer and connected into the existing boiler piping system. Contrary to the name, it is not a space heater, nor a simple fix to the main system. A temporary boiler is essentially a smaller version of the existing heating source, built to last until proper repairs can be made or the system is replaced. Many facilities simply use them for emergency situations, while others use them for repairs to the main heating system as a method to keep the building heated while the work is done.
Why a steam boiler rental is better than waiting
If your building uses a steam boiler system, a steam boiler rental is required to ensure the heating needs of the building are met. These systems are connected directly into the main distribution piping, meaning Radiators, risers, and all other fixtures will continue to receive adequate heat. Steam boiler rentals allow for a seamless transition and minimal fuss. My rule of thumb is to always use a temporary boiler for any repairs taking longer then two days, or for any other circumstance requiring the building to not have heat for an extended period of time.
Steam vs. Hot water, what boiler does your building need?
There are many ways to heat a building, and not all systems are the same. In order to choose the correct temporary boiler, it is vital to know what system is being used. If your building currently uses a steam boiler system, an appropriate temporary boiler will need to be found. If your building uses a hot water system, a different type of boiler is needed. Mixing up the two types of boilers will simply waste time, and time is the one thing we do not have. Not all companies carry both types of boilers, and not all companies have the appropriate boiler for the task at hand. It is surprising how often contractors are quoted, then later are informed the company cannot do the job.
Brooklyn NY Boilers have their own requirements
Unlike other cities, Brooklyn NY has many pre-war buildings, brownstones, and other large multi-family residences with aging heating systems that have been modified multiple times over the years. The boilers themselves are usually in small, cramped basement spaces, and the work required is much more nuanced then other areas. This is why a local company is always a must for boiler work in Brooklyn, Park Slope, and Bed-Stuy. Knowing the area is crucial when it comes to getting a boiler in, especially for installations. Many companies simply cannot navigate the roads, parking restrictions, and difficult access required for many boiler installations in Brooklyn NY. Reputable companies will already have knowledge of the area and its unique restrictions.
What size boiler do I need? (not too big, not too small)
A boiler that is too small will not heat the building, and a boiler that is too large will waste fuel and cycle unnecessarily. There are many factors that dictate the size of a temporary boiler, such as the existing boiler specifications, the size of the building, the type of distribution, and much more. If you are unsure of the details, your provider should be able to send someone to take the specs. One thing to keep in mind is a temporary boiler can almost always be sized based on the information listed on the nameplate of the existing or failed boiler.
If you can, take a picture of the failed or existing boiler's nameplate and send it to your provider, it could save you a day's worth of work.
Permits and inspections are important
There are permits, inspections, and red tape involved with just about any installation in New York. Depending on the setup many inspections and a licensed technician to sign off on the work may be required. There are certain safety standards, especially when it comes to the fuel connections, and having a knowledgeable provider can make this process much easier. Reputable providers will take the majority of the stress off by either handling the permits, or letting the client know exactly what is needed. The main issue is rushing or skipping the process, which usually causes longer delays and unnecessary fines.
How fast can I get a temporary boiler NYC side?
Faster then you may think. Especially in emergency situations, many companies can have a temporary boiler NYC side in the same day, or within a day. Searching high and low for a company around 11pm can be stressful, which is why many providers have 24/7 dispatch to take emergency calls.
How fast you can get a boiler also depends on what you know, and what you are willing to put out there. Many projects are delayed due to the lack of proper information about the system, or having no access available for deliveries or installations.
How much does it cost? What dictates the price?
The cost of a temporary boiler depends on the size of the unit, how long it will be kept, delivery and installation, fuel, additional parts, and more. As such, pricing is very fluid and differs from company to company. Any provider that simply has a flat rate for everything is not a provider worth considering.
In all honesty, how much a temporary boiler costs should be weighed against the cost of the damage a heat loss will incur. Lost tenant income, tenant hotel stays in the case of extreme heat loss, emergency plumbing services, violations from the city, and more should be taken into account. A is usually a steal compared to the alternative.
How can I find a good boiler company near me
When looking for a boiler company near me, it's tempting to simply call any number you can find in the phone book, but it is advised to ask a few questions first. Ask if they own the equipment they install, if they have worked on similar systems, and a general estimate of response time. You should be able to ask them if they work in both heating and air conditioning NYC, as some companies are only capable of drop-and-go trailer installations. A good boiler company near me should also be able to do everything from installation, to upkeep, to removal if anything goes wrong. Ask if they carry multiple types of temporary boilers, as some projects require extra equipment.
In conclusion
A dead boiler system is an inconvenience to say the least, but with the right information and the right provider the job can be done seamlessly. Knowing the type of system, knowing the size, and understanding the permits are all a part of the process. A steam boiler rental or any other form of temporary heating source are all there to ensure the building is kept warm while the main source is offline. If you need a temporary solution now or want to know what to do in the event of a boiler emergency in the future, contact Rentals. Tell them about your situation, send a picture of your boiler's nameplate, and prepare to be taken care of in a quick and professional manner.
Name: A Heating Inc Temporary Boiler Rentals
Address: 9221 Ditmas Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Phone No: 718-234-8441
Alternate Phone No: 718-234-2263
FAQs
How long can I keep a temporary boiler ?
As long as you need it for. Some companies keep temporary boilers for months at a time to allow for a proper replacement. A long term rental is completely fine in the case of larger scale renovations.
Will a temporary boiler work with my existing radiators?
In almost all cases yes, assuming you get a boiler to match to your existing system. A steam boiler will hook into your existing steam radiators, while a hot water boiler will connect to your existing hot water radiators.
Do I need a permit for a temporary boiler installation?
In most cases, yes. It is up to your provider to tell you what is and is not required.
Can I get a temporary boiler on the weekend or at night?
Most companies will do their best to accommodate a request made on the weekend or at night, as boilers rarely wait for a convenient time to fail. Ask the company in question what their emergency rate is and if they have 24/7 dispatch.
