Preparing Heating Systems for the Fall and Winter

Helping HIROC’s Subscribers mitigate risk and loss is what makes the Reciprocal strong. Part of that work means partnering with insurers to provide Subscribers the most comprehensive coverage. Ultimately, it’s important that you and your teams have the right coverage and the information needed to make important decisions. 

This article has been provided courtesy of our partners from HSB Canada. It is intended to help Subscribers protect vital cooling and air conditioning systems.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at inquiries@hiroc.com. 

Many facilities rely on hot water boilers for heat.

A boiler breakdown means loss of heat. In a recent loss, a retirement home’s heating boiler suffered a massive leak and broke down. An inspection of the inlet pipes revealed they were plugged up with rust and sludge. Proper maintenance would have helped prevent this type of breakdown.

Help avoid most common heating boiler problems with this maintenance checklist.

1. Cleaning

• The boiler room should be kept dry and clean.
• Burner equipment should be cleaned and adjusted for maximum efficiency. This can also save fuel dollars.
• The water level gauge glass must be cleaned to indicate the proper water level at all times.
• The boiler heating surfaces, firebox, ash pit, casing and ducts should be cleaned of all deposits. Dirty internal surfaces not only waste fuel and dollars, but also can lead to the burning, bulging, cracking, corrosion and even explosion of the boiler.
• Have a competent service firm disassemble the low water level fuel cut-off and make-up water feeding devices. All parts should be thoroughly cleaned and reconditioned as required, then tested before the boiler is put into regular service. While in service the low water level fuel cut-off should be tested once a week.
• If the boiler is of a type designed to permit cleaning of the water spaces, this should be done, and, where necessary, a suitable chemical treatment should be used to minimize new build-up of scale and to prevent corrosion.

2. Testing

• The safety/relief valve should be tested for freedom of operation. This is important because the boiler must not be fired if the safety/relief valves are inoperative or otherwise defective. These valves should be tested once a month while in service.
• All pressure and temperature controls and gauges should be checked for satisfactory operation and adjusted or replaced as necessary.
• All mechanical equipment, such as fans and pumps, should be checked for smooth operation and proper lubrication.

3. Maintain water lines

• Any leaking pipes or fittings located on the boiler or anywhere throughout the heating system should be repaired or replaced to prevent a loss of water.
• Water lines exposed to freezing temperatures should be insulated to prevent freeze-up. Steam and condensate return lines should be insulated to prevent unnecessary heat loss, which will reduce fuel bills and eventually more than pay for itself.

4. Maintenance records

• A suitable record of boiler operation should be established and maintained throughout the season.

About HSB Canada

HSB Canada, part of Munich Re, is a multi-line specialty insurer and provider of inspection, risk management and IoT technology services. HSB Canada’s insurance offerings include equipment breakdown, cyber risk and other coverages. HSB blends its engineering expertise, technology and data to craft inventive insurance and service solutions for existing and emerging risks posed by technological change. Throughout its 150-year history HSB’s mission has been to help clients prevent loss, advance sustainable use of energy and build deeper relationships that benefit business, public institutions and consumers. HSB holds A.M. Best Company’s highest financial rating, A++ (Superior).

These recommendations are general guidelines and are not intended to be exhaustive or complete, nor are they designed to replace information or instructions from the manufacturer of your equipment. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice. HSB makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the content herein. Under no circumstances shall HSB or any party involved in creating or delivering this article be liable to you for any loss or damage that results from the use of the information contained herein. This article does not modify or invalidate any of the provisions, exclusions, terms or conditions of the applicable policy and endorsements. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance form.