FAQs

Which boiler or burner is right for my business?
There are many options to consider, with a choice of different makes and fuel types. Some are suited for large installations while others are designed for smaller or more specialised applications. The EBS team has experience with all types of boilers and burners and we’re happy to share our knowledge with you.

Which fuel is right for me?
If you can connect to the natural gas grid we recommend you do so. Natural gas is the cheapest, cleanest, most reliable and most efficient fuel. If not, diesel is a good option. Liquid Petroleum gas (LPG) is another alternative but typically only for low-powered boilers, as LPG storage for large boilers becomes a complex and costly business. Ready access to solid fuel, such as wood off-cuts at a timber mill, may provide an economic justification for a solid fuel boiler but there are fuel storage, ash disposal, stoking and higher maintenance costs to consider. We can assist you in your choice.

What can I do to reduce the risk of my boiler or burner failing?
Regular maintenance is essential. This will minimise downtime and repairs. EBS can develop a maintenance plan to suit your needs. An older boiler may be more of a maintenance challenge than a new boiler and will almost certainly be less efficient. If your system is critical to your operations you may need to consider having a second boiler and/or burner on site of consider a dual fuel option.

What if the electrical supply fails?
You will need a back-up generator and an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to maintain power while the generator kicks in.

What if the gas supply fails?
Fortunately this is a rare occurrence, but if it is of serious importance to maintain your process you'll need to have a back-up plan. Fuel supply outages, local or national, can be managed by having a dual fuel burner for your boiler. In the event of a gas outage the boiler can then run on diesel.

Are there any special considerations for a steam boiler?
The Approved Code of Practice for the Design, Safe Operation, Maintenance and Servicing of Boilers, which is part of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, states that steam boilers must be surveyed annually. We can provide survey services and arrange for an independent inspector to certify the boiler.

Can I get a greater output from my boiler?
It depends. We can assess your current set-up and advise you if its performance can be improved. In many cases, the answer will be no and a bigger boiler will need to be considered.

Should I consider changing my coal-fired boiler?
If you have access to reticulated gas the answer is most certainly “yes.” There are real savings to be made in fuel costs; there are no storage requirements or delivery trucks; there will be no coal dust, less maintenance and greater reliability. If there is no reticulated gas available, diesel can also provide fuel cost savings and reduce your need for storage. Modern coal-fired boilers are reasonably efficient but the other issues mentioned above mean switching to gas or diesel may be the right move.

What happens if my boiler breaks down?
Just call us on 0800 264 5377.

Can you install a boiler I have purchased elsewhere?
Yes, we can install and commission all types of boilers.

What is your approach to Health and Safety?
Our policy has detailed procedures and reporting requirements. We are Site Safe certified, as are all our field staff. We take Health and Safety and our responsibilities to the environment very seriously. We provide services to some of New Zealand’s leading organisations and pride ourselves in meeting or exceeding their requirements.