Reconditioned/Rebuilt Boilers
With today’s economy and our focus on preserving natural resources, it makes sense to reuse whenever we can. This also applies when investing in a boiler. Should you buy new or reconditioned used? What could you save by going with a rebuilt boiler?
The benefits of purchasing a reconditioned boiler are many. The cost savings alone when buying a rebuilt boiler instead of a new one make them appealing. On average, the cost of a reconditioned boiler is 50% of the cost when buying new. With the price of raw material such as steel, copper wiring, paint, and high temperature refractory materials on the rise, it makes good economic sense to look toward buying a used boiler that has had any faulty parts replaced.
Tied in with the cost savings is the time saved when buying a reconditioned boiler. The delivery and start-up times are significantly reduced when buying used. Delivery time for a new boiler from the factory can take 12-24 weeks, while a refurbished model could be installed within days at its destination. The purchase of a rebuilt boiler also helps the environment due to savings in raw materials and energy.
A used boiler is disassembled to look for any faulty or worn parts that need replacing. Parts most often replaced on reconditioned boilers include electrical, tubing, burner management systems, combustion controls, and paint. Insulation and the outer skin will also be replaced, if necessary. By combining parts that don’t need replacing like, for example, the drums with a new burner system such as the Low NOx and a new high efficiency furnace, you can expect the same performance as a new boiler at a fraction of the cost, making the rebuilt boiler even more efficient than it was new.
Reconditioned boilers will have been thoroughly tested and inspected for safety and functionality. A state boiler inspector will certify that the pressure vessel work was done correctly and that the state and ASME codes were both met. Since reconditioned boilers are usually not considered new by regulatory authorities, you should be eligible to be “grandfathered” in for emission regulations.
All things considered, purchasing and having a reconditioned boiler delivered and installed is more cost effective than purchasing new. Consider the money and time savings along with the benefits to the environment before making your purchase. Your reconditioned boiler should come with a warranty and last for years to come.