Differences Between Domestic Heating Boilers and Industrial Heating Boilers

The differential gap existing between commercial or industrial and residential hot water boilers or heaters may not be as wide as you may imagine. Depending on the application of the water boiler and the size of the building, this two equipment may even overlap each other.

Irrespective of the size and application, both of this equipment share similar operational requirements and principles. Among such are the heating element, gas input, storage tanks, power source (gas, propane, electric or solar).

But distinguishing these boilers are many variations starting from the sizes, purposes, fuel sources, and what your need for them may be in terms of the cost and efficiency. 

Commercial Water Boiler Vs Residential Water Boiler

Distinguishing an industrial water boiler or heater from a residential heater are some slight differences in some features that enhance the performance of one to the other. Among some of the differentiating features are four striking differences as seen below: 

1.      Element Quality: 

Residential water boiler element is Incoloy sheathed. This is a nickel-based alloy used for coating iron to enhance resistance to high temperature and corrosion. Industrial water boiler, on the other hand, is built with a copper-sheathed element which is known to be of more superior quality and can withstand higher temperature, prevent corrosion from high salt concentration in water. Little surprise ships and boats are lined with copper sheathing.

2.      Tank Storage Size: 

While the residential water boiler is built with a relatively small storage tank of about 30-100 gallons, the industrial water boilers are designed with a larger storage tank of about 50-250 gallons. In extreme cases, three to four units of tanks can be manifold to provide a larger storage capacity of about 500-550 gallons.

3.      Gas Input: 

Commercial water boilers are designed with a larger gas holding capacity that will actually complement its large energy and heating requirement. For most of the industrial water boiler, they have a gas input of about 2million British Thermal Units (BTU). On the other hand, residential water boiler comes with a lesser gas input compared to their industrial counterpart. Most residential or domestic hot water boiler have their gas input fall within an average range of 75,000 British Thermal Units (BTU).

4.      Performance (Double Duty): 

With the design and input for the commercial water boiler, it is well designed to serve a befitting and an underrated function. How? You may ask, here is the answer. Where a commercial water boiler eventually falls into a residential home or a setting with the minimal water heating requirement, it can still serve the purpose perfectly. But the reverse can never be the case with a domestic water heater.

For whatever the case may be, the ultimate aim and goal is a water boiler that will suit your needs, be flexible to use and give perfect satisfaction in usage.