Thinking about purchasing a Peerless or Weil McClain commercial boiler? Educating yourself on things like brand rankings, efficiency ratings, and special features is essential to deciding what’s right for your building.

Consider Brand Rankings

At American Boiler Company, we value both brands because of their outstanding product reviews and rankings. Weil McClain‘is listed as the 23rd most popular brand among 40 on FurnaceCompare.com, in addition to offering more than 20 models of industrial and commercial boilers alone. Peerless was rated 26th and boasts 10 models.

The Importance of Efficiency

Efficiency ratings are extremely important, as they determine what your energy and fuel bill will look like each month. Commercial boilers are measured by two things: combustion efficiency and fleet efficiency. Combustion efficiency measures the boiler’s steady-state efficiency, unlike an AFUE measurement (for residential boilers) which takes into account the boiler’s start-up and shut-down energy usage.

A fleet rating is the average efficiency measurement of all models. Weil Mclain has been known to have one of the best fleet efficiency rating of brands with 20 or more models, ranking 4th with Peerless close behind at 7th.

Models We Like

Peerless’ PUREFIRE’ gas-fired condensing boilers are a reliable and efficient line, averaging a thermal efficiency percentage of 96.6%, depending on the model.

We also recommend Weil McLain’s Ultra commercial gas boiler with an average thermal efficiency percentage of 93.9%. If you’re looking for a commercial cast-iron atmospheric gas boiler, the LGB Commercial Gas Boiler is among Weil McLain’s most efficient, and includes simple piping for quick installation.

Key Points to Remember

    • The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) recommends purchasing a boiler with a water temperature reset option, as well as modulating burners in order to prevent excessive cycling.
    • A low mass boiler will decrease energy consumption, as it takes less time to bring it up to temperature.
    • Boilers with remote monitoring capabilities can best regulate the equipment outside of regular building operation hours so it only runs when necessary.
    • The FEMP recommends closely regulating air’fuel ratio during part- and full-load operation, as well as using a sensor-driven tool over a mechanical linkage between the gas input and the blower damper. For larger boilers, the FEMP suggests using oxygen trim systems to monitor oxygen in the flue gas and adjust the air-to-fuel ratio as needed.
    • For buildings with certain operating hours, FEMP recommends having an optimum start control feature so it can come online when occupants will need the hot water.

For help determining which boiler is right for you, contact American Boiler Company today. We’ll be happy to assist you in deciding which commercial water heater is best for your building’s individual needs.