A Step-By-Step-Guide To Boiler Hire & Rental

The first step in any temporary boiler hire project is to ensure you understand your specific needs and objectives. You will need to explain them clearly to any suppliers. As such, the following might prove useful to consider.

Heat Load is a useful way of expressing your heating requirements and determining the size, type and capacity of the boiler you might need. Heat Load can be calculated by considering the size of the area to be heated, desired temperature levels and heat loss through the insulation. 

The formula is Heat Load = Mass Flow Rate × Specific Heat × Temperature Change. 

Specific Heat can be defined as the heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of object by one degree Celsius. If this sounds too complicated, you can relax. Reputable boiler rental and hire services will be able to do the required calculations for you. 

Once you have established the capacity of the boiler, or boilers, you require, you will need to decide on a location on your site. Requirements require sufficient space and weight-bearing capacity. Some boilers can be heavy with large footprints. It is also important to consider potential lorry and crane access for delivery and installation. Early preparation can avoid costly mishaps later.   

It seems self-evident but boilers require energy. Typically clients choose between oil (gasoil or HVO, gas and electricity when it comes to powering their boilers.  Each has specific characteristics, benefits and constraints. A lot of factors will contribute to your ultimate decision such as availability, cost and installation. It is worth consulting with your supplier to get expert advice early in the process as to which is most suitable for your needs. 

Alongside your boiler, there may be a requirement for additional pipework, electrical equipment, plumbing, control systems and safety equipment. It is important to consider your whole shopping list when talking to a hire or rental company. Again, a reputable supplier will be able to offer expert advice and guidance to ensure you get everything you need. 

The final consideration is how long you need your boiler. In the case of emergency hire and rental, the answer might be open-ended. However, in most cases, understanding the required duration of a boiler hire agreement is important for effective project planning and budget management. 

Knowing your desired rental period allows you to avoid additional unnecessary expenses. Clarity enables optimal scheduling of maintenance and support services too. If you are not sure of your exact requirement, in the majority of cases, reputable suppliers will be able to respond to enquiries with a range of options.  It is always worth asking. 

Once you have summarised your requirements and engaged a rental or hire company to supply a boiler, it is normal to go through several well-defined stages of activity. We have summarised them below as a guide to a successful project.  

It is important for your hire and rental company, or their representatives, to undertake a thorough site assessment to check the location for installation is appropriate. They will consider factors like access, utilities and potential environmental impacts.

A clear installation timeline and rental schedule is an important part of planning. If you can clearly outline important milestone dates you can communicate your requirements to your supplier with the minimum of fuss.  Preparing the site, installing and commissioning your boiler, operations and even ending the agreement and return of the equipment can be carefully planned. 

It is vital to specifically review the health and safety implications of installing and operating a temporary boiler. Appropriate risk assessments and safety documentation should certainly be part of your procurement process.

Few reputable companies will simply deliver your boiler without providing installation and commissioning services. These are vital to get you up and running at the start of any contract. Appropriately qualified and experienced engineers can ensure everything is running smoothly from day one.

Once your hire or rental is underway, your boiler’s performance needs ongoing and careful monitoring. Reporting any changes, issues or concerns to your supplier promptly ensures limited downtime or maintenance requirements. The specific process of monitoring your boiler will depend on the type, make, model and detail of any agreement.

Throughout the hire or rental agreement, it is important to continually monitor fuel consumption and supply to maintain an adequate supply throughout any agreement. A lack of fuel will naturally impact your boiler’s performance.

Routine maintenance is likely to be included in any lengthy rental or hire agreements. It is important maintenance plans are implemented to ensure continual smooth running of your boiler throughout the length of the hire period. 

Any reputable hire agreement is likely to include a maintenance package to address any unexpected concerns or issues that arise during the boiler’s operation. This is often on a 24/7 basis ensuring prompt and effective resolution.

Your boiler hire provider should take responsibility for the disconnection and removal of the boiler and associated equipment at the end of any rental agreement. There may be additional tasks required to return the site to its previous state to consider.

If you have any questions regarding the above, our team of experts is always available to provide advice and guidance. Do feel free to contact us to discuss your queries.