Depending on the size of your premises, you may already have a commercial boiler installed – there are over 28 million installed in the UK alone. A commercial boiler is a boiler that supplies heating and hot water to a non-domestic building. While they tend to be larger than domestic boilers, all that really differentiates the two is that a commercial boiler is used on a non-domestic site. 

Commercial boilers are, however, usually far more powerful than their domestic counterparts,, providing outputs over 250kw to help heat much larger spaces or buildings with multiple occupants. There are smaller, portable commercial boilers that see use on building sites and in other roles, but for the purpose of this article, we’re talking mainly about large output commercial boilers cited in traditional business premises like offices, warehouses, stores etc. 

So if you own a commercial building, you probably already have a commercial boiler – but that’s no longer the default option. In an age of scrutiny on carbon emissions and gas bills, some commercial buildings are utilising different types of heating and cooling systems that eschew boilers. Is it time for you to do the same?

When should you consider changing a commercial boiler?

If you’re a business owner, your main decision points around commercial boilers come either when buying new premises and outfitting it or having to repair or replace your existing system.

We often hear people ask: how long should a commercial boiler last? The answer isn’t black and white. There’s no solid figure behind the lifetime of a commercial boiler, but in general, between 15-20 years is a good length of service. If your boiler has been worked particularly hard and not kept in good repair, expect that timeline to shorten. A well-maintained unit that gets regular servicing will last longer, with some able to last up to 30 years. 

However, as boilers age, they begin to lose their efficiency. For a large commercial unit, losing even small amounts of efficiency each year can quickly impact your utility bills. Other problems that begin to crop up more regularly include leaks and breakdowns, which mean costly repair calls and sometimes intolerable conditions for building occupants until heating is restored. 

While preventative annual servicing helps extend the lifespan of your boiler, when it’s time to replace it, you’ll probably have two main questions:

How much does it cost to replace a commercial boiler?

There’s no straight answer to this as it depends on your existing unit, building and business. Costs range from £2000-3000 but rise quickly if you have specialist requirements.

Can I choose something other than a gas-powered commercial boiler?

Yes – there are many options, including radiant heating, air/ground source heat pumps and non-gas boilers powered by sources like electricity or biomass. 


The only way to answer that is a bespoke assessment of your building’s footprint and application. How the occupants use the space, your business activities and the overall size of your rooms will help determine what the most efficient choice may be. 

Contact our team at Quora Group and we’ll consult with you to determine a more efficient commercial heating system that saves you money in the long run.