Boiler & Machinery

Introduction
The heating system is an expensive component of church buildings and, if properly maintained, will provide decades of reliable service. Basic maintenance, contracted to a qualified service provider, can ensure uninterrupted service and economical comfort for the congregation. If the heating system is not properly maintained, failure of the system can result in fire, explosion, frozen pipes, water damage or worse.

UCCIB loss experience from 1995 to 1998 shows 41 boiler losses resulting in nearly $250,000 in damages. One major insurance company reports that over 80% of boiler accidents are caused by low water, poor maintenance and operator error. This bulletin outlines the steps your church can take to prevent boiler losses.

Inspections & Preventive Maintenance
Getting Started
A regular inspection and maintenance program should be developed for all church buildings. Annual heating system maintenance can be performed by a local service firm that can also respond to emergencies. Weekly and monthly inspections and maintenance should be assigned to a competent person. A record of each inspection and a maintenance log should be posted in the immediate vicinity of the boiler or other heating system. Furnaces should be equipped with an emergency shutoff switch located in an accessible area. Make sure this switch is accessible and well marked for emergency use.

Weekly
• Check boiler or furnace room for cleanliness. Remove unnecessary combustibles and maintain 36 in. clearance between heating appliances and any combustibles. Ensure that equipment is unobstructed.

• Check boiler or furnace for water leaks, excessive fuel odors. Observe proper firing, if possible.

• Verify that pressures and temperatures are within allowable limits.

• Check the fuel oil storage tank; schedule delivery, if necessary.

Monthly
• Manually test boiler low-water cutoff.

• Manually test safety relief valve.

Annually
• Test all safety and pressure relief valves.

• Test all combustion safety controls (e.g., safety shutoff valves, fuel-air interlocks, and flame failure devices.)

• Clean the firesides and flue to prevent soot accumulation.

• Disassemble and clean low-water cutoff.

• Analyze combustion burner efficiency.

• Check steam traps for proper functioning.

Before Cold Weather Arrives & During Cold Spells
Water damage claims are the most frequent cause of property damage to UCC churches. From 1995 - 1998, 644 water damage claims, totaling over $3.2 million were filed. Many of these losses resulted from frozen pipes that leaked after thawing. These claims can be prevented by inspecting your church and maintaining your heating system before cold weather sets in.

• Check windows, doors, and skylights to ensure they close securely to maintain building heat. Repair cracked or broken windows and doors -- especially if near water pipes.

• Set thermostats to maintain a temperature of at least 45º F. Post instructional signs at all thermostats.

• Place thermometers in colder areas such as under sinks where water pipes are and where building heat may not reach. Monitor temperatures to ensure they don't drop below 40º F in these areas.

• Verify that boiler fuel oil supplies are sufficient; schedule a delivery or arrange for automatic deliveries.

• Visit the church on very cold days and nights, if the church is unoccupied that day. Failure of a heating system during unattended periods often goes undetected.

• In the event electrical power is lost for an extended period, monitor temperatures and open faucets or drain water pipes to prevent freezing. Never use unapproved heaters or open flames or torches to thaw frozen pipes.

Regulatory Compliance
• Verify that boiler operating, fuel storage, or other required certificates are current and properly posted. If certificates are missing or out of date, contact the UCCIB.

Thank you for helping care for our churches!