Why Florida’s Climate Demands Vigilance

• Salt Air & Humidity: Accelerate corrosion in heat exchangers, stacks, and controls
• Hard Water: Causes scale buildup, reducing efficiency by up to 30% and risking overheating
• Seasonal Lay-Ups: Improper shutdowns/restarts cause thermal stress and leaks

Proactive maintenance isn’t optional—it’s your shield against costly failures.

Core Boiler Components & Florida Risks

Critical Startup Steps After Seasonal Shutdown

Avoid 80% of cold-start failures with this Florida-adapted sequence:

1. Pre-Start Inspection

• ✔️ Clear combustion air vents of debris/salt residue
• ✔️ Verify water levels and inspect for leaks
• ✔️ Test Low Water Cutoff (LWCO) and safety controls
• ✔️ Check fuel lines (gas/oil) for leaks or blockages

2. Ignition & Warm-Up

• 🔥 Start at low fire—never force high fire
• ⏱️ Allow gradual warm-up to 180°F (prevents thermal shock)
• 👁️ Monitor flame stability, stack temp, and pressure gauges

3. System Integration

• 🔁 Slowly open valves/start pumps to load the system
• 📊 Log initial operating data for future benchmarks

Florida-Optimized Maintenance Schedule

Prevent 70% of emergencies with these routines:

Daily Tasks

• Record water level (gauge glass) and blow down LWCO
• Check flame characteristics (stable/blue = healthy)
• Inspect for leaks at valves, pumps, and fittings
• Monitor stack temperature (spikes indicate inefficiency)
• Test water chemistry (pH, hardness, chemical residuals)

Weekly/Monthly Tasks

• Verify combustion safety interlocks and high-limit controls
• Clean combustion air filters (salt/dust clogs fast)
• Test auxiliary LWCO and fuel pressure switches
• Manually lift-test safety relief valves

Semi-Annual/Annual Tasks

• Professional Tune-Up: Essential for combustion efficiency and code compliance. Frank Gay Commercial technicians optimize air/fuel ratios and inspect burners
• Fireside Cleaning: Remove soot/debris from tubes and combustion chambers
• Waterside Inspection: Check for scale/corrosion (critical for hard water areas)
• Safety Valve Replacement: Mandatory per Florida regulations

(Page 1 of 2 shown above - Download to get the full checklist)

Top 5 Florida Boiler Emergencies & Solutions

1. Leaks

• Cause: Corrosion, failed gaskets, thermal stress
• Fix: Isolate boiler, call for 24/7 emergency repair

2. Safety Control Trips (LWCO/High-Limit)

• Cause: Low water, scaling, electrical faults
• Fix: Verify water levels, test controls, inspect for scale

3. High Stack Temperature

• Cause: Scaling, soot buildup, combustion issues
• Fix: Schedule cleaning and combustion analysis

4. Reduced Heat Output

• Cause: Scale-insulated heat exchangers, failing pumps
• Fix: Descale boiler, inspect circulator pumps

5. Unusual Noises/Vibration

• Cause: Air in lines, pump failures, burner misalignment
• Fix: Shut down and diagnose immediately

Operator’s Florida Survival Checklist

1. Water Treatment is Non-Negotiable
   Soften makeup water, monitor chemistry weekly, and blow down regularly
2. Corrosion Defense
   Use corrosion-resistant alloys near coasts. Keep boiler rooms dry
3. Lay-Up Protocols
   For seasonal shutdowns: Clean fireside, apply wet/dry lay-up per manufacturer specs
4. Hurricane Prep
   Anchor equipment, verify emergency shutoffs, and inspect post-storm

Why Partner with Frank Gay Commercial?

• ✅ Florida-Specific Expertise: We combat salt, scale, and humidity daily
• ✅ Certified Technicians: Master factory-trained on all major brands
• ✅ Preventative Programs: Custom plans to fit your budget and risk profile
• ✅ 24/7 Emergency Repairs: Statewide rapid response