{"id":"boiler-hw-noncondensing","version":"0.6.0","classification":{"uniformat":"D3020"},"names":["Boiler, hot water, non-condensing"],"aliases":["atmospheric boiler","cast iron boiler","hot water boiler"],"service_life":{"median_years":25,"range_years":[25,26.9],"range_basis":"source_spread"},"pm_tasks":[{"task":"Shut down or re-sequence boilers that are not needed","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":150,"checklist":"9.2.12 Boiler Checklist"},{"task":"Do an overall visual inspection: all equipment operating and safety systems in place","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":150,"checklist":"9.2.12 Boiler Checklist"},{"task":"Check burner for proper control and cleanliness","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":150,"checklist":"9.2.12 Boiler Checklist"},{"task":"Check motor condition: proper function and temperatures","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":150,"checklist":"9.2.12 Boiler Checklist"},{"task":"Check boiler room air temperature stays within design limits","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":150,"checklist":"9.2.12 Boiler Checklist"},{"task":"Keep daily boiler log: fuel used, flue gas temperature, makeup water, steam output; watch for variations","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check and clean or replace oil filters and strainers","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check oil is at proper temperature before burning","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Confirm the boiler water treatment system is working","frequency":"P1D","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Measure flue gas composition and temperature at selected firing positions","frequency":"P1W","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check all relief valves for leaks","frequency":"P1W","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Clean pilot and burner assemblies; look for mineral or corrosion buildup","frequency":"P1W","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Stop fuel flow to check flame failure response, restart and observe flame","frequency":"P1W","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Inspect system for water or steam leaks, defective valves and traps, corroded piping, insulation","frequency":"P1W","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Inspect combustion air damper and fuel valve linkages for setting and tightness","frequency":"P1W","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Inspect boiler for air leaks; check damper seals","frequency":"P1W","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Measure flue gas composition over the full firing range and compare with last month","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":151,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check combustion air openings to boiler room and boiler are adequate and clean","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check fuel system pressure gauge, pumps, filters and transfer lines; clean filters","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check belt tension and packing glands for leakage","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check for air leaks around access openings and flame scanner","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check blower belts for tightness and slippage","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check gaskets seal tightly; replace if not","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Inspect boiler insulation and casing for hot spots","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check pressure reducing/regulating valves operate properly","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Test boiler water quality for chemical balance","frequency":"P1M","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Clean water-side surfaces per manufacturer","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Clean fire-side surfaces per manufacturer","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Inspect and repair fire-side refractories","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Remove and recondition or replace relief valve","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Clean and recondition fuel system pumps, filters, pilot, oil preheaters, oil tanks","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Clean electrical terminals; check electronic controls and replace defective parts","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Check and repair hydraulic and pneumatic valves","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Adjust for optimal flue gas composition; record composition, firing position, temperature","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"},{"task":"Eddy current test tubes for wall thickness, as required","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Operations & Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency, Release 3.0","url":"https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2020/04/f74/omguide_complete_w-eo-disclaimer.pdf","page":152,"checklist":"Boiler Checklist (contd)"}],"basis":[{"type":"public_document","life_type":"planning","title":"CNA e-Tool Estimated Useful Life Table","by":"U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development","url":"https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/eul_for_cna_e_tool.pdf","page":10,"code":"HUD CNA 3.4.1.2.9","label":"Boilers, Gas Fired, Sectional","years":25,"note":"Same life for family and elderly properties. US multifamily housing. HUD does not separate condensing from non-condensing boilers; its gas-fired sectional and atmospheric rows describe non-condensing types. Its oil/gas/dual-fuel rows (30 years low MBH, 40 years high MBH) are not used because they do not say which kind."},{"type":"public_document","life_type":"planning","title":"CNA e-Tool Estimated Useful Life Table","by":"U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development","url":"https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/eul_for_cna_e_tool.pdf","page":10,"code":"HUD CNA 3.4.1.2.12","label":"Boilers, Gas Fired Atmospheric","years":25,"note":"Same life for family and elderly properties. US multifamily housing."},{"type":"public_document","life_type":"planning","title":"Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Boilers (notice of proposed rulemaking), 88 FR 55128, August 14, 2023","by":"U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy","url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-14/pdf/2023-16476.pdf","page":3,"code":"I.A","label":"\"average lifetime of consumer boilers, which is estimated to be 26.9 years for gas-fired hot water boilers\"","years":26.9,"note":"Printed page 55130. Consumer (residential, under 300,000 Btu/h input) gas-fired hot-water boilers, condensing and non-condensing given the same lifetime. DOE's analysis includes consumer boilers installed in commercial buildings. Also in Table IV.9 (PDF p.34, printed 55161): 'GHW: 26.9 years'."},{"type":"public_document","life_type":"planning","title":"Updated Buildings Sector Appliance and Equipment Costs and Efficiencies (March 2023), Appendix A: EIA - Technology Forecast Updates - Residential and Commercial Building Technologies - Reference Case (Guidehouse and Leidos, March 3, 2023)","by":"U.S. Energy Information Administration; Appendix A prepared by Guidehouse and Leidos","url":"https://www.eia.gov/analysis/studies/buildings/equipcosts/pdf/full.pdf","page":123,"code":"Commercial Gas-Fired Boilers","label":"Average Life (y): 2018 installed base 25; 2022 typical (85% thermal efficiency) 25, high (99%) 25; same through 2050","years":25,"note":"Printed page 119 (Appendix A). Commercial packaged gas-fired hot-water boiler, 800 kBtu/h input (note 1: small 300-2,500 kBtu/h hot water class). The 85% 'typical' is non-condensing and the 99% 'high' is condensing; both carry 25 years. The 2012 installed-base column shows 30 years. The data-source sheet (PDF p.231, A-51) labels the life source only under the 2012 column, as 'Comm. Heating, AC, WH EERE 2009' (a DOE analysis); the 2018-and-later life cells have no separate label."}],"confidence":{"grade":"B","sample_size":null},"open_questions":["Every source here is a published planning, design or accounting life. None is observed replacement data."],"contributors":["unfinished.one editors"],"last_reviewed":"2026-10-23","canonical_url":"https://unfinished.one/c/boiler-hw-noncondensing","versioned_url":"https://unfinished.one/c/boiler-hw-noncondensing/v/0.6.0","licence":"CC-BY-4.0","citation":"unfinished.one (2026). Boiler, hot water, non-condensing, v0.6.0. https://unfinished.one/c/boiler-hw-noncondensing/v/0.6.0"}