When something goes wrong with your facility’s thermal oil system, one of the decisions you’ll likely have to make is whether you should replace or repair the system. Sometimes it’s a tough call – it’s hard to know which choice will be the best for your business in the long run.
Repairs can be expensive, and may slow down your facility’s productivity substantially. And repairs are often just a temporary fix for a problem that will likely recur. On the other hand, replacing a system is a complex and extensive project that takes a significant amount of time and resources. In many situations, though it may be the ideal option, replacing a thermal oil system is a huge undertaking.
Obviously, both options have consequences. Deciding between replacement and repair is not a choice that should be taken lightly.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Facility’s Thermal Oil Heating System?
With decades of experience in the industrial heating industry, we’ve encountered many plant managers who have found themselves at a fork in the road, needing to choose between repairing and replacing their thermal oil heating systems. We’ve helped these facility managers reach the decision that’s best for their company and we’ve learned a lot along the way.
So what are some of the key signs that it’s time to replace your thermal fluid heater or heating system? Here are a few factors and things to look out for that might indicate thermal oil system replacement is a better option than repair.
Signs You Should Replace Your Thermal Oil System
1. Your existing system is inefficient
Efficiency is key when it comes to plant heating. Utilizing efficient equipment can save your company a significant amount of money in the long run and it is better for the environment. If you know that your existing system is not as efficient as it could be and it is in need of repair, it may be worth looking into thermal oil system replacement.
Learn more about why efficient industrial heating equipment is so important.
2. Your existing system features helical coil technology
Helical coils are common in thermal oil heaters from most manufacturers. But there are many reasons why serpentine coils are the better way to go when it comes to thermal fluid heating. Repairs to helical coils can be so expensive and time consuming that in many cases you are better off investing in new equipment – and it is well worth it to consider a new thermal oil system that features serpentine coil technology instead.
Find out how serpentine coil industrial heating technology can make a difference for your business.
3. Your existing system has proved to be unreliable
An unreliable heating system threatens your productivity and, as a result, your profitability. If your current system has issues that you are having a hard time diagnosing, has multiple components requiring repair and attention, or has failed you repeatedly, it is likely time to consider replacing the entire thermal oil heating system.
Have an unreliable system? If you’re not performing regular maintenance, that may be part of the issue. Check out these maintenance tips to keep your equipment up and running.
4. Your existing system is out of date
Technology in the industrial heating industry is constantly evolving. If your system is having issues and you feel it might be time to update, you are probably right. Outdated equipment can be inefficient and difficult to repair.
Thinking about updating your entire thermal fluid heating system? Here are a few reasons you might want to consider purchasing all the components of the system in one place.
5. You are interested in increasing profitability long-term
An old, outdated system that requires repairs is far from efficient. If you want to increase efficiency and profitability in the long run, investing in an entirely new piece of heating equipment may be a helpful step to take. While purchasing a new thermal oil heater or heating system is certainly going to be an expense, the investment you make now will help you to increase profits and productivity over time.
6. You are looking for the best value for your investment
Depending on what needs to be repaired, thermal oil system component repairs can cost up to 75% of what it would cost for replacement. In those instances, replacement is typically the better investment, because in most cases it provides more value for your spend over time by offering increased efficiency, reliability and profitability in the long run.
Time To Replace Your Facility’s Thermal Oil Heating System?
If the time has come to invest in new industrial heating infrastructure for your plant, keep the thermal heating experts at American Heating Company in mind. Contact us online or by phone at (715) 748-5888 with any questions you might have. You can also reach out to request a quote for the equipment you need and we’ll get back to you with the pricing information you’re looking for.
Still not sure replacement is the right choice for your facility? Learn more about why replacing a thermal fluid system might be better than replacing it.