subject: How Hired Boilers Can Help Keep Universities Open [print this page] Hired mobile boilers can prove the perfect solution when it comes to ensuring a comfortable temperature at a university is always maintained during:
A boiler breakdown
Planned maintenance work/servicing
An interim period (when an old boiler at a university is replaced by a new, modern model), and also
On occasions when a "boost" of extra hot water and heat is required (e.g., during a particularly cold winter)
Where universities require heat and hot water
At this time of year, thousands of university students across the country are getting used to their new surroundings, or they are returning to university after the summer break.
Those who have opted to reside in university halls of residence will require an adequate supply of heating and hot water from a reliable boiler, of course, particularly at "peak times", such as: after sports afternoons (usually mid-week), on Friday evenings, before students balls and other "student big nights out"!
Other university areas that an on-site boiler must serve (for the benefit of students and staff) include:
Classrooms
Larger halls (e.g. for mid-year exams)
Lecture halls
Laboratories
Libraries
Common rooms
Student Union meeting rooms
Refectories
Administration offices
Reception areas
Student Services offices
Increased fees may mean increased expectations
One of the big issues regarding universities this year is the new financing system, which will apply to students starting courses from September 2012. With students paying more for their degree from next year, they (and many of their parents) will understandably expect an excellent return for their money - a lack of heating and hot water would simply be unacceptable.
But many established universities are located in historic buildings where the boiler is under serious pressure from increased use, increased student numbers and less than modern pipework. Old boilers are also prone to developing faults or completely breaking down (usually at the most inconvenient times, i.e. during cold snaps and/or heavy snow), and therefore need to be serviced regularly.
Related boiler failure problems
When a boiler breaks down during freezing weather this can result in burst pipes (water pipes serving kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms, washbasins in toilet areas, etc., and also pipes that are part of an underground heating distribution system). This means that, although the boiler itself may be repaired reasonably quickly, fully restoring a heat and hot water supply can take longer than planned.
In 1996, the record sub-zero temperatures that made Glasgow colder than Moscow disrupted the start of term for hundreds of Glasgow University students, and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. The problems caused by burst pipes forced many students to be rehoused according to the Times Higher Education Supplement.
In contrast, during 2009, the potentially catastrophic consequences of a fixed boiler system failure at a London university were avoided thanks to the rapid response of a leading boiler hire specialist firm. Within four hours of receiving an emergency call-out, the hire company delivered, installed and commissioned 2 x 500kW boilers (connected to the existing pipework). Normal provision of heating and hot water was maintained, with no down-time to the university.
Why having a back-up plan is best
Working in conjunction with a university site manager, a specialist temporary boiler company could formulate a tailored contingency plan for a university, with a site visit and survey being the first step in the plan's formulation. In the event of a boiler failure, the specialist
mobile boiler firm (that operates an emergency call-out, 24/7 service), could have a suitable mobile boiler delivered, situated and running, quickly and without fuss. All university departments could continue with little or no interruption, and could enjoy having the same amount of heat and hot water as normal.
