Shop around for the best quality and price

There are many sources that offer competitive oil or gas boiler prices, so take the time to look around before buying an expensive gas or oil boiler.

I recommend: Start with QualitySmith Cooling and Heating. They'll provide you with 3 quotes from reliable sources in your area. For industrial boilers, the parameters are much broader. Start with Utica Boilers; they've been around since 1928.

Keep gas boilers clean

Efficiency is directly related to the cleanliness of a heat or gas steam boiler. Calcium and other substances deposit on the inner surfaces of gas or fuel oil boilers. As the impurities build up and form sludge, efficiency decreases. When you consider the cost of fuel and gas boilers, regular cleaning is a must.

I recommend: Hard water is one of the main culprits of sludge, so try using distilled water if possible. You may also regularly treat your water with soda-lime or ion exchange. Goodway sells tube cleaners and chemicals. For industrial situations, go to QualiChem Technologies. For custom mixtures, try RTA Water Solutions.

Go green and save on fuel costs

You don't have to settle for traditional heat or gas steam boilers. High efficiency gas boilers and innovative fluidized bed boilers are not only better for the environment, they're also increasingly practical. If you're looking for residential oil boilers, don't just consider gas boiler prices: take fuel costs into account, as well as the impact on the environment.

I recommend: Take a look at the wood burning furnaces available from Greenwood, and visit Weil-McLain for high efficiency gas and oil boilers. For industrial solutions, get yourself educated on the latest technologies at Emery Energy Company or go to FSE, Inc. to start shopping.