How Does a Mobile Boiler Work?

Mobile boilers provide heat and hot water to commercial buildings on a temporary basis. They are utilized when the building’s permanent boiler is unable to operate for an extended period, usually during a boiler upgrade or an emergency breakdown.

A versatile solution for short- or long-term applications, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at mobile boilers, including:

  • What is a mobile boiler?
  • Why would you need a mobile boiler?
  • Benefits of using mobile boilers
  • How does a mobile boiler operate?
  • Key components of a mobile boiler

Need Emergency Heat and/or Hot Water? Mobile Boilers to the Rescue!

Turn to your reliable NYC temporary boiler specialists at Mobile Boiler Systems. Not only do we provide state-of-the-art portable boiler rentals for apartment complexes, condo buildings, schools, and other commercial facilities, but we have decades of plumbing and heating experience in the NYC area. You can count on our team to find the right solution for your temporary heat and hot water needs.


What is a Mobile Boiler?

Designed for easy movement from one location to another, mobile boilers are basically large, powerful heating systems that are mounted within a container trailer for simple transport and self-contained on-site operation. Think of it like a mobile boiler room on wheels!

They are designed for the high capacity heating and hot water needs of commercial buildings when the permanent boiler is not operational.

Once deployed, mobile boilers are transported to a commercial building, where they are connected to the building’s existing heating and hot water lines. They serve as a temporary source of heat and/or hot water production until the permanent boiler is ready for start-up and use.

Why Would You Need a Mobile Boiler?

You might need a portable boiler rental for your commercial building in various situations, such as:

  • Boiler Replacement / Fuel Conversion – Replacing a commercial boiler or converting your building from oil to gas can be a lengthy process. Depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of boiler being installed, the availability of a replacement boiler, or the complexity of the work, it can take anywhere from a few days to several months or more from start to finish. By utilizing a temporary boiler, you can continue providing heat and hot water to the building for the entire duration of the boiler replacement or fuel conversion process.
  • Heating Plant Upgrade – As a commercial boiler ages, the plumbing and mechanical components will require replacement and upgrades. A temporary boiler should be considered for any planned upgrades that require the permanent boiler to be shut down for a significant amount of time.
  • Emergency System Breakdown – A boiler breakdown can happen out of nowhere. If an immediate fix is not possible, the good news is you can be up and running again in as little as 24 hours with a temporary boiler, with the right boiler rental company leading the way.
  • Stand-by Emergency Unit – If you’re boiler has known issues and can potentially break down at any given moment, having a temporary boiler onsite and ready for hookup can be a great emergency back-up.
  • Asbestos Abatement – In the NYC area, with buildings over 100 years old, it’s not uncommon to experience issues with asbestos. If asbestos is found in the boiler room, the boiler will need to be shut down while the asbestos is removed. A mobile boiler is a great contingency for heat and/or hot water during the asbestos abatement process.
  • Chimney Work – When chimney work is needed, whether it be repairing or replacing the liner or the entire chimney itself, the boiler must be shut down during the project. In a large commercial building, this can require a substantial amount of time and warrant the use of a mobile boiler until the chimney work is complete.
  • Domestic Hot Water for Specialty Events – Aside from providing heat and hot water to a commercial building, a portable boiler can also be used for on-location or outdoor gatherings such as sporting events or festivals that require hot water production.

Benefits of Using Mobile Boilers

A mobile boiler can be an ideal temporary heat and hot water solution for a variety of reasons…

Versatile and Safe – We can transport these boilers to virtually any location in NYC and customize them to meet your site’s specific requirements. Plus, they’re self-contained and operate safely and efficiently.

No Down-time / Quick Deployment – Swift installation gets your heating and/or hot water up and running quickly, ensuring minimal down time, which is especially helpful in case of emergencies.

Cost-Effective – If repairs can be made, utilizing a temporary boiler in the interim can be a cost-effective solution compared to the significant financial investment of purchasing and installing a new heating system.

How Does a Mobile Boiler Operate?

A mobile boiler operates the same way as a permanent boiler, except it’s mounted inside a trailer container and portable in its application. It’s transported to a building and tied into the existing heating and hot water system.

Just like a building’s main boiler, a mobile boiler uses a burner to heat water from the combustion of a fuel source. Most portable boilers use oil as a fuel source, which is distributed from an oil tank stored inside the trailer, along with the boiler, burner, and all other mechanical and plumbing components necessary for operation.

Once the water is heated, it’s distributed from the temporary boiler into the building to provide steam heat and/or domestic hot water.

Key Components of a Mobile Boiler

Mobile boilers feature several key components to keep them operating effectively, including:

  • Burners. These parts allow air to mix with fuel to produce a controlled flame.
  • Combustion chambers. These chambers house the burner and provide space for ignition and heat generation.
  • Heat exchangers. Heat exchangers serve a dual purpose. They transfer heat to the water while keeping it away from combustible gases.
  • Operational controls. Thermostats and other operational controls make it simple to control the temperature and other facets of the mobile boiler system.
  • Safety devices. Essential additions to mobile boilers, such as pressure controls and safety valves, help prevent potential hazards.
  • Water feed systems. Hooking mobile boilers up to pipes delivers a steady water supply to generate steam.
  • Fuel supply systems. These systems move fuel to the burner for combustion.
  • Exhaust stacks. These pipes sit atop mobile boilers and vent combustion gases into the atmosphere during operation.

Heat on Wheels — Mobile Boilers Ready for Deployment

If you find yourself in need of a temporary boiler, rely on New York’s #1 solution for mobile boiler rentals, Mobile Boiler Systems. Whether you need a portable boiler rental for a sudden emergency, planned maintenance, or if you’re replacing your boiler, we have you covered, anywhere throughout the NYC area.

When is it Time To Rent a Temporary Boiler For Your Building?

Do you need a temporary boiler rental for your commercial building? Maybe your current boiler broke down, or you have an upcoming maintenance service that will require your boiler to be shut down for an extended period of time. Either way, a temporary boiler can help keep your building warm and the hot water running when your current heating system is offline. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about boiler rentals, including the following:

  • Recognizing the signs your business needs a temporary boiler
  • The benefits of renting a temporary boiler

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of boilers and where to find rentals in the Queens or NYC area.


Looking for a temporary boiler rental?

Whether dealing with an emergency or planning a boiler shutdown for repairs and maintenance, a temporary boiler rental can be a seamless solution for short or long-term use. At Mobile Boiler Systems, we offer fast, safe, and reliable rentals. From state-of-the-art equipment to speedy setups, we make the process seamless.


Recognizing the Signs Your Building Needs a Temporary Boiler

A functioning, reliable boiler system is essential to the comfort and health of those occupying any type of commercial space, from apartment buildings and condos to schools and industrial facilities.

However, like most mechanical equipment, a boiler requires maintenance and is susceptible to breaking down.

A temporary boiler ensures everyone continues receiving hot water and heat while the building’s main boiler is being serviced or replaced.

Here are a few key signs that you may need a temporary boiler rental.

Scheduled Maintenance and Repairs

Do you have upcoming repair work or maintenance scheduled? Depending on the duration of time it will take to complete the scheduled boiler service, renting a temporary boiler may be warranted. Make sure you ask your contractor how much time will be required to complete the repairs. If necessary, make arrangements for a temporary boiler before commencing the scheduled boiler service.

Unexpected Breakdowns and Emergencies

You never know when an emergency will occur. Anything from a broken or malfunctioning boiler, to a gas leak in your building. While some problems can be resolved quickly, others will require more time. If the repair needs are extensive, a temporary boiler may be the ideal solution.

Seasonal Demand Fluctuations

Does your company experience seasonal demands? Many businesses, such as hotels and event venues, are busy at certain times of the year. Renting a temporary boiler allows businesses to meet increased heating demands without making a costly, long-term investment in additional equipment.

The Benefits of Renting a Temporary Boiler

Are you considering a temporary boiler rental? Here are some top benefits of this service.

Flexibility and Scalability

One of the best parts about renting a boiler is that you can customize the rental to meet your needs, such as your size and heating capacity requirements. At Mobile Boiler Systems, our experts will assess your building and heating demands. Then, we’ll recommend a boiler that aligns with your demands and budget.

Cost-Effectiveness

Purchasing a new system is the most sensible option if you need to replace an old boiler. However, if you only need a boiler temporarily—such as during an emergency breakdown or seasonal period—rentals are more cost-effective. Generally, mobile boilers have set-up costs starting at around $15,000, with monthly rental costs ranging from $6,000 to $10,000+. Meanwhile, a new commercial boiler system can cost anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000.

Efficiency & Reliability

Are you concerned about the performance of your temporary boiler? If so, you’ll be pleased to hear that our mobile boilers are designed to be as efficient and effective as possible. Mobile Boilers Systems uses modern, state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee the boilers operate perfectly throughout your rental period.

Expert Support

When you rent a temporary boiler with MBS, you’re getting more than dependable equipment –you’re getting the support of a reliable team of licensed NYC master plumbers. From determining the best temporary boiler for your application and securing permits to performing the installation, our experts will take care of every step. And we’re always on hand to provide support.


Need a temporary boiler for your business? Contact our team today!

At Mobile Boilers Systems, we are New York’s #1 solution for temporary emergency boilers. We promise high-quality equipment and seamless installations for every project. Ultimately, you can trust us to deliver a steady heat and hot water supply for your commercial building.