Characterization of the U.S. Industrial Commercial Boiler Population

Oil is the designated primary fuel for about 11 percent of boiler units and 6 percent of
capacity, reflecting the smaller than average size of these firetube units. Whereas oilfired
industrial boilers use a great deal of residual oil, the majority of commercial boiler
oil consumption is distillate. Coal boilers are larger, accounting for 1.3 percent of boiler
units and 5 percent of capacity. Other fuels, including propane, fuel approximately 2
percent of boiler units and capacity.
Commercial boilers consume approximately 1,630 TBtu/year, which is 28 percent of all
energy inputs in the sector. Energy consumption in commercial boilers by building type
is listed in Figure 3-3. The mix of energy consumption is consistent with the designated
fuel types in the inventory and is similar across different building types. Natural gas
(1,350 TBtu/year) fuels most of the boilers and is the dominant input at all building types.
Coal (127 TBtu/year) and oil (115 TBtu/year) are consumed in all building types but are
used most in educational facilities, offices and health care facilities. Other fuels (38
TBtu/year) including propane are consumed in a relatively small number of facilities,
making characterization of their use difficult.
Boiler Fuel Consumption (TBtu/year)
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
-
50
Figure 3-3 Energy Consumption in Commercial Boilers
Office Warehouse Retail Education Public
Assembly
3-4 Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc.
Other
Oil
Coal
Natural Gas
Lodging Health Other