Why Go Electric? Exploring the Benefits of the Sussman EWx Electric Hot Water Boiler
Author: Sussman Boilers
As mechanical engineers and facility managers navigate the evolving landscape of building systems and infrastructure, the shift toward sustainable, efficient heating solutions is becoming more than a trend—it’s a necessity. Electric boilers, such as the Sussman EWx Electric Hot Water Boiler, are emerging at the forefront of this transition, offering a host of advantages over traditional fossil fuel-fired systems. This article explores why going electric makes sense for today’s heating applications and how Sussman’s EWx stands out as a leader in electric boiler technology.
The Industry Shift Toward Electric Boilers
Recent industry data underscores a clear momentum toward electric heating systems. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), electric boilers can achieve thermal efficiencies up to 99%, significantly surpassing the traditional 80-85% efficiency range of fossil fuel boilers, which varies based on fuel type and system maintenance (NREL, 2022; LBNL, 2023). This near-perfect thermal efficiency means less wasted energy, lower operational costs, and reduced emissions.
Moreover, tightening carbon emissions regulations and aggressive corporate sustainability goals have made decarbonization a top priority for building owners and engineers alike. Electric boilers provide a straightforward path to reducing a facility’s carbon footprint, especially as electric grids become greener through renewable energy sources like wind and solar (DOE, 2023).
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that by 2030, electric heating systems will represent a substantial portion of new boiler installations globally. This projection is driven by expanding electric grid capacity, improved integration of renewable energy, and enhanced electrification incentives at the policy level (IEA, 2023). For facility managers, this means electric boilers are not only a viable option but increasingly a smart investment in future-proofing heating infrastructure.
Key Benefits of the Sussman EWx Electric Hot Water Boiler
Exceptional Energy Efficiency The Sussman EWx boasts a remarkable thermal efficiency of up to 99%, translating to nearly all the electrical energy consumed being converted to usable heat. This high efficiency minimizes wasted energy and operational costs. Facilities utilizing the EWx experience direct savings on energy bills and gain the advantage of predictable performance without combustion losses or flue gas heat loss associated with fossil fuel boilers.
Zero On-Site Emissions Because the EWx boiler uses electricity as its energy source, it produces no on-site combustion emissions. This eliminates the need for venting exhaust gases, reducing the complexity and cost of installation. For facilities located in urban or environmentally sensitive areas, this feature aids in meeting stringent air quality and emissions regulations, contributing to cleaner indoor and outdoor environments.
Compact Design and Easy Installation Sussman’s EWx series is engineered for maximum compactness and flexibility. Its modular design and front only access for all service allows for easy placement in confined mechanical rooms, giving it the smallest installed footprint in its class (with minimal side and overhead Service Clearance Requirements). The absence of combustion chambers simplifies installation requirements. This results in shorter project timelines, reduced labor costs, and minimal disruption to existing operations.
Quiet, Reliable Operation Unlike combustion boilers, the EWx operates quietly, free from noisy burners and fuel pumps. This robust electric boiler’s heating elements require minimal maintenance compared to traditional fuel-fired systems, translating into higher uptime and lower lifecycle costs. The modular design facilitates simple support and training. This reliability is key for mission-critical applications in healthcare, education, and commercial buildings.
Scalable and Flexible Control The EWx boiler offers advanced digital controls that integrate seamlessly with building automation systems (BAS). BACnet and Modbus are standard, empowering facilities managers to easily program temperature setpoints, monitor boiler plant operation, and staging, and sequencing onboard controller to optimize performance and energy use based on facility demand. This flexibility enables efficient operation during variable loads, improving overall system responsiveness and comfort.
Applications Where the Sussman EWx Excels
The EWx Electric Hot Water Boiler is ideal for a broad range of commercial and industrial heating applications:
- Educational Campuses: For efficient, scalable heating across multiple buildings.
- Commercial Buildings: Office complexes, retail spaces, and mixed-use developments benefit from the compact footprint and low emissions.
- Manufacturing and Industrial Plants: Where process heating and comfort heating must meet stringent environmental and operational standards.
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Where clean, reliable heat is essential and emissions are heavily regulated.
Addressing Common Concerns
Energy Costs and Grid Dependency While electricity rates vary geographically, many utilities now offer favorable electric rates for commercial users, including off-peak pricing that can reduce operating costs (DOE, 2024). Additionally, as facilities increasingly incorporate onsite renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic arrays, pairing them with electric boilers further enhances sustainability and cost savings.
Reliability of Electric Supply Electric boilers like the EWx are often paired with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or backup generators to ensure uninterrupted operation in critical applications. This pairing mitigates concerns regarding grid reliability and supports continuous operation.
Conclusion: The Future of Hot Water Boilers is Electric
For mechanical engineers and facility managers committed to advancing efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence, the Sussman EWx Electric Hot Water Boiler represents a compelling choice. With its industry-leading thermal efficiency, zero on-site emissions, and flexible control capabilities, the EWx aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of modern building systems.
As energy markets evolve and regulatory landscapes tighten, investing in electric boiler technology is not just a responsible decision—it’s a strategic one.
Discover how the Sussman EWx can help you meet your facility’s heating needs today and in the future at www.sussmanboilers.com.
References
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2023). Electric Resistance Heating. energy.gov
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2024). Furnaces and Boilers. energy.gov
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2022). Electrification Futures Study: Industrial Sector Analysis. docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy22osti/81721.pdf
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). (2023). Industrial Decarbonization Tip Sheet #3: Electric Boilers. industrialapplications.lbl.gov
- International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). The Future of Heat Pumps. iea.org