With the launch of its EQMAX range of direct gas-fired condensing water heaters, Ideal Commercial Heating has expanded its portfolio into commercial domestic hot water products. Available from September 2026, EQMAX will enable commercial heating and hot water equipment to be sourced from a single market-leading and trusted manufacturer. Making it simpler to order a more complete commercial plant room solution, supported by Ideal Commercial Heating’s nationwide sales, technical and aftersales services.
Beyond like-for-like: Ideal Commercial Heating’s advice on getting water heater replacements right
When an existing water heater reaches the end of its life, the priority can understandably be to get the hot water back on as quickly as possible. But replacing an ageing unit also presents an opportunity to make sure the new water heater is properly matched to the building’s current needs. What needs to be considered?
Has the building’s hot water demand changed?
The first consideration should be how much hot water the building actually needs today. Occupancy and patterns of use may have changed considerably since the original water heater was installed. Hotels, schools, hospitals, leisure facilities and other commercial buildings can experience significant peaks in demand, so both stored water volume and recovery performance need to be assessed.
Selecting a unit purely on the capacity of the existing water heater could result in equipment that is either oversized or unable to meet peak demand efficiently.
Ideal Commercial Heating’s new EQMAX direct condensing water heater range has been developed to provide contractors with greater flexibility when matching a replacement to an application. There are ten models, with outputs from 20kW to 120kW and storage capacities of 210, 356 and 538 litres, alongside high flow rates and fast heat-up performance.
What should you consider when sizing a replacement?
Storage capacity is only part of the picture. The rate at which the water heater can recover and replace the hot water being used is equally important. A building with relatively modest storage requirements but short periods of intense demand may require a different solution from one where hot water use is lower but more continuous.
Looking at the building’s likely peak demand, usage pattern and required recovery rate can therefore help you select a water heater that provides the required performance without unnecessary capacity.
How easy will it be to get the new water heater into the plant room?
It is an obvious consideration, but one that can create significant problems on retrofit projects. Dimensions and weight should be checked prior to the product arriving on site.
Thankfully, EQMAX has been designed with retrofit installation in mind. Its lightweight, full stainless steel construction makes units easier to transport and manoeuvre, while the compact, slimline design enables the range to pass through standard doorways. Its familiar water heater configuration, commonly used hydraulic connection sizes and straightforward controls can also help reduce the amount of alteration required when replacing an existing unit.
Why does construction matter?
Commercial water heaters operate in particularly demanding conditions because their internal components are continually exposed to heated, oxygenated water.
EQMAX uses stainless steel for its storage tank, heat exchanger and coil, providing natural resistance to corrosion. The range has also been developed to operate across differing water conditions, helping provide a durable solution for commercial applications.
What support is available after installation?
Product selection and installation are only part of a successful replacement project. Commissioning and access to technical support can also help ensure the new water heater performs as intended.
EQMAX is backed by Ideal Commercial Heating’s nationwide technical and aftersales support, with free commissioning and a five-year warranty subject to terms and conditions.
And, particularly where an existing water heater has failed unexpectedly, product availability matters too. The EQMAX range is available to order now through leading merchants
Pause for thought
Replacing a commercial water heater may sometimes need to happen quickly, but taking a little time to review demand, sizing, access, construction and support can help ensure the replacement is right for the building today – and for the years ahead.
