How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Boiler for Emergency Use?

Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Admin

Restoring heat, water and operations is your top priority when your boiler malfunctions or must undergo planned maintenance. A temporary unit is an excellent solution, but you must first understand the financial commitment you are making. It is critical to consider more than the equipment fees when you rent a boiler. Things like fuel supply, size and installation requirements matter just as much.

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Table of Contents

The Cost of Renting a Boiler

While a temporary boiler is less expensive than a new unit, it is still not cheap. Depending on whether you need a large commercial boiler or a small one for your home, it could cost hundreds of dollars per month or tens of thousands of dollars. These expenses often pertain to operating, maintaining and insuring the equipment.

There might also be other fees associated with boiler rentals, such as delivery, installation and removal. Unfortunately, a boiler is an expensive but necessary heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit regardless of whether you buy or rent one.

Where to Rent a Boiler in an Emergency Situation

When an emergency strikes, you will want to partner with the right company to rent a boiler. The following suppliers offer temporary equipment from reputable manufacturers to get your business or household back up and running smoothly.

Smith Hughes

Smith Hughes offers rental boilers to industrial and commercial enterprises nationwide. Its turnkey solutions include delivery, installation, commissioning and training on an extensive inventory, ranging from different horsepower and pressure specifications. The boilers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for short- or long-term use.

Its high-performance fleet comprises steam boilers, hot water boilers and hot oil boilers, which are deliverable in skid-mounted units, in trailers or as comprehensive mobile boiler rooms. Meanwhile, its support team and technicians, who are Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-certified, can guide you through your rental agreement. It also helps repair broken units in an emergency.

Key features:

24-hour emergency service and support
Extensive nationwide industrial fleet
Complete turnkey solutions that include assessment, delivery, installation, commissioning, training and removal
Primarily serves breweries, food and beverage, health care and valve testing industries

Cleaver-Brooks

Cleaver-Brooks is a renowned manufacturer that exclusively provides boiler systems for large commercial and industrial markets. Its vast, modern fleet is ideal for emergencies, planned maintenance and various projects, delivering high-capacity steam and hot water solutions to ensure continuous operations.

The rental fleet includes a prepackaged and fully integrated system, available for around-the-clock deployment. Among its options are trailer-mounted boilers, mobile steam plants, skid-mounted systems, hydronic and hot water boilers, and auxiliary equipment.

Professionals at Cleaver-Brooks can help you decide on the right equipment with flexible rental and leasing options while you plan a more permanent purchase, repair or upgrade.

Key features:

24-hour emergency support line and rapid response
Turkey solutions and end-to-end services for a fully managed, hands-off experience
An expansive nationwide network to ensure local support and availability
Diverse, high-capacity rental fleet

WARE

Although WARE primarily serves industrial and commercial sectors, it offers boilers for apartment complexes and assisted living facilities. Its equipment includes a diverse range of units for steam and hot water applications. It also provides specialized equipment and auxiliary components for a comprehensive turnkey solution.

Quotes are determined on a project-by-project basis and depend on the size, rental duration, location and installation requirements. Its technicians undergo thorough training in its “Boiler University” program, allowing them to respond to emergencies with the utmost expertise.

Additionally, this provider offers a rental contingency plan to help businesses prepare for disruptions before they occur.

Key features:

24-hour support with an emergency hotline
Large-scale industrial focus with boilers also available for apartment complexes
Complete project management and turnkey solutions
Extensive rental fleet for diverse site requirements

Carey Boiler Works

Carey Boiler Works delivers rental boilers for commercial and industrial applications, with a fleet of steam and hot water units ranging from 10 horsepower to 82,500 pounds per hour. Its primary offerings include trailer-mounted and mobile boilers for temporary or emergency use, specifically for manufacturing plants, hospitals and universities.

You can expect turnkey solutions when you rent a boiler from Carey Boiler Works. This partner helps its customers reduce costs by finding the most reliable trucking and securing the best freight rate. If those in its network are unavailable, it will commission a local one-way hauler to ensure you receive your equipment promptly.

Key features:

Emergency service availability with 24-hour rental shipments
Extensive technical knowledge and reliability
Fleet ranging from 10 horsepower to 82,500 pounds per hour industrial steam boilers
Full-service provider, with rentals and new or used boilers for purchase

Power Mechanical

Power Mechanical specializes in high-capacity rental boilers, including mobile boiler rooms, trailer-mounted units, and hot oil and electric options, along with their accessories. With over 150 units available, this provider scales its solutions for large factories, processing plants, facilities and institutions.

The supplier allows you to begin and end your agreement as needed. Oftentimes, it can install and commission the temporary equipment the same day because it arrives prepiped and prewired. Its technicians also handle most of the annual maintenance it might require.

Key features:

Over 150 boiler units in its inventory
24-hour support and emergency response
Turnkey solutions, from consultation to installation to maintenance
Direct experience managing complex industrial boiler rentals

Wabash Power Equipment Co.

Wabash Power Equipment Co. offers saturated and superheated steam mobile boilers, mobile steam plants, skid-mounted steam units and auxiliary equipment. No product is older than 2006, and most are 2010 models or newer. Wabash Power also owns all its inventory, with clear equipment titles.

The in-house team inspects all of its boilers in a climate-controlled facility to ensure they are ready for temporary deployment. Its technicians will help you get operations back up and running, day or night. If you want, you can purchase your rental unit from Wabash Power if and when you are ready for a permanent solution.

Key features:

Modern fleet, with most equipment manufactured in 2010 or more recently
Around-the-clock emergency services and comprehensive turnkey solutions
Temporary-to-permanent boiler purchasing options
Custom-built railcar for the rapid transport of rental boilers

Indeck Power Equipment Co.

Indeck Power Equipment Co. is your go-to provider of commercial and industrial-grade temporary boiler solutions. Most of its clients include refineries, power plants, universities and manufacturing facilities.

Its equipment is designed for capacities up to 250,000 pounds per hour and is available in trailer- or skid-mounted configurations. This provider deploys rental boilers and parts around the clock, so you do not waste any more time waiting to become operational again. Its expert support team and technicians will tailor agreements and packages that meet your requirements, providing superior logistical support throughout the entire leasing process.

Key features:

24-hour boiler rental deployment
Temporary boiler packages, from startup service to maintenance to power supply replacement
One of the largest and most diverse boiler inventories
Specialized equipment rental provider

Choosing the Right Supplier to Rent a Boiler

A broken boiler system creates significant stress for homeowners and business owners alike. Although a temporary unit is not the same as purchasing a new one, you must still select the right rental company. A top-tier partner offers superior equipment, as well as extensive expertise, reliability and customer service. The following criteria will help you make an informed decision about which supplier to choose:

Response Time and Availability	Vendors should offer 24-hour emergency services with precise delivery and installation time estimates. This ensures you receive heat and hot water again as quickly as possible.
Technical Experience	In-house technicians and engineers should have proper certification and training to assist with boiler sizing and applications. They will be able to offer the correct unit that meets your performance requirements.
Turnkey Service	Delivery, installation, fuel, maintenance, permitting and removal are included in one package, delivering a seamless and stress-free rental experience.
Equipment Quality and Reliability	A prospective rental company provides modern, well-maintained boilers from reputable manufacturers, reducing the risk of additional malfunctions and safety issues.
Pricing Transparency	Providers give you a detailed, itemized cost estimate that lists everything from the rental equipment to the labor and fuel. This allows you to make a financially sound decision for a unit that meets your budgetary needs.
Safety and Compliance	Partners have a strong track record for safety and compliance, with extensive knowledge of local codes and regulations. With any boiler rental, you want to ensure you protect your property, employees and household members from accidents and legal problems.

What Factors Determine Boiler Rental Cost?

The cost to rent a boiler depends on the size, duration and type. The capacity is typically measured in British thermal units (BTU) or horsepower. Therefore, a commercial boiler rental is far more expensive than a residential one due to its higher capacity requirements and specialized components.

Your fuel source will also dictate the cost, such as natural gas, diesel, electric or propane. Additional expenses could include delivery and installation fees, connection hoses, pumps and fuel storage tanks. When evaluating quotes, remember to compare everything, including all necessary parts.

Are Installation, Removal and Fuel Costs Factored Into the Initial Quote?

Oftentimes, the installation, commissioning, removal and fuel costs are not factored into the initial quote. They are usually considered separate professional services due to their variability and depend on site complexity and the number of labor hours required.

You may need to supply your own fuel, or the company may bill you based on your consumption during the rental period. This is why it is critical to ask for an itemized quote to avoid unforeseen expenses.

What Information Should You Gather Before Calling for a Rental Quote?

Preparation will make renting a temporary boiler a more seamless process. Before calling a rental company, have the following information available:

Site address
Applications, such as building heat or hot water production, electricity generation or industrial processes
BTUs or horsepower capacity, or the square footage of the building
Available fuel source

You should also inform the rental boiler supplier of your desired start date and the duration you need the temporary unit. Additionally, the vendor will likely ask for the contact information of the person who will meet the delivery team.

Is Renting a Boiler a Cost-Effective Solution for Short-Term Needs?

Renting a boiler is a cost-effective solution when an unexpected breakdown occurs. Planned maintenance and seasonal demand spikes are other reasons why businesses might opt for temporary equipment.

Purchasing a new boiler system is a massive expenditure. By renting one instead, you can plan for the up-front investment and long-term maintenance costs. It is a more financially sound approach that enables continuous operations within your home or business without the monetary burden and logistical delays you may face when sourcing and installing something more permanent.

Will Your Insurance Cover the Cost of Renting a Boiler?

Your insurance policy may cover some or all of the costs associated with renting a boiler. If you own a company, it may fall under “business interruption” or “extra expense” coverage.

Some homeowners insurance policies may also cover a temporary unit if it gets destroyed in a fire or a natural disaster. You should call your provider and ask them directly about your policy’s terms and conditions to determine if it covers rental costs and whether there is a deductible.

Do You Need Special Permits for Installing a Temporary Boiler?

Typically, large commercial facilities and industrial buildings must acquire permits to rent a boiler. You can ask the rental company for more information regarding these rules. Its professionals will be adept at the permitting process and can guide you through local codes to ensure a compliant temporary installation.

Of course, permitting requirements will vary by location and the equipment’s specifications, including its fuel type, emissions output and physical placement.

A Strategic Advantage When You Rent a Boiler

Renting a boiler is a strategic financial approach to minimizing disruptions to household or business operations. When a crisis hits, you want continuity and protection, without a sudden and massive expense to contend with. For homeowners, restoring heat and water quickly without taking out high-interest loans is critical, while businesses can plan for a longer-term permanent replacement.

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