Get Steamy with the Class 5 Boiler Exam 2026 – Ignite Your Career Potential!

Using an economizer in steam systems primarily serves to reduce operational fuel costs. An economizer functions by recovering waste heat from the flue gases produced during combustion. This recovered heat is then used to preheat the feedwater before it enters the boiler. By preheating the feedwater, the boiler requires less energy to heat the water to the necessary temperature for steam generation, which directly leads to a decrease in the amount of fuel consumed.

This reduction in fuel consumption not only lowers operating costs but can also improve overall efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable operation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with burning fossil fuels. While increasing steam temperature, enhancing purity, or removing excess steam can be relevant in specific contexts, the primary function and economic advantage of the economizer lies in its ability to significantly lower fuel costs, making it a critical component in managing the efficiency of steam systems.