Boiler Inspection in New York, NY
Skip the $1,000 Fine. Pass Your Inspection.
NYC Boiler Compliance Services
Annual boiler inspections are mandatory for commercial buildings, mixed-use properties, and residential buildings with six or more units in New York City. Miss the deadline, and you’re looking at $1,000 in fines per boiler.
When you work with us at RB Mechanical, you get certified inspectors who know exactly what the Department of Buildings wants to see. We handle the inspection, complete all paperwork, and file everything electronically through DOB NOW: Safety within the required timeframes.
No scrambling to find qualified inspectors during busy season. No stress about missing deadlines or filing incorrectly. Just a straightforward process that keeps your property compliant and your focus where it belongs—on running your business.
Certified Boiler Inspectors NYC
We’ve been serving New York City for over 40 years as a third-generation family-owned business. We’ve seen the regulations evolve, helped thousands of property owners stay compliant, and built our reputation on getting things done right the first time.
We’re fully licensed and insured, with the certifications needed to inspect your boilers and file with the Department of Buildings. Our team understands the unique challenges NYC property owners face—from old building infrastructure to complex compliance requirements.
When you call us at RB Mechanical, you’re not just hiring an inspection company. You’re working with neighbors who understand what it takes to maintain property in this city and who stand behind every job we do.
Annual Boiler Inspection Process
We start by scheduling your inspection at a time that works for your building operations. The boiler inspection cycle runs from January 1 to December 31, and both low-pressure and high-pressure boiler inspections must be performed within this timeframe.
Our certified inspector arrives on time and conducts a thorough examination of your boiler system, checking safety controls, pressure settings, combustion components, and all required safety devices. We examine safety valves, pressure gauges, fuel supply lines, and other critical parts to ensure the boiler is functioning properly, not leaking, and doesn’t pose safety risks.
We file the inspection report electronically with DOB NOW: Safety within 14 days of the inspection. If we find any issues that need correction, we provide a clear estimate for repairs and can handle those as well. You have 90 days to correct any defects, and we’ll file the affirmation of correction once work is complete.
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NYC Boiler Inspection Requirements
NYC requires annual boiler inspections for residential buildings with six or more dwelling units, mixed-use buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, institutional buildings like hospitals and schools, and any building with a boiler having more than 100,000 BTUs of heat input.
The inspection requirements vary by boiler type. Low-pressure boilers must undergo an annual inspection, while high-pressure boilers require two inspections—internal and external—conducted within the same cycle approximately six months apart.
New York City’s regulations are particularly strict about timing and documentation. Late filing results in $50 per month penalties per boiler, and reports submitted after the late filing period face $1,000 failure-to-file penalties per boiler. The city doesn’t provide hearings or appeals for these penalties, making compliance critical from the start.
How much does a boiler inspection cost in NYC?
Boiler inspection costs vary based on your property’s location, the number of boilers, and the type of inspection required. Most NYC boiler inspections start around $149, but the exact price depends on your specific situation.
What matters more than the upfront inspection cost is avoiding the penalties for non-compliance. The Department of Buildings imposes $1,000 fines per boiler for failure to file inspection reports, plus monthly late fees of $50 per boiler. A single missed deadline can cost far more than several years of proper inspections.
We provide upfront pricing before we start any work, so you know exactly what to expect with no surprise charges.
What happens if my boiler fails the annual inspection?
If your boiler fails inspection, don’t panic—this is actually common and completely manageable. You have 90 days from the initial inspection date to correct any defects found, and a subsequent inspection report must be filed within 14 days of the follow-up inspection.
We’ll provide you with a detailed report of what needs to be fixed and a clear estimate for any required repairs. Most issues involve routine maintenance items like replacing safety valves, adjusting pressure settings, or updating control systems. As licensed plumbers and heating specialists, we can handle these repairs efficiently and get you back into compliance.
If you need more time, you can request up to two 45-day extensions through DOB NOW: Safety, but these must be filed before your current deadline expires.
Do I need a boiler inspection if my building is small?
Small residential buildings with five families or fewer, and single dwelling units with boilers supplying heat only to that unit, are exempt from annual inspection requirements. However, low-pressure boilers with heating input of 100,000 BTUs or less still require inspection when located outside a single apartment in buildings with six or more residential units, commercial spaces, or mixed-use properties.
The key factors are your building type and boiler location, not just the size of your boiler. If you’re unsure whether your property requires inspection, we can help you determine your compliance obligations based on your specific situation.
Even if you’re not required to have an annual inspection, regular boiler maintenance is still important for safety and efficiency. We can provide maintenance services to keep your system running reliably.
When should I schedule my annual boiler inspection?
The boiler inspection cycle runs from January 1 to December 31, so you have the full year to complete your inspection. However, timing matters for practical reasons.
Inspectors get quite booked up when heating season starts in the fall, and you’ll have better appointment availability by scheduling early. We recommend scheduling your inspection in late summer or early fall, well before you need to fire up your boiler for the heating season.
It’s strongly recommended to schedule inspections before the fall heating season because this gives you time to address any issues found during inspection before you actually need your heating system. Don’t wait until the last minute—inspection reports must be filed within 14 days of the inspection, and delays can result in costly penalties.
Can I file the boiler inspection paperwork myself?
Technically yes, but the filing process through DOB NOW: Safety can be complex and unforgiving. Reports must be filed within 14 days of inspection, and late filings result in $50 monthly penalties per boiler, with failure-to-file penalties reaching $1,000 per boiler.
The system requires specific forms, proper documentation, and exact compliance with Department of Buildings procedures. You must submit the BO-9 form signed by a licensed inspector, any supporting documentation, and the filing fee of $30-50 per boiler within 45 days of inspection. Any errors or delays can trigger penalties.
When we handle your inspection, we take care of all the paperwork and electronic filing as part of our service. This eliminates the risk of filing errors or missed deadlines, and lets you focus on your property management responsibilities instead of navigating DOB bureaucracy.
What's the difference between low-pressure and high-pressure boiler inspections?
Low-pressure boilers operate at 15 psi or less for steam and are used primarily for heating and hot water supply, while high-pressure boilers operate at pressures greater than 15 psi and are mainly found in commercial establishments.
Low-pressure boilers require one annual inspection, while high-pressure boilers require both internal and external inspections each year. High-pressure boiler inspections must be performed approximately six months apart within the same inspection cycle.
High-pressure boiler inspections can only be performed by authorized insurance companies, and owners must hire these companies directly. Low-pressure boiler inspections can be performed by qualified licensed professionals like our certified team at RB Mechanical. The inspection requirements and safety standards are more stringent for high-pressure systems due to the increased risk they present.
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