Boiler Maintenance and Monthly Cost

[Kevin Coleman]

I am looking to acquire another small multiunit in Chicago. I have no experience with boilers and want to know the expected maintenance and monthly per unit heating costs if I am footing the bill as the landlord.  Can some of you boiler owners advise?

[Matthew Perimian]

Hi Kevin,

Are the boilers oil or gas?  Gas is cheaper to maintain. How many bedrooms are your units? Also is the boiler being used for heat and hot water? We normally use 20 dollars per bedroom per month here or 50 dollars per unit whichever is greater, but there are many factors from climate to how well the property is insulated to the effiency rating of the boiler. Do you know what type of boiler it is?