The workforce shortage is and has been a hot topic for all skilled labor industries, and that’s not likely to change much in 2020. The bulk of the Boomer generation …Read More
How much does a boiler replacement cost in 2020?
How much does a boiler replacement cost in 2020? Like all questions with answers that can quickly get technical and may include a lot of variables, this answer depends on …Read More
High Altitude Boiler Bliss
Contractor Case Study: IDS Plumbing & Heating LLC Challenge: Central Colorado heating contractor Nick Valenti owns IDS Plumbing & Heating LLC. He received a call that a home in …Read More
Hiring Green: Part 2
Last month, the US Boiler Report covered Dustin Ebersole’s concept of hiring green employees and training them to become the technicians he needs to grow his company. Ebersole owns High Efficiency …Read More
Controlling Multiple High Efficiency Boilers with Energy Management Systems
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company As many of you are aware, we can operate up to 8 high efficiency boilers in …Read More
Oil to Gas in the Hamptons
In the Hamptons, where some of Long Island’s highest real estate prices are found, custom homes of all sizes line the South Shore. The well-appointed residences are typically built for …Read More
Building a Life in the Trades
Regardless of the career path, the surest track to success is dedicating oneself to the craft. Anthony Ortiz is a 39-year-old project manager for Gateway Plumbing and Heating, in New …Read More
Tips for Making Your Business and Life Simpler
“It’s wonderful out here! You’ll love the weather.” I encouraged my brother and his family to move to the Ozarks. Three months after they settled in, their house was leveled …Read More
How long should a boiler last?
Asking how long a boiler should last is a lot like asking how long a car will last. Does it receive proper maintenance with regular oil changes? How many miles …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Wilfre Co. Inc.
Improving Air Systems with Hydronics Challenge: Wilfre Co. Inc. in Herbon, MD received a call that a customer’s system wasn’t performing well. The large home had a heat pump …Read More
When the Cobbler Gets His Shoes
People like to dream about what they’d do if given the opportunity to build their forever home. Maybe it’s a massive, luxurious abode designed for entertaining, or an architectural masterpiece …Read More
Hiring Green (Part 1)
A strong economy over the past year has been a blessing for most businesses, though for many HVAC contractors there have been times that it has felt like a curse. …Read More
Race Across America
There are only so many hours in a day. What we fill them with is up to us. Usually, work consumes the largest portion of our time, especially when working …Read More
E-Marketing Word of Mouth
Testimonials are the cornerstone of a successful marketing plan. We buy from people and companies we like and trust. And we go to people we like and trust for recommendations. …Read More
The NEW Series 2!
Legendary Reliability and Value, Improved for Even Higher Performance Yup, you read that right… We’ve taken one of the industry’s most reliable, workhorse boilers and made it better. Why fix …Read More
What is a High Efficiency Gas Boiler?
As the heating season approaches, you may be faced with deciding to replace your boiler to ensure your family stays comfortable this winter. Choosing a new boiler for your home …Read More
WOAH! Is that hot water boiler sized properly?
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company The phone rings and the voice on the other end of the line says, “This is …Read More
Single-Family New Construction Increases
Lititz, Pennsylvania, has not seen a strong single-family, new construction market for almost a decade. However, due to recent growth, the economy in the southeastern part of the Keystone State …Read More
Looking to expand your marketing? Go digital.
By Billy Marshall, CEO, ServiceTrade Why do service contractors wrap their trucks and vans with logos, brand promises, and contact information? Simple. As they deliver service in their coverage area …Read More
Mobile Live Fire Boiler Training
Among the services a manufacturer’s representative can provide to an HVAC contractor, few are as valuable as training. If the training is mobile, even better. After all, it’s easier for …Read More
The Clean Up
I am not a neat nick. I am not particularly tidy or organized. But, I have disciplined myself to be orderly and systematic because I don’t like the consequences of …Read More
When should I service my boiler?
All boilers require periodic service and maintenance, and having this service performed by a professional contractor on an annual basis is recommended. Some companies call this “preventative,” “annual” or “scheduled” …Read More
Steam Boiler Skimming
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company Skimming a steam boiler is the process of removing any oil from the water volume. If …Read More
Long on Long Island Service
Above feature image provided by HomeServe USA. It was 1995 when Richard Kopec came to the United States. He was 18 years old and he started working immediately after arriving …Read More
A Steam Solution of Historic Proportions
The building at 20 West 44th Street in Manhattan ranks high on the list of historically significant places in New York City. It’s home to The General Society of Mechanics …Read More
Burnham Holdings Center for HVAC Technology At Thaddeus Stevens Expands College Program
Born with physical disabilities on a Vermont farm in 1792, Thaddeus Stevens grew up in a poverty-stricken, broken home. His father died in the war of 1812 when Stevens was 12 …Read More
The “Fall on Your Sword” Speech
Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, was asked at the end of his remarkable career, “What would you have done differently?” He responded, “I should have moved faster. There …Read More
What Size Boiler Do I Need For My House?
If you are in the market for a boiler replacement, you have likely spent some time on Google reviewing your options. However, your web search might have left you with …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Paradigm Plumbing & Mechanical
Radiant Comfort Inside and Hydronic Convenience Outside Challenge: Paradigm Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc., in the greater Detroit area, is known for their meticulous hydronic work. They were hired to install a …Read More
As Good As It Gets | Conigliari Plumbing & Heating, Flanders, NJ
David Conigliari has been in the plumbing and heating trade since 1985. He’s watched northwestern New Jersey grow, and with it, the demand for premium comfort. “Efficiency has always been a …Read More
Hydronics 101 for Homeowners
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company In our quickly changing industry, it can be a continuous struggle to keep up with advancing …Read More
Women in Energy Coming to EEE: Growth, Education, Networking
One of the fastest growing organizations within this male-dominated industry is comprised largely of women. Women in Energy was founded in 2017 to give women in our industry an arena …Read More
Women Trailblazers of the Mechanical Contracting Industry
By Candace Roulo On a January Sunday morning, I came across the article “Last Michigan WWII Fly Girl Dies at Age 97” in the Detroit Free Press. Her name was …Read More
Heavyweight Bout – Sales vs. Install!
Does your business involve one person selling the job and others installing the job? Fair enough. It is a functional, typical approach that can result in the right people doing …Read More
8 Tips for Choosing a Heating and Cooling Contractor
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system could be the most expensive equipment in your home, and you want assurance that whoever works on it has appropriate training. With so many …Read More
New Condensing Boilers for Colorado Church
When Temple Baptist Church, located in Pueblo, CO, needed to replace their oversized, antiquated boilers, they called Moose Plumbing & Heating. Jason Mulso – whose friends call him “Moose” – …Read More
Is My Boiler Too Small?
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company If a client’s home is not as warm as they want it to be on …Read More
The Warmest Yard
Super Bowl LIII is almost upon us! Before too much longer, we’ll watch the New England Patriots battle the Los Angeles Rams. As you slip into your recliner to watch …Read More
Ask Ellen – Questions from HVAC Business Owners
Let’s open the Mail Bag! I get lots of emails from folks trying to clean up an accounting mess, solve a business challenge, or just make more money. Sound …Read More
Ahead to the Future of 3D Printing
By Candace Roulo When reviewing the history of plumbing, it’s impressive to see how pipes and plumbing systems have evolved throughout the times. But what would the Romans – known for …Read More
That Dreaded Combustion Test
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company It is late in the day, you’re tired, hungry, dirty and looking forward to going home …Read More
Gateway Plumbing & Heating Perfects Steam
It was 1976 on Staten Island, NY. John Cataneo Jr. was seven years old and his brother David was 11, and they were in the basement of their home learning …Read More
The Alliance Indirect Water Heater Goes Lightweight
Mass and strength are often closely associated. And why not? Guys like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Andre the Giant and Reggie White had both, in spades! Yes, it’s a relatively safe bet …Read More
Heavy Duty Recycling
As a consumer, you do your part to recycle the items and containers you use on a daily basis. But you use – indirectly – far more material and equipment …Read More
Can You Bear the Market??
Have you ever done this: Called up one of your competitors, assumed a fake voice and asked, “How much do you charge?” Go ahead. Admit it. We’ve all done it. If …Read More
What is a combi boiler?
A combination boiler, often called a “combi boiler,” offers both space heating and domestic hot water in one package to save space, and in a lot of cases, money. Modern, …Read More
Hydronic Retrofit Yields 33% Fuel Savings for Elementary School
Some HVAC companies focus exclusively on home comfort. Others concentrate on commercial work. And then there are those that operate effectively in both markets. Bob Ives, president of Bow Plumbing …Read More
Alpine Multiple Boiler Installations
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company Some large homes and many commercial boiler applications will include installations of multiple boilers. The Alpine …Read More
Folds of Honor
For many of us, Veterans Day serves as a brief reminder of the sacrifice that our past and present armed service members make in order to protect the freedom we …Read More
Troops to Trades
As the bulk of skilled tradesmen and women in the United States approach a decade or less before retirement, fewer Millennials are pursuing a career in the trades despite rewarding …Read More
Business Basics: The ONLY Three Ways to Grow Assets
You can turn around a bad financial situation if you are willing to apply some ‘bare bones’ business basics. In business, there is ultimately one financial scorecard: The Balance Sheet. Every …Read More
The Proper Disposal of Boiler Condensate
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company The decision to install a high efficiency, modulating, condensing boiler inevitably leads to some responsibility regarding …Read More
A New Paradigm
While hydronic system growth across most of the country is slow, Metro Detroit is seeing a bit of a water-side resurgence, at least in certain segments. And it’s appearing where …Read More
When Recruitment Efforts Go Big League
With cooling season winding down and the depths of heating season still a few months away, now might be as good a time as any to consider what your company …Read More
Tracking Trends of Success
There’s almost no limit to the type and variety of mechanical firms that install and service heating systems across this great nation. Family-owned, local, state-wide, nationwide, union, non-union, commercial-only, residential-only, …Read More
3 Etiquette Skills Every Plumbing and Heating Business Owner Should Master
You can develop better relationships, make more sales, and enjoy less turnover when you are polite. Here are a few vital “how to” tips: 1. How to Shake Hands …Read More
What is the most efficient water heater for domestic hot water?
There are a variety of ways to supply domestic hot water (DHW) to a home. If you are replacing an existing water heater, using the same type of system that …Read More
Woman-Owned, Quality-Driven
Deb Page and her husband Jim have written their own playbook for success, and it looks a lot different than most. The husband/wife team balances work, family and philanthropy with …Read More
U.S. Boiler Company’s Condensing Evolution
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company You may not realize it, but as heating contractor, you have a tremendous influence in what …Read More
A Contractor’s Real Mission
This month’s contractor feature story covers Antigua Mechanical in Manchester NJ. The company is interesting not only because it is a woman-owned firm, but also because the owner, Deb Page …Read More
Ditch the Yellow Pages (If You Haven’t Already)
Use Vehicle Wraps, Website Services, and Word of Mouth to Increase New Customer Leads By Candace Roulo As a new homeowner, I quickly realized how important it is for contractors …Read More
Built to Serve
Service comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes. It can be as simple as lending a hand to someone in need, volunteering for a community project or, working …Read More
Residential Indoor Air Quality Retrofits – Answers to a Growing Need
By Mike Lee, Regional Director for Steve Lee & Associates Ahhh, AC season. Time to think Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). But depending where you live, allergies are not the only …Read More
New System Tool Gives Hydronics a Seat at the Table
For many years, HVAC industry professionals have lamented the inadequacy of efficiency ratings to evaluate different system types equitably, especially in the commercial realm. Suffice it to say, the cornucopia …Read More
Financial Troubleshooting Tips
Do you have an accounting mess on your hands? It happens! Here are a few tips and tricks for finding and fixing the loopholes in your accounting program. …Read More
Is a high efficiency, condensing gas boiler the best choice for my home?
Choosing a new boiler for your home is an important decision. Making a knowledgeable choice can help you cut your home’s heating bill substantially. A high efficiency, gas-fired condensing boiler …Read More
What is the best heating system for new home construction?
Building a new house gives you the chance to build the home of your dreams. However, you may not have taken the HVAC equipment for your dream home into consideration. …Read More
Honesty Sells Itself
John Romano entered the trades the way most folks do. He began as an apprentice with a medium-sized mechanical company and learned as much as he could. His boss was …Read More
Tips For A Successful Cast Iron Water Boiler Installation
I will always preach that a successful cast iron water boiler installation begins with proper planning. I worked for an oil company for 20 long years, and 9 years of …Read More
Combined Heat and Power
Have you ever wondered what kind of mechanical system you would build if the entire focus of the project was to maximize energy efficiency and minimize operating expenses and carbon …Read More
Hydronic System Simplicity
Complex hydronic systems are so 2008, at least according to Mechanical-Hub ProStaffer Andy Mickelson, who owns Mickelson Plumbing and Heating in Missoula, MT. His three-man shop does plenty of high-end residential …Read More
Dealing with No
“NO!” This word usually stands between you and something you want. No wonder it is such a tough word to hear. But if you are going to survive in the …Read More
A Bunker Boiler in Boston
The seemingly endless list of Boston neighborhoods is nearly as famous as the iconic accent in which they’re typically pronounced by locals. Worcester is pronounced Woostah, Harvard Yard is, of …Read More
Tips for a Successful Steam Boiler Replacement
U.S. Boiler’s technical service line receives many calls throughout the year from contractors, distributors, and our factory sales reps pertaining to multiple boiler installation scenarios. In fact, some of the …Read More
Drones Find Work in the Trades (Part 2)
In case you missed it, last month’s issue of the US Boiler Report featured an article about the use of drone technology in the HVAC trade. Alan Perlman, founder of Drone …Read More
Eastern Energy Expo Makes a Big Splash
Celebrating the third year that the Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) and Eastern Energy Expo (EEE) shows have been combined, both organizations pulled out all the stops. The show …Read More
Coffee Shop Lessons
I’ve had about a thousand jobs. I’ve handed out cheese samples in the mall. I’ve hawked frozen pizzas in the supermarket. I’ve taught skiing and windsurfing. I’ve been a grape-picker, …Read More
How to Choose the Right Replacement Boiler
At the heart of every radiant heating system is a boiler. The boiler is responsible for heating water or making steam. That hot water or steam is then distributed throughout …Read More
The Legacies We Leave
To quote an old country song, “I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you… It’s what you leave behind you when you go.” Maybe …Read More
Drones Find Work in the Trades
Drone, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Small Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS)… Call them whatever you like, but they’re popping up everywhere, pun intended. And while your kids might own one, they’re …Read More
Hire Your Best Team – In ONE Day!
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could magnetize, hire and orient your best team ever in a single day? Let me share a neat strategy engaged by one of my …Read More
Proposal Software – Efficiency, Accuracy, and Options in Bids
Being an early adopter of new technology is generally a good thing. Sure, it can take a little longer to learn than it would once the technology has gone mainstream. But even …Read More
Do I Have a Boiler or a Furnace?
Do I have a boiler or a furnace? What is the difference?! We’re glad you asked! We hear this question a lot. Here at U.S. Boiler Company, which is located in …Read More
“Outdoor Reset Doesn’t Work Here!”
By Ron Beck, Outside Technical Advisor and Manager of Training for U.S. Boiler Company What??? I hear this often. I also hear, “It gets too cold here for outdoor reset” …Read More
Sizing a Steam Boiler
By Ron Beck, U.S. Boiler Company Last month we discussed sizing a hot water boiler with a heat loss calculation. Unlike a hot water boiler, a steam boiler is sized …Read More