Challenge: MacCo Energy, a division of the much larger MacCormack Plumbing, in Billerica, Massachusetts, has handled HVAC service and replacement work at the nearby Concord Academy preparatory school for several years. Like other buildings on the campus, the Headmaster’s House was in need of an oil-to-gas conversion. The 12,000 square-foot, 150-year-old building was heated by …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Mialek Mechanical, a Product-Specific Installer in Hoboken, NJ
Since Mia and her husband, Rich Szymanski, started Mialek Mechanical in Hoboken, NJ, they have turned down plenty of jobs simply because the homeowner wanted something that would not work. “I just don’t want the company’s name on a job that’s not going to live up to its potential,” Rich explained. New construction is rare …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Husmann Plumbing Cuts School’s Operating Costs in Half
The boiler problems plaguing the Sierra Grande K-12 school in Fort Garland, CO were well known to more than a few people in the area, Matt Husmann included. He’s co-owner of Husmann Plumbing and Heating, in nearby Alamosa, CO, but one of his children also attended the school. The units were using a great deal …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Phinncraft Provides Heat to the Wilds of Alaska
Tundra tradesman Dan Phinney serves a unique market. He owns Phinncraft, an unusual heating company. As far as he knows, he’s the only heating professional serving the wilds of southwestern Alaska. His commute typically involves a bush plane, miles of barren tundra, and a rough landing outside an Eskimo village. “From my shop in Dillingham, …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Holmes Heating & Air Delivers Warmth for the Holidays
Mike Holmes founded Holmes Heating & Air, in Denver, CO, after nearly 20 years in the trade. He has intentionally kept the business small with tremendous attention to detail. In October of last year, Holmes took a call from a local real estate office. The agent was selling a spectacular property just outside the city …Read More
Spooky Mansion Retrofit
Contractor Case Study: Kelleher Heating and Cooling “We’ve uncovered skeletons in the basement here, and there’s an old graveyard in the woods,” said the caretaker of the historic Brook Hill estate, just north of Richmond, VA. Dating back to the 1700s, the old family plantation has been home to dozens of Virginia dignitaries, and …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Modern Heating and Air Completes an Oil-To-Gas Conversion
Challenge: For Modern Heating and Air, in Milford, CT, the overarching theme is to strive for 110 percent customer satisfaction. This particular customer’s home was built in the 1920s. It’s about 2,200 square feet in size with low ceilings and tight doorways. The home’s oil-fired hydronic system was in need of a new boiler and …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Around The Clock Heating & Cooling
Brothers John and Andy Montz own Around The Clock Heating & Cooling, Inc., and run the operation with a number of other family members in New Haven, CT. The area is home to many rental apartments that typically house students at Yale University. A property owner called Around The Clock about the ailing hydronic systems …Read More
Contractor Case Study: Michael Long Plumbing & Heating
Challenge: Michael Long, owner of Michael Long Plumbing & Heating, in Whitehall, PA, was building his own “forever home.” Having grown up in a house with hydronic heat, he knew the comfort level that hydronics could provide. He also wanted a large, multi-head shower similar to the ones he has installed in the homes of …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 hydronic heating system and snowmelt system for a large custom residence. Vastly different supply water temperatures were needed, and the snowmelt system would obviously run for …Read More