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 a great teacher and a boiler mastermind. After years of learning and doing, Romano became a licensed plumber and a very savvy hydronic technician in his …Read More

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 footprint? In the commercial realm, that daydream might include what’s called “combined heat and power,” (CHP), also known as “Co-generation” (Co-gen). These systems continuously supply …Read More

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 work, and their recipe for success, serviceability and efficiency includes a heavy dose of “keep it simple.” On a custom home, where some contractors may …Read More

“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 heating and cooling industry, you are going to have to learn to hear “no” for an answer! You may say that you don’t want to …Read More