Two-Pipe Systems
A common complaint that building maintenance departments hear is that the occupants are either too hot or too cool. In some instances, both complaints may come from the s...
Systems Help Center
Our comprehensive HVAC Systems Help Center covers a wide range of HVAC-related topics, including air conditioning and heat pumps, geothermal, hot-water heating, thermostats and controls, solar, steam heating, and warm air. We also have a section of informative and entertaining articles to help you sharpen your HVAC business skills. And our Heating Museum is a captivating journey through the evolution of HVAC technologies.
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Recent Articles
Steam, The Original Bad Boy
Steam systems have the reputation of being the “Bad Boy” of the industry and I believe it may be unfounded. Many will suggest replacing the steam system with a new system...
What is a Barometric Damper?
One of the most misunderstood items inside a boiler room is a barometric damper. The barometric damper is used to control the draft inside a boiler. It is installed on bo...
Boiler-Safety Controls
When looking at a commercial boiler, there are many controls mounted on and around it. It reminds me of a Christmas tree with ornaments hanging from it. The function and ...
Boiler Choices
One of the choices to be made when tasked with a boiler replacement project is whether to use a condensing or standard efficiency boiler. There are several considerations...
Common Steam-Boiler-Replacement Mistakes
As we are entering the time that most commercial boiler projects are being planned and installed, I would like to share some common steam boiler oversights that I rarely ...
Four Boiler-Room Myths
Growing up with a red-haired, Irish mother, I had to learn all the Irish superstitions. The following are some of the examples: Never cross a person on the stairs in a ho...
Understanding Flame Safeguards
As I accompanied my friend from the local utility company into the boiler room, I noticed that the covers were off all the electrical boxes and wires were hanging out of ...
When Is The Best Time to Perform a Boiler Combustion Analysis?
There is a disagreement in our industry as to when is the ideal time to perform a combustion analysis on boilers. Some believe that it is best performed in the fall prior...
How to Paint an Old Radiator
The homeowner was frantic in his e-mail to me because he had painted a few of his old radiators over the weekend and as soon as the heat came on they smelled carcinogenic...