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Home » Topics » Columns

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Boiler Room
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

A grossly oversized boiler system

Always follow the heat loss calculation.
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
September 9, 2024

Last fall, we assessed a boiler replacement project for a town hall. Three out of four existing rare condensing cast iron boilers were inoperable within two years, and seven out of eight boilers failed within 10 years. During our visit, we meticulously examined various aspects to identify any potential issues.


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Backyard Propane Tank
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Propane as a renewable energy source could offer many potential benefits

Renewable energy
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
September 6, 2024

When I think about renewable energy, solar power is the first thing that comes to mind. There's also hydroelectric power and other forms of renewable energy.


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Workers Laying Geothermal Coils in an Underground Trench.

Geothermal heat pump systems with manifolded earth loops offer advantages

Coming together.
John Siegenthaler 200x200 author headshot on a white background.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
September 5, 2024

Geothermal systems use HDPE tubing for closed-loop earth heat exchangers, buried several feet below the surface.



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Domestic water heat pump
Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Switching heat pumps between domestic water heating and cooling

Switching space heating to cooling, and vice versa.
John Siegenthaler 200x200 author headshot on a white background.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
September 5, 2024

Air-to-water heat pumps and water-to-water geothermal heat pumps provide warm water for space heating, domestic water heating, and chilled water for cooling. Switching a hydronic heat pump system from space heating to cooling and vice versa seasonally is relatively simple. The system operating mode is changed at the thermostat or a dedicated system mode switch with heat, off, and cool settings.



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Hand holding sad face wooden block with one-star rating below.
Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

Ensure clear, effective communication with customers and your team.

Communication breakdowns
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
August 15, 2024

I reached out to some of the best coaches in the industry for some perspective on communicating clearly and effectively with customers and each other and best practices for how contractors should handle communication breakdowns.


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Happy team of architects hugging in a circle at a construction site smiling and wearing helmets.
Guest Editorial | Kevin Hill

Leadership tips and best practices

Build your best team.
Kevin Hill
Kevin Hill
August 14, 2024

When we hear about a 'dream team,' our minds envision the perfect basketball team or a group of highly skilled attorneys assembled for a high-profile legal matter. But creating a team that consistently delivers great results shouldn't be limited to sports or legal teams.


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Drain being cleared by worker in navy overalls.
Guest Editorial | Al Fagundes

Must-have tools for sewer line repairs or replacement

The correct equipment makes all the difference between a straightforward repair and a complex project.
Al Fagundes
August 13, 2024

Sewer line repairs and replacements require precision, expertise, and the right tools. In this article, we will explore the essential tools for efficient sewer line work.


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A stack of PVC pipes at a construction site, in the foreground. A group of construction workers are out of focus, having a meeting in the background.
Codes Corner | Rich Anderson

International Plumbing Code provides critical guidance on handling chemical waste

Contractors should work closely with local building departments to understand the local building codes, which can vary widely by municipality.
Rich Anderson CBO
August 12, 2024

Corrosive liquids can harm DWV piping systems not designed for chemicals. The IPC requires dilution, neutralization, or treatment of chemical waste before discharge. Vents must also use rated piping to avoid harm from vapors.


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Close up of saleswoman doing the checkout using a credit card reader and smartphone at a garden center. **DESIGN ON CREDIT CARD WAS MADE FROM SCRATCH BY US**
Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

How should you handle merchant service fees?

Quit looking at merchant service fees as an expense.
Matt Michel
Matt Michel
August 9, 2024

Some customers prefer using credit cards, but accepting them means paying merchant service fees. Contractors may offer cash discounts or add an upcharge, so consider how to handle merchant services.


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Traffic Light Trails at George Washington Bridge
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

When (and when not) to work outside your service area

There are always exceptions to every rule.
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
August 8, 2024

We occasionally receive requests from commercial customers located over 30 minutes away to replace heating systems. For commercial repairs, we may extend our service area. However, for residential heating systems, it's generally not cost-effective for us to travel more than 30 minutes for a repair call. There are exceptions to these rules, and one recently came up.


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