Articles by Dan Holohan

How heating systems began

I was having a conversation the other day with Mr. Ara Marcus Daniels.

April 22, 2014

We were talking about early heating systems, Ara and I. I had questions and he had answers. When you want to know stuff about how things began, it pays to ask someone who has been dead for a while. Guys like that were there at the start and saw most of it for themselves.

High pressure goes to low pressure. Always.

Inflation.

Dan Holohan

March 17, 2014

I stopped at the gas station the other day because one of my car’s tires looked a bit low. They charge us for air here on the Isle of Long. When I was a young man, it was free.

Kids and mechanical malfunctions

Could they be the cause of your mechanical malfunctions?

Dan Holohan

February 20, 2014

Our daughter Kelly and her husband, Craig, wanted to give our grandchildren names that would never appear on a souvenir rack in a touristy store, so they named our grandson Sullivan “Sully” Daniel and our granddaughter Dempsey Jane.

Knowledge is the greatest gift you can give

When I’m 64.

Dan Holohan

January 23, 2014

I turn 64 this month and if I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself. Will you still need me; will you still feed me, when I’m 64? Hope so.

Comfortable offices increase employee productivity

Give us a hug.

Dan Holohan

December 19, 2013

Last summer, when we were roasting in that July heat wave, Ron Friedman, Ph.D, wrote a brilliant article for Psychology Today magazine. He titled it, “Want More Productive Workers? Adjust Your Thermostat.” This grabbed me by the lapels and gave me a good shake, of course.

No thanks lousy bathroom and fickle reps

What I am not thankful for this year.

Dan Holohan

November 18, 2013

This is the month when we Americans give thanks for all that is good in our lives and I’m all for that. I love the big meal, the gathering family and the Macy’s parade. I also love nodding off on the couch after all that grand stuff.

Perspectives from the front

The tale of Quincy, Mass., and its energy costs.

Dan Holohan

October 18, 2013

Each Thursday morning, I send a free enewsletter to more than 5,000 opt-in subscribers. It usually contains seven links to interesting stories (some of which even have to do with heating) along with my brief musings. I do this because I am curious by nature, love to share and have no life.

My day as a potted plant

A tale of corporate misunderstandings and embarrassing new suits.

Dan Holohan

September 20, 2013

Our daughter, Colleen, born and raised on Long Island, now lives in a suburb of Boston with her husband, Adam. The town they live in is called Medford.

You don’t need a weatherman

You do need knowledge of the quirks of older heating systems.

Dan Holohan

August 22, 2013

I was chatting with an engineer the other day. She called to ask me some questions about old steam-heating systems, particularly those of the New York City variety.

A grand punch in the mouth

Lessons learned from the Great Recession and Hurricane Sandy.

Dan Holohan

July 18, 2013

I’d like to begin with a big shout-out to that noted philosopher, Mr. Michael Tyson, who once said, “Everyone has a plan, ’til they get punched in the mouth.”