https://www.pmmag.com/rss/2668-ray-wohlfarth-the-boiler-room en-us ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) "According to the ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, the estimated life of an air-to-air heat pump or a rooftop unit is 15 years while a boiler life expectancy is between 24-35 years, depending on the boiler type. So, you will install two heat pumps or rooftop units for every boiler. Where do you think those old units will end up?" I ask the class.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/104830 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104830-ray-wohlfarth-why-boilers-are-still-a-great-heating-source ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) The students in the dormitory started complaining of headaches and nausea. When the number of students with the same symptoms kept rising, the administration knew something was wrong. The maintenance department dispatched a service technician to investigate.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/104509 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104509-ray-wohlfarth-carbon-monoxide-safety ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) On the older hydronic systems, replacing the existing boiler with a new one was pretty straightforward. The installer connected the new boiler to the existing flue, piping and electric. The newer high-efficiency boilers are much different and require some additional planning.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/104058 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104058-ray-wohlfarth-installing-a-trouble-free-condensing-boiler ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Troubleshooting hydronic systems can be challenging, as the pipes are hidden behind walls. Your imagination has to help you “see” the routing of the piping. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/103651 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/103651-ray-wohlfarth-troubleshooting-hydronic-systems Troubleshooting hydronic systems ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) An electrician walked into the equipment room to diagnose and repair an electrical problem in the school. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/103286 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/103286-ray-wohlfarth-the-importance-of-safety-in-mechanical-rooms ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) It was such a simple project; replace the old cast iron boiler with a new condensing boiler. You knocked it out in a few days. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102983 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102983-ray-wohlfarth-tips-for-high-efficiency-boiler-replacement high-efficiency boiler replacement ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) When troubleshooting a hydronic system, the piping layout is often confusing. To understand the system, I sometimes sketch the piping to help me visualize the flow of water. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102919 Mon, 29 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102919-ray-wohlfarth-troubleshooting-hydronic-systems Hydronic Systems figure 1 Hydronic Systems figure 2 Hydronic Systems figure 3 Hydronic Systems figure 4 Hydronic Systems figure 5 ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Sherlock Holmes has always been one of my favorite fictional characters. I envied how he would notice each detail and use every one of his senses to solve the crime. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102677 Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102677-ray-wholfarth-boiler-room-detective Flame Rollout Flame rollout could be very dangerous as the flue gases are going into the building. PTA-Gauge The PTA gauge helps to troubleshoot a hydronic system. Raypak Boiler This Raypak boiler shows rise under the diverter, which means the flue gases are being pulled from the flue. ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) The owner asked for a bid to replace her 35-year-old cast iron boiler which was still operating. She had two requirements: Redundancy in the event of a boiler malfunction and lower fuel costs for the building.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102393 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102393-ray-wohlfarth-consider-a-hybrid-heating-system The Dewpoint Temperature The Dewpoint Temperature chart shows how the flue gas dew point or condensing temperature changes with the amount of air added to the burner. All Graphs Courtesy of Ray Wohlfarth. The HW Temps chart The HW Temps chart shows the bin temperatures, hot water supply reset temperatures and the outdoor design temperature for Charleston, West Virginia. It also displays where the boiler enters the condensing mode. All Graphs Courtesy of Ray Wohlfarth. The Reset Control table The Reset Control table shows how the supply temperature varies with the changes in the outdoor air temperature. All Graphs Courtesy of Ray Wohlfarth. ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) When I look at any replacement hydronic boiler project, my tenet is always to assume the existing system is installed improperly. I like to pretend I am a famous detective, such as Sherlock Holmes, and my job is to uncover the hidden mistakes.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102281 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102281-ray-wohlfarth-troubleshooting-hydronics A water meter A water meter is installed to let the owner know if there is a leak in the system. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth pressure temperature altitude (PTA. A pressure temperature altitude (PTA) gauge tells the owner the system pressure, elevation of the water and the temperature of the water. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) What is the proper pressure setting for a comfort-heating steam boiler?

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101874 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101874-ray-wohlfarth-the-case-for-2-psig PM0219_RayWohlfarth_FlashSteam Flash steam on commercial systems essentially wastes steam because the steam vapor is lost from the air vents on the condensate tanks. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth PM0219_RayWohlfarth_Pressuretrol A pressuretrol controls when a steam boiler should begin and end firing based on pressure. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) My technical boiler books all use the “lessons learned” theme, and the following are the lessons I have learned about boiler water treatment.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101808 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101808-ray-wohlfarth-6-lessons-learned-about-boiler-water-treatment injection pumps Small injection pumps proportionally feed the chemical water treatment into the system over time. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth hydronic boilers Most hydronic boilers use a sidearm type of chemical feed system where the chemicals are introduced. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) It’s important to always be mentally present at every service call.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101675 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101675-ray-wohlfarth-a-dangerous-situation A tridicator like this reads boiler system pressure A tridicator like this reads boiler system pressure. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Saying goodbye to an industry legend.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101567 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101567-ray-wohlfarth-farewell-bill Bill Vallett Bill Vallett appears at the dedication of the William Vallett Sr. Training Center in 2014. Vallett passed away May 4. Photo credit: Lochinvar Julius Ballanco: Is the product listed? Bill Vallett’s sons, pictured here with Vallett in 1979, have held active roles in the family business. Photo credit: Lochinvar Bill Vallett and his team introduce the Power-Fin product line in 1986 Bill Vallett and his team introduce the Power-Fin product line in 1986. Photo credit: Lochinvar ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Correctly set controls ensure proper boiler operation.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101356 Fri, 27 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101356-ray-wohlfarth-understanding-boiler-controls Pictured is an additive-style pressure control for a low-pressure steam boiler Pictured is an additive-style pressure control for a low-pressure steam boiler. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth Both the operating and limit control for a hydronic boiler are present in this photo Both the operating and limit control for a hydronic boiler are present in this photo. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth A hydronic manual reset, pictured here, is manual reset limit control for a hydronic boiler A hydronic manual reset, pictured here, is manual reset limit control for a hydronic boiler. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth A subtractive-style pressure control for a low pressure steam boiler is shown above A subtractive-style pressure control for a low pressure steam boiler is shown above. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Not maintaining this valve could destroy the heating system.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100979 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100979-why-is-the-relief-valve-leaking Most hydronic boilers have a gauge called a tridicator Most hydronic boilers have a gauge called a tridicator, or PTA (pressure, temperature, altitude) gauge. Photo credit Ray Wohlfarth Expansion Tank Vertical When water is heated from 65° F to 180° F, the water volume expands by 3%. Photo credit Ray Wohlfarth Not maintaining relief valves can have disastrous consequences Not maintaining relief valves can have disastrous consequences. Photo credit Ray Wohlfarth Boiler tags contain the maximum allowable working pressure Boiler tags contain the maximum allowable working pressure and minimum relief valve capacity, among other values. Photo credit Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) This tool can help improve safety and customer satisfaction.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100856 Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100856-should-you-own-a-combustion-analyzer Combustion analyzers Combustion analyzers, such as the Fyrite INSIGHT Plus from Bacharach pictured here, can generate thousands of dollars of extra revenue yearly and verify the safety of your customer’s systems. Photo credit: Bacharach A combustion analyzer A combustion analyzer can be used to provide before- and after-adjustment readouts so technicians can show customers how they have made the unit safer or more efficient. combustion analyzers Some combustion analyzers include printers that allow users to document their findings and share them with the customer. ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Air, pH balance, magnetite, and more can all have a huge impact on system performance.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100550 Fri, 28 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100550-things-to-consider-about-hydronic-system-water The chemical pot feeder is where chemical treatment for the system is introduced The chemical pot feeder is where chemical treatment for the system is introduced. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth The pH tester is used to test the pH level in the system’s water The pH tester is used to test the pH level in the system’s water. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Routine maintenance helps ensure optimal boiler performance and safety.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100361 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100361-how-to-maintain-low-water-cutoffs This combination low-water cutoff and pump control will open the feed-water valve or start the boiler feed pump when the water level drops This combination low-water cutoff and pump control will open the feed-water valve or start the boiler feed pump when the water level drops. If it drops further, it will interrupt power to the burner. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth This disassembled low water cutoff is plugged with dirt and mud This disassembled low water cutoff is plugged with dirt and mud. It was only a year old. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth This probe-type low-water cutoff has an internal probe sensor in the boiler This probe-type low-water cutoff has an internal probe sensor in the boiler. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100155 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100155-the-flooded-boiler-room These two boilers are only a few years old These two boilers are only a few years old. The building owner has to scrap them because they were completely submerged and ruined beyond repair. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth The entrance of one of the flooded schools for Kanawha County The entrance of one of the flooded schools for Kanawha County — at this point, the water is still several feet deep. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth This is the inside of a burner control panel; notice the mud on the bottom of the panel. This is the inside of a burner control panel; notice the mud on the bottom of the panel. The water was several feet higher than that. The burner cannot be used and will require replacement. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth This set of hot water circulating pumps is inside a flooded boiler room This set of hot water circulating pumps is inside a flooded boiler room. The pumps, wiring and pipe insulation will have to be replaced. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Operating pressure control for a boiler.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100126 Wed, 28 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100126-things-to-look-out-for-in-steam-boiler-pressure-controls standard boiler pressure control This standard boiler pressure control with an additive differential is an automatic reset control used for setting the desired boiler operating pressure. This control usually is installed on smaller boilers. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth older-style boiler pressure control This older-style boiler pressure control with a bulb containing mercury inside is an automatic reset control used for setting the desired boiler operating pressure. It has an adjustable setpoint and differential setting. Newer-style pressure controls do not have mercury in the control. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth boiler pressure limit control This boiler pressure limit control is a manual reset control and requires pushing the red button on the front to resume boiler operation once the boiler pressure drops. The setpoint on this control is set higher than the operating pressure control. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) http://www.pmmag.com/articles/98174 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/98174-can-the-boiler-breathe combustion air openings are blocked When combustion air openings are blocked, such as this one, boilers and water heaters can be starved of air. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth Exhaust fans Exhaust fans in boiler rooms can pull the flue gases from the burner into the main building. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Ensure proper operation of your clients’ boilers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97765 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:51:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97765-combustion-analysis-tips Combustion analysis tips Figure 1. Combustion air indicates how much air is needed for perfect efficiency. Combustion analyzer Figure 2. The reading on the combustion analyzer will display the gases as a percent of the total flue gas volume; except for carbon monoxide, which is displayed in parts per million. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth Combustion analysis tips: Formula 1 Formula 1. Combustion analysis tips: Figure 3 combustion analysis Figure 3. When the combustion analysis is complete, print out the findings. Leave a copy in the boiler room and keep a copy for your records. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) Use the proper tools to stay safe in the boiler room.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97528 Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:56:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97528-carbon-monoxide-dangers-in-the-boiler-room ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) This one occurred on a steamship, not in a building.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97500 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97500-the-worst-boiler-accident ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) ]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97211 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97211-understand-proper-boiler-maintenance ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97096 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:47:18 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97096-reasons-why-boilers-are-still-excellent-heating-systems ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) http://www.pmmag.com/articles/96960 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:01:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/96960-learn-the-differences-between-safety-and-relief-valves ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) http://www.pmmag.com/articles/96841 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 01:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/96841-should-you-re-use-existing-flue-and-chimney-when-replacing-a-boiler ray@fireiceheat.com (Ray Wohlfarth) http://www.pmmag.com/articles/96790 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/96790-saving-clients-energy-and-money-doesnt-stop-when-the-install-is-completed