Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions

A Second Look at a Two-Pipe Steam System

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

A service job for an apartment building still using its original heating system from the 1970-1980s has unique issues.

Making time to clean the shop and the truck

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As fuel systems change and customers get busier, heating contractors are adapting to a new service landscape.

As temperatures plunge across the eastern U.S., emergency calls surge

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The recent cold weather means one thing for contractors: an increase in calls.

Why some boiler replacement jobs may not be the right fit

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Every job isn't right for every contractor.

Taking photos at jobsites

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For contractors, taking high-quality photos at jobsites can be highly beneficial.

The hazards of servicing old boilers

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Today, we still get calls about older systems. The potential customers often think their house or building is the oldest we have ever seen. I suppose people think every other building on their block has removed the old steam or hot water system and replaced it with something more modern.

From cutting edge to classic: How to modernize outdated pneumatic control systems

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

On this job, I was reminded of how this “cutting edge” system that was installed fifty years ago is now considered "old school."

Invoices, inspections, and integrity: lessons from Leonard

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Approximately twenty years ago, we got a call from someone who owned three identical apartment buildings in a nearby town. His name was Leonard. He recently visited an annual building-owners trade show and heard that we knew how to fix and properly adjust outdoor reset controls. Leonard called us, and we made an appointment.

Lessons in learning: Everyone learns differently, just like everyone teaches differently

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Explore the power of hands-on learning in the heating industry as seasoned experts share their insights on effective teaching. This editorial reflects on the impact of memorable seminars, the importance of understanding theory, and the art of listening in nurturing the next generation of skilled technicians.

Traffic and the trades: A routine job turns into a lesson in logistics, patience and priorities

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We almost never charge for “add-ons” when doing large contract jobs. We are very thorough when we do estimates, and try to include everything we can think of. As a matter of fact, we have bid and won over a dozen jobs that specifically excluded “change orders.”

Boiler job proves the power of teamwork and the right rental equipment

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

On large jobs, we sometimes hire subcontractors to help us out. Other times, we will do all of the work in house. Often, we rent tools that make the job easier.

Hidden issues and high bills: troubleshooting radiant heat in a luxury home

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A plumber recently asked us to inspect a home with issues related to radiant heating. The homeowner, Ronny, runs a company that builds commercial office buildings, and the plumber handles the plumbing work.

The many reasons for price increases

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I suspect manufacturers have had annual price increases since they began producing the items we need. So far this week we have been informed by one of our suppliers that the condensing boiler we use most often is going up by six percent.

Weekend house calls: A high-demand heating season

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This has been busier than normal heating season. I suppose this winter was colder than most in the last decade. For the first time in years, we had to make numerous repairs to frozen pipes. There were many late nights and weekends that required me or my men to work extra hours. I’m sure we were not alone.

Old home needs entirely new heating system; is it worth it?

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400

A few weeks back, I received a call from an acquaintance named Jack, whom I hadn't talked to in a while. He mentioned a job opportunity and mentioned the radiators in the house have burst. We discussed the details and arranged for me to visit the location.

Young people do want to work

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

An emergency call led a team to a school with a leaking boiler, which was shut down due to safety concerns. After clarifying the need for urgent repairs, the executive director approved the work. Complications arose from snow and transport challenges, but a friend connected them with a group of young workers willing to help, easing manpower concerns.

Low-pressure steam boiler piping gets much-needed replacement

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

We tackled issues at a 1953 apartment complex with a failing steam system, repairing pumps and leaks. This year, we discovered significant deterioration in the 6-inch steel steam main while preparing for its replacement, highlighting the poor condition of the aging infrastructure.

In hot water: A DHW logistical predicament

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

A hotel’s aging hot water system faces upgrades as leaking tanks are set to be replaced with smaller units. While a full redesign is desired for efficiency, budget constraints may limit the project scope, causing temporary hot water disruptions.

Jobsite oddities

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, we did a simple oil to gas steam boiler replacement. The customer (Mike) has been a family friend of my parents for more than 60 years. Mike’s grandfather built the house back in the 1920s. The home is currently occupied by Mike’s daughter and her two teenage grandchildren.

Junkyard ruminations from a hydronic heating contractor

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Junkyards are one of those forgotten places we in the heating business must visit on occasion.

A grossly oversized boiler system

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Not all employees work out

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Most of the employees we hired on a full-time basis worked out quite well. Unfortunately, a few of them did not.

Learning other trades is a necessity

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Since the 1980s, my father's business has focused on wet heating systems, particularly hot water and steam. We still specialize in this area today, but occasionally encounter tasks that require expertise beyond our specialty.

Not-so-common radiant retrofits

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Mon, 06 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Not many homes in our area have radiant heat. We mostly retrofit older homes and commercial buildings. Majority of new constructions in our area are apartment houses that use warm air for heating.

A graduate from the school of 'figure it out yourself'

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This month, I will share some of the history of the company I run. I suspect many of you will have similar stories.

How things have changed over the years

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In the 1980s, defective parts were occasionally received in the heating industry. Warranty issues were not too common back then and problems were quickly resolved by dealing with the supply house. No questions or paperwork were needed.

Site visit notes for boiler replacement(s)

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I try to be on time for appointments and call ahead if I'll be late. I pay attention to my surroundings and take notes on important details. It's important to silence your phone during meetings. Door widths and route planning are important when removing or installing equipment.

What you should know about steam trap maintenance

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This month, we cover team trap maintenance for low-pressure heating systems. Steam traps are typically found in schools, apartment houses, churches, light commercial buildings, and very large homes as well.