This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
  • NEWS
    • Plumbing Group Pipeline
  • PRODUCTS
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Truck of the Month
    • Plumber of the Month
    • Tool Tips
    • PM Profile
  • TOPICS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Business Management
    • Codes
    • Fire Protection
    • Green Plumbing
    • Mechanical Systems
    • Radiant & Hydronics
    • Solar Thermal/Geothermal
    • Technology
    • Water Quality
  • COLUMNS
    • John Siegenthaler
    • Dan Holohan
    • Dave Yates
    • Ray Wohlfarth
    • Julius Ballanco
    • Codes Corner
    • Water Wisdom
    • Al Levi
    • Kenny Chapman
    • Matt Michel
    • Marketing Magic
    • Nicole Krawcke
    • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
    • eBooks
    • eNewsletters
    • Interactive Spotlights
    • Photo Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Videos
    • PM AHR Expo 2023 Videos
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Radiant Comfort Guide
    • B.I.G. Book
    • Rep Locator
  • RESOURCES
    • Subscribe to Plumbing Group eNewsletters
    • Industry Calendar
    • PM Bookstore
    • Green Plumbing & Heating
    • Market Research
    • Radiant Comfort Report
  • CLASSIFIEDS
    • Auctions
    • Business Opportunities
    • Business For Sale
    • Equipment For Sale
    • Positions Available
    • Products
    • Safety
    • Services
    • Software
    • Training
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe
    • Submit a Letter
Home » Topics » Columnists » Ray Wohlfarth: The Boiler Room

Ray Wohlfarth: The Boiler Room
Ray Wohlfarth: The Boiler Room RSS FeedSubscribe

Ray Wohlfarth’s expertise is in the installation, maintenance and repair of commercial boilers.

ARTICLES

boilers are still a great heating source

Ray Wohlfarth: Why boilers are still a great heating source

A tale of educating young minds.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
April 7, 2023

"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.


Read More
Carbon monoxide safety

Ray Wohlfarth: Carbon monoxide safety

CO is the leading cause of poisoning in the U.S.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
October 10, 2022

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.


Read More
high-efficiency boiler replacement
The Boiler Room

Ray Wohlfarth: Installing a trouble-free condensing boiler

A high-efficiency boiler replacement requires additional planning.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
February 7, 2022

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.



Read More
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth: Troubleshooting hydronic systems

A checklist to help with diagnosing problems on the job.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
July 7, 2021

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. 


Read More
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth: The importance of safety in mechanical rooms

Common hazards seen inside of mechanical rooms.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
December 30, 2020

An electrician walked into the equipment room to diagnose and repair an electrical problem in the school. 


Read More
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth: Tips for high-efficiency boiler replacement

What could happen? Costly callbacks.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
July 28, 2020

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. 


Read More
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth: Troubleshooting hydronic systems

Piping layout in hydronic systems is often confusing.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
June 29, 2020

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. 


Read More
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wholfarth: Boiler room detective

“The game is afoot.” Have fun, detective.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
February 13, 2020

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. 


Read More
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth: Consider a hybrid heating system

Here is some food for thought.
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
September 13, 2019

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.


Read More
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth: Troubleshooting hydronics

Always assume it’s wrong!
ray wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth
July 15, 2019

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.


Read More
More Articles Tagged with 'Ray Wohlfarth: The Boiler Room'
Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

01 PM 0923 NGAS hero1440

2023 Next Gen All Stars: Top 20 Under 40 Plumbing Professionals

01 PM 0923 Snow Melt Sleepy Hollow NY

New York dream home features unmatched comfort of a radiant heating system

16 PM 0923 NGAS Andrew Milne

Next Gen All Star: Andrew Milne

Poll

Have you had more homeowners buying heat pumps due to the IRA's 25C tax credit?

Have you had more homeowners buying heat pumps due to the IRA's 25C tax credit?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

Modern Hydronic Heating and Cooling For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, 4th Edition

Modern Hydronic Heating and Cooling For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, 4th Edition

See More Products
Letters to the Editor

Get our new eMagazine delivered to your inbox every month.

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Radiant & Hydronics
    • Industry Links
    • Reprints
    • List Rental
    • Market Research
    • Survey And Sample
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • eNewsletters
    • Store
  • Plumbing Group
    • Plumbing & Mechanical
    • PM Engineer
    • Supply House Times
  • Advertise
    • Advertise
  • Privacy
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY
    • UPDATE MY PREFERENCES

Copyright ©2023. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing