Best Of
Re: I get all the weird ones...
Tell them straight up, it's not going to work. They need to figure out a different strategy for material handling. Without knowing the process, I can't really offer suggestions. If they insist on trying to heat a 5k sf building with a 22x18 door hanging wide open, walk away. Working for idiots is financially risky and you won't get any satisfaction.
Hodge Boiler Plant Photo (1890s)
Thanks to our friend Steve for sharing this piece of history with us!
Re: Replacing cast iron radiator with smaller one
I feel like you're onto something with this solution though. I think this problem can be solved with more cats
amaiale
Re: Replacing cast iron radiator with smaller one
perfect application of a Thermostatic radiator valve. Turn up or down as you need or as your cat prefers. Just swap the valve, much easier than a new radiator.
Edit: Except that’s not the problem you are trying to solve! Less radiator not just less heat.
🤣
PC7060
Re: Your thoughts and opinions please
“The customer was thinking of a quick thing about what to look for on each type system.”
Herein lies the problem: They want you to give them in less than 4 hours what you’ve spent a lifetime learning.
It takes 12 years to get a high school diploma, another 4 to get a bachelor’s degree;, 3 more to get a master’s, and 1-2 more to earn a doctorate. But somehow, they expect you to be able to condense what you’ve learned through decades into 3-1/2 hours. It’s just part of the instant gratification culture in which we live.
I would suggest that you reduce it down to maybe one two sub points from each main topic that you feel are most needed and spend a little time emphasizing that it takes a lot more time and effort to get a working understanding of hydronics and then promote you books and videos along with this site. Those that really want to learn will take your advice.
Ironman
Why Is It So Hard To Hire A Contractor?
A Wall Street Journal writer got in touch with me last summer and asked if she could interview me. She was working on an article about why it was so hard to hire a contractor. It was to be in the Small Business section of the Journal. She was mainly concerned with those contractors who don’t return calls, or those who show up, give an estimate, and then just disappear.
Re: Steam boilers that are piped wrong
Give them a copy of my book, We Got Steam Heat. That will convince they without a doubt.
Re: Worst advertising
Also, who would use Knipex style pliers that way, with two hands… and in such a way as to damage the chrome finish? He should be smoking a cigar to complete the image. 😉
Yours, Larry
Re: Bit the bullet: bought an HTP UFT-100W on ebay
Whether or not it was dumb depends on how the boilers arrive! Certainly if you get 2 new boilers for that price then you got a great deal. Personally I think I would install one and just save the second one in storage. I think the system would be overall more efficient with a single right sized boiler, slightly simpler piping requirements as well so less that can be messed up. Also 2 vents means twice the chances to recirculate flue gas, keep those intakes far away from the exhaust
GGross