Best Of
Re: buying a hydronics business
I'm one of the old guys that started hydronics early, before PEX became popular and only serviced existing systems as there were very few new systems being installed because of copper failures.
After PEX became available and we started installing new radiant systems, once I got a customer, I wrote his name down in my address book . I coveted those customers because I loved hydronics and knew that when I got older and couldn't install new systems anymore, I'd want to do service and repair work. Excellent work if you know what boilers are popular in your area and what parts to keep on your truck and how to charge to make a profit.
Those customers are now calling me with broken boilers and I can still replace a boiler. Your old guy's customer list - if it's real and current - along with his phone number is golden. And if you can get him to ride along in your truck or at least visit your job sites would be a bonus. I would encourage you to see if you can come to an agreement on price. What he's asking is too much.
Re: Need new boiler
Every so often I get called for a second opinion on wether a boiler needs replacement or not. Seems more often than not I tell the customer that while a new setup would save fuel, their boiler is in fine shape. What I find amusing is that sometimes the customer does eventually decide to upgrade and he gets us to do it instead of the company that said it needs replacing.
JMWHVAC
Re: buying a hydronics business
For the large amount I would want to see his client list, and financials showing what he has paid himself.
Do you get the company name and phone number?
How many hours a week does he work for that salary?
Tools, truck, inventory?
40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year= 2000 hours
So you need to add at least $50.00 and hour to your labor rates just to pay him
If all three if you want 100k a year, $150 per hour per billiable hour just for salary.
Its doubtful you will have that many billable m, productive hours a year, so maybe pushing 200 per hour
Here is a really good deal 😁 to maybe help with some number crunching
hot_rod
Re: Steam Near Boiler Piping
the valve to make up water is located above and behind the boiler on the wall. Where it was when I bought the house. I intend to relocate it to the copper pipe on the return leg when I drain it down next. Is that what you were looking for or am I misunderstanding. Picture is grainy but it is there.
SMRTK
Re: Steam Near Boiler Piping
If it is a 30 PSI gauge that may be a good thing. If your boiler is properly matched to the radiation the pressure should be very low. My slightly undesized boiler heats the house just fine at no more than 2 inches of water column (or 0.07 PSIG). I added some low pressure Dwyer Magnehelic Gages to see the actual boiler pressure.
BTW looks nice.
109A_5
Re: Steam boiler equalizer
The op was saying (I think) if he has 2" risers and a 2" header, he might do the equalizer in 2" even if 1 1/2" is large enough. Same thing with 2" risers and a 3" header.
You pretty much have to buy pipe in at least 10' pieces. You don't want to buy 3" 2" and 1 1/2" plus lug all the different size fittings, different dies etc.
He was just saying keep it 2" to make things simple and I agree with that. It would also depend on how many boiler you install. A HO may do it the simple way keep it all one size. Someone in business who can use up the extra pipe and fittings would probably do different.
Burnham saying the equalizer needs to be reduced??????……..you know what I think of Burnham. Any mfg that dose that just shows how dumb they are
Control and wiring training
hello all
I am trying to educate one of my employees on the control wiring aspect. I think some training would help. Can anyone recommend some residential hydronic controls training. I have provided Siggys manuals and constant hands on training but I thing a class might help.
thanks jeffrey
Re: An unusual before and after
I’m waiting! 🍿🍿🍿
Heat pump program requires removal of gas heating appliances?
PC7060
Re: Heat Exchanger vs Full Replacement
I'd be more concerned with proper piping techniques than if it's copper instead of black pipe. The bit I see in the pics the boiler is piped wrong, and maybe even the wrong pipe size. That style boiler is very sensitive to proper piping. Now if they put a new one in and pipe it properly, they better use black pipe for the steam side at least.
I'm with Paul, I don't see how they replace the heat exchanger that much cheaper than the whole boiler considering they have to get into the same piping for either job.
KC_Jones
Re: 1920s Steam System - How to Add Main Vents
you can use some 45's to offset it and bring it up straight next to an obstruction. the bigger issue seems to be that it appears to be embedded in asbestos lagging.
mattmia2