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Hydronic Beginner????

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theprentice
theprentice Member Posts: 26
in THE MAIN WALL
Mr. Holohan and all others in the hydronic heating industry,

I am 21 years old and have been working for my employer for one year now. We specialize in heating the western slope of Colorado and do very little plumbing and absolutely no forced air. Radiant heat is our forte'. I am concerned however. Through my time with this employer I feel as though I am not understanding the essentials necessary to be succesful in this field. I am an eager learner and feel that I am excited about a future in this profession but I feel that I am still not understanding, (as bad as it may sound) anything. I am not grasping the hydronics end at all. I'm wondering if there is any literature out there that can help me to better understand this field. I am a hard worker and can fix most anything with the right guidance but I find myself at a loss when explaining why I am fixing what I am fixing. In other words, I can fix it, but I don't know why I am fixing it. Does this take more time than I have allotted myself?
On another topic, I recieve monthly every issue of PM, but as a beginner I find it extremely difficult to follow what seems be the most pertinent and beneficial articles in the issue. Being a newcomer to the industry I find myself more caught up in the "Truck of the Month" articles than in the ones that actually pertain to the trade. Any advice anyone could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Curtis Hiler

Comments

  • Timco
    Timco Member Posts: 3,040


    "Pumping Away" really helped me learn the near boiler piping essentials....and most important....WHY to do things this way. All of Dan's books are great at not only explaining how, but why. Just hang out here and read the posts. You will learn A LOT....

    Tim
    Just a guy running some pipes.
  • Josh_10
    Josh_10 Member Posts: 786


    Modern Hydronic Heating by John Seigenthaler is another great resource. You might also go to the Radiant Panel Association website and by the Radiant Basics DVD's. Good stuff.
  • ALH_4
    ALH_4 Member Posts: 1,790
    learning

    It just takes time. Keep pushing yourself to learn a little all the time, and If you're like me, one day it will just start making sense. Siengenthaler's book is very good. In general, factory literature is a good reference too. If you know what you're going to be doing in the near future download the manuals from the manufacturer website and study them before hand. Then it makes more sense once you're in the field.

    -Andrew
  • Brad White_136
    Brad White_136 Member Posts: 7
    Curtis

    You are to be commended for thinking this through and reaching out! You would be surprised how many "professionals" do not go beyond stage one. They never ask the next question...

    I second the recommendation regarding John Siegenthaler's book and also Dan's books which break things down nicely. The combination is hard to beat and here is why:

    Siegenthalers book (Modern Hydronic Heating Second Edition), is, like it's author, intelligent and thoughtful. It was written as a texbook for a class taught by John. After almost 30 years in this business on the engineering side mind you, I find it a staple reference.

    Dan's books too are recommended, but for a different reason. Same principles of heat transfer, flow, the physics. But by breaking it down to laymens' terms, Dan's books can help YOU explain to your rapidly expanding customer base, one on one, what it is you are selling and how it works.

    The RPA, as Josh said, has other publications including some by John Sigenthaler. They are in Loveland, CO so thanks to the Internet you do not have to drive Independence Pass to the Front Range this time of year... :)


    I might also ask that once you become proficient in a technique or skill, pass it on. It reminds me of a dictum taught when I took Medic/EMT training in the 1970's, is used in medical schools but applies here as well: "Learn One, Do One, Teach One (Screw One)."... The cycle of becoming proficient means you will make mistakes. Accept it and continually improve.

    Besides, as in medicine, hydronics is similar: Fluids, pressure and flow... :)

    Stick around here at The Wall also. I learn new things every day.

    It is obvious that you have a good brain, a heart, courage.. and here at The Wall, if you want it, a home.

    Welcome to Oz.

    Brad
  • Ted_9
    Ted_9 Member Posts: 1,718
    First,

    Start off with Pumping Away, by Dan Holohan. Then read Hydronic Radiant Heating by Dan. After that, you should move on to Siggy's books.

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • Brad White_9
    Brad White_9 Member Posts: 2,440
    That

    is a sound approach, a good process.. You are a sensible guy, Ted.
  • Andy_14
    Andy_14 Member Posts: 121


    Not trying to hijack this thread as this may be helpfull to the thread starter.

    Is Pumping Away available via download, or is waiting for the book in the mail the only option?

    I would like to read through this just to understand my current piping issue now.
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