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Celebrating 20 Years of HeatingHelp.com

HeatingHelp
HeatingHelp Administrator Posts: 635
edited August 2017 in THE MAIN WALL
Celebrating 20 Years of HeatingHelp.com

Read the full story here


KC_JoneskcoppChrisJ
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Comments

  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    edited August 2017
    Thank you to all who have touched our lives over the last 20 years in business. Has HeatingHelp.com helped you over the years? Share your memories.
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    Congrats to you and your family on this amazing milestone. Cant wait to see what the next 20 years will show.
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,452
    Yes, congratulations. Can't remember where I first herd of Dan or how long ago it was but it must be 20 years or so.

    Attended several seminars, they were the best. Bought a lot of books. GREAT teacher!! Changed my thinking a lot (which was all backwards)

    Continued success and happiness to all.
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,021
    My how the time flies, great milestone. I'm trying to remember the computer I was using back when it all started.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks! I've learned so much.
    Retired and loving it.
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • VictoriaDengel
    VictoriaDengel Member Posts: 6
    Congratulations! Thank you to the Holohan Family for this rich resource which is truly a gift to all and for being the magnificent people that you are. Erin, wishing you splendid success in the years ahead knowing it will be so!



    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • Henry
    Henry Member Posts: 998
    Thank you for this site
    Erin Holohan HaskellCanucker
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    Thanks so much!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,418
    HeatingHelp has been a true blessing for my work.
    I would be SO far behind and a total knucklehead if it were not for this site.
    Thank you Dan and thank you Erin for continuing this legacy.
    Do you still have a view of what the old old page looked like w the pipe? My kids remember that from way back...
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks! You can see shots of the old sites on waybackmachine.com

    https://web.archive.org/web/19991115000000*/http://www.heatinghelp.com
    Retired and loving it.
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276

    Thanks! You can see shots of the old sites on waybackmachine.com

    https://web.archive.org/web/19991115000000*/http://www.heatinghelp.com

    Wow! That is a neat tool. Thanks!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    They even have a few from when the site was called danholohan.com . I know there are a couple others on here who remember that.............
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • FranklinD
    FranklinD Member Posts: 399
    HeatingHelp has been an incredible resource for me over the last 6 years....

    We bought our 100 year old home, 5 blocks from the shore of Lake Superior, in early 2011. I grew up in this town, in an even older house, heated by a "Cadillac" gravity hot water system that always intrigued me, so when my wife and I started house-hunting we knew that the heating system would HAVE to be hot water with stand-up cast iron radiators.

    Our house had a boiler from the early 80's, very poorly done near-boiler piping, and no functioning radiator valves...I knew it would need some love, to put it mildly, so I started researching all of the relevant bits and pieces of our new-to-us heating system.

    I found this site after doing some random google searching on boiler replacement, sizing, the modcon vs cast iron debate, and so on...and since that time it has helped us navigate a boiler replacement, redo the piping, and rebuild all the original 1914 radiator valves, along with stripping and refinishing the radiators themselves, and balancing the system for even heating.

    To find so much accurate and interesting information in one place, for free, is nothing short of amazing. And to add to that, Dan's writing has a way of clarifying really difficult topics in an entertaining way. I've purchased almost all of his books now, even all of the steam heating books (despite loving hot water), because they are all so interesting to read. Part educational, part entertainment, part historical, and part autobiographical...they hold a high spot on my bookshelves and have been loaned out several times.

    So thank you, Dan & Family, for creating and maintaining such an amazing resource for all of us.

    Andy
    Ford Master Technician, "Tinkerer of Terror"
    Police & Fire Equipment Lead Mechanic, NW WI
    Lover of Old Homes & Gravity Hot Water Systems
    kcopp
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    Hearing that makes my day, Andy. Thanks for sharing and for being here!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    They even have a few from when the site was called danholohan.com . I know there are a couple others on here who remember that......

    I'm not seeing those, Steamhead. Can you help?

    Retired and loving it.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks, Andy!
    Retired and loving it.
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
    kcopp
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    edited August 2017

    They even have a few from when the site was called danholohan.com . I know there are a couple others on here who remember that......

    I'm not seeing those, Steamhead. Can you help?

    Try this- first one is in 1998:

    https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.danholohan.com
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks, Steamhead. Erin found it when I was still asking you and scratching my head. You're both smarter than I am. ;-)
    Retired and loving it.
  • Roohollah
    Roohollah Member Posts: 135
    Congratulations to dear Holohan family on such a honourable triumph . I as a one of those overseas visitors , would like to thank you all for all the effort that have gone into this community in order to educate tech's like me . To be honest , I have known your precious father when I started standing on my feet in for nearly fifteen or a little more years . During those early years I just read stories that had translated into Persian and it was the only monthly magazine about Hydronics and plumbing in Iran that published those valued stories of Heating Help . I always remember the wish that I had that time ,and it was one day to speak with your precious father .When my lovely mother encouraged me to take up English for fulfilling my dream , I just felt that I was so close to grasp my goal and the story of our friendship and apprenticeship have begun .


    From this corner of world , I on behalf of my family express our heartfelt gratitude towards Holohan family for all you have done for us .


    Sincerely ,

    Your loyal student ,

    Roohollah
    Erin Holohan HaskellRich_49MilanD
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks, Roohollah. You are a good man and a joy to know.
    Retired and loving it.
    Rich_49
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,476
    I have not been on this site for many years but it always amazes me that the members all seem eager to help the less knowledgeable members. You can ask anything and get straight answers from people who are eager to help.

    That comes from the tone set by Dan and now continued by this daughter Erin. I think the site has a bright future ahead of it.

    Thank you both for all the work you put into this site.
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks, Bob. I take all my guidance from Erin. Have for years. If I'm successful it's because of her sharp mind.
    Retired and loving it.
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    Thanks to all. Here's to the next 20 years and beyond!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,273
    Well, I'll try to stick around for another twenty years to see how it turns out! My involvement here began with an article Dan wrote about old books and the way they smell (amongst other things). I had to write a letter (before I had email) and reach out to this kindred soul who clearly loved old writing. It sure is nice to hang out with a bunch of folks who are able to make a living out of helping others! That Holohan sphere of influence is huge. o:)

    Yours, Larry
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Ah, Larry. Thanks!
    Retired and loving it.
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    Well said, Larry. Thanks!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • SlamDunk
    SlamDunk Member Posts: 1,570
    edited August 2017
    Congratulations and Thank You to the Holohan Family for this very helpful site. And thank you to the forum members who have helped me of the years!

    The only thing that kept me from tearing out my very expensive to operate coal to oil to gas steam system was that it outweighed me. No one in Raleigh NC in 1990 worked on residential steam so the system sat in place until I came across this site.

    After reading Dan's books, restoring the system became an obsession. I learned I had a Trane vapor system-"A Cadillac" is what someone called it.

    I wondered why someone built our small bungalow out of granite and installed a state of the art steam system in 1930?

    By 2008, after asking a lot of questions, I had fully restored the system and fitted it with a new boiler and IT WORKED! Granted, I only need to use it two weeks out of any winter, but that doesn't matter, it works!

    In 2015, I learned why someone installed a Trane Vapor system and maybe why it became an obsession with me. The original owner who built this bungalow owned a company that built ice boxes. Then he and his son evolved the business into a refrigeration company and the son and grandson evolved it into a heating and air conditioning company.

    I guess the obsession was a dead man talking to me

    Erin Holohan HaskellMilanD
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Great story, SlamDunk! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I love a good mystery, especially one with such a happy ending.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    @SlamDunk, that's fantastic!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 177
    edited August 2017
    Thanks to the Wall and to Dan for all that you've added to my career and knowledge over the last 25 years. Noel
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks for all you've contributed over the years, Noel.
    Retired and loving it.
  • willie13
    willie13 Member Posts: 7
    As a member of this industry for 37 years and a father of 4, I have appreciated Dan's writing and storytelling for 2 reasons. First is the sincere appreciation Dan has for his family and all that it means to be a husband and dad. The second is the wonderful ability Dan has to convey complex ideas in a simpler way, with entertaining stories and historical references. My first copy of "Lost Art of Steam Heating" was worn out in a few years and I've been an avid follower since.

    Having met Dan for the first time 2 years ago in Portsmouth, NH, I was struck by his modesty as the Wethead fans were gathered around. As I am now in a position to try to pass on some of my experiences and knowledge to the younger people in the heating industry, I look often at Dan's words and take inspiration from his work. I'm so glad that Erin has decided to keep this fantastic enterprise going. Congratulations to all of you!
    Roohollah
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks, Willie!
    Retired and loving it.
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    Thanks so much, Willie!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • The Wire Nut
    The Wire Nut Member Posts: 420
    Heatinghelp.com literally changed my life. After buying my old stonehouse 14 years ago, a scrap of paper, a print out of one of Dan's articles, stuffed in the joists of my basement, led me here. From there it led me to Dan, TLM, and his 4 amazing and talented progeny.

    From some magnum mysterium came a lifelong friendship with Dan and his gentle and (at times) not so gentle guidance to participate along the edges of this amazing business. The people I've met, the new friendships found, the knowledge gained and the sites seen has so greatly enriched my life and that of my family.

    For that, I can never thank you enough, nor ever pay you back except in karma and by honoring all that you've taught me and to pass that along to the next generation of "Live Men".

    To know that this site continues to grow, flourish and change in the golden hands of Erin has got to be so gratifying for you.

    Gratefully and always in your debt(!),

    Alex "Wire Nut" Marx
    "Let me control you"

    Lost in SOHO NYC and Balmy Whites Valley PA
    Canucker
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Thanks, my Brother. It's a joy to know you.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    Thanks, Alex. I love that story. It was meant to be!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • Dave Stroman
    Dave Stroman Member Posts: 764
    Dan, You have done the best job anyone could have done at preserving the information and making it available for all of us to learn. You have influenced many of our lives and made it possible for us to be very good at what we do where many others flounder. My reputation and success in my business is based on the things I have learned from you. For that I thank you.
    Dave Stroman
    Erin Holohan Haskell
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    That makes me feel great, Dave. Thanks!
    Retired and loving it.