Beyond the Boilerplate
December Newsletter - Curated by Boilersource
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Happy Holidays
As we close out another year, we want to take a moment to thank our customers, partners, and friends for the trust you place in us. It’s been a year of collaboration, problem-solving, and shared success.
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the holidays on the following dates:
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We are open until noon 12/24 and closed 12/25 & 12/26
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Same with New Years. ½ day (open until noon) 12/31, closed 1/1 and 1/2
During this time, we encourage everyone to enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends.
Thank you again for your partnership. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead and wish you a safe, warm, and happy holiday season.
Tony & Kristy Ranallo visiting the Arlington Heights Christmas Tree donated by Boilersource.
What You Need To Know About Upcoming Rebate Changes
& Opportunities
As utility energy-efficiency programs continue to evolve, the next few years will bring changes for commercial boilers and water heaters, and related rebate opportunities. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has officially approved the 2026–2029 Energy Efficiency Plan for Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, and while full program catalogs for 2026 are expected later this year, several key updates have already been confirmed.
New Federal Minimum Efficiency Standards Are Coming
Beginning October 6, 2026, new U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) minimum efficiency standards will take effect. These standards will effectively require condensing technology for all new commercial water heaters including gas-fired storage, instantaneous, and domestic hot water supply boilers.
What this means in practice:
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Non-condensing commercial water heaters may no longer qualify for rebates once these standards become the legal minimum.
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Rebates are only paid for equipment that exceeds federal minimum efficiency requirements, so contractors should expect rebate eligibility criteria to tighten.
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New commercial domestic water heating boilers will be required to meet 95%–96% Thermal Efficiency (TE) just to be manufactured or imported.
This reinforces the importance of aligning equipment selection today with where standards, and incentives, are headed.
Utilities Are Shifting Toward “New Technology” Incentives
The 2026 plan cycle places a stronger emphasis on emerging and advanced technologies that deliver deeper efficiency gains.
Confirmed incentive focus areas include:
Gas Absorption Heat Pumps
Utilities are offering a custom incentive of $4 per therm saved for gas absorption heat pump installations. For a typical multi-family application, this can translate to rebates approaching $20,000, depending on project scope and savings.
New Technology Incentives
New technology incentives are expanding to include:
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Micro-CHP systems
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Carbon carbon capture units
These technologies may open new opportunities for facilities with higher load profiles or sustainability goals.
Low Income Discount (LID) Program Expansion
Starting January 1, 2026, a new Low Income Discount (LID) program will provide monthly natural gas bill discounts for income-eligible customers.
While this is not a direct equipment rebate, it may:
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Impact payback period calculations
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Influence financing strategies for efficiency upgrades
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Be especially relevant for income-qualified multi-family housing projects
Contractors working in this segment should be aware of how LID benefits could complement capital improvement decisions.
Program Timing, Resets, and Deadlines
Several important administrative dates are worth noting:
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2026 Applications Open:
Peoples Gas Business and Public Sector programs officially re-open for new applications on January 1, 2026. -
Waitlists Reset:
Many 2025 multi-family programs were fully subscribed and moved to waitlists as early as April 2025. New funding for these programs will reset with the 2026 program year. -
Final 2025 Deadline:
All 2025 projects must be completed and have final applications submitted by December 31, 2025 to remain eligible for current-year incentives.
With higher efficiency thresholds, shifting incentive priorities, and tighter program timelines, early planning will be critical. Projects scheduled for 2026 should begin evaluating equipment selections and rebate eligibility now.
Let us help you with project planning or pre-approval guidance for 2026 installations.
We’re here to provide you with the best products, the best advice with the best rebate options!
We will continue to monitor these developments and share updates as full program catalogs and rebate details are released. Staying informed now can help ensure smoother projects, stronger proposals, and maximum incentive capture in the years ahead.
Continuing Education to Stay Informed, Stay Efficient
We are committed to being more than an equipment provider, we’re your partner in energy efficiency, safety, and smarter operations. As technology advances and valuable rebate programs continue to evolve, staying up-to-date is essential.
We’re launching direct email updates featuring:
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Upcoming trainings and webinars
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Efficiency tips and product insights
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Rebate and incentive announcements
If you’d like to receive these learning opportunities straight to your inbox:
Decarbonization doesn’t have to be complicated, but without the right guidance, it often is. Changing regulations, evolving rebate programs, and new technologies can make it difficult to know which path makes sense for your building or your customers.
We help clear the way for with practical, reliable solutions, not guesswork – including:
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Advising customers on high-efficiency upgrades
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Balancing compliance, cost, and comfort
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Planning phased efficiency improvements
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Navigating incentives, standards, and long-term planning
With the right strategy, decarbonization becomes a manageable step forward and not a roadblock.
Struggling with decarbonization?
Boilersource can clear the way.
We Rent Boilers & Other Equipment
24/7/365
Do you need a temporary boiler for added capacity, planned maintenance, or for an unplanned event?
We supply high-quality, dependable rental boilers to industrial and heavy-commercial facilities. Through our relationship with Nationwide Boiler Rental, we have over 100 rental boilers and related equipment in our fleet, our rental inventory is stored, maintained and ready to deploy. We are strategically positioned to provide reliable rental boiler equipment on a fast-track basis no matter the location.
Ask us about our Free Operations Crisis Planning visit
so we can plan for a businesses’ operational sustainability before a boiler is needed.
Entertainment & Amusements
Clark Griswold Spirit – Test Your Knowledge!
The holidays have a way of turning simple plans into full-scale projects – just ask Clark Griswold. Before things spiral to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation levels, take a quick break and test your knowledge with our trivia challenge below. No blown fuses, no frozen pipes, just a little holiday fun before getting back to keeping systems running safely and smoothly.
Monthly Recipes
Mulled Wine
As the temperatures drop, there’s something satisfying about getting the heat just right, whether it’s a well-tuned boiler system or a pot of mulled wine simmering on the stove. This classic winter recipe is all about balance, timing, and steady warmth. Enjoy this simple mulled wine recipe as a cozy way to unwind and toast to a season of comfort, reliability, and keeping the heat on when it matters most.
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings.
Ingredients
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1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel)
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1 large orange, sliced (peeled for less bitterness)
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1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
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1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
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2 cinnamon sticks
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4 whole cloves
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3 star anise pods
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Optional additions include ground nutmeg, fresh cranberries, or a vanilla bean pod
Directions
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Combine the red wine, orange slices, brandy (if using), sweetener, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a large non-aluminum pot.
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Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until the sweetener dissolves. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but avoid boiling to keep the alcohol and flavor intact.
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Once steaming, lower the heat and simmer gently for at least 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors. It can be kept on low heat for a few hours.
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Taste and add more sweetener if needed.
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Strain the wine to remove the fruit and spices, then ladle into mugs.
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Garnish with a fresh orange slice, cinnamon stick, or cranberries.
Leftover mulled wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Need Help Specifying a Project?
We’ve got your back – from submittals to start-up. Contact your Boilersource rep or email us at info@boilersource.com to get expert support and ensure your next job runs smooth from Day One.