Beyond the Boilerplate
February 2025 Newsletter - Curated by Boilersource
AHR RECORD BREAKING SUCCESS WITH MORE THAN 50K ATTENDEES
The 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference brought together HVAC&R industry leaders, experts and professionals for an engaging and impactful event focused on key topics such as artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and workforce development.
Taking place February 8-12 in Orlando, Florida, the conference attracted more than 50K attendees over three days and featured more than 400 committee meetings, 111 technical sessions and numerous networking and social events. Running concurrently, the AHR expo occupied the Orange County Convention Center, hosting more than 1,800 exhibitors, showcasing the latest HVAC&R technologies, products, and services to an estimated 50,000 attendees over three days.
It was a pleasure to attend and support our manufacturers.
LEVERAGE BOILERSOURCE’S WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS CERTIFICATION FOR YOUR SUCCESS
As a certified Women-Owned Business, Boilersource provides more than just top-tier boiler solutions – we offer mechanical contractors a strategic advantage in securing projects that prioritize supplier diversity.
Government agencies, municipalities, and corporations set diversity and inclusion goals, requiring a percentage of their contracts to be awarded to certified diverse businesses. Boilersource’s certification helps mechanical contractors meet these requirements, making their bids more competitive and opening doors to new business opportunities.
Many projects, especially in the public sector and large-scale private developments, prioritize working with Women-Owned Businesses. By partnering with Boilersource, you strengthen your proposals and increase your chances of winning bids.
At Boilersource, we provide:
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A full range of boiler parts and equipment
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Expertise in system design, installation, and maintenance
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A commitment to excellence backed by industry certifications
Take advantage of our Women-Owned Business status to enhance your contracting opportunities while benefiting from our industry-leading solutions. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your projects and help you win more business!
IN-STOCK EQUIPMENT READY FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT!
Get the Equipment You Need – No Delays!
We know that downtime isn’t an option. That’s why we have a range of boilers, water heaters, pumps, and mechanical room equipment in stock and ready to ship – so you can keep your projects on track. Whether you need high-efficiency solutions or quick replacements, we’ve got you covered with top brands and expert support.
Act now – inventory moves fast!
Contact us today for availability and pricing.
PLANNED EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE OR EMERGENCY REPLACEMENTS NEEDED, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED 24/7/365
When your facility faces a planned maintenance shutdown, requires additional capacity, or experiences an unexpected equipment failure, having access to dependable rental boilers is critical to keeping operations running smoothly.
That’s why we provide high-quality, temporary boiler solutions to industrial and heavy-commercial facilities – available around the clock, every day of the year.
Through our partnership with Nationwide Boiler Rental, we offer access to a fleet of over 100 rental boilers and related equipment. Our rental inventory is stored, meticulously maintained, and ready for rapid deployment, ensuring that your business experiences minimal downtime. No matter your location, we are strategically positioned to provide a fast-track response for emergency or planned boiler needs.
Don’t wait until an emergency arises. Our Free Operations Crisis Planning visit helps businesses develop a proactive strategy to ensure operational sustainability before a boiler is ever needed. We’ll assess your facility’s unique requirements and create a tailored contingency plan so you can stay ahead of potential disruptions. Contact us today to learn more.
VIRTUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
TRADE ALLY WEBINAR: MICRO COMBINED HEAT & POWER (mCHP)
Wednesday, February 26 from 10 am – 11am
Registration Link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7002305116143117657
Join this webinar with our own, Tony Ranallo, to learn more about mCHP. Micro Combined Heat & Power (mCHP) provides a clean energy solution that is reliable, simple, and effective while offering substantial financial savings. Combined Heat & Power is regarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) as one of the most affordable, cleanest, efficient, and reliable energy sources available.
Tony Ranallo
Principal & Chief Operating Officer
Leadership Driving Innovation and a Commitment to Efficient & Effective Solutions
For over four decades, Tony has been a standout in the mechanical sales and boiler systems industry. His career began in 1979 when he took on a drafting job, eager to learn the ins and outs of the trade. Through hard work and a knack for problem-solving, he quickly became the go-to startup guy, taking on more responsibilities and growing within the industry. His career led him to Boilersource, where he found a permanent home, serving three generations of customers and vendors.
Tony initially joined the company as a non-official partner and later took the helm with Tricia Meilner Fredrick following the passing of Boilersource owner and mentor, Ed Meilner. During this time, the company underwent a transformation, including a name change and restructuring, positioning Boilersource for long-term success. Tony’s passion for energy conservation and efficiency has been a cornerstone of the company’s mission, a passion that traces back to his involvement with ASHRAE in the early 2000s. Rising through the ranks from reception committee chair to president, Tony played a pivotal role in making his ASHRAE chapter a key player in industry discussions.
Throughout his career, Tony has witnessed the evolution of heating systems, particularly the shift from steam boilers to hot water systems driven by efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While acknowledging this trend, he also highlights the enduring role of low-pressure steam in existing infrastructure and high-pressure steam for industrial processes. Inspired by industry leaders like the late Raymond Lach of Maxi-Therm, Tony continues to advocate for practical, sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions. He cautions against the rapid push toward electrification warning that such a shift could increase carbon intensity and significantly raise energy costs. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with economic feasibility.
His passion for finding the best solutions isn’t just professional – it’s personal. Whether discussing the future of heating systems or enjoying time with his wife, Kristy, and son, Kyle, over food, wine, and theater, Tony’s love for his work and community shines through.
At Boilersource, Tony’s leadership continues to drive progress, ensuring that customers receive not just products, but expert guidance tailored to their needs.
Entertainment & Amusements
Boilersource’s Jeopardy Quiz:
Test Your Boiler Knowledge!
Think you know your way around a boiler system? Let’s put your expertise to the test! Play along with our Jeopardy-style quiz – the only thing missing is Ken Jennings (and, well, prize money). Answer in the form of a question and see how many you get right!
Boiler Basics
This type of boiler produces steam instead of hot water.
Steam Power
The process of removing impurities and dissolved solids from the boiler to prevent scaling and corrosion.
The part of the boiler where fuel combustion occurs.
The law stating that the pressure of a given mass of gas varies inversely with its volume at constant temperature – essential to understanding steam behavior.
Efficiency & Maintenance
A device used to recover heat from boiler flue gases and improve efficiency.
Heat Transfer
The three main types of heat transfer in boiler operation.
Boiler Safety
The essential device used to relieve excess pressure and prevent explosions.
The ideal oxygen percentage in flue gas for peak combustion efficiency in a well-tuned boiler.
The primary heat exchanger in a fire-tube boiler.
The leading cause of boiler accidents, often resulting from improper water treatment.
FINAL JEOPARDY QUESTION
This thermodynamic cycle, which improves efficiency by preheating feedwater using steam extracted from various turbine stages, is commonly used in power plant boilers.
Monthly Recipes
Steam Up Your Kitchen - Steamed Chocolate Lava Cakes
We know the power of steam – it keeps systems running smoothly, and in February, it can also keep your desserts piping hot and irresistible! This month harness the magic of steam to create these decadent Steamed Chocolate Lava Cakes. Just like a well-maintained boiler, a little pressure and heat yield amazing results.
Ingredients
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4 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped
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½ cup unsalted butter
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2 eggs
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2 egg yolks
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp salt
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Butter for greasing ramekins
Instructions
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Prepare the steam setup – If you don’t have a steam oven, don’t worry! Use a large pot with a steamer rack or an Instant Pot with a trivet and about 1 inch of water. Bring to a simmer.
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Melt the chocolate & butter – In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together over a pot of simmering water (double boiler style) or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth.
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Mix the batter – In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until light and fluffy. Gently fold in the melted chocolate mixture, then sift in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
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Fill the ramekins – Grease four small ramekins with butter and divide the batter evenly. Cover each with foil to trap the steam.
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Steam to perfection – Place the ramekins in the steamer, cover, and steam for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still jiggly.
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Serve immediately – Carefully remove from the steamer, let sit for 1-2 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates. Cut into the center and let the molten chocolate flow!
Pro Tip: Top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate finishing touch.
Just like a well-calibrated boiler system, the right balance of heat and pressure makes all the difference. So this February, let steam work its magic – both on the job site and in the kitchen!