Beyond the Boilerplate
February 2026 Newsletter - Curated by Boilersource
AHR Expo 2026
AHR Expo provided a clear snapshot of where the HVAC, boiler, and energy systems industries are headed. We were on the ground in Las Vegas this year, meeting with our manufacturers and technology leaders to better understand how innovation is translating into real-world performance.
Our focus at AHR wasn’t trend-chasing. It was practical evaluation. We paid close attention to advancements in high-efficiency boiler systems, burner technologies that improve combustion control, and integrated solutions that help facilities reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing reliability or uptime. With energy costs continuing to pressure operating budgets, the demand for smarter, more resilient thermal systems has never been higher. We were glad to be part of the conversation.
We also listened closely to how manufacturers are responding to evolving regulatory environments, emissions targets, and customer expectations around sustainability. What mattered most to us was not what looked good on paper, but what worked in the field. We focused on equipment that installs cleanly, operates consistently, and delivers measurable returns.
In upcoming additions of our newsletter, we’ll share insights with a focus on what plant operators, facilities teams, and owners can actually use: where efficiencies are being gained, where complexity is increasing, and how to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing landscape.
Manufacturer Spotlight:
Superior Boiler
Built for Reliability, Designed for Real-World Demand
Superior Boiler has earned our trust through decades of engineering expertise and a reputation for durability.
Superior Boiler specializes in industrial and commercial boiler systems designed to handle demanding applications, including manufacturing facilities, food and beverage operations, district energy systems, and institutional environments. Their boilers are known for robust construction, straightforward maintenance access, and long service life, which are all attributes that matter when downtime is costly and reliability is non-negotiable.
One of Superior’s key strengths is flexibility. Their firetube and watertube boiler offerings can be configured to meet a wide range of capacity requirements, fuel types, and system designs. This adaptability allows us to tailor solutions that fit the specific operational needs of each facility rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach as we develop recommendations to align to specs.
Equally important is Superior Boiler’s focus on serviceability. Thoughtful design elements make inspection, cleaning, and maintenance more efficient, helping facilities reduce lifecycle costs and extend equipment longevity. For customers managing aging infrastructure or planning phased upgrades, this practicality is critical!
Advanced Combustion Technology with Precision Control
Where boilers provide the foundation of a thermal system, burners define its efficiency, emissions profile, and controllability. Oilon’s burner technology stands out for its engineering precision and ability to meet complex combustion demands.
Oilon specializes in advanced burner solutions designed for high efficiency, low emissions, and fuel flexibility. Their burners are engineered to deliver precise air-to-fuel ratios, improving combustion stability while reducing excess fuel consumption. This level of control is increasingly important as facilities face tighter emissions standards and higher fuel costs.
One of Oilon’s core strengths is adaptability across fuel types, including natural gas, oil, and alternative fuels. This allows facilities to respond to fuel availability, pricing shifts, and regulatory changes without major system overhauls. For operations planning long-term resilience, that adaptability is a significant advantage.
Oilon burners are commonly applied in industrial processes, food and beverage production, district heating, and energy-intensive facilities where combustion accuracy directly impacts operating efficiency and emissions compliance. Their integration with modern control systems also supports advanced monitoring and optimization strategies.
We value Oilon not just for their technology, but for their commitment to engineering collaboration. Their solutions enable us to fine-tune systems that deliver both performance and peace of mind for operators responsible for safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Manufacturer Spotlight:
Oilon
Case Study: Half Acre Beer Company
Brewing beer is an energy-intensive process. From heating water and wort to maintaining consistent temperatures throughout production, energy efficiency plays a direct role in both cost control and product quality.
Half Acre Beer Company faced rising utility costs and growing production demands, prompting a search for a more efficient and resilient energy strategy. Learn how Half Acre implemented a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) solution tailored to their operational needs.
This project demonstrates how strategic energy investments can deliver tangible returns – not just financially, but operationally. For Half Acre Beer Company, CHP became more than an efficiency upgrade; it became a foundation for long-term growth.
Read the full Half Acre Beer Company case study to explore the system design, results, and ROI.
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
Valentine’s Logic Puzzle
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Three couples arrive at a Valentine’s dinner party: Alex & Taylor, Jamie & Riley, and Casey & Morgan. Each couple brings one dessert – chocolate cake, strawberry tart, or cheesecake – and each dessert is brought by exactly one couple.
Clues:
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Jamie & Riley did not arrive last.
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The couple who brought the strawberry tart arrived last.
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Alex & Taylor arrived before Casey & Morgan.
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The couple who brought chocolate cake arrived before Alex & Taylor.
Question:
Who brought which dessert?
Monthly Recipes
February Recipe: A Valentine’s Day Favorite
Valentine’s Day is a good reminder that some things are worth slowing down for.
Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs are a classic, comfort-forward dish that rewards patience. Slowly braised with garlic, herbs, and red wine, the result is rich, tender, and perfect for sharing.
Serves 4 – 6
Ingredients
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4 – 5 lb bone-in beef short ribs
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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4 cloves garlic, smashed
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 cups dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah)
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2 cups beef stock
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2 – 3 sprigs fresh thyme
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1 – 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
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2 bay leaves
Optional aromatics
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1 tsp smoked paprika or crushed black peppercorns
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1 strip orange peel (adds subtle warmth)
Directions
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Season & Sear
Pat short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear ribs on all sides until deeply browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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Build the Base
Lower heat to medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 6–8 minutes, scraping up browned bits, until vegetables soften. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant and brick-red.
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Deglaze
Pour in red wine, stirring to release all fond from the bottom. Simmer 8–10 minutes until the wine reduces by about half.
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Braise
Return short ribs to the pot. Add beef stock until ribs are mostly submerged. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and any optional aromatics. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Slow Cook
Cover and transfer to a 325°F (165°C) oven. Braise for 2½–3 hours, turning ribs once halfway, until fork-tender.
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Finish the Sauce
Remove ribs and tent loosely with foil. Skim excess fat from the surface. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop 10–15 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Season to taste.
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.