Ask George

Ever come across a nagging problem that you just can't seem to solve?

Or just want to run an idea by someone?

Well our "ASK GEORGE" section has been created for YOU!

If you have a question about a hot water or steam heating system, just ASK! We'll get back to you as soon as possible. Also, check out our archive section to view previous questions that have been asked before! All of the questions have been cataloged by their subject matter.

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George's Forum

The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions that our salespeople (inside & outside) receive during the day. We have also provided an answer for each of these questions. If you have any questions or comments regarding these answers or if you have a question that hasn't been asked yet, please fill out the form above.

• Steam Heating System
• Hot Water Heating System
• Controls for Heating Systems
• Domestic Water Heating System

Steam Heating System

Question: What size Watchman Unit or Condensate Unit do I need to handle my boiler's needs?
Answer: Size is based on sq. ft. of "EDR." The boiler's horsepower determines this.  1Bhp = 140 sq. ft. E.D.R.
Example: My boiler is 40 HP.  40 X 140 = 5600 sq. ft  - WC6 Watchman Unit.

Question: Can I use the new ITT McDonnell & Miller Unimatch Feeders with my older low water cutoff?
Answer: Yes, they can be used with both electrical and mechanical cutoffs.

Hot Water Heating System

Question: What information do I need to get parts for my B&G Pump?
Answer: 1. Serial number from pump (if available). 2. GPM and head conditions, or the casting number of the volute (begins with the letter "P").

Question: Can you help me size a heat exchanger? What information do I need?
Answer: The size of a heat exchanger is based on temperature changes and GPM flow. We need the inlet temperature of the water and the desired outlet temperature to properly select your unit.
Example: Inlet temperature 60 degrees.  Need outlet temperature of 80 degrees @ 30GPM.

Question: I have a hot water pump. Do I need a special seal kit?
Answer: The standard seal kits in B&G can handle up to 225 degrees F. for most applications. (Optional configurations for higher temperatures are available.

Controls for Heating Systems

Question: What Tekmar control do I use with two boilers and domestic hot water (DHW) priority?
Answer: The Tekmar #264 will handle two boilers and DHW.

Domestic Water Heating System

Question: What does "Bronze-Fitted" mean? Can I use this on domestic water?
Answer: "Bronze Fitted" means bronze impeller and shaft sleeve. It is the standard configuration for domestic water use. It is best to configure pumps in "All Bronze" construction.

Question: What does "N.F.I." mean?
Answer: "N.F.I" stands for non-ferrous impeller. It is a more cost efficient way to pump domestic hot water than "All Bronze".

George's Articles

George also writes an article featured in Oilheating's monthly publications.  Oilheating magazine is designed to help owners and managers of local oil heat companies with research and evaluation of problems. Feature articles concern: the acquiring and retaining customers; dispatching and delivery efficiency; sales and service of oil heat equipment and air conditioning equipment; the science of residential and commercial-industrial oilburning; trucks and oil handling equipment, exclusive annual dealer forum and computers evaluation and use. Market research through field sampling is a regular monthly feature, along with annual analysis of service management and fueloil management.  Click the links to see George's articles.

June 2010 - The New Smarter Circulators

July 2010 - Domestic Hot Water Recirculation

May 2010 - Water feeders and flooded steam boilers

March 2010 - The Benefits of Communicating T-Stats

Jan. 2010 - Snow Melt Systems Too Expensive?  Think Again...

Dec. 2009 - Bell & Gossett System Syzer

Nov. 2009 - Unwanted Heat in a Zone...Check for Ghost Flows

Oct. 2009 - Design Conditions and Their Influences on Boiler Sizing

Sept. 2009 - Primary-Secondary Pumping...Low Loss Headers

Aug. 2009 - Heating Systems 101

July 2009 - To Be Successful...Keep Learning

June 2009 - Condensate Pumps...Boiler Feed Pumps...What's the Difference?

May 2009 - Can Water Move Too Fast?

April 2009 - Pumping Away...What Does it Really Mean?

March 2009 - Smart Controls for Your Hydronic Heating Systems

Feb. 2009 - False Water Line...An Old-Timers Trick

Jan. 2009-Customer Complaining About Fuel Costs On a Two Pipe Steam System

Dec. 2008 - Taking a Good Look at the Industry

Nov. 2008 - How to Size a Replacement Steam Boiler and Why?

Oct. 2008 - Can You Really Control a One-Pipe Steam System?

Sept. 2008 - Can You Reset a Steam System?

Aug. 2008 - Understanding What You Are Looking At...

July 2008 - Customers Stressed By Rising Fuel Costs

June 2008 - Why Weather Responsive Controls Are a No Brainer

May 2008 - Water Feeders and New Steam Boilers

April 2008 - The Evolution of Primary-Secondary Pumping