Beyond the Boilerplate
January 2025 Newsletter - Curated by Boilersource
Trade Ally Webinar: Gas Absorption Heat Pumps
We invite our valued mechanical contractors to an exclusive Trade Ally Webinar focused on the innovative potential of Gas Absorption Heat Pumps (GAHP).
Date: Wednesday, January 29
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Online Webinar
Join Boilersource’s Tony Ranallo as he discusses GAHP systems. These groundbreaking systems surpass traditional efficiency limits for gas-fired equipment, offering a sustainable solution for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in both residential and commercial applications.
This webinar is the perfect opportunity to learn
how GAHP technology can:
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Deliver superior energy efficiency.
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Provide a practical pathway to meet GHG reduction goals.
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Open new opportunities in the mechanical systems market.
Don’t Miss the AHR Expo: The HVAC Industry’s Premier Event
Discover the Future of HVACR at the AHR Expo
As a mechanical contractor, staying ahead in the ever-evolving HVACR industry is key to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions. That’s why you can’t afford to miss the AHR Expo – the industry’s largest gathering of professionals, manufacturers, and thought leaders.
Make 2025 the year you elevate your business. We’ll see you at the AHR Expo!
This annual event is your opportunity to:
See Cutting-Edge Products: Explore the latest technologies in heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems, from energy-efficient solutions to smart IoT-enabled devices.
Learn from Experts: Attend free seminars, technical sessions, and panels addressing industry trends, new regulations, and best practices.
Network with Peers: Connect with thousands of contractors, engineers, and facility managers, building relationships that can benefit your business.
Boilersource Joins the Chief Engineers Association of Chicagoland!
Stay tuned for upcoming updates on our involvement with CEAC, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re attending any CEAC events – we’d love to connect!
We are proud to share that Boilersource is now an official member of the Chief Engineers Association of Chicagoland (CEAC)! This is an exciting milestone for our team as we continue to build relationships and strengthen our presence in the industry.
The Chief Engineers Association of Chicagoland is a prestigious organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge, skills, and professional development of engineers in the Chicagoland area. CEAC provides a platform for engineers to connect, share insights, and foster collaboration in the areas of energy efficiency, building systems, and equipment technologies. With a rich history of promoting the interests of building engineers, CEAC is committed to providing resources that drive innovation and excellence within the profession.
We look forward to engaging with fellow members, sharing our expertise in high-efficiency boiler systems, and participating in the association’s events and initiatives. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the mechanical engineering and HVAC sectors.
This month we are excited to feature our President & CEO, Tricia Meilner-Fredrick.
My Journey in the Boiler Sales Industry
I’ve been part of the boiler sales industry for as long as I can remember. My journey began during high school, when I would help out around the offices of R.R. Meilner & Associates, the predecessor to Boilersource, which was founded by my Dad, Ed Meilner, and my great uncle Roy. I officially joined the company in February, 1998, so it’s fair to say I grew up immersed in the business.
As a young woman without an engineering background, I found myself drawn to an area I felt needed attention: Customer Service. I recognized that mechanical contractors and other partners often needed immediate answers and solutions, and the real difference we could make was in how we supported them day to day. I saw an opportunity to ensure our customers’ experience with Boilersource was seamless, responsive and supportive.
My goal has always been to enhance the customer experience, creating a team that’s friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. I wanted to make sure that when our customers called, they’d find someone ready and eager to help—someone who could answer urgent questions and work alongside them to solve problems quickly and effectively.
For me, it’s always been about adding value beyond the products we sell. I’m passionate about making Boilersource not just a provider of solutions, but also a trusted partner our customers know they can rely on.
What Sets Our Approach Apart
What truly sets us apart in the industry is our commitment to providing not just answers, but valuable advice and insights that empower our mechanical contractors to succeed with their clients. We recognize that our contractors often need to be "jack-of-all-trades" for their customers, and we aim to be their trusted partner and expert resource in boiler systems and related mechanical systems.
At Boilersource, we take a big-picture approach to every project. We focus on understanding the overall goals and unique challenges of each job, enabling us to offer tailored solutions that work seamlessly for both our contractors and their clients. Our dedication to problem-solving goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to being approachable and easy to work with.
Our ultimate goal is to help our contractors shine. By providing expert guidance and reliable support, we make it easier for them to deliver the best results for their customers. This level of customer service and dedication, as our clients often tell us, is a rare thing in the industry—and it’s something we take great pride in delivering every day.
How the Boiler Industry Has Evolved and Where It’s Heading
Since I first started in the boiler industry, one of the most significant changes has been the sheer variety of equipment and options available to meet the diverse needs of projects and budgets. The advancements in technology and energy efficiency have been remarkable, and every year seems to bring even more rapid innovation.
Our team dedicates considerable time to staying ahead of these changes by getting to know the manufacturers, understanding their strengths, and evaluating the merits of each product line. While new technology and energy-efficient systems are transforming the industry, we also recognize the importance of expertise in extending the life of existing boilers. For many clients, maintaining and optimizing their current equipment is just as critical as implementing new solutions.
Looking to the future, we see ourselves as educators as much as suppliers. The pace of change demands that we keep our clients informed, ensuring they have access to the latest and best information. Whether it’s understanding cutting-edge technology or navigating practical, budget-conscious solutions, we’re here to guide them through a rapidly evolving landscape.
Ultimately, the future of boiler technology will be shaped by a balance between innovation and sustainability, and we’re committed to helping our clients find the solutions that work best for them—today and tomorrow.
Pictured: Boilersource President & CEO, Tricia Meilner-Fredrick, attended the American Boiler Manufacturers Association’s annual meeting this last week. This four-day event is one of the most cost-effective educational and networking opportunities available in the industry.
What I Enjoy Outside of Boilersource
When I’m not at Boilersource, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my daughters and connecting with loved ones. Life moves so quickly, and I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to slow down and cherish those moments with the people who matter most. Whether it’s a simple family dinner, a fun outing, or just quality time together, I prioritize creating meaningful memories.
Another passion of mine is reading. There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book – it’s a chance to unwind, explore new ideas, and escape into different worlds. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, reading is one of my favorite ways to recharge and stay inspired.
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
The Boiler Room Challenge
A boiler room has three boilers connected to three separate thermostats located in another room. Each thermostat controls one boiler, but they aren’t labeled. You need to figure out which thermostat controls which boiler.
The Conditions:
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You can go into the boiler room only once.
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Before entering the boiler room, you can turn the thermostats on and off as many times as you like.
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Once you enter the boiler room, you can’t touch the thermostats again.
How can you determine which thermostat controls which boiler with just one trip to the boiler room?
Monthly Recipes
LENTIL SOUP WITH WINTER VEGETABLES
Our recipe this month is healthy and hearty! A perfect meal for post-holiday resets and cold evenings.
Green lentils, sweet parsnips, butternut squash, carrots along with fresh rosemary, bring all the flavors of the cold season together for warm and comforting vegetarian meal.
Serves 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cups leek, chopped white and light green part
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2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
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1 cup parsnip, peeled and chopped
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2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
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1 cup carrot, peeled and chopped
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
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8 cups vegetable stock
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1 cup green or brown lentils
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon salt, to taste
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Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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To a soup pan, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring.
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Add the parsnips, butternut squash and carrot, tomato paste and rosemary. Mix well.
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Add the vegetable stock, lentils, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes uncovered, until the lentils are tender. Taste for seasoning and add as much salt as you like to taste.
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Serve warm topped with grated Parmesan. Crusty bread a perfect accompaniment.