We asked: what ways have installation costs, time and maintenance been addressed?

“Quick-start guides and manuals provide customers with a beginning guide of the product. These straightforward guides provide basic information and are easy for end-users to understand. Startup wizards and controls that walk the installer through how to start and commission the products improve installation time and maintenance. Bosch is also developing videos for products, which helps visual learners see the installation. There’s also been advancements for gas conversions. Many applications in the U.S. run on propane, where Bosch’s products come standard for natural gas, so when you do need to convert, Bosch has simplified the process. A number of Bosch’s boilers have interchangeable parts. Products with coding don’t need to be serviced as often, therefore, reducing maintenance intervals.”

– Justin Stephens, product manager at Bosch Thermotechnology

“Growth in value engineered commercial heating installations via hybrid installations — condensing “lead” boilers and near condensing “lag” boilers in a cascade system. These hybrid systems minimize first-time installation costs while capturing most of the fuel savings of a full condensing boiler bank.”

– Carl Pinto, director of marketing at Bradford White Corp.

“The MAC and UCS, from Utica Boiler’s high efficiency condensing boiler line, will feature a labor saver primary/secondary manifold and built-in boiler loop pump. In addition, low water cut off is standard. These features simplify the installation for the contractor by reducing piping as well as electrical wiring requirements.”

– Joe Langlois, marketing manager for ECR International

“Our heat and hot water systems are factory pre-piped and pre-wired, often saving three to five hours of time on residential installations, and even more on commercial jobs. The entire order arrives skidded complete for a fast, high performance installation that’s done right the first time. Because Energy Kinetics boilers are built for long service life and are designed with very accessible components using nearly all industry standard parts, service professionals have few parts that are not readily available, and maintenance costs are low. For the few items that are not standard, Energy Kinetics keeps a deep inventory of parts serving all products introduced back through 1979, all ready to ship same day. Controls now include displays with plain English information for easier setup, diagnostics, troubleshooting and communication. For further peace of mind, our technical support is available to engineers and heating professionals to quickly diagnose and resolve questions.”

– Jay McCay, national sales manager at Energy Kinetics

“As a fully packaged boiler, Riello installation is simplified with approved versatile venting options, its multiple built-in parts, and the active combustion control. The RiCLOUD wireless thermostat makes installation and service time quicker and precise. For instance, in field testing, we used the RiCLOUD to reset a boiler remotely. Continuous improvement is essential to the Riello value promise. To that end, we are developing an enhancement of RiCLOUD remote control technology surrounding the monitoring of boilers remotely. This remote monitoring service will allow Riello boiler owners to give their permission for us to provide 24/7 vigilance of boiler performance. In many cases, our monitoring service will identify a troubleshooting event before the homeowner spots the need. With RiCLOUD intelligence, we will be able to pinpoint the problem and determine precisely what parts the homeowner’s preferred contractor needs to bring to the service call. The Riello remote access capability and monitoring service stand to reduce costs for a homeowner and enhance a contractor’s professional competence and reputation while freeing up more service time opportunities for participating contractors.”

– Mike Thomas, CEO of Evergreen Products International

“Installation times have been reduced thanks to NaviRack system (racking system designed to speed up a multiple boiler installation). Other accessories include our common venting, which eliminates additional vent lines for up to eight boilers; NaviLink, which is an add-on accessory that enables customers with smartphones and tablets to control temperatures remotely, access usage data and receive diagnostic notifications on all Navien products; manifolds, which simplify piping; and built-in pumps and built-in zoning for pumps. We also have common service part kits in a box — all parts necessary to service the boiler; and maintenance and service assist with Navien’s fully staffed technical support centers across North America complemented by local support staff to assist our customers with installation, startup and troubleshooting questions.”

– John Kopf, boiler product manager at Navien

“Our engineers constantly strive for guaranteeing maximum accessibility of components and easiness of installation. All our boilers adopt smart integrated solutions to make the contractors’ lives easier, from universal vent connections to a built-in 120V convenience outlet. Moreover, on our Tx combi, FTV combi and all of our VMAX series boilers, we have built-in primary circulation circuit, significantly reducing installation times. On our other models, there are kits available from third-party manufacturers to ensure ease of installation and reducing installation times.”

– Steve “Wheels” Wieland, regional sales manager at NTI Boilers

“The new M-Series Condensing Boiler is loaded with features and focuses primarily on ease of installation, operational performance and serviceability. When it comes to serviceability, it allows for 8,000-hour service intervals, which take approximately 30 minutes. The boiler can be dissembled in less than 10 minutes. The bracket mount allows for one-person installation. The high-quality parts and well-designed and tested system provides years of service while bringing peace of mind and dependability. Quick assembly features allow for a faster assembly at the plant, also helping with faster in-field service with minimal down time allowing the residents to enjoy uninterrupted warmth of their home. Service is simplified with the M-Series Condensing Boiler with a new, larger on-board controller interface display featuring text with easy-to-understand icons. The homepage displays a status of key boiler functions and an optimized parameter list for ease of setup and installation.”

– Rahul Goyal, product director for Rinnai

“Our company is always seeking ways to make life easier for our installing contractors. This year we introduced a series of “quick start” guides for our condensing boilers. These two-sided color pieces complement the traditional installation and operations manual by highlighting items that streamline the installation and setup of a new condensing boiler. In addition, we introduced an interactive troubleshooting tool for our water-tube condensing boilers and will be rolling out a complimentary version for our fire-tube products in the spring. These guides are available in the “contractor toolbox” section of our website.”

– Mike Hook, marketing communications manager, U.S. Boiler Co.

“Weil-McLain has an array of boiler options to match and solve various site installation challenges. Our Evergreen and WM97+ boiler lines were precisely designed to include valued features and abilities to expedite installations, while reducing total overall project costs. Our WM97+ boilers include components traditionally installed outside the boiler jacket, making installations quick and error-free. Our Evergreen boilers are ready “out-of-the-box” floor standing, or wall-hung capable, with preset control setup options, and can operate with a multitude of venting orientations and vent pipe materials. Regarding advancements in maintenance, our new Ultra Series 4 boilers now feature nanotechnology — a coated heat exchanger that requires no cleaning for the first five years.”

– Michael Boyd, product manager at Weil-McLain

From the sounds of it, the manufacturers we spoke with are covering all bases when it comes to boiler production and installation.

We were curious, however, how as a manufacturer, they thought about the four different customers they serve. What message did they have for the engineer, the contractor, the wholesaler and the end-user?

“AERCO products do not go through the wholesale channel, but we tell engineers, contractors and end-users about how AERCO provides solutions, not just products. We are there to support the complete process from the engineering design work to the installation and post-sales support. We have a system engineering team to guide designers/engineers through product sizing, water piping, venting configurations and vent sizing. We are here to support. The more upfront support we provide, the smoother the install for the contractor. AERCO also supports post sales with our onAER remote monitoring system and world-class training center. We offer three levels of training for the end-user and two levels of service technician training. We train more than 800 techs a year and have an online learning management system to keep techs up-to-date on new technology or troubleshooting techniques.”   

– Peter Rimassa, senior director of Heating Solutions at AERCO

“Engineers are typically involved with commercial products. You want to design products that are easy to spec, size and include in different applications. When developing a product, you want it to be sized similarly to competitors, so engineers can easily compare side-by-side. Contractors want a product that’s easy to install and readily available. They also look for the connectivity platform, so they know what’s wrong with a product before coming out to service it. Bosch is developing apps for the contractor to help with troubleshooting, installation, setup and other product information. Wholesalers want to ensure they have availability of products and a wide range to choose from. Bosch has a large selection of boilers — wall, floor, floor combi, wall combi, commercial and industrial. With a variety of products, the wholesaler can target different audiences, including residential and commercial. The end-user looks for highly efficient products that are reliable, reasonably priced and have great warranties.”

– Justin Stephens, product manager at Bosch Thermotechnology

“We have a full line of both near-condensing and condensing boilers and volume water heaters, as well as any required storage tanks for a given application. We do not try to position one boiler technology as the solution to all applications, rather we use our full line of products to properly solve job requirements with the technologies that make the most sense. We have a large, fully certified R&D lab and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, we offer live fired training and have regional sales and service teams at the ready across the U.S. and Canada to support customers pre- and post-sale.”

– Carl Pinto, director of marketing at Bradford White Corp.

“The message we want to deliver to all our Utica Boilers customers is one of quality and reliability. These two key attributes are a main component of Utica Boilers’ success. For the engineers, our products offer a simplified installation process. We offer our engineer partners factory support and training that qualifies for continuing education credits. Our contractor partners are offered after sales support, training and resources to give them the information they need when they need it. Utica Boilers offers products that feature more advanced controls to simplify the commissioning process. We support our wholesale channel with technical and sales training, customer service and promotions. Our staff of in-house tech support and outside field team are readily available. Utica Boilers offers homeowners a full line of reliable, quality products at various price points and features to meet their specific needs. We provide a free extended warranty on our condensing boiler line. We have several Energy Star-rated models to assist in reducing utility bills.”

– Joe Langlois, marketing manager for ECR International

“All of these segments need to align to provide a solution that will be successfully implemented.  For this reason, we offer a full line of products and services including help with the design to keep it simple and serviceable while maximizing efficiency. Also appreciated are our transferrable residential lifetime limited warranties, lifetime protection plan for energy manager controls, and track record of reliable operation and boiler longevity. It’s also important to address the specific needs of each application, which may include scalability, proper sizing and redundancy.”

– Jay McCay, national sales manager at Energy Kinetics

“Engineers appreciate our green Riello product for its promise of high energy efficiency and sustainability — with leading-edge technology that ensures optimal performance continuously. Ease-of-installation, simple servicing and remote access and monitoring are distinct advances appreciated by contractors. Contractors value our high level of after-sales technical support, provided by our technical specialists and in partnership with our representatives and authorized regional wall-hung boiler distributors. Wholesalers value our exclusive and semi-exclusive regional distributor business model. They especially appreciate the positive response to the products by their customers, and the repeat business customer satisfaction delivers. Riello end-users are attracted to our wall-hung boiler solutions largely because of the recommendation of a Riello-trained and supported contractor they trust. End-users also value our 95 percent energy efficiency ratings resulting in reductions in fuel use and cost savings, while freeing up valuable living space. Quick and precise installation and servicing add up to reliable and lasting Riello home comfort solutions.”

– Mike Thomas, CEO of Evergreen Products International

“Engineers usually get their business through referrals and previous jobs. They want established relationships with OEMs giving them single point of responsibility for a wide range of applications, sizes and accessories. In response to their needs, Navien developed an online library of engineering specifications, tech sheets and submittal drawings. Our extensive sales force provides local support for all engineering requests in addition to assistance with selections, pricing and after the sale support. Contractors also depend on word of mouth to get their business, and reliability is very important. Navien’s products are manufactured in a highly automated manufacturing environment and go through an automated control process with each unit being test fired before shipment. Contractors know that any job-related issues can ruin their reputation, and that’s why they also look for product training, technical support during installation and startup, and efficient ways to troubleshoot the units. Product availability is very important to contractors, and Navien has a nationwide network of dealers supporting its products. Finally, contractors would like to have remote access to equipment to be able to diagnose and troubleshoot remotely. Navien is one of very few manufacturers offering remote product accessibility via mobile devices. Wholesalers want a simple product with a minimum number of SKUs, allowing them to grow their profit margins. Navien has simplified its offering (number of SKUs) and uses standardized components. We also offer a wide range of incentives, promotions, technical training, centralized and local support for our partners to help them with grow their business.”

– John Kopf, boiler product manager at Navien

“Engineers: you can expect good specs, quality, efficiency and a small footprint when dealing with floorplans and design. Wholesalers: you can expect a reduction in SKUs with a combined product and quality design. End-users: expect comfort, energy savings, efficiency and rebates offered from installing a high efficiency product. Contractors: expect ease-of-installation, setup and serviceability.”

– Andrew Tran, marketing manager at Noritz

“To all four categories, we want to say that we have been making boilers in Canada for the North American market since 1967. That’s more than 50 years of dependability. To the engineer, we would simply say we are your one-stop-shop for heating demands from your smallest residential job to your largest commercial job. We also have direct vent high efficient water heaters to meet ANY demand. To the contractor, we would like to say we have shoes that fit any foot. All of our boilers are designed with service in mind. We have eight distinct series of boilers to choose from. If you like water tube, we have you covered, fire-tube, have that too. Touchscreen, check! Easy to install, easy to service. And if you ever have a problem, we have technical support personnel in house from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and on-call all weekend. And our tech department is good. To the wholesaler, we like to reiterate all the above. Plus, we make it easy to buy from us. Delivery is pretty darn quick too. To the homeowner, we’re dependable, and your contractor can maintain our boilers for years of great performance. Most of our heat exchangers even come with a limited lifetime warranty.”

– Steve “Wheels” Wieland, regional sales manager at NTI Boilers

“For wholesalers, the message is that our company offers a complete lineup of hydronic products. From gas to oil, water to steam, cast iron to condensing, in sizes that range from 31-800 MBH. For installers, the message is that we’re completely focused on the hydronic heating market and nothing else. Our goal is to make their lives easier and more productive whenever and wherever we can by simplifying installation and providing designed-in serviceability. For our homeowners, the message is that our name says it all — U.S. Boiler Co. We design and manufacture efficient and reliable boilers in America for American homes.”

– Mike Hook, marketing communications manager, U.S. Boiler Co.

It’s an exciting time to be in the business of manufacturing boilers. All of the manufacturers we spoke with are dedicated to producing a product that delivers comfort, security and convenience, and they’re all looking for the best and most efficient way to do it. To learn more about the products these manufacturers produce, hit next page to take a look at our special boiler product section. Click here to take a look at the products from these manufacturers.