Boiler Report 2018

Thanks to boilers, the industry is heating up. The U.S. commercial boiler market is on track to reach the $1 billion benchmark and the residential boiler market is set to exceed an annual installation of 10 million units, all by 2024. According to a report conducted by Global Market Insights, “Rising demand for energy efficient systems to curb carbon footprints along with growing measures toward replacement of existing heating units will drive the commercial boiler market … And the introduction of standards and codes toward adoption of efficient heating technologies will fuel the residential boiler market share.”

So, what’s bringing everything to a boil?

It’s actually no secret that the growing use of smart thermostats; integration of IoT with boilers, and building automation systems (BAS) have all played a key role in fueling the demand and production of boilers in the U.S.

Smart thermostats — which are gaining popularity in both residential and commercial spaces — can save energy costs, provide insightful information and convenience.

The integration of IoT with boilers allows consumers, installers and manufacturers the ability to use information in a meaningful way. It connects components or systems to the internet and allows them to send and receive data over the network, which allows real-time remote monitoring and actionable analytics.

And finally, a building automation system, which is a computer-based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors its mechanical and electrical equipment, can lead to energy efficiency. The enhanced interaction and operability among all of a building’s equipment allows for effective monitoring and targeting of energy consumption, which in turn allows manufacturers to improve the boilers they manufacture.

So, what does all of this mean for the boiler industry?

In keeping with tradition, we spoke to a number of manufacturers — AERCO, Bosch, Bradford White Corp., ECR International, Energy Kinetics, Navien, Noritz, NTI Boilers, Raypak, Riello, Rinnai, U.S. Boiler Co. and Weil-McLain — to get a better understanding of what the industry is doing and where it aims to go in the future.

We started by asking about the most recent news as it relates to regulations, and how that will likely impact the boiler industry in 2018 and beyond?

Like last year, most manufacturers addressed the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) regulations that will go into effect in 2021.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finalized new standards for residential boilers that will raise the minimum efficiency levels from 82 percent to 84 percent for gas-fired boilers and 84 percent to 86 percent for oil-fired hot water boilers.

A second regulation, which is not finalized and has been put on hold by the current administration, is to potentially raise the new minimum efficiency levels for commercial boilers as well. The new DOE federal regulations related to commercial packaged boilers are expected to be published soon and will require that all boilers larger than 300,000 BTU/hr meet 84 percent or higher thermal efficiency, also by 2021.

Bradford White Corp., ECR International, Raypak, U.S. Boiler Co. and Weil-McLain are all keeping an eye on the new regulations and their impact on the boiler industry.

“Presently, there are two rulemakings that are likely to impact boilers in 2018,” says Carl Pinto, director of marketing at Bradford White Corp. “One in the U.S. and the other in Canada.” The U.S. rules, as we know, are set to go into effect in 2021, at least for residential. Canada has a similar rule proposed (Amendment 15) that would impact energy efficiency requirements for both residential and commercial boilers.

“Bradford White is working with industry trade associations and other stakeholders to ensure that both rules accomplish their goals of driving energy efficiency while also being technologically feasible and economically justified for both consumers and boiler manufacturers,” Pinto adds.

“What these higher efficiency standards mean,” says Peachie Maher Hytowitz, product manager, Commercial Products at Raypak, “is that atmospheric boilers are becoming virtually obsolete. In order to meet the new high efficiency standards, manufacturers continue focusing on improved efficiencies with fan-assisted or condensing boilers. At Raypak, we are laser focused on higher efficiencies.”

In addition to the minimum efficiency regulations, Michael Boyd, product manager at Weil-McLain says there is a third impact looming, and it includes new testing procedures. “As a manufacturer with one of the broadest lines of products in the industry, it is a challenging endeavor that requires additional resources to properly balance the implementation of our future product roadmap innovations, while addressing the compliance needs of our existing legacy products.”

The minimum efficiency and new testing procedures have been on manufacturers’ radars for a while now. But there are other considerations that need to be taken into account.

“The Massachusetts Plumbing Board is looking to ban PVC as an exhaust material, which would have an impact on Bosch’s products,” says Justin Stephens, product manager at Bosch Thermotechnology.

Also, there is California’s Proposition 65, a warning label requirement that will impact the boiler industry as well. It states that in California, you need to list all the chemicals, found in or produced by your products, on a new warning label, as opposed to a generic label.

This new regulation requires companies to be more specific and inform the public of hazardous chemicals found in or produced by its products.

“In preparation for the Massachusetts Plumbing Board’s potential ban on PVC,” Stephens adds, “Bosch is ensuring none of its products contain PVC and updating its manuals to reflect this change. Bosch is also revising its warning labels, so they meet the requirements stated in California’s Proposition 65.”

John Kopf, boiler product manager at Navien also brings up venting materials as a talking point, in addition to net zero energy homes, Energy Star, federal tax credits and incentives, and low NOx.

“Some jurisdictions started disallowing PVC for boiler exhaust systems and this trend will most likely continue in the future,” Kopf says.

As for net zero and Energy Star-certified homes, builders are allowed to choose a prescriptive or performance path. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home prescriptive path requires builders to meet or exceed the minimum HVAC efficiencies such as 80 percent AFUE in hot climates, 90 percent AFUE in mixed climates and 94 percent AFUE in cold climates. “Since 2013 onward,” Kopf says, “some building codes in the Southeast where electricity was the main source of heat started to encourage the use of heat pump water heaters. This trend is going to continue past 2020 with the support from local utilities. By 2030, all new homes in Canada will be built as net zero with its main focus on integration with renewables such as solar, wind and heat pumps.”

Federal tax credits and incentives are slowly drying out with the exception of the 30 percent tax credit for solar thermal systems that were extended to the end of 2019 and are predicted to decrease to 26 percent in 2020 and 22 percent in 2021. “Local utilities provide additional rebates for qualified boilers, combi units and water heaters,” Kopf says. “In lack of federal incentives, local utilities will continue providing rebates in the coming years.”

Last, but not least, Kopf says the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the leading organization when it comes to new code developments. “Other states look to the SCAQMD regarding this subject and tend to adopt similar rules. It is forecasted that most of California’s SCAQMD rules will eventually be implemented in other states. Currently, most counties in California require NOx levels to be below 20ppm.”

Joe Langlois, marketing manager for ECR International mentions that most localities are requiring some type of device to prevent the boiler from operating in a low water condition. “Utica Boilers has been adding low water cut off protection on the majority of our boilers,” he says. “This feature reduces potential failures and makes it easy for the installer to comply with codes.”

Codes and regulations are in constant change and manufacturers have to remain cognizant of all of it to stay competitive. But it’s not just codes and regulations that keep product developers up at night. A lot of consideration needs to go into trends. What are they? Who’s setting them? What’s next?

We asked which trends from last year are still around, and what do you predict will be the five biggest trends of 2018? Click here to keep reading. 

Trend #1: Connectivity

Connectivity has been, and continues to be one of the biggest trends of 2018. Products that can connect to a smart device and that can be monitored remotely is a huge trend in consumerism overall, and the boiler industry is no exception.

Both consumers and installers are driving demand for wireless applications on new units, so they can access information and statistics and control operation of the equipment remotely, 24 hours a day. IoT is gaining momentum as customers keep adding technology solutions making their homes smarter. They want products with imbedded communication technology. They want smart thermostats. They want apps. They want to be connected.

Trend #2: Combi Boilers

Although not new in the industry, combi boilers are certainly making their way into U.S. homes. Owning one appliance that delivers heating and domestic hot water needs is a considerable advancement in the industry. The unit, which provides heat for both the central heating system and the hot water system instantly is now in demand.

Combi boiler sales grew more than 45 percent last year, and according to some of the manufacturers we spoke to, the combi units are going to grow in the near future at the expense of boilers and water heaters. As the economy continues to improve, a growing demand for custom homes will result in the sales of bigger residential boilers and combi units capable of providing additional heat for snow melt, radiant floor heat and more demanding bathrooms with showers that look like a car wash.

Trend #3: High Efficiency

This comes as a no-brainer, but with the new regulations push, combined with consumer demand, higher efficiency boilers have been trending for a while.

High efficiency boilers are a consistent trend because they use the least amount of energy in order to produce the greatest amount of heat.

However, Boyd from Weil McLain adds, “There also continues to be a large compelling need for standard efficiency cast iron products where the economics, existing distribution system design (emitters and required temperatures) and venting constraints, provide a better solution.”

So, although high efficiency is the trend, the industry is not quite ready to say goodbye to the mid- or standard-efficiency boilers.

Trend #4: Condensing Boilers

The industry sees a continuation from last year in sales growth of condensing boilers in both the residential and commercial market.

Condensing boilers go hand-in-hand with the high efficiency trend because they are able to provide ample heat for a home heating system while operating at lower temperatures.

In the U.S., there is a federal tax credit for the installation of condensing boilers (that are Energy Star-certified) and additional rebates from power companies in some states.

Trend #5: Fill in the Blank

Other trends that came up during our discussions include wall-hung boilers, fire-tube boilers, compact boilers, low-NOx boilers, as well as no-lead content and an outdoor temperature reset option. We’ll have to keep an eye out for these trends as the year progresses. Click here to keep reading. 

Not specifically relating to product development, Boyd says, “An impending trend is the changing knowledge base of our industry’s technicians and installing contractors. The average age of our existing contractor group is 57, with an average retirement age of 62.”  Weil-McLain is working closely with its channel partners by providing education to improve technical skills needed to install and maintain equipment, as well as application knowledge to ensure the correct type of product selection. On the product side, Boyd adds, “We continue to develop equipment that is more plug-and-play capable — easier to install and troubleshoot, resulting in higher field productivity and reliability.”

At the end of the day, home and business owners are looking for comfort, security, low operating costs and convenience, and manufacturers are looking to meet those needs in the best way possible.

What are those ways? We asked manufacturers: what innovations and advances in production timing, energy efficiency and product performance have you brought to market? What new technologies have you introduced or plan to introduce in the next year?

“AERCO launched the Benchmark Platinum series, which optimizes your system by self-correcting problematic environmental fluctuations that often arise in the real world. Advanced technology ensures your system operates optimally increasing uptime reliability, reducing unscheduled maintenance costs and delivering maximum efficiency and savings.”

– Peter Rimassa, senior director of Heating Solutions at AERCO

“The SSB Boilers — specifically the SSB 1000 TL Boiler — is an innovative product that operates at 96.8 percent thermal efficiency. It can bolt together with another boiler of the same size without additional plumbing or hardware, which allows you to double the capacity. You can connect up to four of the SSB 1000 TL boilers, and up to eight of the SSB 800 or SSB 1000 SA boilers to reach 8,000,000 BTUs. Considering it’s one of the most flexible installations for boilers on the market, it’s a great advancement for Bosch.”

– Justin Stephens, product manager at Bosch Thermotechnology

“Laars Heating Systems has extended the breadth of high efficiency offerings including the Mascot FT condensing wall-hung units from 80 to 199 MBH, NeoTherm line from 80 to 1,200 MBH and the MagnaTherm from 1,600 to 4,000 MBH in size. On the Bradford White side, these products are available respectively as the Brute FT, the Brute BNTV or BNTH, and the Brute MagnaTech. Additionally, our new R&D lab in Rochester, New Hampshire has been outfitted with the latest in combustion and reliability test equipment to further enhance safety, reliability and regulatory compliance.”

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

“The recently released larger capacity MAC & MAH high efficiency boilers, from Utica Boilers, features a control system called AI (artificial intelligence). The AI control can determine the fuel being supplied to the boiler LP or natural gas and automatically commissions the boiler. The control continuously calibrates combustion by adjusting air/fuel ratios. The proper gas air mixture optimizes combustion resulting in fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs. The combi model, MAC-205, features an industry leading flow rate of 5.0 GPM at a 70 F temperature rise.”

– Joe Langlois, marketing manager for ECR International

“Energy Kinetics’ technological advances have been the result of working directly with installing and servicing heating contractors and responding to requests to more effectively meet marketplace needs. Energy Kinetics’ Ascent Combi boiler brings to market a much more efficient and whisper quiet boiler with substantially more domestic hot water than tankless coil boilers. Smart Learning adjusts to household schedules for additional energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Energy Kinetics has also introduced the Display Energy Manager boiler control with Energy Recovery, which features simple self-guided setup, and auto-tuning with SmartBoost to adapt to each zone to provide the best efficiency and comfort. These simple and dependable controls and our proven pressure vessels with wide open water and flue passes show conclusively that there’s no reason to sacrifice reliability for efficiency. As our heating systems are smaller and lighter than traditional cast iron boilers, they install faster and easier with the additional benefit of a proven long service life.”

– Jay McCay, national sales manager at Energy Kinetics

“Riello’s advances in proven and reliable wall-hung boiler technologies include the patented Riello electronic Active Combustion Control (ACC) that ensures precise setup and continuous high performance. Riello also offers the innovative RiCLOUD smart remote wireless control, a significant advance in the wall-hung boiler category in North America. Using Wi-Fi connection and a Riello app, a trusted contractor can access Riello boiler codes and parameters from anywhere. The Riello electronically advanced control can manage systems with up to eight zones. Other innovations include a built-in cascade control for a system with up to six commercial boilers. Riello cascade venting is also generating a buzz in the marketplace. The commercial Condexa PRO hard-wired remote-control interface unit (via BAC net and LAN communication) replaces the need for an expensive BMS as it controls the functionality of each boiler and multiple zones. Riello wall-hung products score high marks for reliability and versatility.”

– Mike Thomas, CEO of Evergreen Products International

“The entire boiler industry is seeing a transition from standard efficiency boilers to high efficiency products. Navien is definitely leading the effort with all its products rated at 95 percent efficiencies or higher. The traditional floor mounted standard efficiency, especially cast-iron boilers, are being replaced by high efficiency, wall-mounted boilers, which save space. Navien has always been all about high efficiency and innovation. In 2018, Navien will launch its new NFB series featuring a patented fire-tube stainless steel heat exchanger and innovative controls. They are designed for residential and light commercial applications with four sizes — NFB-175, NFB-200, NFB301C and NFB399C — each offering ease of installation and service, advanced controls, an industry-leading heat exchanger and simplified integration with IoT. Other features include 10:1 turn down ratio, 95 percent AFUE, flexibility of venting and remote access via mobile applications.”

– John Kopf, boiler product manager at Navien

“We recently released our NRCB combination boiler, which is currently the only product that can simultaneously provide domestic water and home heating with minimal performance loss at a 95 percent AFUE.”

– Andrew Tran, marketing manager at Noritz

“Currently, we have been incorporating new burners into our boilers allowing us to confidently have 10:1 turndown modulation. These new gas trains also significantly reduce the time and skill needed to convert our boilers from natural gas to LP. We are always working in our laboratories with new technologies in close cooperation with most reputed and longstanding industry suppliers. Our newest game changer is the GF200 combi furnace. Basically, it is two appliances in one, saving installation time and homeowner space. It is 97.1 percent AFUE-rated. It produces 5.0 GPM at 70 F Delta-T domestic hot water, provides 20-80MBH forced air heat and is capable to run up to 3.5 ton of 2-stage air conditioning. It incorporates an EON variable speed blower combined with a PID control to provide the most amount of comfort of any forced air system all while providing the best efficiency. This unit is easy to install and easy to service.”

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

“At Raypak, we’re driving innovation with increased high efficiency offerings. Our XVers condensing fire-tube boiler features maximum efficiency providing up to 15:1 turndown for optimum load tracking and variable-speed boiler pump control to save on pump energy. In fact, we’re actively working on additional capacities to expand our XVers line. In addition, we’re responding to operator demand designing new products with improved connectivity and control features. We are adding more preventive maintenance warnings, diagnostics and self-correcting features for all new products to benefit operators, contractors and installers.”

– Peachie Maher Hytowitz, product manager, Commercial Products at Raypak

“With the introduction of the Rinnai M-Series Condensing Boiler, our customers can now enjoy 4.2 gallons of DHW with the 90, 120 and 160 MBTU units. The M-Series Condensing Boiler boosts to be highly energy efficient with turndown ratios as high as 6.8, providing the right amount of heat to the home given the weather conditions. The modulating pump provides better temperature control and matches the gas load needed for more efficient gas and electricity consumption. The boiler features flexible venting options with 3-inch/5-inch concentric venting for single penetration through the wall — with all adapters included — standard PP two-pipe venting and room air and 2-inch PVC for longer vent runs. All M-Series Condensing Boilers include adapters for multiple venting options.”

– Rahul Goyal, product director for Rinnai

“All new condensing boilers and combi boilers from U.S. Boiler Co. have 10:1 firing rate turndown. Our water tube condensing boilers have been designed to operate with minimum natural gas pressure (down to 2.5-inch w.c.). We also added a valve panel to complement the existing circulator panel in our Sage Zone Control product line. These controls work with our modulating boiler control systems to reduce fuel consumption and heating temperatures by ‘heat matching’ to zone sizes starting at low fire.”

– Dave Hansen, product marketing manager, U.S. Boiler Co.

“Weil-McLain continues to expand its Unity control across several boiler lines (covering 70-2,000 MBH), providing a consistent user interface to ease learning, setup and diagnostics. The advanced Unity control features an express setup wizard option, with 10 preset applications to choose from. It also has the ability to cascade 8 boilers together and ZoneStacking up to 24 programmable zones with no external panel required. In commercial applications, our SmartSequencing feature uniquely maximizes energy across all boilers on a system, greatly reducing energy costs.”    

– Michael Boyd, product manager at Weil-McLain

The manufacturers are clearly staying competitive with all the great offerings they have in the marketplace. But it’s not just about the product itself. Click here to keep reading. 

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. 

 

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