When Miller Bonded Inc. (MBI) decided to design its new pipe fabrication facility in Albuquerque, NM, the HVAC mechanical contractor not only wanted to streamline production, it also wanted an energy-efficient building.

When I got started in the HVAC business half a century ago, I was very fortunate to work for a small firm where I learned a lot about design engineering from some really knowledgeable and practical HVAC engineers. The business we were in was designing HVAC for hospitals, colleges, universities, research facilities, and museums. All of these facilities required very sophisticated central air systems, heating systems, and chilled water systems.

We’ve been working double time this month to produce not only the issue of ES before you now, but also the spring edition of Today’s Boiler. That is the official publication of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association, and it also gets a facelift as of this month, thanks to a redesign and the first phase of some editorial additions. 

Look at not only some nearly automatic benefits-in-waiting for your average hospital boiler retrofit, but also at some ideas for what to do if there isn’t budget for a full replacement. Meanwhile, a short laundry list of hospital-specific boiler considerations actually includes the laundry (but not how you might expect).

When Duke University’s East Campus steam plant was built in 1927, it was a major accomplishment of its time. 

The public’s taste for regional and local beer has flourished in recent years, but crafting a proper steam boiler system for its production can be sobering task. Pull up a bar stool and contemplate at least 23 design and maintenance facets to ensure that what’s brewing is all beer and no trouble.

School, warehouse, office building … the boiler stories they tell put the focus back on specific circumstances and smart pre-design study to ensure their systems (and budgets) enjoy the best of times for as long as possible.

For a building program to be successful and sustainable, it must include an operating budget as well as a construction budget.

In today’s complex web of regulations, equipment and fuel options, and traditional threats to facility operations, it only makes sense to get up to speed on CHP.