Boiler Wild

Eric Johnson dives deep into the intricacies of expansion tanks in heating hot water systems. He covers types, sizing, installation best practices, and common pitfalls to ensure system longevity and efficiency.

Eric Johnson discusses the importance of accepting discomfort and uncertainty in professional growth, especially in the boiler industry. He emphasizes that feeling uneasy is a natural part of learning and progress, and shares insights on overcoming the fear of not knowing everything.

Eric Johnson explores the critical topic of water hammer in boiler and plumbing systems. He discusses the causes, dangers, and prevention techniques for water hammer, emphasizing safety and proper system startup procedures.

Eric explores the critical aspects of boiler stack temperature, including causes of inefficiency like soot, scale, and excess air. He discusses how monitoring and optimizing stack temperature can improve boiler performance, reduce energy costs, and prevent damage.

Eric discusses common reasons why boilers fail to start when there are no alarms, troubleshooting techniques, and the importance of understanding boiler controls and wiring. Perfect for HVAC professionals and boiler operators looking to deepen their knowledge.

Eric Johnson and Ryan Burton dig into why flashy, high-budget corporate training usually falls flat compared to raw videos of a technician actually doing the work .  Ryan explains that teaching the trades effectively requires a "Socratic" approach, focusing on the "why" behind a system rather than just spoon-feeding answers for a specific repair . The two get honest about the friction of runn...

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide for intermittent pilot flame failures in boilers, emphasizing a methodical approach, detailed inspection, and referencing manuals to diagnose and fix issues effectively.

Eric explores the intricacies of siphon loops, control manifolds, and pressure controls in boiler systems. He clarifies common misconceptions, discusses code requirements, and shares practical insights for stationary engineers and service technicians.  

Understand some of the factors that contribute to employers being frustrated with younger generations entering the workforce. Technical training isn't the main concern if the personal skills have never been developed.

Eric Johnson reflects on his experiences at the AHR Expo, discussing the purpose and value of the event, the innovations in HVAC technology, and the importance of building relationships within the industry. He emphasizes the need for companies to evaluate their participation in trade shows and the effectiveness of their marketing strategies. Eric also shares insights on the future of HVAC, includi...

Eric Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics of combustion, specifically the fire triangle, which consists of oxygen, heat, and fuel. He explains how these elements interact in the combustion process and how they can be applied to troubleshoot issues with boilers and burners. The discussion includes practical examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate the significance of t...

Eric Johnson discusses a tragic thermal fluid explosion that occurred at a Tyson Foods plant in Camilla, Georgia, on December 26, 2024. He delves into the details of the incident, the investigation by OSHA, and the lessons learned regarding boiler safety and maintenance practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper training, safety protocols, and the need for continuous improveme...

Eric Johnson and Chris Gordon discuss various aspects of flame safety, gas filters, and the combustion industry. They explore the different product lines for flame safeguards, the importance of filtering gas to protect valves, and the future growth opportunities in South America for KromAmericas. The discussion also covers the significance of on-site education, common technical mistakes, and strat...

This conversation is about the journey of Marty Toth into the boiler industry, and the importance of safety and inspections in boiler operations. They explore the role of the National Board and ASME, the dangers of complacency, and the critical need for proper maintenance and training to prevent accidents. The discussion highlights real-life examples of boiler incidents and emphasizes the importan...

Jeff Watts shares his extensive experience in the boiler industry in Australia, discussing his journey from a technician to a business owner. He highlights the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including shipping costs and project management. The discussion also covers the licensing and training processes for technicians in Australia, the current state of the boiler market, and the im...

Matt Legault, a service technicians with 18 years of experience shares his extensive knowledge in the boiler industry, discussing the challenges of O2 trim systems, the importance of hands-on training, and the need for effective communication skills among technicians. He reflects on his career path from electrical work to boiler maintenance, emphasizing the value of self-management and initia...

Eric discusses the importance of training and self-reliance in the boiler industry. He emphasizes the need for technicians to be resourceful and proactive in problem-solving, rather than relying solely on training or external help. The conversation highlights the significance of manuals and the necessity of setting standards in training to foster independence and critical thinking among technician...

This conversation explores the dynamics of year-end business productivity, the role of SCC as a separate entity from Siemens in the combustion technology sector, and the importance of training and support in adopting new technologies. The discussion also delves into various burner types, control systems, and real-world applications, particularly in industries like canning and food processing. In t...

Eric Johnson discusses the importance of trying and taking initiative in the skilled trades. He emphasizes that failure is a necessary part of growth and that individuals must actively seek to improve their skills and knowledge. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by new entrants in the trades, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the need for a proactive approach to career dev...

This conversation explores the extensive journey of Roy Voorberg in the boiler industry, detailing his early experiences, career development, and the technical challenges he faced. Roy shares insights into the regulatory landscape for boilers in Canada, the importance of mentorship, and the future of fuel oil in the industry. He emphasizes the need for skilled technicians and the qualities that ma...

Eric discusses the inefficiencies of hands-on training in the boiler industry and emphasizes the importance of structured training programs. He introduces Bloom's Taxonomy as a framework for understanding the levels of learning and stresses the need for assessments to identify knowledge gaps. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding concepts before applying them in practical s...

In this conversation, Scott Bryan from Cortec Corporation discusses the importance of water treatment in preventing boiler damage and the innovative products offered by Cortec, including the Boiler Lizard. He explains the differences between dry and wet layup procedures, the significance of monitoring corrosion during layup, and the safety considerations associated with nitrogen use. Sco...

Matt Strong and Eric Johnson explore the intersections of powerlifting, engineering, and entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of communication skills, the journey of starting a business, and the value of networking in the HVAC industry. The conversation highlights personal experiences, challenges faced in college, and the significance of customer perception in business relationships. Thro...

Eric discusses the critical role of reading in personal and professional development, particularly within the boiler industry. He emphasizes that reading is not just a leisure activity but a necessary skill for success in any field. Johnson challenges the misconception of learning styles, particularly the idea that hands-on learning is the only effective method. He advocates for a culture of readi...

Eric discusses the importance of personal development alongside professional growth in the boiler industry. He introduces an eight-step framework for problem-solving that emphasizes observation, defining problems, listing causes, testing variables, analyzing results, and verifying solutions. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and feedback in both personal and pr...