Weil-McLain - Experts & Thought Leaders

Weil-McLain® has launched its latest promotion, offering contractors two chances to win big this heating season. Contractors who purchase residential high-efficiency boilers from an authorized Weil-McLain distributor can earn valuable rewards. Those who register and install the units can unlock even more incentives. Additionally, by joining The Weil-McLain Advantage™ program during the 2024 Double Down, Double Chance promotion, contractors can compete for regional prizes, including a grand prize. Weil-McLain Advantage™ program These promotions include the following incentives: Deal #1 – Get Geared Up (Now through November 30, 2024): Contractors who purchase five high-efficiency boilers will receive a Carhartt® jacket (valued at $150) and a certificate they can redeem for a Parts Kit of their choice (up to $2,200 in value) by uploading a copy of their proof of purchase on the website. New and existing members of The Weil-McLain Advantage™ Program can earn an additional Carhartt jacket by installing and registering the five purchased boilers. This promotion runs until November 30, 2024. Deal #2 – Compete to Win (Now through December 31, 2024): The contractor who registers the most boilers among those individuals will receive the grand prize New and existing members of The Weil-McLain Advantage Program who install and register the most high-efficiency condensing boilers during the promotion period, which runs until December 31, 2024, will win an ECO® Tec Series 2 199-C High-Efficiency Combi Boiler (valued at $5,000). One boiler will be awarded to the top performer in each sales region – West, Central, Mid-Atlantic, New York/New Jersey, and New England – and the contractor who registers the most boilers amongst those individuals will receive the grand prize of ten co-branded Carhartt jackets (valued at $1,500). Winners will be announced by January 31, 2025. heating solutions “Contractors are the backbone of our industry, and these promotions both express our gratitude for their ongoing trust and support of Weil-McLain and reinforce our commitment to their success,” said Mike Langen, Director of Sales for Weil-McLain. Mike Langen adds, “Our high-efficiency residential boilers offer a full line of breadth and quality, and with this promotion, contractors can further boost their rewards while delivering top-tier heating solutions to their customers. We’re excited to see who will take home the top prizes!”

Weil-McLain®, a pioneer in hydronic comfort heating solutions, introduces the new Simplicity™ high-efficiency combination gas boiler.  Featuring pioneering-edge hydronic technology for residential applications, the unit combines the warmth of high-efficiency space heating and the convenience of on-demand domestic hot water (DHW) in a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-install package. Durable heating solutions "This advanced combi boiler meets the growing consumer demand for budget-friendly, durable heating solutions and appeals to installers who prioritize versatility and ease of maintenance and service with readily available parts," said Michael Boyd, product manager with Weil-McLain. He adds, "With this introduction, customers are getting a unit with a wide range of desirable features to deliver energy efficient heat and domestic hot water in a sleek, compact design at an affordable price point." Simplicity boiler features Simplicity boiler features a 95% AFUE energy rating that reduces power consumption and increases savings The Simplicity boiler features a 95% AFUE energy rating that reduces energy consumption and increases savings on homeowners’ heating bills, an insulated stainless-steel firetube heat exchanger with a vertical “self-rinsing” orientation, and a removable polypropylene collector base that prevents corrosion caused by acidic condensate to help ensure a long service life.  An air inlet silencer provides whisper quiet operation and a touchscreen display with user-friendly controls makes installation and navigation easy for contractors and homeowners. whole-home heating "The Simplicity combi boiler is available in sizes of 110, 150, and 199 MBH and can provide whole-home heating for small and large residences alike," stated Michael Boyd. He continues, "The 199 MBH combi boiler can produce 5.3 gallons per minute at a 70-degree rise, which is enough to supply hot water to run two showers, a dishwasher and a faucet simultaneously." Simplicity combi boiler The versatility of the Simplicity combi boiler is a key differentiator in the marketplace for contractors, distributors and homeowners alike. Although it’s designed to be a combi boiler, Simplicity can be installed and operated as a heat-only unit. This means that if a customer’s existing tank water heater is relatively new, the contractor can install the Simplicity combi as a space-heating-only boiler now and then return later to connect the water lines to the built-in combi-block for DHW heating when the tank water heater fails. Weil-McLain Advantage™ program Simplicity boilers are “heat pump ready,” seamlessly integrating with a hybrid dual-fuel hydronic system Moreover, all Simplicity boilers are “heat pump ready,” seamlessly integrating with a hybrid dual-fuel hydronic system. This allows climate-conscious households to add an electric heat pump later, reduce their carbon footprint and take advantage of any available federal or local rebates.  Contractors who are members of The Weil-McLain Advantage™ program can also register any Simplicity boiler they install to earn more rewards and marketing development funds to drive growth and brand awareness. DHW heating For distributors, the Simplicity boiler simplifies stocking, reduces the cost of inventory and mitigates the risk of supply chain issues because only one boiler and one set of parts are needed for heating and hot water applications.  The Simplicity unit also offers homeowners peace of mind and long-term savings because the boiler can be installed as a heat-only unit, and then converted into a combi boiler if/when the need for DHW heating arises. Service and maintenance The Simplicity combi boiler features a straightforward cabinet design that simplifies service and maintenance while also streamlining the installation process. With fewer pipes and less connection points, setup time is significantly reduced, eliminating the requirement to connect a separate hot water tank or tankless water heater.  Other features of the boiler Variable speed blower that self-adjusts to match the immediate need while providing a quieter operation. Unique 3-in-1 vent adapter that readily accepts 3” PVC, Polypropylene or stainless-steel vent materials to save costs on transition parts. DHW brazed plate heat exchanger with heavy-duty cast brass manifolds to ensure longevity. Built-in ECM circulator that uses less electric energy than a standard circulator, saving the homeowner money year after year. Hydronic heating performance "Developed with the contractor in mind, the Simplicity boiler family showcases the quality, durability, serviceability and innovation that our customers have come to expect from Weil-McLain and demonstrates our commitment to industry-pioneering hydronic heating performance," said Michael Boyd. All units are tested and certified to the industry’s highest standards and include a warranty of up to ten years on the primary heat exchanger and up to five years on parts with registration.

St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Ind., took a significant step towards heating modernization by installing three state-of-the-art Weil-McLain Stainless Steel Vertical (SVF) 725 boiler units. G.L. Jorgensen Heating & Cooling, the installation contractor, played a pivotal role in the hydronic heating replacement project. St. Paul Catholic Church, spanning roughly 18,000 square feet with seating for 950 parishioners, sought a heating solution that not only accommodated the current space but also had the capacity for future expansions, including the installation of a storage tank hot water heater. The challenge for Father Douglas Mayer of St. Paul was to balance efficiency, comfort and the unique requirements of the church, particularly regarding humidity control for three pipe organs. The primary pipe organ resides in the main church, while two antique wood organs grace a secondary chapel and choir room. Weil-McLain SVF boilers SVF boiler units were installed in October 2023 and set as modulating, allowing for load control The three existing boilers had reached the end of their service life and required ongoing maintenance, prompting the church to seek a high-efficiency upgrade. Gary Jorgensen Jr. of Valparaiso-based G.L. Jorgensen Heating & Cooling recommended the Weil-McLain SVF boilers, emphasizing their capacity to handle the load, improve occupancy comfort, decrease energy costs and maintain ideal humidity conditions for the delicate wood organs. The Weil-McLain SVF boiler line, ranging from 500 to 3000 MBH models, boasts industry-pioneering thermal efficiency of up to 98%. The SVF boiler units were installed in October 2023 and setup as modulating, allowing for seamless load management and turndown capabilities. This feature is designed to adapt to varying occupancy levels, transitioning from periods when the building is unoccupied, and ramping up for church events when the chapel is full. This method is also designed to minimize wear and tear on the system, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. Installation Challenges and Efficiencies The installation process faced challenges, particularly due to a narrow staircase pioneering to the boiler room. However, the compact design of the SVF units facilitated easy transportation and positioning, overcoming accessibility issues. “The slim design of the SVF boilers helped us more easily maneuver up the four-foot stairway that led to the boiler room where the units were installed,” said Jorgensen. An auto lift and a battery-powered stairlift were ingeniously employed to navigate the narrow pathway, ensuring a smooth installation. “The confined access to our second-floor utility room demanded a unit that was both compact and maneuverable, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by the installation team at G.L. Jorgensen and the seamless installation of these units in such a constrained environment,” remarked Mayer. Unity™ 2 and Nuro® control systems Incorporation of Unity™ 2 and Nuro® control systems enhances the overall functionality and contact During the installation process, Jorgensen Jr. was particularly struck by the user-friendly interface of the SVF boiler system. Despite it being their first SVF installation, the team found the system remarkably intuitive, as Jorgensen himself attested: “The SVF touchscreen makes setup and installation of the system very simple.” This sentiment underscores the versatility and efficiency of the SVF line, which boasts features such as a stainless-steel vertical fire tube and shell heat exchanger, alongside intuitive controls and time-saving installation attributes. Furthermore, the incorporation of Unity™ 2 and Nuro® control systems enhances the overall functionality and communication capabilities across Weil-McLain’s high-efficiency boiler line. Energy Savings Abound The project has yielded remarkable benefits thus far. Following a complete heating season, Father Mayer has already begun to observe notable energy savings. “We’ve seen remarkable utility cost savings since implementing these Weil-McLain units, pioneering to substantial reductions in our energy expenses,” said Mayer. “It’s been truly gratifying to witness thousands of therms saved compared to previous heating seasons, reaffirming the efficiency and impact of our decision.” The installation of Weil-McLain SVF 725 boilers at St. Paul Catholic Church not only addressed the immediate heating needs of the church but also positioned them for future hot water requirements. St. Paul is experiencing improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced comfort for its community members. “These units have proven their dependability, ensuring that the church remains comfortable for me and all its occupants, especially during our Sunday services,” added Mayer. “We are quite pleased with the results from these high-efficiency units.”

Hybrid heating systems are becoming more and more common today as building owners, engineers and facility managers seek ways to reduce heating costs in both current facilities and new builds. Combining a large mass, non-condensing boiler with a high efficiency-condensing boiler – or “hybrid system” – ensures that a heating system is running at optimum efficiency to minimize operating costs over the course of a heating season. Why do condensing and non-condensing boilers make such a good pair? Non-condensing boilers are ideal for the core heating season months of December through February. That’s because these boilers are designed to run at higher return water temperatures above 130 degrees to maximize longevity. The average efficiencies of non-condensing boilers, such as cast iron boilers, range from 80-85 percent thermal efficiency. Condensing and non-condensing boilers  Running condensing boilers in high return temperature applications reduces their operating efficiency In comparison, condensing boilers reach their maximum efficiency – upwards of 95 percent –when the return water temperature is below dew point and are ideal for operation during the milder heating season shoulder months of October, November, March and April. Running condensing boilers in high return temperature applications reduces their operating efficiency to marginally higher than non-condensing boiler designs. By combining non-condensing and condensing boilers in a hybrid system boiler plant, users can reset building set points, reduce fuel consumption to lower operating costs and create comfortable, consistent building temperatures throughout the heating season. Hybrid boiler systems So why not just use an all high efficiency boiler plant? Consider the following benefits of a hybrid boiler system: Boiler Replacement Applications: Installing a hybrid system makes sense in existing, non-condensing replacement boiler applications. Most often, there are at least two high mass, non-condensing boilers in older boiler plants. Installing a high efficiency, condensing boiler in place of one of the failing high mass boilers now enables the efficiency benefits of the hybrid system. Further, this approach enables an incremental step in financing the overall boiler replacement capital outlay over time. New Build Applications: In short, condensing boilers cost more - upwards of 30-40 percent more than non-condensing boiler systems because of the non-corrosive heat exchanger materials required. Installing a hybrid system is more cost effective to purchase upfront and often achieves the greater portion of the energy savings of replacing an entire boiler plant with high-efficiency condensing boilers.  Product Life / Longevity: Inherent to their design, non-condensing boilers have a longer product life, up to two times that of condensing boiler designs because of their thicker cast iron design and wider water pathways. Installing a hybrid system ensures a longer life of the boiler plant dedicated to the coldest heating season months. Hybrid heating systems are becoming more and more common today Multiple industries Consider an elementary school with two large cast iron boilers – one of which needs to be replaced after many years of dependable operation. In this scenario, the cast iron boiler is replaced with a new, high efficiency condensing boiler to match the heating requirement. A hybrid system can be utilized in many facilities across multiple industriesOnce installed, the condensing boiler controller allows for the assignment of an alternating, lead/lag boiler plant so that it serves as the primary boiler over the milder heating season months and the existing non-condensing boiler is operational more for colder days. A hybrid system can be utilized in many facilities across multiple industries. More frequently, commercial buildings such as medical facilities, apartment complexes, churches, schools, colleges, nursing homes and corporate campuses, are standardizing on hybrid system boiler designs. Combining a durable cast iron boiler with a high efficiency condensing boiler can reduce wasted energy, lower utility costs and protect the environment with a smaller carbon footprint, while extending the life of the existing heating system at a lower acquisition cost.