2024 January

The January 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features a sneak preview of the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago, Scott Secor, our new columnist, boilers that offer a path to a greener future and much more!

Editorial Opinion Column opening image of cardboard cutout of house on top of chalkboard scribbles and drawings.

Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

The benefits of strategic buying decisions

Position your company to profit in the long run.

Nicole Krawcke

January 10, 2024

When a plumbing contracting company wants to grow, it can expand its geographic area by opening a new location, adding a new trade, or buying out another business.

Guest Editorial | Jason Mudd

11 ways to boost your plumbing company’s SEO

SEO best practices for contracting businesses.

Jason Mudd

January 9, 2024

Explore 11 proven ways plumbing companies can improve their website visibility and search rankings. Whether you run a single-location operation or a multiple-unit franchise, these SEO tips will help you reach more consumers.

PM Jan 2024 Matt Michel column opening image of businessman standing in front of large door with a view to the city

Serving Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

5 steps to building a strong banking relationship

In times of economic uncertainty, securing loans and lines of credit are critical for businesses.

Matt Michel

January 8, 2024

A strong banking relationship is critical for securing loans and for establishing and maintaining lines of credit. Relationships are not built overnight. Here are the steps you need to build a good relationship with a bank.

PM Jan 2024 Scott Secor Column opening image of a heating system

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

What you should know about steam trap maintenance

Trap maintenance is often overlooked.

Scott Secor

January 5, 2024

This month, we cover team trap maintenance for low-pressure heating systems. Steam traps are typically found in schools, apartment houses, churches, light commercial buildings, and very large homes as well.

PM Jan 2024 Kenny Chapman Column. Group of Paper Airplanes in Same Direction and One Airplane Moving to Different Direction.

The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

The role of continuous learning in leadership evolution

Leaders must also undergo continuous transformation to remain effective.

Kenny Chapman

January 4, 2024

Regardless of how long you’ve been in the trades, I’m sure you know how important learning is to your journey. Let’s take a deeper look.

PM Dave Yates Column 2024 and Bullseye blocks

Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Exceed customer expectations

Set realistic goals for 2024.

Dave Yates

January 3, 2024

Happy New Year! Let 2024 be your breakout year.

PM Jan 2024 John Siegenthaler Column opening image of boiler room in basement.

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

The ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of thermal storage

Hydronic systems stand ready to offer performance benefits as electrification movement advances.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

January 2, 2024

Hydronic-based heating and cooling systems stand ready to offer plenty of design and performance benefits. One of them is the potential for thermal storage.

AHR Expo feature: Attendees inside event floor at 2023 AHR Expo in Atlanta.

AHR Expo returns to the Windy City

HVACR’s largest event will be held Jan. 22-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Nicole Krawcke

January 4, 2024

With an increasing focus on decarbonization and electrification, the AHR Expo, dubbed HVACR’s largest event of the year, returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place Jan. 22-24.

PM Jan 2024 The Glitch and The Fix Figure 1 Diagram.jpg

The Glitch & The Fix

Eliminating the temperature drop effect

Avoiding sequential temperature drops

January 3, 2024

A hydronics newbie decides that he can eliminate the temperature drop effect by putting all three supply-side tees upstream of all three return-side tees. If you don’t think it will work, what would you do to change it?

Uponor Director of Training Desmond Clancy

Uponor opens new state-of-the-art Experience Center

Flexible space allows manufacturer to tailor training to individual customer needs.

Nicole Krawcke

January 22, 2024

Uponor North America celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed Uponor Experience Center located at its regional headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota in September.

Boilers offer path to greener future

More electric boiler options entering the market.

Nicole Krawcke

January 17, 2024

While electrification can help meet decarbonization goals, high-efficiency condensing boilers are also a possible solution to bridge the gap between where we are now and where we are heading.

Dan Holohan teaching in Mechanical Room 2019

Celebrating the illustrious career of a renowned hydronics industry voice

Industry legend Dan Holohan retires from writing.

Natalie Forster

Nicole Krawcke

January 15, 2024

There is no shortage of industry patrons who’ve been impacted by Dan Holohan — manufacturers, reps, plumbers, and fellow writers alike. His love for teaching, writing, giving back and just undeniable kindness have left a mark.

Radiant Heating System feature. A 9,200-square-foot luxury log cabin, located about 40 minutes outside of Easton, Pennsylvania, across the New Jersey border.

Radiant heating provides zoned comfort and efficiency to log cabin home

New Jersey hydronics pro passes his knowledge to the next generation.

Nicole Krawcke

January 11, 2024

Mike Guglielmo, a 30-year industry veteran, is currently working on a radiant heating project for a 9,200-square-foot luxury log cabin, located about 40 minutes outside of Easton, Pennsylvania, across the New Jersey border.