iii Preface About the Author Don Steeby is a professor of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) where he has taught since 2007. Specifically, he teaches basic steam and hot water boiler applications, as well as training in applicable hydronic and radiant heating systems. Along with his accredited classes, Mr. Steeby trains area HVAC contractors and local manufacturers in steam and hot water boiler applica- tions. Mr. Steeby received his Bachelor of Science degree in HVACR Applied Technology and his Master’s degree in Career & Technical Education from Ferris State University. Previously, Mr. Steeby was an adjunct professor for Ferris State University in construction management. Mr. Steeby has served on the Advisory Committee for HVAC curriculum at Ferris State University and is currently a member of the HVACR Advisory Board for Goodheart-Willcox Publishing. He is also a published author of Alternative Energy—Sources and Systems. Mr. Steeby has held many additional positions in the HVAC field since 1985, including working in the industry for installation, service, sales, and project management. He worked for a manufacturer of HVAC equipment in West Michigan for over five years. He was also employed by Honeywell for 11 years. While at Honeywell, Mr. Steeby acquired extensive experience in the designing and installation of controls for hydronic and hot water systems. Mr. Steeby holds a Mechanical Contractor’s License with the state of Michigan. He has several nationally recognized certifications, including Installation and Service of Geothermal Heat Pumps, Gas and Oil Furnace Installation & Service, and Commercial Refrigeration Installation & Service with North American Technician Excellence (NATE). He is also a Certified Trainer and Installer of Geothermal Heat Pumps through the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). Because hydronic systems for HVAC applications have come to be increasingly complex, there is a need for a textbook to deliver a comprehensive perspective covering the theory, installation, and service of today’s boiler and hydronic systems. Hydronic Heating: Systems and Applications discusses these topics and includes areas of hydronic heating systems not currently addressed in other textbooks. Emphasis has been placed on the fundamentals of heating using hydronics as well as understanding system components and their applications. Students using this book will learn the theory and application of heating and boiler functionality and develop an understanding for the service and repair techniques of hydronic systems and controls. They will then practice understanding troubleshooting essentials, which will prepare them for on-the-job practical applications. This textbook includes colorful and detailed illustrations and helpful technical tips based upon real-life applica- tions. Because boilers and hydronics are used extensively for residential and commercial applications, this textbook is designed for use at colleges and universities, career schools, skill centers, labor and apprenticeship programs, and mechanical contractors as a tool for training new and skilled personnel. It is the intent of this book to bridge the gap between high level, engineering-driven books, the more simplistic books targeted at the introductory level heating and air conditioning technician, and the “do-it-yourselfer.”