We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors

Follow Us

Newsletter Signups
Manage Subscriptions
  • The Wholesaler
  • Plumbing Engineer
  • PHC News
Newsletter Signups
Manage Subscriptions
  • The Wholesaler
  • Plumbing Engineer
  • PHC News
ASK PHCPPROS AI
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Data Centers
    • Fire Protection
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • BUSINESS
    • AI Technology
    • Associations
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • RUGGED MIND AND BODY
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Testimonials
    • Subscribe
    • Health & Wellness
    • AHR Expo 2025
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
ASK PHCPPROS AI
Home » Authors » Ray Wohlfarth
Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth

Ray Wohlfarth is president of Fire & Ice Heating & Cooling in Pittsburgh and shares troubleshooting tips and lessons from real boiler rooms. In addition to writing, Ray teaches classes across the country, helping custodians, technicians, and facility personnel understand both steam and hydronic heating. With decades of hands-on experience, Ray combines technical expertise with storytelling to make complex heating topics practical and approachable. 

Articles

ARTICLES

PHCN0626_air-source heat pump.jpg
Boiler Room Detective

Hybrid Heating: Why Heat Pumps and Boilers Make a Great Team

Most hydronic systems rarely need maximum water temperatures; strategies such as outdoor reset controls and smart lead lag sequencing reduce energy use, wear and emissions.
June 1, 2026
Ray Wohlfarth

Discover how pairing an air-to-water heat pump with a traditional boiler cuts energy bills, lowers emissions, and extends equipment life.


Read More
PHCN0526_Limit Control.jpg
Boiler Room Detective

Understanding Steam Boiler Pressure Controls

Modern comfort-heating steam boilers are designed to operate at very low pressures. Improper pressure control settings can lead to inefficiency, equipment damage or dangerous conditions.
May 4, 2026
Ray Wohlfarth

Master the critical difference between subtractive and additive steam pressure controls to ensure your boiler systems run safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary service calls.


Read More
PHCN0426_12 psig.jpg
Boiler Room Detective

Steam for Brewing and Distilling vs. Steam for Comfort Heating

Understanding the differences is critical for efficiency, reliability, corrosion control and long boiler life.
April 1, 2026
Ray Wohlfarth

Discover the critical differences between comfort heating and process steam to ensure your brewery or distillery boiler operates with maximum efficiency and a long lifespan.


Read More
PHCN0326_steam boiler with insulation.jpg
Boiler Room Detective

Replacing a Steam Boiler: What Every New Technician Needs to Know

Focus on correct sizing to the connected load, inspect and upgrade system components and address the root causes of previous boiler failures.
March 2, 2026
Ray Wohlfarth

Mastering steam boiler replacement requires moving beyond standard HVAC habits to focus on connected load sizing, proper near-boiler piping, and system-wide diagnostics that ensure long-term reliability.


Read More
PHCN0226_Wrong probe location.jpg
Boiler Room Detective

Combustion Readings

Do it right, document it and sleep better at night, and leave Low-Bid Pete in the dust.
February 2, 2026
Ray Wohlfarth

Stop debating the best season for boiler maintenance and discover why performing a combustion analysis on every single service call is the ultimate move for safety, liability protection, and professional pride.



Read More
PHCN0126_float type low water cutoff.jpg
The Boiler Room Detective

Are Boilers Dangerous?

Regular safety checks and proper upkeep, such as weekly testing of the low-water cut-off, are essential to ensure decades of safe, reliable boiler operations.
January 5, 2026
Ray Wohlfarth

Boilers aren’t dangerous on their own — skipped maintenance is — and this veteran expert explains why a simple 60-second weekly check can prevent six-figure failures and catastrophic accidents.


Read More
iStock-519890521.jpg
The Boiler Room Detective

The Loneliest Place

When the heat goes out, true boiler pros rely on calm thinking, sharp senses, and old-school know-how to bring systems back to life.
December 8, 2025
Ray Wohlfarth

Step inside the high-pressure world of boiler troubleshooting as veteran expert Ray Wohlfarth reveals how patience, safety, and smart detective work turn late-night breakdowns into hard-won victories for the technicians who keep buildings warm and systems alive.


Read More

Most Popular

  • Copper Development Association Supports Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals at SkillsUSA National Championships

  • Acorn-Sinks Stainless Steel Undermount Sink

  • Men's Health Month: Mind Matters — Taking Care of Your Mental Health

  • ASPE Announces 2026 Convention & Expo Technical Education Program

Featured Video

Insight video 2

Instant Insight: Smart Water Heating for Hard Water, High-Capacity Demand and Seasonal Homes

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw06 2026 cover
    Subscribe
  • Pe06 2026 cover
    Subscribe
  • Phc06 2026 cover
    Subscribe
  • Rugged june cover
    Learn More

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2026 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing