When it comes to boiler needs and installations, no two projects are the same. The most reliable manufacturers and installation and service companies pivot based on the demands of individual projects to meet the needs of their customers. NTI has done just that throughout its over 50-year history. Each project presents individual challenges, and often the key to success is selecting the right product and having the technical expertise and the ability to communicate to clients effectively.
The Noble and Greenough School is one of those clients. It is a coeducational, nonsectarian day and five-day boarding school for grades seven through 12. It is near Boston on a 187-acre campus that borders the Charles River in Dedham, Massachusetts. Former students included former president John F. Kennedy.
Two NTI Lx-500 boilers feed four existing 200-gallon indirect water heaters.
The installation site was in the Nickerson Castle (now simply known as “The Castle”) built in 1890 for railroad tycoon Albert W. Nickerson. The Noble and Greenough School bought it in 1921 and now uses The Castle for dining services and other uses. They were having significant problems with their domestic hot water system for the rooms and kitchen, which served all 615 students. The existing boilers fell into disrepair and were having difficulty keeping up with the day-to-day school operations. Unfortunately, because the current boiler took up a small space, finding a replacement to fit the area, without requiring relocation in this historic building, was the main issue.
EMCOR Services Northeast (emcornortheast.com) is a large Boston-based mechanical service contractor that specializes in mechanical retrofit installations, HVAC maintenance and controls. They tackled the space challenge. Mark Christensen of EMCOR contacted Randy Gilman of Jomar Distributors, of Watertown, MA. Jomar reached out to NTI’s VP of Sales, Dave Walsh and Regional Manager, Ted Lowe. They recommended two NTI Lx-500 boilers because they would fit right where the original had been. The new Lx boiler would feed four existing 200-gallon indirect water heaters.
EMCOR’s experienced installation team were able to swap out the boiler utilizing the same boiler pad and had the system up and running in a matter of days while the school was shut down over the Christmas break. Both Dave Walsh and Ted Lowe worked on site with EMCOR to assure a smooth installation and commissioning. With EMCOR providing annual preventative maintenance, the boiler is expected to last significantly longer than the previous one, and with fewer issues. Mark Christensen of EMCOR stated: “I couldn’t be happier with the product and support I received from NTI.”
The take home message is that for the companies you work with, whether they are on the manufacturing side like NTI or on the installation and service side like EMCOR, the key is having knowledgeable employees and easy to work with staff. While equipment being high quality is a given, getting that equipment from people who know how to explain its operation and can work effectively with you and your team is essential.
