J. Michael Galway, PE, LEED AP, CPD, is well-respected by his peers for his expertise, attention to detail, calming professional demeanor, and the fact that he’s not afraid to get out into the field and get his hands dirty, which is why he has been selected as Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2024 Mechanical Engineer of the Year.

As government electrification target dates loom in the near future, and power transmission systems get pushed closer to their limits, utility companies continue implementing ways to manage peak demand.

Your vehicles are a projection of your brand into the market.

In the world of business, challenges are inevitable. Economic shifts, changing consumer demands and unforeseen crises are part and parcel of running a company.

Last week, we did a simple oil to gas steam boiler replacement. The customer (Mike) has been a family friend of my parents for more than 60 years. Mike’s grandfather built the house back in the 1920s. The home is currently occupied by Mike’s daughter and her two teenage grandchildren.

Efficient fleet management is essential for plumbing and HVAC contractors looking to optimize operations and improve service. Customizing fleet vehicles to meet specific company needs is a key strategy. Modern upfitting now includes advanced technology and ergonomic designs, creating mobile workstations that boost efficiency on job sites.

Education enhanced my earning potential. I became a more skilled technician, gained knowledge about new and emerging technologies, and became a much more valuable asset to my employers. Throughout my journey, I met numerous mentors in various aspects of the PHVAC trades and established insider contacts that proved to be invaluable.

In 1986, I installed a 1.5-ton geothermal heat pump in my home using two 500-foot horizontal HDPE earth loops. After digging a trench, I connected the loops to the pump and opted for a 2 HP swimming pool pump to fill and flush the system, as a garden hose couldn't provide the needed flow rate.

A project needs medium- and low-temperature radiant floor panels. The installer proposes using a mod/con boiler with a 1-inch tempering valve for lower temperatures and plans to pipe the entire system with 1-inch tubing. What potential issues could arise from this design?

Appendix M of the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, or the Water Demand Calculator, was integrated into the California Plumbing Code on July 1. It provides a new method for sizing water pipes in residential buildings. For Villara Corp., a leading plumbing and HVAC contractor in Northern California, it remains business as usual, having used the calculator for over five years to construct over 5,000 single-family homes.