About

Dave Raabe

Bringing the Next Generation Forward

February 17, 2025

  You have had a long career as a technician and then a trainer of technicians. Can you tell us a bit about your background? I started in this trade some 36 years ago as a field tech in training. Within eight years, I was promoted to Service Manager, overseeing five techs and 3,000 customers. […]

Buy, Sell or Hold

Understanding your company’s true value As I sit at my desk on a mild November day, I’m struck by the unpredictability of our industry. Who knows what the weather will throw at us in the coming months or how the price of oil will fluctuate. It’s a mystery how the economy will fare after a […]

Controls for Universal Electronic Fan Timers, Part 1

This article will be the first of two parts covering the ST9120U-1011 Universal Electronic Fan Timers from Honeywell. Keep in mind that there are other companies that produce similar controls, leading to many similarities among the controls. This allows for some interchangeability among manufacturers, such as White Rodgers. The ST9120U-1011 will replace all the other […]

How Will the Post-Election Landscape Impact Your Growth Potential?

The re-election of Donald Trump and the GOP’s control of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives signal a fundamental economic and regulatory shift are likely on the way for the third time in eight years. With unified control of the Federal Government, the expected flurry of executive orders and new congressional initiatives that […]

Registration open for PERC’s Propane Sales Forum

February 13, 2025

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced that its Propane Sales Forum: Learning & Action for Business Growth will take place May 20–21 at Swissotel in Chicago, IL. Designed specifically for propane marketers who are sales professionals, this two-day event will feature presentations and tools from industry leaders. Participants will leave with ready-to-use deliverables, […]

Weil-McLain Refreshes Its Century-Old Brand

February 11, 2025

Weil-McLain, provider of hydronic comfort heating systems for over a century, announced a rebranding initiative that “reflects its commitment to customers, a legacy of dependability and a vision for the future of hydronics.” Launching at the 2025 AHR Expo, the world’s largest HVAC trade show, the refreshed brand highlights Weil-McLain’s focus on high-efficiency, climate-conscious advancements […]

Guarding Our Legacy

January 20, 2025

Decarbonizing heating oil in the spirit of the American Dream Our shared mission to decarbonize is not simply about staying relevant today; it’s about securing the long-term viability of our businesses and the industry for the next generation. As we look back on how far we’ve come, our goal becomes clearer—it’s not a passing trend […]

Emissions Reporting

The Most Important “Boring” Article You’ll Read All Day Just like that, it’s 2025. I hope you all enjoyed a very Happy New Year and have hit the ground running towards another successful season in our challenging—but never boring—industry. I’m tackling a topic that is absolutely boring, yet also absolutely critical for you to understand. […]

Don’t Get Left Behind

Five Must-Know Marketing Trends for 2025 New year, new marketing strategy? Not exactly. However, there are marketing trends on the horizon for 2025 that you don’t want to miss. Read on to learn more about the marketing tactics we expect to make a significant impact and how they may help your propane, fuel or HVAC […]

The Benefits of Using Hybrid Heating Systems

In the Northeast, where Winters are often harsh and temperatures can plummet below freezing, efficient and reliable heating systems are essential. As energy costs fluctuate, many homeowners are seeking viable heating solutions that strike a balance between cost, efficiency and sustainability. One increasingly popular option is the hybrid heating system, which combines air source heat […]