Weil-McLain - Experts & Thought Leaders

As temperatures cool and heating season kicks into high gear, Weil-McLain® is turning up the rewards for its contractor community. The company’s new “Score Big with Home Field Advantage” promotion – available exclusively to members of the Weil-McLain Advantage® loyalty program – celebrates contractor partnerships and rewards those committed to installing high-efficiency boilers, including the chance to earn a free Simplicity™ combi boiler for top performance. Qualifying high-efficiency boilers Running now through December 31, 2025, the promotion recognizes the essential role contractors play in helping homeowners achieve greater comfort, energy efficiency and confidence in their home heating systems. Contractors who install and register 12 qualifying high-efficiency boilers during the campaign period will receive one free Simplicity combi boiler model of choice (110, 150, or 199 MBH). Weil-McLain Advantage program Beyond that, participants can boost their Advantage earnings with 5x points on Simplicity boiler registrations and 2x points on other high-efficiency models. No need to wait for the final whistle, either – contractors can redeem points anytime for rewards like gift cards, TVs, luggage and more. Elite members can also apply points toward Market Development Funds to help increase brand visibility and expand their reach. It's not too late to join the Weil-McLain Advantage program. Members can enjoy exclusive perks such as extended warranties, priority technical support and the ability to earn and redeem points for merchandise, travel or marketing funds. home team of contractors “We value the contractors who champion Weil-McLain products every day,” said Zachary Golden, Advantage Program Manager with Weil-McLain, a pioneering North American designer and manufacturer of hydronic comfort heating systems. “This promotion is designed to thank them for their loyalty and encourage even more homeowners to experience the comfort, quality and efficiency that define our brand.” As heating season begins, Weil-McLain continues to invest in its “home team” of contractors, providing the tools, training, and rewards they need to win with every installation. Contractors can review full program details, eligibility requirements, and registration instructions on the website.

When a homeowner in the Chicagoland area wanted to improve energy efficiency and lower propane heating costs, contractor James Downs of JMD Associates recommended an innovative solution: the ECO Hybrid Dual Fuel Hydronic System from Weil-McLain. Installed in a 20-year-old home near Lake Michigan, the system combines an air-to-water heat pump with a high-efficiency gas boiler to deliver optimal performance and flexibility across a wide range of temperatures. Ready for Hybrid Downs described the property as an ideal candidate for a hybrid installation The home featured an existing hydronic radiant floor heating system, as well as a snow melt system for the driveway and sidewalk, which were powered by a propane-fired high-efficiency Weil-McLain boiler. Downs described the property as an ideal candidate for a hybrid installation due to its low-temperature heating setup and the homeowner’s desire for greater sustainability and cost control. The homeowner was motivated not only by rising fuel costs but by a desire to make more climate-conscious decisions and maximize efficiency with their existing radiant system. Weil-McLain ECO Hybrid System “With radiant floor heating already in place in the home and the climate conditions in the Chicagoland area, this was a great opportunity for a hybrid setup,” said Downs. “The heat pump is designed to handle most of the heating season efficiently, and the boiler only kicks in when needed – striking a smart balance between performance and comfort.” The chosen solution featured a Weil-McLain ECO Hybrid System, which included an outdoor air-to-water heat pump and a compact indoor wall-mounted unit, both designed to work with the existing high-efficiency modulating propane boiler. Seamless integration The ECO HP is designed to integrate seamlessly with Weil-McLain's high-efficiency condensing boilers The ECO HP is designed to integrate seamlessly with Weil-McLain's high-efficiency condensing boilers. By combining a durable, inverter-driven outdoor heat pump with a compact indoor unit, the system intelligently shares the heating load – maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing fuel consumption. It features an intuitive user interface, integrated staging control capabilities and compatibility with indirect water heaters. Ideal for residential applications using radiant floor heating or low-temperature hydronic systems, the ECO HP delivers quiet operation, long-term reliability and measurable reductions in energy costs. In this case, the outdoor unit was mounted on a stand to prevent snow accumulation and ensure proper drainage – an important consideration in Lake Michigan’s lake-effect climate. Hot water needs As a bonus for the home's domestic hot water needs, an indirect tank was integrated into the system, while a dedicated heat exchanger handled the snow melt functionality for exterior surfaces. Heating throughout the residence was divided into six zones, each managed through a centralized zone control panel for efficient distribution. Smooth Installation According to Downs, the installation was straightforward and similar to setting up a conventional central air system. “The indoor unit was lightweight and compact – easy to mount with standard tools,” he said. “The outdoor unit connected via flare fittings, and the line set was within the range for the unit’s pre-charge, so everything aligned perfectly.” The 120V indoor unit and 240V outdoor unit required standard connections. Controls were intuitive, and the system relied on Weil-McLain’s guidelines to set compressor runtime limits and optimize switchover from the heat pump to the boiler. Energy savings The hybrid system is designed to allow the heat pump to meet demand down to approximately 15°F Downs noted that while the system was new, the manual was easy to follow. “If you're already doing mini-splits and hydronics, this is very manageable,” he said. The installer also credited Weil-McLain’s ECO Calc Application Sizing Tool, which guided setup of system parameters and switchover logic. For this application, the hybrid system is designed to allow the heat pump to meet demand down to approximately 15°F. In colder conditions or during long domestic hot water calls, the boiler supplements the heat pump without shutting it down, maintaining comfort while maximizing efficiency. In this installation, a 30-minute runtime threshold on the compressor triggers the boiler, ensuring fast response without sacrificing energy savings. Propane savings Downs reported approximately $600 in propane savings in the first season alone. “The propane deliveries noticeably dropped,” he noted. “That, combined with stable indoor temperatures and quieter operation, made it a win for the homeowner.” Comfort remained consistent with no cold spots. Domestic hot water is stored at 140°F and tempered with a mixing valve for safe delivery, providing reliable service even during peak use. While the upfront investment for hybrid systems can be higher than traditional replacements, the propane fuel source made the business case compelling. Downs believes additional savings will become evident over time, especially as rebates become more accessible. A Thoughtful Investment “This was about reducing environmental impact and operating costs. With the heat pump carrying the load for much of the year, that’s exactly what we achieved,” he added. Downs views the ECO Hybrid System as an ideal choice for this low-temperature hydronic application. “The ECO Hybrid is a really smart upgrade as long as you evaluate the heat emitters and understand your reset curves,” he said. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but if you’re working with radiant floors or low-temp baseboards and looking to cut fuel costs, especially with propane, it’s a great fit,” said Downs. Well-matched hybrid system Zachary Golden, Product Manager, Channel Development with Weil-McLain, added: “This installation is a prime example of how a well-matched hybrid system can deliver real value. With contractors like James leading the way, we’re seeing high-efficiency systems work smarter for homeowners.” The hybrid installation offers long-term benefits in efficiency, comfort and performance – making it a model for future heating system upgrades in cold climates.

Paving the way for a more climate-conscious future, hydronic comfort heating solutions pioneer - Weil-McLain® has announced that its Ultra® Oil, WGO, WTGO, and SGO residential oil boilers are now certified for use with biofuel blends up to 100% (B100). This achievement has been made possible through collaboration with industry pioneers - R.W. Beckett and Carlin Combustion, as Weil-McLain validates the adaptability of their burners to the elevated blend of biofuel when combined with its popular oil-fired boiler product lines. Weil-McLain’s commitment Weil-McLain’s duty to give sustainable heating options and drive environmental gain in the industry This advancement underscores Weil-McLain’s commitment to delivering sustainable heating options and driving environmental progress in the industry. A B100 compatible boiler is one that operates with a fuel blend consisting of 100% biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from organic materials, such as plant and vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oils. B100 with a certified oil boiler “Weil-McLain boilers that are B100 certified are designed to operate on this blend of biodiesel fuel with the approved Beckett and Carlin burners,” said Mike Boyd, Product Manager with Weil-McLain, adding “These compatible burners have seals and components designed to optimize operation when using biodiesel.”  Using B100 with a certified oil boiler can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions because biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel than petroleum diesel that can provide similar performance, while significantly limiting how much carbon dioxide is released into the air. Other benefits of a B100 certified boiler Other benefits of using a B100 certified boiler include: Renewable energy source: Biodiesel is made from renewable sources, meaning it can be continually produced by a steady supply of raw materials. By utilizing biodiesel in a B100 blend, the dependence on finite fossil fuel resources can be reduced.  Energy security: Incorporating biodiesel into a fuel mix diversifies energy sources and reduces dependence on foreign oils and petroleum. This can contribute to enhancing energy security and reducing vulnerability to supply disruptions. Government incentives: In some regions, there may be government incentives, grants or tax credits available for using biodiesel.   Rewards of a federal tax credit Homeowners interested in upgrading to one of these units can reap the rewards of a federal tax credit In addition to these benefits, homeowners interested in upgrading to one of these units can reap the rewards of a federal tax credit. Weil-McLain is a Qualified Manufacturer (QM), and its residential oil water boilers with an 87% AFUE rating installed between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, can be claimed for up to $600 after meeting federal requirements.  Eligible homeowners must include the four-digit QM code of “46H2” when completing their taxes for 2025 using tax form IRS Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits (the QM code may be used in lieu of a product identification number (PIN)). This tax credit can also be used in conjunction with any local ENERGY STAR® rebate programs.  Reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact “Our new B100 certified boilers mark an important milestone in our commitment to a sustainable future,” said Mike Boyd, adding “By embracing biodiesel technology, we are not only reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact, but also paving the way for a more resilient and renewable energy landscape.” He continues, “This exciting development highlights our dedication to innovation and positions us as a pioneer in providing energy-efficient solutions that shape the future of heating while making a positive impact on the planet.”   Ideal solution for residential applications Weil-McLain’s oil-fired boilers are an ideal solution for residential applications. Available for both water and steam systems, these high-efficiency units are rugged and reliable – providing peace of mind comfort heating for years to come. The Ultra Oil is the industry’s premium “commercial-grade” residential boiler featuring an easy-to-clean, three-pass heat exchanger. The WTGO is the perfect boiler for customers seeking an “all-in-one” space and domestic hot water heating appliance, while the SGO (steam) and WGO (water) are great for easy inspection and service due to their quick-open tops and swing-away burner doors that provide full chamber access.

Hybrid heating systems are becoming more and more common today as building owners, engineers and facility managers seek ways to reduce heating costs in both current facilities and new builds. Combining a large mass, non-condensing boiler with a high efficiency-condensing boiler – or “hybrid system” – ensures that a heating system is running at optimum efficiency to minimize operating costs over the course of a heating season. Why do condensing and non-condensing boilers make such a good pair? Non-condensing boilers are ideal for the core heating season months of December through February. That’s because these boilers are designed to run at higher return water temperatures above 130 degrees to maximize longevity. The average efficiencies of non-condensing boilers, such as cast iron boilers, range from 80-85 percent thermal efficiency. Condensing and non-condensing boilers  Running condensing boilers in high return temperature applications reduces their operating efficiency In comparison, condensing boilers reach their maximum efficiency – upwards of 95 percent –when the return water temperature is below dew point and are ideal for operation during the milder heating season shoulder months of October, November, March and April. Running condensing boilers in high return temperature applications reduces their operating efficiency to marginally higher than non-condensing boiler designs. By combining non-condensing and condensing boilers in a hybrid system boiler plant, users can reset building set points, reduce fuel consumption to lower operating costs and create comfortable, consistent building temperatures throughout the heating season. Hybrid boiler systems So why not just use an all high efficiency boiler plant? Consider the following benefits of a hybrid boiler system: Boiler Replacement Applications: Installing a hybrid system makes sense in existing, non-condensing replacement boiler applications. Most often, there are at least two high mass, non-condensing boilers in older boiler plants. Installing a high efficiency, condensing boiler in place of one of the failing high mass boilers now enables the efficiency benefits of the hybrid system. Further, this approach enables an incremental step in financing the overall boiler replacement capital outlay over time. New Build Applications: In short, condensing boilers cost more - upwards of 30-40 percent more than non-condensing boiler systems because of the non-corrosive heat exchanger materials required. Installing a hybrid system is more cost effective to purchase upfront and often achieves the greater portion of the energy savings of replacing an entire boiler plant with high-efficiency condensing boilers.  Product Life / Longevity: Inherent to their design, non-condensing boilers have a longer product life, up to two times that of condensing boiler designs because of their thicker cast iron design and wider water pathways. Installing a hybrid system ensures a longer life of the boiler plant dedicated to the coldest heating season months. Hybrid heating systems are becoming more and more common today Multiple industries Consider an elementary school with two large cast iron boilers – one of which needs to be replaced after many years of dependable operation. In this scenario, the cast iron boiler is replaced with a new, high efficiency condensing boiler to match the heating requirement. A hybrid system can be utilized in many facilities across multiple industriesOnce installed, the condensing boiler controller allows for the assignment of an alternating, lead/lag boiler plant so that it serves as the primary boiler over the milder heating season months and the existing non-condensing boiler is operational more for colder days. A hybrid system can be utilized in many facilities across multiple industries. More frequently, commercial buildings such as medical facilities, apartment complexes, churches, schools, colleges, nursing homes and corporate campuses, are standardizing on hybrid system boiler designs. Combining a durable cast iron boiler with a high efficiency condensing boiler can reduce wasted energy, lower utility costs and protect the environment with a smaller carbon footprint, while extending the life of the existing heating system at a lower acquisition cost.