Written for the boiler operator who has knowledge and experience, but would like to learn more in order to optimize his performance, this text is also clearly-presented enough to be an indispensable guide for those beginning their careers, as well as being suitable for managers and superintendents interested in reducing a facility's operating expense. Based on the author's forty years of experience in boiler plant operation, design, construction, start-up, retrofit and maintenance, it contains absolutely key recommendations to operators and managers of plants large and small.

This was my first book and a true labor of love. I spent decades studying steam and the work of Dead Men, in both old buildings and on library shelves. I traveled the country, haunting used-book stores, looking for engineering books that held the answers to questions that nagged at me. I was obsessed with this topic, and when I finally sat to write, I poured all that I had learned into this book, and as I wrote, I tried my best to make the words sound good to you - like we were together and having a conversation. I wanted you to know what I know and I wanted you to be able to do what I can do when it comes to old steam systems. This book arrived in 1992 and has since gone though dozens of printings. We've sold it in every state as well as in foreign countries. Steam heat is everywhere there are old buildings, so why shouldn't you be the one with the answers? Dan Holohan