Hydronics Webinars Hosted by NTI Open Up Classroom for Contractors
By Thomas Renner
Continuing education is essential in any industry. Very few manufacturers, however, go the extra mile to assist workers who need training and product support.
David Zerbe discovered a team that provides a different path toward customer education. Four years ago, Zerbe – a contractor with Steam Specialist HVAC in Pennsylvania – started attending webinars offered by NTI. The bi-monthly, hour-long webinars cover all things hydronics and are the longest-running webinars of any boiler manufacturer.
The “Thirsty Thursday” learning sessions are part of the customer service and training offerings from NTI, which is part of the Ariston Group. In addition to the webinars, Zerbe has found the manufacturer’s customer service and technical proficiency helpful in advancing his product knowledge and offering his customers superior craftsmanship.
Zerbe said his company’s previous owner helped him discover NTI products. “We were looking for a new condensing boiler to install and was pointed towards NTI through our supplier, APR,’’ Zerbe said. “I received an email about Thirsty Thursdays and I started sitting in on them, and immediately loved the environment and the learning.”
Learning Extension
The free webinars are an extension of NTI’s support for contractors who want to learn more about their craft and grow their business. Contractors who attend the seminar learn how to set up boilers more efficiently and safely while also learning about new equipment and industry trends.
The webinars – which have been uploaded to YouTube this year – cover a wide range of issues, everything from detailed product information to navigating legal complexities. “We’re invested in what we’re doing,’’ said Steve Wieland, Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Manager of NTI. “The contractors love it. They’ve learned a lot by the seat of their pants and from working with guys 40 years ago. A lot of old dogs are calling me and saying I didn’t think anyone could teach me new tricks. It’s a fun time.”
Condensing boilers are highly efficient – most newer models reach over 90 percent efficiency – and can help save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year. Condensing boilers can reduce a household’s carbon footprint and do not require specific ventilation through a chimney, as is required with non-condensing boilers.
The boilers also have more complex internal systems. The webinars help contractors get a better understanding of the sophisticated internal components, and cover everything related to installation and service of the units.
“Contractors will find out about piping, hydronics, set up and everything from standard hydronic systems to snow melt systems,’’ Wieland said. “We have been doing some part-specific things. One episode we spent 45 minutes on negative-pressure gas valves. We’ll cover every aspect of piping and venting, everything that’s going on in the boiler room.”
Support System
The webinars are a unique component to NTI’s education and support platforms, which include dedicated technical support, hands-on training sessions and videos, and live chats on the company website. From the manufacturing of the unit to the education network, NTI has a unique focus on supporting technicians. Zerbe found out quickly how NTI’s support network benefits contractors.
“On my first install, I had questions and called tech support,’’ Zerbe said. “Normally when you call a tech support number you are on hold for hours. Within minutes I was on the phone with someone and had all of my questions answered. And over the years, I’ve had to call with issues where I needed support. They will walk through testing and parts and track down the problem with you.”
Zerbe works primarily with NTI’s TRX line, which includes embedded Wi-Fi connectivity and a user interface that has been redesigned for efficiency and ease of use. A swing-down control box enhances serviceability and makes all major components easily accessible.
“Working with NTI, I have learned that they are made to make my life as a technician easier,’’ Zerbe said. “When a part fails, you don’t get a code that tells you it could be this problem, or it could be that problem. The codes are very well-defined. And when we install them, no house is the same. You can set the parameters to the application and it’s all set.”
Driving Conversation
The webinars are a unique method of bringing contractors together to enhance learning, share information and for many, discuss industry trends. Knowledge is power, and the lively discussions help contractors learn from one another about all the issues impacting the heating industry.
“It gives people across the nation a chance to talk to one another,’’ Wieland said. “It’s opening up the discussion to the entire nation. The webinars are having a far greater impact than I ever thought they would.”
While many customers talk about their commitment to customer service, very few offer education and support programs that benefit clients. Contractors can even go to the NTI website to sign up for live training.
“NTI stands behind its boilers, and there are many different applications where you can use them,’’ Zerbe said. “That’s what sold me on them. And I will continue to watch the videos and recommend them to any customer that wants to have a condensing boiler in their home.”
Thomas Renner writes on building, construction and other trade industry topics for publications throughout the United States.
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