HPAC September/October 2012 by Annex Business Media

A Pretty Good House

Low Temp Systems

Water Heaters

Pipes, Pumps and Water Service

The next

How to spot the pressure culprit

big thing

hybrid design is a good bet

Also inside

Renewables

A Versatile Way To Integrate Geothermal & Solar

Refrigerants

september/october 2012 | $5.00

www.hpacmag.com

PM 40069240

What to do about R-22

Toilet meets EPA WaterSense Criteria IAPMO File 5960

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Vol. 86 No. 6

tents

32 HYDRONICS

Onward & Downward

The future of hydronics is all about low water temperatures. By John Siegenthaler

36 Plumbing

A Before And After Look At Water Heating

How do tankless and storage compare?

38 Indoor Air Quality Lessons To Be Learned

Tips on improving IAQ in Schools. By Lily Mak

40 Refrigerants

Think Ahead To Get Ahead Serving your customer’s well means analysing the refrigerant situation at individual sites. By Dave Demma

18 BUILDING SCIENCE

Tres Bien For Large Scale Radiant Hybrid design at its best. Three projects reflect how it is done. By Robert Bean

46 Something For Everyone At Co-Located Shows

Construct Canada Show Preview. By Andrew Snook

22 PLUMBING

Shower Power

CIPHEX WEST 2012

Identifying the true culprit behind pressure issues.

50 Introduction, seminar schedule, hours, speakers and

National Trade Show & Learning Forum Show Preview session descriptions, exhibitor list and highlights

By Steve Goldie

Controls How Low Can You Go

26 smart design

My Pretty Good House Air source heat pumps fit this system focused residential design concept. By Ian McTeer

A look at some low temp system options. By Mike Miller

Attention Contractors! Do your part for the environment by participating in Switch the ‘Stat, Canada’s Thermostat Recycling Program.

Participation is easy and free of cost. All registrants receive collection, shipping and promotional materials. For more information or to register, visit switchthestat.ca Administered by:

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

tents

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Water Heaters

CONFERENCE REPORTS By Andrew Snook

80 CIPH: Speakers On Target At ABC 90 HRAI: Gearing Up For Change 82 Marketing

HPAC Magazine 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 TEL: 416.442.5600 FAX: 416.510.5140 www.hpacmag.com

Editor Kerry Turner (416) 510-5218 KTurner@hpacmag.com Assistant Editor Andrew Snook (416) 442-5600, ext. 3524 ASnook@hpacmag.com Sales & Marketing Kim Rossiter (ON LEAVE) Coordinator ACCOUNT John Chiasson (416) 510-6791 MANAGER JChiasson@hpacmag.com Associate David Skene (416) 510-6884 publisher DSkene@hpacmag.com Art Director Sandy MacIsaac (416) 442-5600, ext. 3242 SMacisaac@hpacmag.com

By The Book

Is your organization complying with the CRTC’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules?

86 Solar

Geo-Solar Connection Integrating solar thermal and geothermal heat pumps makes sense. By John Siegenthaler

Market Production Barb Vowles (416) 510-5103 Manager 800-268-7742, ext. 5103 BVowles@bizinfogroup.ca Circulation Manager Selina Rahaman (416) 442-5600, ext. 3528 SRahaman@bizinfogroup.ca PUBLISHER Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 PLeonard@hpacmag.com

BIG Magazines LP Corinne Lynds, Editorial Director Tim Dimopoulos, Executive publisher Alex Papanou, Vice-president of canadian publishing Bruce Creighton, President of Business Information Group

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069240, Registration No. 10815 Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning (established 1925) is published 7 times per year by BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners.

Departments 6 Upfront

92 Training

8 Industry News

93 The Source

66 Mechanical Supply News

94 Calendar

72 People

ISSN: 0017-9418 Contents Copyright © 2012 by BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd., may not be reprinted without permission. Subscriber Services: To subscribe, renew your subscription or to change your address or information please visit us at www.hpacmag.com. Subscription Price per year: $40.00 CDN; Outside Canada per year: $80.00 US; Single copy Canada: $5.00 CDN. Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning is published 7 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues.

PRODUCTS

43 heating 56 hydronic 76 plumbing 84 gizmos & gadgets

www.hpacmag.com NEW ON WWW.HPACMAG.COM Check out video interviews with Sean Reid, chair of the Ontario Construction

Mail Preferences: From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Tel: 800.387.0273, Fax: 416.442.2191; E-mail: jhunter@ businessinformationgroup.ca; or by mail: Privacy Office, 80 Valleybrook Dr., Toronto, ON M3B 2S9. HPAC Magazine receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. HPAC Magazine, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. Notice: HPAC Magazine, BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd., their staff, officers, directors and shareholders (hence known as the “Publisher”) assume no liability, obligations, or responsibility for claims arising from advertised products. The Publisher also reserves the right to limit liability for editorial errors, omissions and oversights to a printed correction in a subsequent issue. HPAC Magazine’s editorial is written for management level mechanical industry personnel who have documented training in the mechanical fields in which they work. Manufacturers’ printed instructions, datasheets and notices always take precedence to published editorial statements. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Proud member of:

Employers Coalition and Ron Johnson, chair of the Ontario College of Trades board of directors. 4

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

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READY WHEN YOU ARE. We’re committed to providing innovative solutions that can help you get the job done. That’s why Delta allows you to order and install a variety of electronic faucet roughs and trims separately. Our pre-assembled roughs are pre-plumbed and factorytested to ensure quality and help save you installation time and hassle. And the trims can be ordered when you’re ready for them – no more worrying about storing or misplacing them during the project. For more information, visit deltacommercialfaucets.ca or specselect.com.

590T1150

Pre-Plumbed Control Box Sensor, controller, power supply and solenoid shown are sold separately as part of trim kits.

< UPFRONT INVEST IN THIS If I were to ask you what you see as something worth investing your time, energy, or even your money

in, I doubt anything mechanical-related would come to mind. This industry may not have the caché of a well-coiffed adolescent crooner, or an iPad manufacturer, or a cosmopolitan city, but it should be in line to adopt its own Next Big Thing. We have come a long way from ondols and hypocausts.* Where equipment and technology were once the focus, today the bulk of the content crossing my desk highlights the importance of design, consideration of the building envelop, and the building as a system approach. Looking at the big picture is a crucial part of the process. However, with that comes the challenge of pulling the process and the professionals together to make it work. Mechanical contractors, whether they work on large- or small-scale projects, face this challenge daily. In this issue Robert Bean (p.18) identifies “a common HVAC recipe for success” as a result of an integrated design process and exhaustive planning. On a smaller scale, we can look to Ian McTeer (p.26) describing the process of planning his retirement home, which is based on an interesting and somewhat controversial concept that hails from Maine, known as the “The Pretty Good House.” He is optimistic this affordable house will perform well and provide the thermal comfort he is looking for (although it will be interesting to see how the hot water situation works out). To summarize Steve Goldie (p.22), properly designed systems are essential to our domestic happiness and comfort. Clearly, the Next Big Thing worth investing time, energy, or even your money in, happens before the hands-on work starts: It is forethought and smart planning. *See Noteworthy Advances In Mechanical Efficiency for some HVAC/R history. www.hpacmag.com/supplement/pdfs/Noteworthy_Advances_in_Mechanical%20Efficiency.pdf

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Editor

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Industry News

SEE THE LATEST HPAC e-newsletter @ hpacmag.com

British Columbia approves stewardship plan The British Columbia Ministry of the Environment recently approved a stewardship plan designed to comply with the requirements of BC Regulation 449/2004, which concerns the end-of-life of HVAC/R and plumbing products. The plan outlines that industries continue to use the standard practices followed by contractors for decommissioning these products. It also calls for ongoing communications with BC contractors to reinforce the use of these practices. The stewardship plan was submitted on behalf of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI); the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH); the Canadian Water Quality Association and the Canadian Association of Pump Manufacturers (CAPM). The stewardship plan went into effect July 1, 2012. www.ciph.ca www.hrai.ca www.capmonline.com www.cwqa.com

AHR EXPO heads to the friendship state The 65th International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR EXPO) will take place from January 28-30, 2013 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX. In addition to 350 000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, highlights include: a building and automation control showcase; a software centre; new product and technology theatre presentations; the AHR EXPO Innovation Awards presentation; and the ASHRAE Winter Conference, which will be held concurrently with the trade show. www.ahrexpo.com

IBC releases oil spill report The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) recently released a report offering details related to tank leaks and failures throughout Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Region Domestic Oil Spill Data Collection Report was created with the participation of 21 insurance companies that collected data from 2008 to 2011. The companies involved in the study collectively represented between 86.4 per cent and 89.3 per cent of the Atlantic Canadian home insurance market. The results showed 663 insured domestic oil spills in Atlantic Canada from 2008-2011, which added up to $78.58 million in insurance claims. Out of the 663 claims, 376 were specific to the tank. Additional sources of oil leaks included: the filter system; valves or nipples; the heating unit or burner; and the line. Outdoor tanks accounted for 500 of the 663 insurance claims. Newer tanks, ranging in age from 0 to 10 years old, accounted for more than half of the claims with tanks in that group accounting for over $51 million in paid claims. The report identified corrosion as the number one cause of oil loss, accounting for 356 of the 663 insured claims, or $38 million. www.ibc.ca/en/In_the_Community/documents/ Oil%20Spill%20Report.pdf Editor's Note: Some perspective on the numbers from Telling The Weather Story; prepared by The Institute For Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) For Insurance Bureau Of Canada (IBC) June 2012: Over the month of December 2010, it is

Cold climate conference coming to Calgary

estimated that IBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s member companies paid

The 7th International Cold Climate HVAC Conference will take place from November 12-14, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary in Calgary, AB. Approximately 60 conference papers have been received in areas such as: air cleaning codes and standards; building envelope; comfort and productivity; energy modeling; equipment performance; heat pumps; housing and small building applications; and industrial institutional applications. In addition to keynote speakers and technical sessions, there will be technical tours of a number of Calgary sites. www.ashrae.org

a total of $50.7 million in home, business and

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

27Based on an IBC survey of property and casualty insurers, representing Atlantic market share: 69 per cent auto; 74 per cent personal property; and 50 per cent commercial property market share. hpacmag.com

Photo Istockphoto

auto claims as a result of winter storms throughout Atlantic Canada.27

ONTARIO WILL NOT SUSPEND REGULATION FOR VERTICAL CLOSED LOOP SYSTEMS The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) received a response from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on behalf of Premier Dalton McGuinty stating that Ontario Regulation 98/12 – Ground Source Heat Pumps for the drilling and installation of vertical closed loop systems will not be suspended. The CGC sent a letter to the Premier’s office in June requesting the regulation be suspended due to fears it could create market imbalances amongst drilling companies and inadvertently assist larger companies in eliminating their competitors. CGC president and CEO Denis Tanguay said at least 39 drilling companies are currently doing geothermal drilling in Ontario, but the new requirements may force some of them to stop. “I am afraid most will not continue in this business, leaving the market to the larger players,” said Tanguay. “This is not good as it can only put upward pressure on prices in an already difficult market due to high electricity rates and low natural gas prices.” There are approximately 12 companies that have applied so far for Environmental Compliance Approval for Ontario

Regulation 98/12. To date, six companies have received environmental compliance approvals: Geosource Energy Inc., Groundheat Systems Inc., Air Rock Drilling Co. Ltd., Desrosiers Drilling Corporation, EarthHeat.ca Inc. and MacKinnon Well Drilling Ltd. www.geo-exchange.ca

Report card grades Canadian municipal infrastructure as "at risk" The first-ever Canadian Infrastructure Report Card states that more than half of municipal roads require significant repair and 25 per cent of municipal wastewater plants need major upgrades, at a minimum cost of $20 billion. The report, released by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE), surveyed more than 120 municipalities representing 60 per cent of the country’s population. It measured the condition of municipal roads, drinking water, wastewater, and storm water systems. The FCM and its partners are planning on releasing future studies on municipal infrastructure on a regular basis, as well as reports on housing and transit. www.canadainfrastructure.ca continued on page 10

Eco-Friendly Solutions for Restaurants from Bradford White ®

Bradford White® is proud to have earned the endorsement of the Green Restaurant Association for both the UltraEfficient eF Series® of commercial water heaters and the energy-saving line of EverHot® tankless water Heaters. The Green Restaurant Association endorses products that exemplify environmental leadership in their category and meet the GRA Product Endorsement Standards. GRA’s environmental consultants work hand in hand with manufacturers to assess their products and give them GRA’s endorsement stamp of approval. Since 1990, The GRA has been helping restaurants cut energy, water and waste costs. The GRA has been instrumental in helping restaurants realize that environmental responsibility can equal fiscal gain. Some Certified Green Restaurants® save thousands of dollars each year, and through the help of the GRA’s consultants, are able to access rebates, incentives and other money saving programs. Bradford White’s commitment to green innovation and environmental responsibility is evident in many of the products currently available from Bradford White wholesalers. Talk to your Bradford White representative about all of Bradford White’s Eco-Friendly water heating solutions.

Built to be the Best eF Series® Ultra High Efficiency Water Heaters

hpacmag.com

EverHot® Tankless Water Heaters

™

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< Industry News

continued from page 9

CMHC report has significant implications for housing industry

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Campaign launched on hydrocarbon refrigerant hazards

Photo Istockphoto

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently published Highly Energy Efficient Building Envelope Retrofits for Houses, a free downloadable â&#x20AC;&#x153;Research Highlightâ&#x20AC;? that offers design and construction information for retrofitting existing residential wood frame building envelopes to reduce space heating energy use by 75 per cent or more. The report states that building envelope insulation and airtightness retrofits have the potential to lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and can be cost-effective when compared with energy renewable systems. It examines high insulation building envelope retrofits; creates targets for insulation and airtightness values for foundations, walls, windows, doors and roofs; examines

building code and zoning implications of changes to the building envelope; and offers details and specifications of practical retrofit strategies for common housing archetypes.www.cmhc.ca/odpub/pdf/67629.pdf

The Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) recently launched its annual consumer awareness campaign on the hazards of marketers and retailers promoting hydrocarbon refrigerant DIY (do-it-yourself) kits for use as a replacement refrigerant gas in residential and commercial air conditioning systems. The campaign highlights that hydrocarbon refrigerants are made up of highly flammable mixtures of propane and isobutene, unlike non-flammable refrigerants used by qualified air conditioning technicians. www.hrai.ca continued on page 12

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< Industry News

continued from page 10

revamped requirements for residential boilers

Bridging education and training with RSES

Amendment 11 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations published by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in the Canada Gazette Part II in October 2011 is now in effect. All residential gas boilers, oil-fired and electric hot water boilers with an input rate of less than 88kW (300 000 Btuh) that have their manufacturing process completed on or after September 1, 2012, must meet a variety of prescriptive requirements; as well as amendments to the minimum energy performance standards. One of key prescriptive requirements is an automatic means of adjusting water temperature. http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/regulations/11239

The 75th annual 2012 RSES Annual Conference and HVACR Technology Expo will take place November 14-17 at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC. Themed “Your Bridge to Education and Training,” the conference will feature the RSES HVACR Technology Expo, educational sessions, an awards luncheon, the RSES annual business meeting, an industry tour, the RSES appreciation reception, and more. www.rses.org

One Call now the law A bill was recently signed into law, allowing for the creation of a not-for-profit, One Call system designed to streamline the locate process for underground infrastructure services in Ontario. Bill 8, The Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, is expected to increase safety for workers and homeowners while creating economic benefits. In 2010, there were nearly 3200 natural gas line

breaks in Ontario. The One Call system will fall under the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services. www.on1call.com

industry teams up to attract new members Eight HVAC/R and water heating industry associations have joined forces to form the HVACR Workforce Development Foundation. The foundation’s main purpose will be to increase

Introducing

the low-cost, high-efficiency cadet™ heating boiler

The best All-Around Value in Today’s Home Heating Market The new modulating/condensing CADET™ Heating Boiler offers fuel cost savings and outstanding quality at a lower price point than other high-efficiency designs on the market today. Available in four standard boiler models with gas inputs ranging from 40,000 to 120,000 Btu/hr, these compact, wall-mount units can handle the heating load for almost any home. In addition, a 120,000 Btu/hr “combination” unit offers both hydronic space heating and domestic water heating capabilities. Designed to economically deliver high efficiency, CADET’s fully modulating burner adjusts the firing rate of the boiler to match the heat loss of the home, reducing burner cycling and increasing overall system efficiency. With 95 percent AFUE efficiency, CADET can significantly lower your customers’ heating bills.

aquatech.ws

1-866-594-0767

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

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awareness of the HVAC/R industry, draw new people into the workforce, and increase the quality of available skilled tradespeople. The foundation is comprised of: The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada; The Air Conditioning Contractors of America; the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute; the Air Movement and Control Association; ASHRAE; Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International; the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association; and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society. www.rsescanada.com www.hrai.ca

Western Canada marks energy efficiency milestone The first home built to the voluntary 2012 R-2000 Standard in Western Canada was recently completed in Swift Current, SK. Homes built to the new standard are designed to be 50 per cent more energy-efficient than homes constructed to the 2005 R-2000 standard. The 2012 R-2000 Standard was published by Natural Resources Canada in February 2012. R-2000 builders have been following the new specifications since July 2012. http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca

ASHRAE honours first female president ASHRAE has created the Lynn G. Bellenger Scholarship, a one-year, $5000 scholarship that will be awarded to a female undergraduate engineering student, including Canadian students, pursuing a degree in an HVAC/R-related field. Bellenger served as ASHRAE’s president from 2010-11 and was recognized as an expert in energy management. www.ashrae.org

CASA partners in inaugural fire sprinkler expo The Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA) is partnering with the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and the Mexican Fire Sprinkler Association (AMRACI) to create the first ever North American Fire Sprinkler Expo (NAFSE), which will take place from April 4-7, 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. The expo will be held in conjunction with the NFSA’s annual seminar taking place from April 4–6, 2013 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV. www.casa-firesprinkler.org continued on page 14

PEOPLE. SOLUTIONS. VALUE. Industry leading service. It’s what we do. With 20,000 parts stocked on the warehouse floor, an in-house training facility to teach your installers the best techniques on the latest systems and engineering support with deep experience in hydronics – we have what you need. We can even find the manual for you. Because it’s our business to support yours. Call us at 1-866-594-0767 or look us up at CIPHEX.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< Industry News

continued from page 13

CIC UNVEILS CHANGES TO SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recently released proposed changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FWSP). These include: new minimum official language thresholds and increased points for language; a stronger emphasis on younger immigrants; more points for Canadian work experience and less points for foreign work experience; simplifying the arranged employment process; and adding points for spousal language ability and Canadian experience. CIC has also proposed introducing the Educational Credential Assessment, a mandatory requirement that FSWP applicants’ educations are assessed against Canadian education standards by designated organizations. The new FSWP points grid is expected to take effect in January 2013. www.cic.gc.ca

SOLAR CANADA READY TO HEAT UP T.O. THIS DECEMBER The Canadian Solar Industries Association’s annual conference and exposition, Solar Canada 2012, is expected to attract more than 4500 solar industry professionals and will feature 250 exhibitors from 14 different countries as well as a variety of educational workshops and keynote speakers. The two-day show takes place from December 3-4, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. www.solarcanadaconference.ca continued on page 16

CLIPS >> Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) reports that it has successfully verified the first Canadian ozone depleting substance (ODS) destruction project. The non-profit, industry-led program has verified and registered 170 000 ODS-derived registered emission reductions (RERs) on the Canadian Standards Associations (CSA) Reductions Registry. www.refrigerantmanagement.ca >> The British Columbia Safety Authority recently posted a revision and expansion of the D-GA 2012-01 Gas Directive: Replacement Water Heater Permit Decal. It states that gas contractors are now able to apply for decals, in place of installation permits, for the like-for-like placement of hot water heaters (up to 50 000 BTU); dryers; ranges and range tops; wall ovens and barbecues in residential settings. www.safetyauthority.ca >> The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) recently opened its online store, where IAPMO standards are available for purchase in a downloadable PDF format. www.iapmomembership.org >> The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) recently appointed Tom Meyer, director of technical programs for the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB), the chair of the RPA’s Codes and Standards Committee. The committee’s first project will be the creation of an ANSI-accredited solar energy and hydronics code. >> The Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) has appointed Elizabeth McDonald its new CEO and president. McDonald brings more than 20 years of experience to the organization, including a variety of leadership and managerial roles within trade associations, particularly in the solar industry. www.energyefficiency.org

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

hpacmag.com

Who Says You Can’t Please Everyone?

Fujitsu’s new Hybrid Flex Inverter line provides individual comfort to up to 8 zones at once. Let’s face it, one temperature does not please all, which is why Fujitsu’s new line of Halcyon Hybrid Flex Inverter (HFI) models allows up to 8 indoor units to be connected to one outdoor unit, providing 8 individual zones of heating or cooling. • Up to 17 SEER energy efficient operation lowers utility bills • Flare connections make HFI models easier to install • One Central Remote Control can control all 8 zones • Long piping lengths of up to 230 feet increase installation options • Inverter technology regulates the compressor speed to its optimum energy usage, producing higher refrigerant performance with less power consumption

With Fujitsu’s line of Halcyon Hybrid Flex Inverter systems, you really CAN please everyone.

To find out how you can please everyone and how to become a Halcyon Dealer visit

www.fujitsugeneral.com

< Industry News

continued from page 15

The United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA), North America, and the Plumbing Trades Employees Union (PTEU), Australia, recently signed an affiliation agreement for joint skills training and employment initiatives in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The agreement is designed to assist in streamlining the building industry and decrease skilled worker shortages while putting forth efforts to battle climate change around the globe. www.ua.org United Association general president William Hite (l) shakes hands with Earl Setches, federal secretary for the Plumbing Trades Employees Union in Australia, after their organizations signed an affiliation agreement for joint skills and training initiatives in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

MCA Canada Lu’au bound The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada’s 71st annual national conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Maui, HI, from November 12-15, 2012. The conference, themed “3P’s to Success: Productivity, Profitability, Paradise,” will feature a keynote speech by explorer and anthropologist Dr. Jeff Salz, as well as a variety of educational sessions. In other MCA Canada news, Ariel Shortt joins the associa-

Powerflow Flushing Pump The Fernox Powerflow Flushing pump is a powerful acid-proof flushing pump. Making short work of cleaning boiler and radiator systems without their removal.

MKIII

It can also be used as a de-scaling pump for heat exchangers. Helping to overcome boiler noise and circulation problems. • Powerflush central heating systems to remove corrosion debris, sludge and scale • De-scale boilers • Overcome boiler noise and circulation problems • Clean a system with just ONE visit to site • Fully acid resistant • High temperature operation to enable faster cleaning

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HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

tion as events co-ordinator. Shortt's main responsibilities will be managing conferences and events for MCA Canada, the Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation (CMCEF) and Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada (MSCC). www.mcac.ca

New methodology for LEED Regional Priority Credits The LEED Canada 2009 rating systems has introduced Regional Priority Credits (RPCs), designed to act as an incentive for obtaining credits related to addressing geographically-specific environmental priorities. A series of six RPCs were published in August 2012 for each rating system and region across Canada. Projects can select RPCs lists of credits that have been deemed priorities in the region where the project is taking place. Any projects that were registered after August 31, 2012 must follow this approach. www.cagbc.ca

Health Canada Fireplace Advisory Health Canada has issued an advisory to consumers to stop using Majestic brand fireplaces that bear the trade names Insta-flame or Northern Flame (Models FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32). The relief dampers may not function properly causing excess gas to ignite and the glass to explode when lighting the fireplace. Since 2006 there have been six incidents involving these fireplaces reported to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority of Ontario (TSSA). In these cases, delayed ignition occurred expelling glass causing personal injury. The models bear a Canadian Gas Association (CGA) or CSA certification mark. Delayed ignition tests, per the CSA standard, were conducted on a sample fireplace by TSSA and CSA. During testing, the fireplace's relief dampers did not prevent the glass from blowing out. www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/ _2012/2012_142-eng.php www.tssa.org hpacmag.com

Photo United Association.

Unions join forces and skills

Noble Delivers. (Thanks, Vito.) More parts. More brand names. More branches. More service.

PLUMBING • HVAC • HYDRONICS • INDUSTRIAL • FIRE PROTECTION • BUILDING MAINTENANCE As a driver with Noble, Vito is always ready to go the extra mile. “I know that people are depending on me to get them the parts they need, when they need them. So, if that means sometimes I have to leave earlier or drive longer, I do it, that’s the job.” That’s the Noble Difference and you’ll find it in everything we do.

At Noble, we have a fleet of more than 150 trucks, we have more than 50 branches, we carry more than 70,000 SKUs and we’re committed to having more of the parts, equipment and products that our customers need as stock-on-hand. So, if you’re looking for more, try Noble.

You need it? We got it. www.noble.ca 1-800-529-9805 OR 905-760-6800 BARRIE BELLEVILLE BRAMPTON BROCKVILLE COQUITLAM CORNWALL GRAVENHURST GUELPH HAMILTON KINGSTON KITCHENER LANGLEY LAVAL LONDON LONGUEUIL MAPLE RIDGE MARKHAM MILTON MISSION MISSISSAUGA MONTRÉAL NEWMARKET OAKVILLE OSHAWA OTTAWA PETERBOROUGH SECHELT ST. CATHARINES TORONTO VANCOUVER WINDSOR

< building science

TrĂ¨s Bien for large scale radiant Enhance indoor environments with the least amount of energy using radiant cooling with dedicated outdoor air systems. By Robert Bean

ment is necessarily required by the HVAC system for microbial control over pathogens (bacteria, viruses) and allergens (molds and dust mites); and to promote respiratory and thermal comfort for occupants; and for the dimensional stability in hygroscopic materials like wood. When managed for these priorities, condensation on radiant cooling panels becomes a moot point. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying you do not need to monitor surface dew point temperatures and space humidity with radiant cooling systems. I am saying: get your design priorities in order and follow up with systems and controls that enhance the indoor climate for health of the environment and by association health of the occupants and for the dimensional stability of architectural materials. Do this and the condensation issue disappears. To illustrate examples of what I am talking about, I have selected three large commercial projects, which represent a plethora of other buildings around the world. All of these follow a common HVAC recipe for success; that being a hybrid radiant-based comfort system using dedicated outdoor air for deodorization, decontamination and dehumidification of ventilation air. These buildings represent seasonal climates ranging from cold/dry to hot/humid; cold/dry to hot/dry and warm/hot and humid; and serve as examples of radiant cooling in high rise office towers, low rise office buildings and large scale transportation centres. In this they also demonstrate the ability to handle the variable flow of human traffic typical of the proverbial 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. employee or the seasoned air traveler. What these diverse buildings in diverse climates initially have in common is an integrated design process with West side of Manitoba Hydro Place exhaustive planning around Indoor showing solar chimney on the left. environmental quality and energy. No

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hpacmag.co-

Photo Manitoba Hydro

have lost count of how many years I have been harassing industry and its various constituents to adopt radiant cooling for conditioning occupants and spaces. Even to this day naysayers argue against it spouting over condensation potentials. Few of these reluctant cynics ever consider that 100 per cent of all condensation problems in buildings conditioned exclusively with air did not have radiant cooling to blame so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stop blaming them for condensation problems. This in fact was the message in my 2012 ASHRAE San Antonio and ACCA Rhode Island presentations where I and my learned colleagues demonstrated that humidity manage-

Photo iStockphoto

building discipline was excluded and energy models and simulations were done early in the concept phases to develop best practices and strategies. Since energy conservation was of upmost importance in these examples, comfort systems are based upon high temperatures for cooling and low temperatures for heating, both of which enable maximum efficiency from cooling and heating plants. By low temp/ high temp we mean “tepid”...learn to forget the phrase, “hot water heating” or “chilled water cooling.” In the former we are talking radiating heating surfaces cooler than skin temperatures with fluids often cooler than blood temperature; and in the latter, cooling surface temperatures within 10F of space temperatures using fluid temperatures similar to tap water. As discussed in previous articles, the beauty of these buildings and their indoor climate systems is the separation between thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which models human physiology and reflects the individual ASHRAE standards addressing indoor environments. By removing the inherent conflicts with all air systems, each individual system of the hybrid actually enables the other to do its job without sacrificing performance for the other. So let me now briefly introduce the three buildings and encourage you to do your own detailed discovery of these amazing buildings and their HVAC systems. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Bangkok, Thailand), Manitoba Hydro

Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport

Table 1 Project

Manitoba Hydro Place

NREL - Research Support Facility

Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Location

Winnipeg, MB, Canada 64 568 m2 (695 000 ft2)

Denver, CO, USA 33 445m² (360 000 ft2)

Bangkok, Thailand 200 000m2 (2 152 782ft2)

-35°C (-31°F) to 35°C (95°F)

-20°C (-3°F) to 33°C (90°F)

25°C(77°F) to 36°C(99°F)

15°C (59°F)

26°C (79°F)

Floor Area Operating conditions (dry bulb) Operating conditions (summer wet bulb) Annual energy flux

20°C (67°F) 85.3 kWh/m²/year

110 kWh/m2/year 513 kWh/m2/year

Footprint and enclosure optimized for local conditions

yes

– yes

Dedicated outdoor air system

yes

Ventilation air precool/preheat

yes

–

Displacement ventilation

yes

Natural ventilation

yes

Window openings

yes each floor

Heat recovery

yes

Incorporate thermal mass into HVAC

yes

Radiant cooling

yes (ts=12°C)

yes

yes (ts=13°C,tr=19°C)

Radiant heating

yes, ts=24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F)

yes

Alternative energy

geothermal

woodchips

Primary energy

hydro electric

photovoltaics

Primary cooling plant

heat pumps

water cooled chillers

chillers

Peaking heating energy

yes, gas

Peaking heating plant

condensing boilers

Platinum

LEED

Energy reductions

60% lower than Model National Energy Code of Canada

50% better than 30% reduction over ASHRAE 90.1, 2004 100% air system Standard

Continued on page 20 hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

Continued from page 19

Place (Winnipeg, MB, Canada), and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Research Support Facility (Denver, CO, USA) are three large projects (see Table 1), which successfully handle variable loads in diverse climates using the systems above. Each in its own way handles the external environmental conditions and variable occupant’s loads with a combination of architecture, interior design, lighting and radiant based HVAC systems. In the case of the Bangkok project we find a hot humid climate at summer design conditions of approximately 36C dry bulb/26C wet bulb with an internal occupant load estimated at 12 025 people per hour. Next

An air intake structure outside the west wing of the NREL Research Support Facility – nicknamed “the football” – takes in chilly night air to cool the data center. Such air-intake structures are key to lowering energy costs in the new building.

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

in line is Manitoba Hydro Place with an approximate summer condition of 35C dry bulb/20C wet bulb and an internal daily occupant load estimated at 1650 people, followed by the NREL Research facility with a summer climate condition of approximately 33C dry bulb/15C wet bulb and an internal daily occupant load estimated at 850 people. Notice the similar summer dry bulb temperatures but vastly different webbulb temperatures. Let me put the occupant effect into perspective. The metabolic rate of a seated airport traveler or office worker might be 350 Btuh spiking to 1000 Btuh for someone walking briskly to catch a plane. Of this combined load, one third to two thirds can be a latent load of about 105 Btuh (seated) or 625 Btuh (walking) or two thirds to one third being a sensible load of which the radiant cooling is very effective at absorbing. The latent load due to ventilation, infiltration and occupant load is effectively managed by delivering 100 per cent outdoor air, cool and lean enough to absorb the anticipated space moisture to a minimum 1C to 2C (2F to 3F) wet bulb differential below the dew point of the cooling surface. There you have it. It is thumbs up for large scale radiant cooling and you now have projects to explore at your own pace. This hybrid design process is the subject of upcoming courses (see www.healthyheating.com) in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal so that you too can practice what skilled indoor climate engineers are doing here and abroad. Robert Bean, R.E.T., P.L.(Eng.), is a registered practitioner in building construction engineering technology (ASET) and a professional licensee in mechanical engineering (APEGGA). He has over 30 years experience in the construction industry specializing in energy and indoor environmental quality and is the author and lecturer for professional development programs addressing building science, thermal comfort quality, indoor air quality and radiant-based HVAC systems. www.healthyheating.com

Photo Dennis Schroeder/NREL

< building science

hpacmag.com

< plumbing

Shower Power

enjoy a good shower, as do most people. Whether it is after a long day filled with hard work or a short night filled with too little sleep and too much wine, there is nothing quite like a nice hot shower to rejuvenate and restore us to some semblance of humanity. It is one of those simple pleasures of life that separate us from the beasts. Believe me, take away the nice hot showers and most happy households will rapidly descend into chaos. I am convinced it was a camping trip with a bunch of teenagers and no hot showers that inspired William Golding to write “Lord of The Flies.” Besides the hot water, the other essential element to a satisfying shower is good water pressure, and lack of good pressure is one of the most common complaints we hear about. A typical residential plumbing system is designed to operate at between 40 and 70 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. In a municipally delivered system, water pressure is maintained through a series of pumping stations, elevated

Multi-spray heads and large rain flow heads are now the norm.

HPACP

By steve goldie

water reservoirs and water towers. It is pumps and/or gravity that provide the necessary pressure at a rate of 1 psi for every 28 inches of elevation (water column), resulting in just over 64 psi at the bottom of a 150-ft. water tower. Water pressure at any individual home or business is determined by its proximity to the pumping station and/or the water tower (or reservoir) serving it. For residences on private wells, water pressure is maintained via the well pump, usually in conjunction with a pre-charged pressure tank. When your customer is not getting enough water at the showerhead (or heads) the complaint is always, “we don't have enough pressure,” but is a lack of pressure always the culprit? The showerhead needs two things to perform effectively, it needs sufficient pressure and it needs sufficient flow to maintain that pressure. Although both problems result in the same symptom, the solution depends on properly identifying the cause, is it insufficient flow or insufficient pressure? Verifying the static pressure (pressure when all taps are turned off) is as simple as attaching a pressure gauge at any point in the system. Gauges that attach to a hose connection are perfectly suited to this application. Most well systems should have gauges already installed making verifying the pressure even simpler. If the static pressure is lower than 40 psi then the problem is indeed a low pressure problem. Booster pumps are available from many manufacturers in various sizes, and if a simple boost in pressure is all that is needed, your local wholesaler should be able to help find one that is right for your application. To size them properly you need to know what the required boost is, say from 35 psi to 60 psi, as well as how much flow is required in gallons per minute (gpm). In recent years we have seen variable hpacmag.com

Photo Kohler Canada

More water and less resistance are the keys to achieving good pressure.

If you have a shower system that requires six gpm and the water service or well is only providing four gpm, there is no pump in existence that can fix the problem by itself.

speed motors become increasingly available. These are also now available on pressure boost pumps, increasing efficiency and delivering very reliable results. If low pressure was always the culprit, the solution would always be the same; install a properly sized pump, adjust the pressure switch and everyone is singing in the shower. However, as I have already mentioned, 'pressure' problems are often actually a result of inadequate flow. Let's go back to our pressure gauge. When we check the pressure with all the taps turned off everything looks good. Now, have a look when one or two taps or fixtures are turned on. If the pressure drops dramatically, then the system piping is not able to allow sufficient flow to maintain adequate

pressure. The water service coming into the building may be undersized, or in an older building scale or corrosion may have built up, choking off the flow. The same may be true of the distribution piping within the building; it may be undersized or obstructed. Providing the correct solution requires identifying where the deficiencies are located. Upgrading the incoming water service may be the best or most obvious solution. This likely requires trenching or torpedoing a new line in from the municipal service. If this option is not possible or desired, a pressure pump system can be installed. These are very similar to those installed on private well systems, with a reservoir tank taking the place of the Continued on page 24

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< plumbing

Continued from page 23

well (or lake). Private well and pump systems include: a well (the water source), piping from the well to the building, a water pump, and a water pressure tank to which building water supply plumbing is connected. When water is turned on at a fixture in the building, compressed air in the water pressure tank pushes water out into the building's water supply piping and to its plumbing fixtures. The reservoir tank is not the same thing as the pressure tank, the pump cannot pull water through the service any faster than the service can already provide. The reservoir tank provides a ready supply of water for the pump to pull from, enabling the requisite boost in pressure and flow. Too many times I have seen where a homeowner has paid good money for a pressure pump system only to have the same problem that existed before the system was installed. The reason; no reservoir tank was installed. The key factor is providing enough flow to sustain the required pressure at the fixture. If you have a shower system that requires six gpm and the water service or well is only providing four gpm, there is no pump in existence that can fix the problem by itself. I know that many contractors do great work and properly size their systems. Shower systems today are very different from those of just a few years ago, multi-spray heads and large rain flow heads seem to be the norm rather than the exception. Dealing with pressure and flow problems in an older house is understandable, but having to live with it in

a brand new home is never acceptable. Main supply lines and risers, both hot and cold should be 3/4" minimum, with 1/2" lines only used as feeders to individual fixtures. Home run systems are more popular than ever and offer very good results. A 3/4" pipe has almost 50 per cent more circumference and nearly 132 per cent greater cross-sectional area than a 1/2" pipe. This means much more water, less resistance and therefore, much more pressure and flow at the fixtures The difference in cost between doing it right or not is but a proverbial drop in a bucket, and no homeowner should hesitate to pay if they understand the benefits. It is a small price to pay for the ability to shower unencumbered without worry about who is flushing what. Properly designed, installed and maintained plumbing systems are essential to our domestic happiness and comfort. Who knew the humble plumber was responsible for keeping our civilization civilized? I think I am on to something here, it might just be a good hot shower is all that is keeping us from sliding into another dark and medieval age. Steve Goldie worked as a plumbing and heating contractor prior to joining Noble as manager of the heating department. In his current position Goldie focuses on product specification and system design solutions. He can be reached at sgoldie@noble.ca.

Fits all of your spaces.

www.contrac.ca 24

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

hpacmag.com

< HVAC

My Pretty Good House Air source heat pumps are still a good choice for residential applications. BY IAN MCTEER

will be retiring in a few more years; I want to build a small retirement home on a property I own in northern Ontario just east of Algonquin Park. It gets very cold there in the winter so I fully expect to be constructing a small building (under 1000 sq. ft.) that is between the prescriptive requirements of the latest Ontario Building Code (OBC – SB12) and near net zero. Cost is a concern and the site is too far off the natural gas pipeline, so my choices are limited. A residential house design concept called: the Pretty Good House (PGH), which was developed in the state of Maine, will achieve reasonable energy conservation goals all around (better than code). It is also affordable for the average person to build. PGH design incorporates the latest technology to ensure the building envelope, its mechanical systems and water management systems are integrated properly. PGH's building envelop utilizes a suitable SB12 package of insulation and air sealing levels. The design focuses on reduced thermal bridging and a blower door test will confirm the air barrier is not full of holes. My PGH will be a bungalow over a full basement using a forced air heating system in concert with mechanical ventilation. The design must not have any atmospheric combustion, so a sealed combustion gas furnace using LP fuel might be a good choice for me. But, I have decided to use an all-electric heat pump system for several reasons, one of which is affordability. u The ideal heat pump will be a two-stage communicating system that can deliver at least 7500 Btuh at 0F (Region V). u I have predicted a balance point (BP) of 17F based on a heat loss of 15K Btuh at design. I will use 5Kw of electric heat for back-up on below BP days. I contemplated a tank less water heater using a hydronic coil in the duct for Balance point for typical air source heat pump

Net Building Heat Loss (KW)

Outdoor Design Temperature (-26°C or -15°F) 8

Balance Point

6 4

Supplementary Heat Net Building Heat Loss

2 0 -18 (0)

| 26

Heat Pump Capacity

-7 (20)

4 16 (40) (60) Outdoor Temperature

HPAC | september/october 2012

27 °C (80) °F

backup heat (after all, I will require domestic hot water) but I rejected that approach because of the extra cost associ ated with the necessary components. I intend to use a water heater for domestic 10 gallon point of use electric ily hot water. u Assuming my BP calculation is correct and that Mother Nature co-operates by keeping the average number of hours below balance point in my area to a minimum, then I foresee the backup electric space heating costs coming in at less than $140 per year based on $0.15 per KwH average. u I believe it will cost about $476 to run the heat pump for six months. The cooling side of the heat pump will likely run on first stage for most of the summer. Things may change a bit before my retirement. I will hold to my belief that a finely honed building envelope is the key to having a miserly, yet very comfortable HVAC system. Having settled my situation, in my mind at least, let’s take a look at the practicality of residential air source unitary heat pumps for the average homeowner.

Unitary Split System Heat Pumps Several iterations of split system heat pump designs have been used in the province of Ontario and elsewhere in Canada over the years. Westinghouse (now defunct) had a Hi-Rely system featuring only one expansion device and Carrier, York, and General Electric (now Trane) also produced viable products. Today, these companies incorporate many hard-learned lessons into high efficiency designs. Because the outdoor coil will be operating below 32F during the heating season, moisture in the outdoor air will freeze onto the outdoor coil; thus, blocking airflow and reducing heating efficiency. Heat pumps incorporate a reversing (or switchover) valve to direct hot gas from the compressor to the outdoor coil in the cooling season and then to the indoor coil in the heating season. All heat pumps must have a control system that will recognize the coil is frosting and be capable of taking corrective action to de-ice the coil.

The Secret Life of Air Source Heat Pumps When operating in a cold climate, an air source heat pump has an Achilles heel: the defrost cycle. As the outdoor coil ices, the defrost control forces the reversing valve to direct Continued on page 30 hpacmag.com

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< HVAC

Continued from page 26

hot gas into the outdoor coil thus causing the accumulated ice to melt away. During defrost the indoor back-up heat source is enabled to temper the air being delivered to the space. Defrosting the outdoor coil is inherently inefficient: the heat pump is actually recovering heat it spent hours putting into the house to now defrost the outdoor coil. Heat pump manufacturers spent years tweaking the defrost control so that it triggers defrost cycles only when necessary. The control will examine several different parameters, such as the temperature difference between the ambient air temperature sensor and the outdoor coil temperature sensor. Typically, the defrost control will only allow defrost under certain conditions, for example: 1. The actual outdoor air temperature is below a specific value; 2. The compressor has been running for a specific amount of time; and 3. Increasing delta T is occurring between the ambient air temperature sensor and the outdoor coil sensor. A microcomputer logic process memorizes and constantly compares most recent defrost performance to conditions from prior defrost cycles, allowing subsequent cycles to be optimized thus improving overall system performance. Depending on the prevailing outdoor air temperature, the defrost board could limit a defrost cycle to under six minutes.

NOTES

Wind shields are required to block prevailing winds across the outdoor coil. Shielding of the outdoor unit can be accomplished by building design or by appropriately placed shrubbery or by a siteconstructed wind shield. Contractors should also consult the Canadian Electrical Code for minimum spacing requirements; 12" is adequate for airflow but the electrical code will require greater clearances depending on the type of material used. 30

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

If the outdoor coil sensor does not detect the coil has warmed adequately, the control will record a fault condition. It may allow several more defrost cycles to occur under the normal parameters. If the coil cannot achieve the design termination temperature in subsequent attempts, the control will revert to a timed cycle and inform the customer by way of an error message or by turning on a red light in the thermostat. Thus, the efficacy of outdoor coil defrosting and the access to unrestricted outdoor air can create a dilemma for the contractor and homeowner when the time comes to determine a suitable outdoor unit location. I have seen the outdoor unit installed in the least appropriate place too many times.

Secrets of Heat Pump Installation Because a heat pump is so much more than just a cooling unit, and because a heat pump requires optimal conditions to create an ideal defrost environment, it requires extra special attention to detail from everyone involved: • The outdoor unit must have unrestricted access to outdoor air. Manufacturer’s instructions for site location, distance to walls/fences/obstructions, and minimum separation for multiple unit installations must be observed. • The outdoor unit must be out of the prevailing wind, otherwise defrost cycles may be extended or fail completely. • Trees or shrubs can be used to shield the unit, if none are planned a decorative shield should be constructed or the building design might incorporate a shielded spot for the outdoor unit (see Notes). • Installers must follow all industry-accepted practices including deep vacuum evacuation. Residual moisture is undesirable in any refrigeration system but improperly dehydrated heat pump systems will experience outdoor TXV blockage in the wintertime leading to potential compressor failure. • It is best to install a heat pump during the summer months when a proper evacuation can be done. • The outdoor unit must not be located in any place where water can drip from above or snow accumulation on a roof can slide off and bury the unit. • As a result of the defrost cycle, ice will build up underneath the outdoor unit. It must be high enough above the ground (12" minimum) so that a stalagmite of ice cannot “grow” into the cabinet and crush the outdoor coil tubing. • The homeowner must be given detailed instructions about how to use and maintain the system. • A premium air filter MERV11 or better should be used with a heat pump air handler. <> Ian McTeer is a field service representative with extensive experience in residential applications. hpacmag.com

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< hydronics

Onward & Downward The future of hydronics is all about low water temperatures.

ther than the fact that they are all heat sources, what characteristic do mod/con boilers, solar collectors, and hydronic heat pumps have in common? Answer: They all perform best when coupled to distribution systems that operate at low supply water temperatures. Here is the proof. Figure 1 shows how the thermal efficiency of a typical mod/con boiler varies as a function of its inlet water temperature. Although such boilers can operate at elevated supply water temperatures, (even up around 200F), doing so limits their thermal efficiency to only one or two per cent higher than a conventional boiler operating under the same conditions. However, when the inlet water temperature drops below the dewpoint temperature of the exhaust gases (usually around 130F) thermal efficiency increases rapidly. With inlet temperatures under 100F, most mod/con boilers can deliver efficiencies in the mid to upper 90s. Figure 2 shows how the coefficient of performance (COP) of a water-to-water heat pump is affected by its “entering load water temperature” (ELWT); the latter being the temperature of the water returning to the heat pump from the distribution system. When supplied with source water at say, 45F (a typical mid-winter fluid temperature from an earth loop), and an ELWT of 100F, the COP of the heat pump represented Figure 1 Thermal efficiency variance

thermal efﬁciency (decimal %)

Boiler efficiency (%)

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.7

Figure 2 Impact of ELWT on water to water heat pump COP

0.8

by this graph is about 4.7 – a very respectable number. However, if the distribution system forces the ELWT up to say 115F, the COP drops to about 3.7. That is a 21 per cent decline in thermal efficiency when operating at a load water temperature of only 15F higher. Figure 3 shows how the instantaneous thermal efficiency of a flat plate solar collector is affected by inlet fluid temperature. Assuming that the ambient air temperature and solar radiation intensity remain constant at the indicated values,

Figure 3 Impact of inlet fluid temp on flat plate solar collector

100

BY John Siegenthaler

0.3

dewpoint shown! at 130 ºF

condensing! range

0.2

non-condensing! range

40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 Boiler inlet temperature (ºF)

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

ambient air temp. = 30ºF! solar radiation = 250 Btu/hr/ft2)

0.1 0

100 120 140 160 180 200 inlet ﬂuid temperature (ºF) hpacmag.com

JAGA North Am

erica

EMITTER EVOLUTION There are some companies that sense opportunity as North America begins to grasp the necessity of low temperature hpacmag.com

Figure 4

hydronics. For example, take a look at the fin-tube baseboard product in Figure 4. It is a product made in the U.K. that is now available in both the U.S. and Canada. Assuming an average water temperature of 110F, this high performance baseboard releases about 290 Btuh/ft when the two pipes are configured for parallel flow, and the total flow rate through the element is one gpm (0.5 gpm through each tube). This increases to about 345 Btuh/ft with a total flow rate of four gpm (or two gpm per tube). Both ratings include the 15 per cent heating effect factor that is often added to the tested thermal performance of baseboard. Typical residential fin-tube would need an average water temperature of about 152F (at four gpm flow rate) to yield the same output. Although it has twice the water volume of standard fin-tube (two tubes versus one), the therFigure 5 mal mass is still relatively low compared to other heat emitter options. This is important for fast thermal response in low energy buildings with significant internal heat gains. This product finally acknowledges what is quickly becoming a “progress or perish” situation for traditional fintube baseboard. It moves fin-tube baseboard beyond a commodity that trades heat source efficiency for low price, into a contender within the arena of future hydronic systems. Figure 5 shows another contender that combines a deep, multiple tube fin-tube element with a sturdy enclosure. Although its heat output at 100F average water temperature is about 24 per cent of the output at 160F water temperature, the optional rack of “microfans” seen in Figure 5 can boost low temperature heat output by as much as 250 per cent. These low voltage fans draw about 1.5 watts each at full speed. continued on page 34 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

Smith’s Environmental Products

which represent a sunny mid-winter day in a Northern U.S. climate, the thermal efficiency of the collector drops rapidly with increasing inlet fluid temperature. Hydronic heat emitters determine the system’s operating temperature. The water temperature in any hydronic system only climbs high enough for that system to achieve thermal equilibrium – where the rate of heat dissipation from the heat emitters exactly balances the rate of heat input from the heat source. Once this condition is achieved, there is no need for the water temperature to climb higher. As designers, we all want to maximize the thermal efficiency of the hydronic systems we design. Doing so means moving away from high water temperatures by specifying heat emitters with larger active surfaces, or other details that increase both convective and radiant heat transfer. This allows thermal equilibrium to occur at relatively low water temperatures, both at design load and partial load conditions. This trend is not new. It has been taking place on a worldwide basis for over two decades. Those who work with hydronics in Europe accept this as common practice. North America is perhaps the last place where some new hydronic systems are still designed around higher water temperatures. This is the case because most North American systems are designed around price. Standard fin-tube baseboard is arguably the best example. Originally designed as an alternative to cast-iron radiators, most fin-tube baseboard has not changed much over the last several decades. When fin-tube baseboard first entered the market, fuel was cheap and nearly all boilers operated at water temperatures of 180F or higher. You could even find heat output ratings for residential fintube baseboard at water temperatures as high as 230F. The economics is simple: the higher the water temperature, the greater the heat output. The greater the heat output, the shorter the required fin-tube length. The shorter the length, the lower the installed cost. Please do not think that I am wagging my finger at our industry saying, “that’s a pretty stupid thing to do.” It made sense when fuel was relatively cheap. Even now, standard fin-tube baseboard would probably regain market share against more contemporary and higher cost alternatives if fuel prices reverted to where they were in the 50s and 60s. That is not going to happen, so the industry needs to move on.

< hydronics

continued from page 33

back into the tank. A captive air volume at the top of the tank, under slight positive pressure, provides both drainback space and an expansion volume for the system. Low temp fin-tube baseboard On sunny days, the collectors may keep the tank well above the required temperature for either space heating or domestic hot water. Both situations are addressed through the use of mixing devices. When there is a draw for domestic hot water, a flow wireless thermostat switch, set for 0.5 gpm, turns on a low power variable valve y rra speed circulator that moves hot water from the top of the a ¾" copper to r cto ½" PEX-AL-PEX lo le storage tank, through the primary side of a stainless adapter c lar o s steel brazed plate heat exchanger. Cold domestic water air return tube air pressure adjustment valve flows through the other side of this heat exchanger and air balance tube expansion volume sight glass is instantly heated. The speed of this circulator is con½" PEX or (drainback volume) PEX-AL-PEX tubing motorized stainless steel trolled based on the temperature of the leaving domes3-way mixing DHW heat exchanger to other zones valve tic hot water. If the leaving water temperature drops, the temperature sensor domestic water circulator speeds up to increase flow of hot water through flow switch ECM-based the primary side of the heat exchanger and vice versa. pressure variable speed regulated setpoint circulator A single ECM-based pressure regulated circulator circulator mod/con copper manifolds variable provides flow to a homerun distribution system for purging burner/HX speed valve drainback space heating. Each length of baseboard is supplied by circulator its own ½" PEX or PEX-AL-PEX supply and return tube. With good piping design, this circulator could supply the very well insulated tank entire distribution system under design load conditions using no more than 40 watts of electrical power. Each baseboard also has an adjustable thermostatic radiator valve that monitors room temperature, and adjusts DESIRABLE DISTRIBUTION flow rate as needed to maintain that temperature. No wires, Now that we have looked at both low temperature heat batteries, transformers or programming – just simple, effecsources, and low temperature heat emitters, the next logical tive and reliable room-by-room temperature control. question is: How do I pipe these together? Figure 6 shows The three-way motorized mixing valve operates using outone possibility. door reset control to provide the optimum supply water temThe anchor component in this system is a well-insulated perature to the baseboards. heating appliance that offers several features including: • A modulating gas burner and internal condensing heat exchanger. THEN & NOW • Plenty of thermal mass (water) to stabilize burner operaLow supply water temperatures used to be more about gettion, even with extensive zoning. ting conventional boilers to “play nice” with radiant floor • A drainback protected solar thermal subsystem that can conheating systems. Now, it is the cost of fuel and related need tribute to both domestic water heating and space heating. for high efficiency that is driving the trend toward lower water • An instantaneous DHW generating subsystem using a temperatures. New heat emitters, as well as classic low temstainless steel heat exchanger. perature radiant panels, are the enabling technology. I urge • A self-contained captive air volume that serves as both an everyone in the North American hydronics industry to emexpansion tank and drainback reservoir. brace low temperature hydronics and tool up to deliver soluThe solar thermal subsystem adds heat to the lower portion tions that ensure its implementation. <> of the storage tank whenever possible. It uses drainback freeze protection. When the collectors are a few degrees John Siegenthaler, P.E. is the author of Modern warmer than the tank, the collector circulator operates to creHydronic Heating (the third edition of this book is ate flow through the collector array. When the collector temnow available). For reference information and perature drops close to the tank temperature, this circulator software to assist in hydronic system design visit turns off and all water in the collectors and external piping flow www.hydronicpros.com. Figure 6 System piping

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

hpacmag.com

Introducing the Vitocrossal 200, CM2: a brand new face with familiar features w Ne

†Tested to AHRI Testing Standard Method to Determine Efficiency of Commercial Space pace Heating Boilers, BTS - 2000. Technical information subject to change without notice. Product not exactly ctly as illustrated.

Meet the Vitocrossal 200, CM2 gas-fired condensing boiler – featuring the Viessmann technology you know and the performance and value you expect. Thermal efﬁciency of 97%† Ideal for large residential or commercial applications with inputs up to 1112 MBH (single)/4448 MBH (cascade) Generous heat transfer surface area/heat input ratio with 316Ti stainless steel heat exchanger to maximize heat extraction Extremely low NOx emissions and quiet operation from fully-modulating Viessmann pre-mix cylinder burner Wide modulation range of 5:1 turndown ratio precisely matches load Multiple venting possibilities with pre-installed air intake kit for direct or chimney venting (PP or stainless steel) up to 200 ft. Gas fuel flexibility (NG/LPG/LNG) with simple electronic conversion Low inlet gas pressure requirement (NG) as low as 4 inches of water column Large water content extends burner run time and reduces cycling No dedicated boiler pump required due to extremely low pressure drop through heat exchanger - no low-loss header required in single-boiler installations Seamless integration of powerful Viessmann control technology and building management systems Suitable for high altitude operation up to 10,000 ft.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< Plumbing

A Before And After Look At Water Heating Research project looks at the relative performance of storage and tankless water heaters.

omestic hot water energy consumption represents the second largest energy end-use point in houses after space heating. Though the heat-on-demand, no standby energy loss features of tankless water heaters can be expected to reduce hot water-related energy consumption, little data is available about the actual energy savings of tankless water heaters compared to conventional hot water tanks. Notwithstanding the energy-efficient features of tankless heaters, there are certain operational aspects of such systems that may affect their overall performance. For instance, when a hot water tap is opened, a clothes washer is activated or a dishwasher is started, tankless water heaters may allow water to flow through them for some short period of time before they start heating water. Once started, it may also take the heating unit some finite time to become fully operational. This can result in a delay of hot water arriving at the tap, and may also result in a waste of water as the user waits for the hot water to arrive. Additionally, the capacity of tankless water heaters to provide "endless" hot water for showers may lead some users to consume more hot water than they otherwise would (or could) with storage-type water heaters. To better understand the relative performance of storage and tankless water heaters, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) initiated a research project in collaboration with Enbridge Gas to answer the following questions: 1. Do gas-fired tankless water heaters result in less gas being used for water heating than their storage tank alternatives? If so, how much? 2. Is there a difference in the amount of water used by a family with a new tankless water heater, compared to the family's old usage with the storage-type heaters? If so, how much? 3. Are there any other notable differences in how occupants perceive the performance of tankless and storage-type water heaters?

Methodology The overall approach for the research involved the characterization of water heating energy use and hot water consump36

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

tion in houses, before and after the conversion of the water heating system from storage-type water heaters to tankless water heaters. Thirty-one houses, in various cities across Ontario, were initially identified as candidate test houses, given the intentions of the homeowners to convert from storage-type to tankless heaters. Twentythree houses continued through the full length of the project. The number of occuTankless water heater installed at pants in the houses ranged a test house. from one to five, with an average of 3.5 people per household. The pre-retrofit storage-type heaters ranged in age from two years to over 25 years with an average age of 10.2 years. Just over 70 per cent of the storage tanks were rentals. Hot water use was measured with water meters installed on the inlets to the water heaters and natural gas meters were installed to measure the natural gas consumed by the water heaters. After a three-month monitoring period, the storage type heaters were removed and replaced with tankless water heaters and monitoring then continued for another three months. Hourly gas and hot water use data, pre- and post-installation of the tankless units, were then analyzed. The gas consumption data were adjusted to remove the impact of typical changes in water heater energy consumption due to changes in the water temperature delivered from the water mains. This was accomplished by normalizing the gas consumption for each day to an August reference using monthly seasonality factors that have been developed by Enbridge. The monthly seasonality factors were applied to each day's gas consumption, corresponding to the month in which each day fell. Water consumption data were not adjusted. Surveys were conducted to gauge homeowner impressions of the performance of their new tankless water heaters; and hpacmag.com

to determine if there had been any changes in the households during the study period that would have impacted hot water consumption during the pre- and post-retrofit monitoring periods. Based on the results, two houses were removed from the study and two other houses had specific time periods removed from the analysis that corresponded to homeowner absences. Individual days that showed less than four litres of hot water usage during the pre- and post-installation periods were removed from the data set that was used for analysis. Note that the methodology did not consider the impact that the hot water heaters may have had on space heating and cooling energy consumption. Therefore, overall household natural gas savings resulting from a conversion from storage-type to tankless water heaters may not be as large as the natural gas savings reported in this study. Figure 1 Post-and pre-retrofit natural gas and hot water consumption

in the storage-type water heaters installed in the homes, no conclusions can be drawn concerning the performance of the condensing and non-condensing tankless heaters. One reason the homes with the non-condensing tankless heaters achieved greater natural gas savings is that the four houses that had these systems installed saw their usage of hot water (see the detailed table in the original Research Highlight*) decrease by an average of 13 per cent, compared to an average increase of five per cent for the houses with the condensing units. Considering all of the sites, there was an average increase in hot water use of two per cent after the installation of the tankless water heaters. There was a large fluctuation in the pre- and post-installation hot water usage from house to house that was influenced by how tankless water heaters heat and deliver hot water and changes in occupant usage. The availability of an endless supply of hot water might explain the 51-per cent and 62-per cent increases in hot water use seen in two of the sites. Fourteen of the 25 survey respondents expressed that the "endless" hot water was something they liked about the tankless system, while 10 respondents indicated that they enjoyed the energy savings. Fourteen of the 25 survey respondents expressed a dislike for the increase in the time it took to get hot water to the tap with the tankless heaters. The average increase in the time delay to get hot water at the tap was reported in the occupant survey to be around 20 seconds. Three of the respondents (one owner, two renters) commented that they disliked the high cost of the units.

Results

Implications for the Housing Industry

The daily water and gas consumption (normalized to August) data for each site were tabulated and compared for the "before" and "after" installation periods. To investigate how the rated efficiency level of the new water heaters might influence the results, the data were separated into two categories, representing the non-condensing and condensing tankless water heaters. Non-condensing water heaters were installed in four homes, while condensing water heaters were installed in the remainder (19). The results of the analysis of the energy and water consumption pre- and post-retrofit are shown in Figure 1. More detailed information for each house, including the average daily normalized gas consumption of the water heater at each site before and after the retrofits, is available in the original Research Highlight.* An analysis of the extent of the changes is also provided. Overall, there was, on average, a 46-per cent reduction in natural gas used for water heating after the installation of the tankless water heaters. Even though the condensing tankless units are designed to be more energy efficient, on average, the non-condensing tankless heaters saw the greatest energy savings. However, given the small sample size and the differences

Based on the results of the study, replacing the existing natural gas-fired, storage-type water heaters with gas-fired tankless water heaters can result in significant natural gas savings for water heating. On average, 0.63 m3/day or 230 m3/year of natural gas was saved. At $0.30/m3, this translates to an average savings of $69 per year. It may also be concluded that, based on the study results, the installation of tankless water heaters may lead to an increase in hot water usage, though the extent of any such increase would be highly dependent on individual occupants. The availability of tankless hot water heaters provides builders, renovators and consumers with a water heater option that can save energy and associated costs, reduce space needs, and provide "endless" hot water. Careful design and installation of tankless water heating systems may help overcome issues related to hot water delivery time.

hpacmag.com

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Monitoring Performance of Retrofitting from Tank to Tankless Water Heaters â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Research Highlights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Technical Series 11-101, 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the consent of CMHC. All other uses and reproductions of this material are expressly prohibited. *www.cmhc.ca/odpub/pdf/67548.pdf SEPTEMBER/october 2012 | HPAC

< IAQ

Lessons To Be Learned BY LILY MAK

hen it comes to excelling in the classroom, it turns out the air students are breathing is just as important as the lessons they are learning. According to Environment Canada, Canadians spend approximately 90 per cent of their time indoors. With children being especially susceptible to the effects of poor IAQ, improving air quality in schools is an important step toward improving public health. It can help reduce absenteeism caused by illness, improve concentration, student productivity and performance, and decrease IAQ-related health risks.

will improve comfort and reduce the spread of allergens. While high-efficiency filters can handle some of the load, a dehumidification system is necessary to help prevent the growth of mould and bacteria. Installing a high-efficiency HVAC system can also assist with temperature control.

REDUCE CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS

KEEP CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS IN CHECK

U.S. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants show indoor air may be two to five times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels, potentially causing health problems. In schools, respiratory effects have been associated with excessive use of chemical pollutants, such as formaldehyde, pesticides and cleaning compounds. Improving indoor contaminant levels with high-efficiency filters and germicidal lights, as well as using lower emission cleaning supplies, can help reverse the adverse effects of pollutants in the air. These products help control three classes of air contaminants, including particles (e.g. pollen, dust mites, dirt and pet dander), bioaerosols (e.g. bacteria, viruses, mold spores and fungi) and odours/chemical vapours (e.g. chlorine, cleaning supplies and paint). Reduced levels of these chemical irritants can result in a dramatic decrease in absenteeism due to chronic respiratory illnesses.

Increased indoor pollutant concentrations and lower ventilation rates have been proven to result in a significant reduction in students’ mental performance. Additionally, a lack of adequate fresh air in the classroom can make students drowsy and uncomfortable. But studies show that reducing concentrations of carbon dioxide, combined with higher ventilation rates, can reverse these unfavourable effects. Demand control ventilation systems exchange and dilute contaminated indoor air with fresher, cleaner outdoor air and are suited to schools. Sensors introduce fresh air into a building based on carbon dioxide levels. Not only does this help improve IAQ, but it can also lower energy usage and costs to schools.

BALANCE HUMIDITY LEVELS Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can also have a direct impact on comfort and the ability to concentrate. Moderate changes in room temperature can affect the students' ability to concentrate on mental tasks. High humidity levels can make the air feel sticky and provide a breeding ground for mould, mildew, dust mites and bacteria. High relative air humidity has also been linked to asthma prevalence in schools. Humidity control in schools has become increasingly problematic, as today’s building designs require more outdoor air ventilation that in turn, brings more moisture into the air. Keeping relative humidity levels between 50 and 60 per cent 38

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

NOTE Note: Try a dehumidification system that removes moisture based on humidity levels – not temperature.

DO AWAY WITH MOULD AND DANDER Nearly one school-aged child in 13 suffers from asthma, the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic disease. Schools can decrease children’s exposure to common asthma triggers, such as animal dander (from class pets or science projects), cockroaches, mould and dust mites (found in carpeting, upholstered furniture, pillows and stuffed toys) by implementing better IAQ control. High-efficiency air filters and germicidal lights help to lower levels of dust, mould and dander in the air. <> Lily Mak is a senior product manager, commercial splits, heating, IAQ with Lennox Industries. Sources: Health Canada, “Action Kit for Canadian Schools,” http://www.hc-sc. gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/in/school-ecole/index-eng.php Contracting Business, “Increase Your Ability to Control Humidity”, June 2011 AHRI Trends magazine, “Dehumidification in Commercial Buildings”, Spring 2011 hpacmag.com

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< refrigeration

Think Ahead To Get Ahead

Serving your customers well means analyzing the refrigerant and equipment at individual sites and planning wisely. BY dave demma

ithout getting into the nitty-gritty details of the allocation reduction and the corresponding reasons for it, there is a lot less R-22 available for sale in 2012 versus 2011. Everyone who has taken an economics course knows the basic principle of supply and demand. Specifically, as it relates to the current R-22 situation, the supply has been significantly reduced, the demand has been marginally reduced, and therefore the price has increased…a lot. And it will continue to increase as the allocation reduces every year until the phase out of new R-22 production in 2020. It also stands to reason that as the production levels of R-22 decrease, driving the price upwards, that the relatively inexpensive R-22 from countries, which have not restricted its production will be attractive to those individuals who will seek profit without regard to obeying the law. Smuggling refrigerant is not new. When CFC production was decreased, driving the price upwards, it created a similar situation where those with disregard for the law saw smuggling foreign made R-12 into the U.S. as an opportunity to make money. With China manufacturing approximately 50 per cent of the world’s supply of R-22, there is substantial opportunity for profit-driven illegal activity for those that are tempted. How does this smuggled refrigerant impact the governmental efforts of attempting to “encourage” consumers to move away from R-22? That is hard to say. There are some that blame part of the continuing demand for R-22 on the fact that dry charged R-22 equipment continues to be available as an option to replacing entire systems with equipment using more environmentally-friendly refrigerants. The problem with this entire scenario is that the consumer

always foots the bill for the good intentions of lawmakers. The fact is that the global economy is beyond stagnant, and there are many who are struggling financially. Many individuals are either unemployed or under employed. Try telling a homeowner who is barely making ends meet, who suffers a compressor failure on a seven-year-old condensing unit, that he needs to fork over the money to replace his entire system because the government has made the decision that he can no longer purchase new equipment with R-22. For these situations there is a definite place for dry charged units. In some instances it is the only viable alternative for a struggling homeowner or business owner. And some of the newer dry charged units are equipped with POE oil, so they can be used with lower GWP refrigerants such as R-407C. Now, given that the price of R-22 will continue to escalate, what do we do about it? A Nothing. This is known as the ostrich approach, or “head in the sand.” It is not a proactive solution and certainly not doing the best by your customer. B A planned approach of retrofitting to an R-22 alternative as equipment upgrades/remodels are undertaken, or when compressor failures occur. C A well planned analytical approach, where the customer’s equipment type and size, expected annual leak rate along with expected annual price of replacement refrigerant are considered in an attempt to determine if there is an economically viable reason to convert from R-22 to some alternative. After this analysis it may be determined that there may never be an economic reason to convert the system. D Plan to replace R-22 equipment with new equipment using an alternative to R-22. This would occur once the reasonContinued on page 42

Figure 1 – Analysis of Annual Refrigerant Leakage System Type Total Charge Annual Leak Rate 7.5 Ton Commercial A/C 100 Ton Chiller

15 lbs

20%

Lbs of Refrigerant Leaked 3 lbs

Annual Refrigerant Expense ($20/lb)

Case Made?

$60 No

120 lbs

20%

24 lbs

$480 Maybe

Supermarket Rack

1 500 lbs

20%

300 lbs

$6 000 Likely

Ice Rink Chiller

5 000 lbs

20%

1 000 lbs

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

$20 000 Yes hpacmag.com

Continued from page 40

able life expectancy of the equipment has been reached, or in the case of a catastrophic failure of the equipment. Looking at the scenarios above, B and C could likely be combined into a singular plan encompassing several options. First, does the size of the system warrant consideration for a refrigerant retrofit? Figure 1 shows a sample analysis. Second, is this an application where future equipment remodel/upgrades would facilitate an opportunity for a refrigerant conversion? For example, is it a supermarket that plans to undergo a remodel where the display cases will be replaced? If so, this would be a good time to consider converting the system to a new alternative refrigerant. For a supermarket chain, an added benefit of a timely refrigerant conversion is that it allows the R-22 recovered during the conversion to be used to supply the needs of the other remaining R-22 stores. Third, if annual maintenance is being performed on equipment that uses semi-hermetic or open drive compressors, replacing the mineral oil with POE oil will position the system for a simpler conversion when the time is right. Once the decision has been made to perform a refrigerant conversion, the next logical step would be to determine which refrigerant to convert to. Since there are no “drop in” replacements for R-22, there are several criteria which should be considered before making a decision: 1 The thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant, which will determine the equipment capacity with the new refrigerant as compared to the capacity with R-22. 2 System efficiency with the new refrigerant, which will have an effect on the power consumption. 3 Environmental concerns. There is no getting around the fact that many businesses are concerned about their “carbon footprint.” As such, low GWP refrigerants are favoured to achieve this. It would be prudent to factor in the system efficiency with the new refrigerant along with the refrigerant’s GWP when considering carbon footprint. There is no sense in using a low GWP refrigerant if the system experiences a 15 per cent reduction in efficiency with the new refrigerant. 4 Ease of conversion. Will the new refrigerant require system components such as thermostatic expansion valves or refrigerant distributor nozzles to be replaced/upsized? If so, this leads to a more expensive project and a longer down time. Will any of the piping runs need to be upsized? If there is a substantial reduction in capacity with the new refrigerant, will additional compressor capacity be required? 5 The price and availability of the replacement refrigerant. If the system is converted to a refrigerant that is no longer under patent, you can expect its price/lb to be lower than a refrigerant that is under patent. Additionally, refrigerants 42

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Consider whether future upgrades would provide an opportunity for refrigerant conversions.

that are no longer under patent will be more readily available, since all refrigerant companies will be able to supply them through their distribution networks. 6 Regardless of the refrigerant used in the conversion, plans must be made to replace all of the elastomer seals in the system. Laboratory tests have shown that elastomers will absorb some amounts of refrigerant and oil, resulting in a percentage swelling of the seal. The amount of swelling will depend on the type of refrigerant and oil. Existing seals, which have swelled resultant to exposure to R-22 and mineral oil, have taken a set in the joint they are providing a seal for. In addition, they have had fairly constant pressure exerted against them for some years and will not provide an adequate seal once the refrigerant and oil have been replaced in the system. There is certainly a lot to consider and the big unknown is where the price of R-22 will be in a year, two years, five years. The time to prepare is now. <> Dave Demma holds a degree in refrigeration engineering and worked as a journeyman refrigeration technician before moving into the manufacturing sector where he regularly trains contractor and engineering groups. He can be reached at ddemma@uri.com. hpacmag.com

Photo Istockphoto

< refrigeration

heating PRODUCts Luxaire’s Acclimate packaged two- to five- ton dual fuel heat pump is offered in two, 2.5, three, 3.5, four and five tonnage models and comes equipped with a two-step Copeland UltraTech 2.0 compressor. These low-NOx units use, R-410A refrigerant and have efficiencies up to 14 SEER, 11.8 EER and 8.0 HPSF, when combined with a two-stage gas heating module. They come with standard louvred condenser coil protection and are designed with simple power and control wiring connections for improved installation time.

Venstar’s Add-A-Wireless Thermostat, Model

www.joinluxaire.com

T1119RF

works

with

Venstar’s

Slimline

Platinum Thermostat (Models T1800 and Superior Radiant Products’ Series TA/TX/TXR two-stage,

T1900) as a remote control and allows the

gas-fired infrared tube heaters are built for heavy-duty

homeowner to monitor and adjust the tempera-

commercial and industrial use. They are available in

ture of any room in the home, transmitting up

natural gas or LPG and have heating input ranges from

to 500 feet, through walls and floors using 418

40 000 to 220 000 Btuh; with lengths ranging from

Mhz, designed not interfere with other elec-

10 ft. to 70 ft. They feature a jet stream burner design combined with parabolic aluminum reflectors.

tronic systems. It also features a large, backlit

www.superiorradiant.com

display; a keypad lockout and is designed for easy and quick installation. An optional power supply is also available. www.venstar.com Redmond Hearth’s Amantii brand electric fireplaces are available in wall-mounted and built-in series. They are available in a variety of styles and the lifelike flame tech-

Frigidaire’s 22 SEER

nology is designed to offer the appearance of a real log

10 HLSF iQ Drive heat

fire and ember bed. www.redmondhearth.ca

pump uses inverterrotary technology to offset

The

KeepRite

mance

Series

heating

and

Perfor-

cooling demands and

PS95

modulates from 40

low-NOx gas furnaces

to 118 per cent of

feature multi-speed, pre-

capacity. The unit features an iQ Drive con-

lubricated

permanent

troller to provide control over maintenance

split capacitor blower

reminders; programmable comfort schedules; troubleshooting diagnostics; and a dehumidi-

motors and an induceddraft blower, and are

Metal-Fab’s Temp/Guard Chimney is built with

fication mode. It uses R-410A refrigerant and

certified for one- or two-pipe installation. The

a double-wall construction with a stainless

comes with a compressor sound blanket to

furnaces are equipped with a single-stage

steel flue wrapped with ceramic insulating

reduce compressor noise; a composite base

gas valve and single-stage ignition and the

material. It comes in a range of sizes, from six-

pan for increased corrosion resistance; louvred

vent pipe can be run horizontally or verti-

to 18-in. diameters, and Temp/Guard Max! is

condenser guard for easier servicing; a high

cally. Models have a heating input range

UL listed for 1½-in. clearance to combustibles

pressure switch with auto-reset feature and a

from 40 000 Btuh to 140 000 Btuh, includ-

in six-, seven- and eight-inch diameters.

liquid line filter drier.

ing high-flow 80 000 and 100 000 Btuh mod-

www.metal-fabinc.com

www.frigidaire.net

els for five-ton cooling applications. They are configured for natural gas installation with

Coleman’s DUQ Echelon dual fuel packaged heat pumps feature a

propane gas conversion kits available, are

two-step Copeland UltraTech 2.0 compressor for controlling two-stage

35 inches tall, have 24V and 115V connec-

cooling and heat pump operations and enhanced heating and cooling

tions, a factory-installed internal condensate

efficiencies (14 SEER, 11.8 EER and 8.0 HPSF). They use R-410A

drain system, a self-diagnostic system with an

refrigerant and are available in 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 and 5-ton models.

LED fault indicator, remote flame sensing

Its convertible airflow design allows for maximum field flexibility, and

capabilities and silicon nitride igniters.

gas and electric utility knockouts are offered for easier utility connection.

www.GoKeepRite.com

www.colemanhvacdealer.com

hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

heating PRODUCts Islandaire’s EZ Series GS replaces the Suburban Dynaline gas heat/electric cooling models. The gas heat units are built with heavy gauge galvanized steel and are designed for individually zoned comfort controlled heating and cooling. The 42-in. wide units offer improved indoor noise reduction and have thermostat and fan controls built into the digital touch pad. Replacement duct kits, sub base/skirts, wall sleeves and louvres are

Our new condensing units featuring the Observer™ communicating system deliver up to 19 SEER efficiency

available. www.islandaire.com

The Coleman LX Series of multi-position gas furnaces has two new models, the variablespeed TM9V and single-stage TM9X. These models feature a 14.5-in. cabinet, lower air flow capacity and an input rate of 40 000 Btuh. The TM9V has a two-stage gas valve and inducer operation and a variable-speed electronically commutated motor. The TM9X is equipped with a five-speed, direct-drive X13-style, high-efficiency DC motor. The furnaces have an insulated blower compartment designed for quieter operation and external air filters. www.colemanhvac.com Heil’s HCH9 DXT+ two-stage heat pump is available from two to five tons and features textbased diagnostics capabilities with Observer communicating wall control, a two-stage scroll compressor and has efficiencies up to 19 SEER. It has an isolation grommet compressor mounting system, quiet shift defrost control setting, external high and low refrigerant service ports, 7-mm coil tubing with rigid, post-painted, black

Timely registration required. See warranty certificate for details.

• Self-configuring installation capabilities with Observer™ communicating wall control • Observer wall control is easy to install and offers text-based diagnostic capabilities

See warranty certificate for details.

• Add an Arcoaire® communicating gas furnace for up to 98% AFUE

aluminum fins, and a coated inlet grille with 3/8-in. wire spacing. The unit’s outdoor air temperature sensor, high and low pressure switches and compressor sound blanket are factory installed and the unit is facPROOF APPROVAL tory charged with R-410A refrigerant. Every unit comes with a filter-drier REQUIRED

supplied for field installation. www.goheil.com

Version

____

MECH __RB___ AD ____________ CD ____________ PROOF _________

GoArcoaire.com

AE_____________

ComfortGeni’s Geni 6xr through-wall fan is designed to increase airflow from room to room or level to level, generating heat from a consumer’s fireplace or pellet stove. The unit is designed to be energy efficient, featuring

the source air temperature from a fireplace or wood stove cannot create the preferred temperature in a specific room. www.comfortgeni.com

HPAC | september/october 2012

hpacmag.com

< show preview

Something For Everyone At Co-located Shows by andrew snook

he 24th edition of Construct Canada, will take place November 28-30, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Con-vention Centre, South Building. More than 24â&#x20AC;&#x2030;000 industry professionals, from architects, builders, contractors, engineers and specifiers, to building owners, facility managers, property mangers and interior designers are expected to attend. The three-day trade show will take place concurrently with Concrete Canada, Homebuilder & Renovator Expo, PM Expo and the Design Trends Pavillion. It will feature more than 1050 exhibits showcasing the latest products, technologies, best practices and building applications for design, construction, operation, retrofit and renovation. Over 450 speakers are on the program, offering educational sessions on topics such as: improving project delivery and smart business practices; leading edge technology for project design; green buildings; building environments and performance; building envelope solutions; legal, regulatory and risk management; professional and personal skills development; and design trends for building interiors. Attendees will also be able to check out live installations and applications of products related to sustainable and energy-efficient construction at the Green Building Demonstration Area. Presenters will discuss issues such as: creating a sound building envelope; sealed air leakage; a live building envelope investigation; a safe demolition process and site personnel protection. Product showcase A new offering at the show this year is the product showcase, which will show samplings of the 1000-plus exhibitors from Construct Canada and the concurrently running shows.

Be sure to drop by Booth 341 to say "Hello" to the HPAC team.

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Construct Canada November 28-30, 2012 Metro Toronto Convention Centre National GreenBuilding Conference The National Green Building Conference will also take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building from November 28-29, 2012. The conference will centre on green design, construction, retrofit and maintenance leading to high performance buildings; in addition to best practices and project delivery models that improve design sustainability in projects. For more information, visit www.constructcanada.com. <> hpacmag.com

ADVERTORIAL

MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER– THE BEST TOOL FOR THE JOB When you’re on a job, it’s important to have the best tools. But what if one of the best tools of all is too big to fit inside your toolbox? The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with its proven history, spaciousness and accessibility, fuel efficiency, low cost of ownership and durability, can help save you money and take your business to the next level. And once you get a Sprinter, you’ll probably wonder how you ever got by without one. Over 100 years of experience More than 100 years ago, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, Daimler, created the very first commercial vehicle. Since then, it has become one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in the world. That means at the core of every Sprinter van, there’s over 100 years of engineering, experience, expertise and innovation.

> The Sprinter Cargo Van has best-in-class payload, cargo capacity and standing height, making it the perfect fit for your business. Incredible spaciousness and accessibility The Sprinter Cargo Van has best-in-class payload, cargo capacity and standing height, making it the perfect fit for your business. With a cargo volume of up to 17 m3 (600 ft.3) and wider rear doors that open completely to the side, the Sprinter can handle the loading of large equipment and materials, like pipes and water heaters. And with an interior height of up to 2.14 m (7 ft.), it has a higher roofline, making it easier to work out of the back. Just imagine being able to work in your van without having to bend over. Add in the fact that the interior shelving can be customized to your needs and you’ve got the perfect working space.

But what is BlueTEC exactly? BlueTEC technology lowers fuel costs by up to $4,000 per 50,000 km—a savings of up to 39% when compared to gas-powered vans.* It also makes for a much quieter engine compared to other diesel engines. So if you’re looking for a van with a high return on investment, the Sprinter has you covered. FUEL COSTS - CENTS/KM* Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

13¢ /KM

Nissan NV

18¢ /KM

Ford E-Series

19 ¢ /KM

GMC Savana/ Chevrolet Express

21¢ /KM

> The Sprinter has the lowest total cost of ownership in its class, maximizing your return on investment.

Another way Sprinter maximizes your return on investment is by having the lowest total cost of ownership in its class. That’s because in addition to fuel savings, the Sprinter has the longest maintenance intervals, minimizing your service costs. And because of its durability, it has the highest resale value in its class. OPERATING COST AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL COST*

54%

63% Nissan NV

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

64%

Ford E-Series

66%

GMC Savana/ Chevrolet Express

Large service and dealer network When your Sprinter finally does need maintenance, Mercedes-Benz has a large network of dealers across Canada that offer convenient and quality service, as well as prepaid maintenance flexibility, giving you more time to focus on your business. Plus with its dedicated technicians, you know your van is in good hands. Some dealers even provide 24-hour mobile service specifically designed and engineered for the Sprinter.

Fuel-efficient V6 BlueTEC diesel engine With its fuel-efficient V6 BlueTEC diesel engine, the Sprinter offers best-in-class fuel consumption while producing low emissions, helping you save money and the environment.

So whether it’s about fuel efficiency, keeping operating costs low, having enough room or all of the above, the Sprinter is the right tool for the job. For more information about the Sprinter, visit thesprinter.ca *Based on analysis of Canadian market for model year 2012 3/4 ton (2500) and 1 ton (3500) series vans performed in July 2012 by Vincentric, LLC. Based on ownership scenario of 5 years and 50,000 km a year.

show preview Western Canada’s plumbing, hydronics, HVAC/R and water treatment expo will take place in Vancouver on November 7-8 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The brand new, LEED Platinum-certified facility will host exhibitors, technical workshops, free seminars, emerging technologies, new products and a chance to network with thousands of industry professionals over more than 30 000 sq. ft. of exhibitor space. Join HPAC columnist and hydronics expert John Siegenthaler for his workshops, “Hydronics for Low Energy and Net Zero Houses” and “Hydronically-Enhanced Heat Pump Systems.” Additional workshops taking place over the two-day show include: “Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting in British Columbia” by Al Moutter; and a half-day water treatment introduction course with Ric Harry. There will also be 10 free educational seminars. Registration is free before November 5 or $20 at the door. Prior to the kick-off of CIPHEX West 2012, there will be an industry dinner on November 6 featuring a keynote speech by GP Russ Chaney, CEO of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Group of the U.S.A. and chairman of the World Plumbing Council (WPC). For more information on the show or to register for a workshop, visit www.ciphexwest.ca. Follow CIPHEX West on Twitter @CIPHEXwest.

Say

Show hours: Wednesday, November 7 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, November 8 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

hello to HPAC staff at Booth 212

WORKSHOPS Workshops require advanced registration and an admission fee.

Wednesday, November 7

Workshop 1 Room: 205/207 – 2nd Floor Hydronics for Low Energy and Net Zero Houses Instructor: John Siegenthaler, P.E. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Doors open at 8 a.m.) This session discusses the simplicity of hydronics systems and why they can be a good fit for low energy and net zero homes. It will also explore heat emitter options and tie-ins with renewable heat sources. Admission: $50 per person ($75 after November 2). John Siegenthaler, P.E. has more than 30 years of experience in designing modern hydronic heating systems. He is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating, principal of Appropriate Designs, and a regular contributor to Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning Magazine (HPAC). 50

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Workshop 2 Room: 205/207 – 2nd Floor Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting in BC Instructor: Al Moutter Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.) This course is an overview of rainwater harvesting and its uses and applicability to conserving rainfall as a natural resource. This session will also cover active systems using a catchment container and the fundamentals for designing and installing catchment systems from the roof to faucet. Admission: $150 per person ($170 after November 2). Al Moutter is an accredited professional with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) and is pursuing Certified Professional status. He has served as ARCSA’s regional representative for Vancouver Island since 2011 and is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Rainwater Managers. hpacmag.com

Seminars are free to visitors wearing a CIPHEX West badge.

Seminar 2 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room

Quick & Basic Troubleshooting

Carol Fey Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees will learn how to read a troubleshooting chart, use a multimeter to analyze a circuit and sort out an equipment diagram. This session is ideal for new controls technicians and the supervisors that train them. Speaker:

Seminar 1 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room Tweet Your Way to Success â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Using Social Media to Market Your Contracting Business and Attract New Customers

Dennis Pang 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. This interactive session will offer ways to promote your business using social media. It will also discuss: the difference between Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn; what to say to attract and keep the right followers; and what lessons can be learned from the most effective social media marketers. Speaker: Time:

Dennis Pang has more than a decade of business strategy, Internet marketing and web development experience. He started his own interactive marketing agency in 2009, Motiv8 Media, and in 2011 started up Popcorn, a social media, mobile marketing and PR solution-based company for the food and drink and hospitality industries.

Carol Fey is a two-season Antarctican who has worked as a heating technician and emergency communications operator. Before moving to Antarctica, Fey spent more than 25 years in the controls industry as a territory manager for Honeywell.

Seminar 3 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room Cost Optimization and Cost Savings for Integrated Geothermal Systems

Chris Mitchell, I.E.T. C.G.D. ASHRAE 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. This course will cover the basics of geothermal and Speaker: Time:

Continued on page 52

NEW

Water heaters built by Canadians for Canadians! hpacmag.com

A family business

september/october 2012 | HPAC

GI-AD109En-0912

E TANK STORAG& RIC L ELECT A I C R E COMM

show preview commercial geothermal design and why geoexchange systems need to follow some basic rules. It will also discuss the integration of commercial geothermal with other techniques and technologies, focusing on how to manage integrated geothermal costs through proper design and construction functions. Chris Mitchell is a member of the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and is an accredited residential and commercial designer and installer. Mitchell is also on the CGC technical committee, the training committee and the International Energy Agency (IEA) Annex 21 on Thermal Response Testing.

Seminar 5 Room: Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room How to Business with the Federal Government

Sarah Allin 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This course will explain the fundamentals of doing business with the Government of Canada, including: how the government does its buying; how to register to sell to the government; how to keep track of opportunities and bid; and how to market to the federal government. Speaker: Time:

Sarah Allin is a communications officer for the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, Public Works and Government Services Canada.

Seminar 4 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room Thursday, November 8

Beautiful Design, with Kelly Deck

Kelly Deck Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kelly Deck will offer attendees her insights on present and future bathroom design trends and discuss: how to keep informed about design trends that affect your sales; how heating choices affect the overall design of a beautiful, functioning bathroom and what designers expect from contractors when they are working together on a project. Speaker:

Kelly Deck is the director of Vancouver-based Kelly Deck Design, a full-service interior design firm that specializes in exclusive custom homes. She is a columnist for The Globe and Mail and Western Living and is the host of HGTV’s “Take It Outside.”

Workshop 3 Room: 205/207 – 2nd Floor Hydronically-Enhanced Heat Pump Systems

John Siegenthaler, P.E. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Doors open at 8 a.m.) This session will cover how to couple geothermal and air source heat pumps to appropriate hydronic distribution systems for optimal performance. Siegenthaler will show schematics for residential and light commercial scale systems, explain how they operate, and stress salient design guidelines. Admission: $50 per person ($75 after November 2). Advanced registration is required. Instructor:

Continued on page 54

EXHIBITOR LIST *As available at press time • Highlighted exhibitors have advertisements in this issue. A A.M.T.S. Limited A.O. Smith Acudor Acorn Limited & Jay R Smith AIC Heat Exchangers Aimco International Airvector Alberta Custom Tee (2006) Ltd. Allied Engineering Allpriser Ltd. Amtrol Canada Ltd. Andre HVAC International Inc. Aprilaire / Barclay Sales Ltd. Aquatech Sales & Marketing Inc. Aquatherm CA Armstrong Integrated ASPE BC Chapter Axiom Industries Ltd. B BA Robinson Co. Ltd. Barclay Sales Barr Plastics Inc. BC Water and Waste Association 52

812 519 613, 615 733 511 707 323 725 422 606 107 628 742 331 806 126 732

939 625, 627-629 243 610

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Bibby-Ste-Croix 633, 631 BMI 510 Boshart Industries Inc. 542 Bow Plumbing Group, Inc. 623 Bradford White Canada Inc. & Laars Heating Systems 712 C Canada Metal (Pacific) Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association Canadian Hydronics Council Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating Canadian Water Quality Association Canplas Industries Ltd. CB Supplies Limited CCTF Centrotherm Eco Systems, LLC Chemfax Products Ltd. Conbraco/Apollo Valves Curaflo of BC Ltd. D Dahl Brothers Canada Ltd.

507 418 917 101 104 525 638 931 807 330 619 103

Deflecto Dierks Equipment Sales ltd. Dobbin Sales Ltd. D/R Energy Wise Distributors Ltd. E Eastern Foundry & Fittings Inc. Ecco Supply Ecotherm Inc. Emco Corp. Equipco Erico (with Hy-Line Sales) Excalibur Water Systems Inc.

206 528 443 436

533 643 325 637 901-915 337 600

F Fairview Fittings & Mfg. Ltd. Fernco Connectors / Barclay Sales Ltd. Flowmax Technologies Inc. Forbest Products Co. FortisBC Franklin Electric/Little Giant Franke Kindred Canada Limited

604 625 113 329 724 338 319

907 hpacmag.com

NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE 1/3 hp 6EN 1/2 hp 10EN 42 gpm @ 10 ft 61 gpm @ 10 ft 22 ft shut-off 30 ft shut-off

ENERGY EFFICIENT Lower amp draw and power consumption.

EPOXY COATED Little Giant products have provided the industry with durable epoxy coated cast iron motor housings for more than 40 years.

PSC MOTOR Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motor built for continuous duty and thermal overload protection runs cooler for longer life.

When you purchase a new Little Giant 6EN or 10EN sump/effluent pump, you are getting a proven product, trusted by professionals. For more information on Little Giant products, contact your local plumbing distributor.

www.franklin-electric.com/lg hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

show preview Workshop 4 Room: 205/207 – 2nd Floor Half Day Water Treatment Introduction Course

Ric Harry p.m. to 4 p.m. (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.) This course is designed to teach the essentials of water treatment systems and problem water scenarios. The workshop will include a quiz and a certificate of completion. It is the beginner’s primer course for the CWQA Certified Water Treatment Technician’s Program. Admission: $150 per person ($170 after November 2). Instructor: Time: 1

Ric Harry is a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Water Quality Association (CQWA) and chair of the CQWA’s education committee. He is the director of sales for Culligan Canada and has worked in the water purification and water treatment industry since 1988. Harry has held a variety of positions within the water treatment industry, including: field technician, dealer, educator and manufacturer.

Seminar 6 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room Copper Triple Header: The Latest Sustainable Applications, Design Velocities for Water Systems and New Joining Techniques

Stephen Knapp 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This seminar will offer an overview of installation practices for solar thermal, direct exchange geothermal and other Speaker: Time:

G Gasmaster Industries Ltd. G.F. Thompson Co. Ltd. Gerber Canada Giacomini S.p.A Giant Factories Inc. Gree Canada Green Turtle Technologies Greenway Water Technologies Grundfos Canada Inc.

930 409 609 828 411 430 605 700 719

H Harman Edison Product Development Inc. Hathorn Corporation Heatlink Group HG Spec Inc. Holdrit Honeywell HPAC Magazine HPS Controls Ltd. HRAI Hydronic Agencies: Fernox Hydrowest Products Ltd. Hy-Line Sales Ltd.

642 228 713 938 226 435 212 722 232 830 736 335

I IBC Technologies Inc. Imperial Manufacturing Group IPEX Inc.

801 529 218

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

renewable energy systems. It will discuss a new section in the 2010 National Plumbing Code on sizing hot and cold water systems that requires designers to adhere to water velocity limitations; as well as a comprehensive overview of new joining techniques, including: press-connect joining, push-connect joining, mechanically formed tees, roll-groove fittings, adhesives and potential future joining techniques. Stephen Knapp is the executive director of the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association.

Seminar 7 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room Technician Selling

Carol Fey Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. This seminar is designed to teach technical participants how to sell by helping and advising the customer, and never asking customers to do anything not in their best interest. Speaker:

Seminar 8 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room Pumps for Hydronic Systems

Bill Hooper and Rod Parker Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This session will cover a variety of topics related to new technology within hydronics systems, including: different types of pumps and what can cause operational issues; Speaker:

J Jaga Canada Climate Systems Inc. Jonas Software

825 504

K King Heating Products Inc. KVC Industries Kwantlen Polytechnic University

831 934 235

L Lenox - A Division of Rubbermaid/Barclay Sales Ltd. Liberty Pumps LockDown Systems Inc. Lyncar Products Ltd.

629 413 426 401

M M & G Duravent M.A. Stewart & Sons Ltd. Madok Manufacturing Limited Mainline Backflow Products Inc. MC Commercial Inc. - GE Appliances Mechanical Business Magazine Mechanical Contractors Association of BC Mechanical Systems 2000 Mestek Inc. Mifab Milwaukee Electric Tool Mirolin Industries Corp.

832 116 433 140 509 501 334 805 941 708 437 301

Mission Rubber Company LLC Moen Incorporated Mul-T-Mat & Supply Co.

224 137 118

N Napoleon Heating and Cooling Navien America NCI Canada Inc. Nexus Energy Products Inc. Niles Steel Tank - Div. Noble Noritz America Novaflex Group (Flexmaster Canada Ltd.) Novo Water Conditioning Products NTI (NY Thermal) Nu-Trend Industries Inc. NV Eco Vision Sales Inc.

130 701 231 929 710 307 630 923 423 734 332 531

O Oasis International Oatey Canada SCS Co. Oetiker, Inc. Ontor Limited Orca Health Care Supplies Inc. Ortech Industries OS&B Oventrop Corporation

106 210 327 429 136 432 614 601

hpacmag.com

variable speed; pump operation with curves; and what to do when there is a “no heat” call that will rule out the pump. Bill Hooper is the market development manager for residential HVAC products for Bell & Gossett and McDonnell & Miller. He has held a variety of other positions within the hydronics industry since 1989, including: sales rep, trainer and regional manager. Hooper has also volunteered on several technical committees (including the creation of CSA B214 Code), was the chairman of the Canadian Hydronics Council and was president of ASHRAE (NB/PEI) and CIPH Atlantic Chapters.

Beautiful Heat professional; how to show customers the architectural versatility of hydronic heating and understand how hydronic heating offers homeowners a healthier environment and energy efficiency. Beautiful Heat is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the energy and health benefits of hydronic systems. Hans Kircher is OEM business development manager with Armstrong Limited.

Seminar 10 Room: 205/207 – 2nd Floor Tankless 101

Rod Parker has been a district sales manager for Grundfos Canada Inc. for 13 years and has previous experience with commercial pumping applications, the mechanical contracting business and the general supply chain.

Seminar 9 Room: CIPHEX West Seminar Room Selling Beautiful Heat

SPEAKER: Hans Kircher Time: 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. This session will discuss the toolkit of ideas Beautiful Heat has developed to help contractors sell the benefits of hydronic heating to customers. Attendees will learn how to answer common consumer questions about why they should choose hydronic heating; where to register to become a

P Pentair Canada, Inc. 543 Pfister Faucets 518 Plumbing & HVAC 100 Primex Construction (Div. of VPL Enterprises) 407 Public Works and Government Services Canada 123 Q Quality HVAC Products Quantum Mechanical Sales Quote Express (Quote Software Inc.)

632 824 424

R Ratech Electronics Ltd. Raven Hydronic Supply Ltd. Reed Manufacturing Company REHAU Inc. Reliance Worldwide Canada/“Cash Acme” Rescom Rads Reversomatic Rheem Canada Ltd. Ridgid Rogers Outrank Roth Industries Royal Pipe Systems

513 704 119 835 900 928 405 419 522 506 809 718

S Seton Canada SFA Saniflo, Inc.

527 624

hpacmag.com

Panelists: Steve Embreus, Rheem Canada Ltd./Ltée); Mark Williamson (Navien America Inc.); and Steve Bagshaw (Intellihot Green Technologies Inc). Time: 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. This 45-minute crash course on tankless water heating will discuss their features and benefits, as well as and how to properly size and install tankless water heaters. Panellists will showcase the latest tankless technologies and offer a brief discussion about future energy efficiency requirements for hot water heating in BC.

Check out what your industry colleagues are doing…

See People on p. 72

Siemens Building Technologies Sime North America Sinclair Supply Ltd. Sinus North America Mfg. Inc. Sioux Chief Mfg. Slant/Fin/Ltd/Ltée Smillie McAdams Summerlin Ltd. Soler & Palau Canada Source West Sales - exhibiting as SSI Spartan Peripheral Devices Square Inc. Steam Specialty Sales Ltd. Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Canada Inc. Sumner Manufacturing (Canada) Inc. Summerhill Impact, Switch the Stat Symmons Industries Inc. T Taco Canada Ltd. Taylor Pipe Supports TECA: Thermal Environmental Comfort Association Tegart Services Group tekmar Control Systems Ltd. Tom Donaldson Co. Limited U Uponor Ltd. Urecon Pre-Insulated Pipe

534 813 535 927 333 608 233 706 324 833 607 532 937 343 138 328

919 222 925 729 924 236, 237

202 730

UV Dynamics Inc. V Victaulic Victor Technologies Canada Ltd. (formerly Thermadyne Canada) Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc.

105

500 505 819

W Wade Drains Watercycles Inc. WaterGroup Watts Water Technologies (Canada) Inc. Weil-McLain Canada Westpoint Sales Inc. Wilo Canada Winkler Technik GMBH Winters Instruments WiringPro Corporation Woodford & Watco Mfg. Wolseley Canada

631 635 512 313 837 219 726 811 508 229 914 428

X, Y, Z Xylem Zurn Industries Limited

737 225

see HPAC at booth 212 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

HYDRONIC PRODUCts Caleffi’s HydroCal combination air, dirt and hydro separator is rated for either hot or chilled water systems. It separates dirt particles as small as five microns and features an automatic high-capacity air vent with service valve and a drain valve for blowing down dirt without taking the system offline. The separators are available in sizes from two to eight inches. It has flow rates from 37 GPM to 625 GPM and non-ASME and ASME models

AERCO International’s Esteem 399 wall hung

are available in two to four-inches sizes and include pre-formed insulation.

condensing boiler with TriMax Control has a

www.caleffi.us

range of 16 000 to 399 000 Btuh, is low NOx and has a compact size of 24¾-in. x 37½ in., weighs 200 lb.; and can be designed with di-

Raypak’s MVB modulating vertical boilers offer an installation

rect or conventional venting made from PVC,

footprint of 5.4 sq. ft. and are constructed from commercial-grade

CPVC, polypropylene or Al29-4C materials.

components and materials, including a steel channel base and

The unit features MODBUS communication,

stainless steel flue wrapper. These low-NOx units are available in

a stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger, a

12 models, ranging from 500 000 to 2 000 000 Btuh. They fea-

stainless steel premix burner with a modulat-

ture: a modulating gas valve and burner; up to 4:1 turndown; all

ing firing rate from 25 to 100 per cent, and the

copper and bronze waterways; a complete cabinet to protect all

TriMax control has a cascade system that can

controls and wiring; and do not require a boiler condensate drain.

join up to six boilers. www.aerco.com

The MVB is available in boiler and water heater configurations and are outdoor and indoor certified. www.raypak.com

HE-AB Series Forced draft, gas fired water boilers in 6 standard sizes; 900 MBH to 3,000 MBH input, output 23 BHP to 76 BHP. Model HE-AB120-W-FDG

Select from 14 standard models

HE-RV Series Forced draft, gas fired water boilers in 8 standard sizes; 3,500 MBH to 8,000 MBH input, output 89 BHP to 203 BHP.

Confused by bogus efficiency claims?

Get guaranteed higher efficiency from the most trusted and respected name in boilers – Bryan Steam has introduced two boilers with a guaranteed efficiency of 85% on gas! The high combustion efficiency results from a uniquely designed integrated extended surface heat extractor. These boilers feature an industry leading 7 sq ft of heating surface per boiler horsepower. They operate at normal operating temperatures, without need to provide for the expense or complications of special venting material. The Bryan “Flexible Water Tube” provides for extremely fast internal circulation for maximum heat transfer and operating efficiency. The flexibility of the bent water tube design eliminates all possible damage from “Thermal Shock”. Learn more at bryanboilers.com Originators of the “Flexible Water Tube” design

Model HE-RV800-W-FDG

Bryan Steam LLC’s exhaust heat literature offers full product descriptions for the company’s steam exhaust heads, as well as a chart detailing available models, maximum capacities, pipe/flange sizes, drain opening and other exhaust head specifications. The exhaust heads are built from fabricated carbon steel and are available in one-inch to 24-in. sizes. They feature three levels of protection against

oil and water pollution, an expansion chamber, Bryan Steam LLC • Leaders Since 1916 783 N. Chili Ave., Peru, IN 46970 / Phone: 765-473-6651 / Fax: 765-473-3074 / E-Mail: inquiry@bryansteam.com / www.bryanboilers.com Commercial/Industrial Steam and Hot Water Boilers, Boiler Room Accessories

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

an impingement cone and a catch trough and drain. www.bryanboilers.com hpacmag.com

The Malco Tubing Uncoiler is compact, lightweight and designed to accommodate full PEX tubing coils up to 500 ft. of 1-in. or 1000 ft. of 1/2-in. The unit comes with a steel-reinforced plastic case, measuring 40" x 17" x 5", that features a built-in, heavy-duty turntable, which acts as the base; and an eyelet loop at the end of the unit’s rotating arm, allowing tubing to be pulled The Linea Plus hydronic radiator from Jaga

off in any direction. It requires no tools for assembly

Climate Systems features Jaga’s Low-H2O

and has factory-adjusted tensioning for preventing

technology, designed to allow the unit to heat

backlash and spreading of tubing off the turntable. A wheel and handle kit for the case is also

quickly while reducing energy consumption.

available. www.malcotools.com

The unit is designed for low temperature hydronic systems and renewable energy sources, including solar and geothermal. It has a maxi-

Taco's FuelMizer is a boiler reset control and switching

mum surface temperature of 43C; and allows

relay in one unit. It is designed for retrofits but can also

for pipes and vents to be completely hidden

be used in new installations. This microprocessor-based

behind the front panel and cabinet. Available

control’s functions include: automatic reset ratio calcula-

as freestanding or wall units in more than 25

tion, warm weather shut-down, minimum boiler temperature

colour choices, the radiator is adjustable, lock-

settings and boiler differential settings. It comes with front-

able and designed for easy installation. mounted LED lights that offer full diagnostic information. CHC_3.375 x 4.875_ad_Layout 1 2/23/12 12:31 PM Page 1 www.jaga-canada.com www.Taco-Hvac.com

JOIN, LEARN

Profit

We have the most comprehensive resources available in Canada... all helping you to work smarter, faster and more profitably.

• Servicing all hydronic professionals • • Standards, codes and regulatory compliance information • • Training and skills development programs •

• Supporting consumer awareness programs including Beautiful Heat •

JOIN, LEARN, PROFIT

1-888-275-2474

www.canadianhydronics.ca hpacmag.com

• Wall-hung Modulating Condensing Gas-Fired Boiler • ASME approved Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger • Optional Domestic Hot Water Generator • 93% AFUE Efficiency • 160,000 BTUH Input • Modulation Ratio 1:5.3 • Microprocessor Control • Free 5 Year Parts and Labour Warranty See more of the VSL-160 on our website at:

www.slantfin.ca SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

HYDRONIC PRODUCts Anvil International’s Gruvlok KNX series Hydronic Hook-Up Kits are designed to integrate into a wide variety of projects, including welded systems. They are available in connection sizes from ½" to 2" and are configured to the system designer’s specifications to streamline the ordering process for contractors. The kits are tested, bagged, tagged, boxed and labelled prior to shipment. www.anvilintl.com

Uponor’s Punch&Pull PEX coils packaging technology is designed to improve usability

Honeywell’s Wireless AquaReset is designed to

and sustainability while reducing packaging

reduce energy costs by operating boilers at more

waste. The packing is a low-density polyeth-

efficient settings based on the outdoor temperature.

ylene (LDPE) film shrink wrap with a circular

It uses RedLINK wireless communication for easier

perforation in the centre of the coil. Users

installation and features: built-in diagnostics to help

punch through the coil and pull out the re-

ensure proper system operation and efficiency; and

quired amount of PEX tubing. The LDPE film

reduced equipment cycling for improved equipment

is accepted by any residential or commercial

life and more continuous space heating. The Wire-

waste management facility for easy recycling.

less AquaReset Outdoor Rest Kit includes the Wireless AquaReset Outdoor Reset module and

www.uponor-usa.com

sensor. www.forwardthinking.honeywell.com

HG SERVICE CENTER SAFE INSTALLATION

CONVENIENT

EASY ACCESS

HG Service center for hydronic heating allows you to have an easy accessible, convenient and safe installation. or

ClimateMaster’s Trilogy 40 Series geothermal heat pumps use variable-speed technology for a wide range of heating and cooling capacities. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US!

450 434.3384 HGSPEC.COM 58

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Designed to perfectly match loads as low as 30 per cent of maximum, the heat pumps feature Q-Mode technology, designed to produce year-round domestic hot water on demand. www.climatemaster.com hpacmag.com

“ They helped us with the design, worked hand-in-hand with the architects. Viega was there from day one.” Eric Van Cleaf, Project Manager, C Pyramid Enterprises Trenton, NJ Viega is ready to support your radiant project from start to finish with training, design services and on-site project consulting. With customized CAD layouts and dedicated personnel, discover the difference Viega can make!

Viega Advantages: • More than 150 Viega Sales Team members across the country. • Viega Design Team for project-specific support, educational webinars and technical assistance. • Viega Radiant Sales Team supports design and installation. • Applications-based training by master plumbers and engineers.

www.viega.com | 1-800-976-9819

Be prepared before you start with Viega’s highly engineered support services The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems

< HYDRONICS

How Low Can You Go? A look at low temperature systems.

BY Mike miller

iving in an era of highly efficient heat sources, including heat pump technologies, low temperature systems have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Operating systems with low temperatures bring many benefits to the effectiveness and energy management components of traditional heating systems. A low temperature hydronics system operates with fluid running between 60F and 130F (≈16C and 54C). These include systems utilizing radiant floor or even wall heating. Other heat emitters can run at low temperatures also, if the system is designed for that application. These include radiators, baseboards and fan coils. All of these have a specific Btuh output capacity based on the log mean temperature difference (LMTD), flow rates (resulting deltaT), conductivities and surface areas associated with the heat emitter. If one increases the surface area of a heat emitter, the water temperature needed for the same Btuh output can be lower (e.g. larger air handler coils, longer baseboard, bigger radiators, and so on).

Increasing the radiant surface will reduce the water temperatures.

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

If we understand this, it is reasonable to assume that radiant floors or radiant walls could yield the best results for low temperature systems, as the entire square footage of the floors and/or walls effectively become the radiant surface. The greater the surface, the lower the surface temperature and required water temperature needed, to maintain a space at a desirable setpoint. In turn, the lower the water temperature, the more efficient the fully condensing and modulating boilers can be. Low temperature systems also allow heat pumps to be utilized as a primary source of heat.

KEY BENEFITS Low temperature radiant floor or wall systems are called radiant, but they also provide some convective heat transfer. The convective component varies with orientation (upward, horizontal or downward), surface area and temperature differentials, whereas the radiant component will always be constant following the laws of radiant transfer. It is typically around 0.97 Btu/ft².h.°F (5.5 W/m2K). With free standing and wall-mounted radiators, since the total surface area is usually significantly less than that of radiant floors and walls, the overall surface temperature of the radiator would be greater compared to that of radiant floors. With forced air or fan coils, the radiant component is ignored. Radiant heats objects (including humans), as opposed to the air, thus increasing comfort levels. How can we make low temperature systems (or any, for that matter) most efficient? Here are a couple of ideas that can help. First off, at lower temperatures, distribution and transfer losses are already reduced due to the lower temperature difference between the surface of the distribution piping and its surrounding air. Insulate all distribution piping to eliminate losses as much as possible between point A (source) and point B (load). Our European friends refer to it as “Getting from A (source) to B (load), without losing C (Centigrade).” In order to get the water temperature down, increase the radiant surface, if you can (e.g. larger radiators). For radiant floors or walls, increase the amount of tube you put in(e.g. tighter spacing – 6" versus 9" on centre) to lower water temperature for the same Btuh/sq.ft. output. Note once again that greater surface area equals lower surface temperature. hpacmag.com

Since systems are designed to heat Figure 1 Low temperature radiator system with heat pump the space at the worst possible outdoor condition (Outdoor Design), the system needs to be designed for: the right surface area, which could include usage of available square footage on radiant floors and walls; and water temperature (Design Supply Water Temperature) needed on that day. Employ outdoor reset water temperature controls that modulate the water based on outdoor temperature. This will result in greatly reduced water temperatures on milder outdoor days. That is one of the most sigswings in the space. Indoor temperature feedback can also nificant ways of improving system efficiency, while maintaining speed up response times of high mass radiant floor heating steady comfort levels. systems significantly. From there, add indoor temperature feedback to a system, Now, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at examples of low temperature systems. which is the technology described as fine-tuning the water The system shown in Figure 1 is a low temperature radiator temperature based on the outdoor and the indoor conditions. system with a water to water heat pump. With few excepIf the building envelope is tight, indoor temperature feedback tions, heat pumps typically have an operating limit (MAX) of typically results in lower water temperatures being delivered about 100-110F. This needs to be kept in mind when (as opposed to outdoor reset alone), while achieving close to sizing the heat emitter. Manufacturers can help you with this continuous circulation and eliminating any temperature Continued on page 62

Stainless steel down-fired Fire Tube design Nine models from 60,000 to 399,000 BTU/Hr Full modulation up to 5:1 turndown Advanced Sola Controller and Interface 97.1% AFUE efficiency

nythermal.com

hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< hydronics

continued from page 61

Everything is relative. If you cannot install radiant floors or walls in a retrofit application, do not forget that there are other choices. Just size accordingly.

information, but as an example in one case, the heat output of a given radiator needs to be multiplied by a factor of 0.271 (about a quarter) when operating in these temperature ranges, as opposed to 180F average water temperature. What should the designer do in these circumstances? If there is a wealth of real estate, just make the radiator bigger. You would likely find that the heat output changes are similar when using baseboard as opposed to wall-hung radiators. Having heard on several occasions that radiators or baseboard cannot be combined with low temperature systems (e.g. heat pumps), it is important to cover this system design option. Everything is relative. If you cannot install radiant floors or walls in a retrofit application, do not forget that there are other choices. Just size accordingly. Alternatively, the heat pump and storage tank could be replaced with a condensing boiler and the example would remain virtually the same. What about the system shown in Figure 2 with a combination of condensing boiler and heat pump? During mild days

or the majority of the heating season, the heat pump may be able to handle the required water temperature of this system. The boiler only takes over when the system needs increased fluid temperature higher than the operating range of the heat pump. One could size the radiators based on an average water temperature of 140F for the coldest outdoor condition and maximum heat load of the building. The boiler can provide DHW production all year round. Figure 3 shows a combination of heat pump, condensing boiler, DHW, fan coils for second stage heating (oversized to operate at lower temperatures) and some radiant floor or wall systems. The fan coils can also be used for air cooling and be tied in with HRVs for ventilation. The same principle applies as in Figure 2 applies. The heat pump can provide heat for the majority of a heating season where second stage heating (air) may not be required, or in the summer, where floor warming can be accomplished while the air temperature is being cooled with the fan coils. The key to this setup is to employ a control system that can enable and disable the heat pumps based on the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water temperature requireFigure 2 Low temperature radiator system with heat pump, backup boiler and DHW ment to maximize system effectiveness and efficiency. The examples above may not be feasible in many circumstances or even commonly implemented. But they do serve as food for thought on what designers can potentially accomplish given the flexibility of hydronic heating systems. <>

Figure 3 System with fan coils for second-stage heating

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Mike Miller is a national business development manager with experience in the manufacturing, distribution and contracting sectors of the industry. He can be reached at mike.miller@uponor.com, Linkedin or @hydronicsmike on twitter. hpacmag.com

The CADET Heating

AERCO International’s

Boiler from Aquatech

Equal-to-New (E2N)

features a fully mod-

Program allows for

ulating burner and

select AERCO boiler

is available in four

and water heater parts to be

models, with gas in-

returned and refurbished. The program is

puts ranging from

designed to offer a cost-effective method of maintaining boiler and

40 000 Btuh to 120 000 Btuh. These wall-

hot water systems. The program’s pricing is standardized so no quote

mounted, compact units are built with a com-

is necessary and will begin by offering services for air fuel valves for

mercial-grade, ASME-certified heat exchanger

the KC1000 and Benchmark models, nozzle mix burners and CXT

and a polypropylene jacket, designed to re-

temperature control valves. www.aerco.com

duce noise and protect against dents. It also has a separate heat exchanger that delivers 3.0 GPM of DHW at a 70F-degree temperature rise, a push-button digital control and can be

WATER

installed in a variety of venting configurations. A combination unit for hydronic space heating and DHW is also available. www.cadetboiler.com

Laars Heating Systems’ NeoTherm LC condensing boiler is available in two input models (1 million or 1.7 million Btuh).

This

direct

vent,

combustion

low-NOx, sealed boiler

volume water heater modulates with a 10 to 1 turndown. Its features include: a stainless steel heat exchanger; diagnostic information; a colour touch screen display; pull out electrical panel; indoor or outdoor installation; and a VSP control option. It also comes with Laars’ Integrated Control System with PID logic. www.Laars.com

h e a t e r s

The Tronic 3000 electric, tankless water heater is offered in five models, with outputs ranging from 3.4 kW to 12 kW and has an

EarthLinked Technologies’ Geo-

under-sink design. The compact

thermal Commercial Water Heat-

unit

copper-sheathed

ing system has dimensions of

heating elements and is designed

features

17"D x 21"W x 28"H and a nomi-

to produce hot water on demand

nal heating capacity of 48 000

with minimal standby loss. The

Btuh to 72 000 Btuh. The single

unit can switch between high or

or three-phase unit uses a Cope-

low kilowatt (kW) settings based

land Scroll compressor, R-407C

on user preference and can be

refrigerant, has a power supply

mounted horizontally or vertically.

of 60Hz and voltage of 208-230/

www.bosch-climate.us

460/575. www.earthlinked.com

The Heat Exchanger Control Station from HPS Controls Ltd. is designed as an all-in-one, prefabbed compact control station for

The GeoSpring from GE features the identical foot-

simple installation. The unit has

print and electrical connections as a standard

dimensions of 27"x25"x8.5" for

electric water heater, a control panel with multiple

wall mounting and can be used

settings – including temperature settings that range

for separating hydronic systems.

from 100F to 140F, a vacation mode that lowers the

Timer functions are built into the

water temperature and then automatically resets

circuitry. Two heating secondary zones are available (standard circulator:

to heat the water one day before the homeowner’s

UPS 15-58FC), as well as potable rated pumps for the domestic side of

return. It is a 50-gallon ENERGY STAR-qualified

the heat exchanger (standard circulator: stainless UPS 15-55SFC). The

hybrid electric water heater. Units measure 60 ½-in.

units come with isolation and purging valves and are offered as 20, 30

x 21 ¾-in. x 22 ¼-in. www.geappliances.com

and 50 plate heat exchangers. www.hpscontrols.com

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

hpacmag.com

residential

The Navien NPE Series premium gas con-

condensing tankless water heaters have a

Noritz’s

NRC83

gas-fired,

densing tankless water heater utilizes

range of 16 000 Btuh to 157 000 Btuh. They

existing ½" gas lines and most existing

have flow rates from 0.5 GPM to 8.3 GPM,

flue chases. Features include: ½" gas

temperature settings from 100F to 140F

lines up to 24'; ComfortFlow and Intelligent

and heat on-deamand. These low-NOx, wall-

Preheating technology; a buffer tank and

mounted units are available in indoor and

recirculation pump included; field convert-

outdoor models; and can be used with natural

ibility from natural gas to liquid propane

gas or liquid propane. The indoor models can

gas and dual stainless steel heat exchang-

be vented with three or four-inch. Schedule 40 and 80 PVC or CPVC pipe,

ers. The units are cascading capable.

which allows for vent runs up to 62 ft. www.noritz.oreilly-depalma.com

www.TanklessMadeSimple.com

Crown Boiler Company’s Mega-Stor indirect

Rheem’s SPIDERfire 100-gallon condensing commercial water

water heater features

heaters range from 130 000 to 399 900 Btuh, can be used with

a stainless steel sur-

natural and LP gas and have a maximum temperature setting of

face coil and a two-

185 degrees. It features a smart LCD control system that allows

inch layer of polysty-

installers and service technicians to monitor key functions and

rene foam insulation

components and its three-pass heat exchanger tubes are coated

designed to keep wa-

with a specially-formulated porcelain enamel designed to offer

ter hot for hours dur-

corrosion protection. www.rheem.com

ing stand-by periods. The unit also comes equipped with a removable cover for easy inspection and is offered in a variety of sizes

Gasmaster Industries offers DHW condensing boilers with ranges

from 26 gallons to 119

from 200 000 Btuh to 8 million Btuh. They are constructed from 316L

gallons. Also available are horizontal models

stainless steel and are designed so inlet water can come straight

(40 to 53 gallon sizes) and solar models (79

from the source without premixing. The heat exchangers are built to

to 119 gallons).

prevent waterside scale build-up. The units can be custom built into

www.crownboiler.com

skid or mobile packages. www.gasmaster.ca

Viessmann’s SCU 345 solar control

The Rinnai Tankless Rack System

system offers users pre-configured

(TRS) is available in free-standing

layouts for one, two- or three-load

or wall-mounted options for indoor

systems;

and

or outdoor applications and are

adjustable Delta-T and time controlled

made from powder-coated alumi-

thermostat

control

num. Indoor installations can be

system also has standard SCU series

built with the company’s standard

four

relay

functions.

outputs The

features, such as: variable speed

polypropylene concentric venting, or its common venting system. Individ-

control, east-west collector array logic,

ual racks will hold two to six of the company’s 199 000 Btuh condensing

collector glycol cooling function, night

units. Multiple racks will hold up to 25 units and have an input capacity

time tank cooling, heat rejection loop control, energy metering and

close to five million Btuh. The free-standing TRS fits in a 32-in. doorway

compatibility with VBus accessories. The system can log data to an

with a water heater attached. It can be built and shipped fully assembled,

internal SD memory card and an optional flow meter kit.

including gas and water manifolds, to any location in Canada, including

www.viessmann.ca

the job site. www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater

hpacmag.com

september/october 2012 | HPAC

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • distributors • wholesalers • associations

Training centre up and running Taco opened the Taco Innovation and Development Center over the summer. The event was marked by Taco president and CEO John White, Gov. Lincoln Chafee and Cranston, RI Mayor Allan Fung all addressing the crowd that came out in celebration. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the 24 037-sq. ft. facility that will offers a variety of learning and training tools, including: classroom spaces, conference rooms, a business centre and labs for testing and teaching. www.taco-hvac.com

Low lead on the horizon

requirements

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) recently stated it has learned that a new version of ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 and CSA B125.3 standards for plumbing fittings that will include NSF 372 lowlead requirements is expected to be published in late fall 2012. Under the standard, fittings designed to convey or dispense drinking water will not be permitted to contain more than 0.25 per cent in weighted average lead content, in accordance with the test method in NSF/ANSI 372. There is currently no published standard offering manufacturers direction on how to certify plumbing fittings to a low lead requirement. www.ciph.com

Industry innovators make Forbes Top 100 Johnson Controls Inc., Emerson Electric Co. and Tyco International Ltd. were among the companies that made Forbes’ “The World’s Most Innovative

@hpacmag

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Members from Uponor’s senior management committee, including: Uponor North America president Bill Gray (front row at right) and Canada general manager, Charlie Harte (second from right), were in attendance at the grand opening of the company’s new sales office in Laval, QC. The office is located at 2580 Boulevard de Corbusier, Laval, QC, H75 2K8, tel. 450.687.5583, fax. 450.687.6525. www.uponor.ca

Companies,” which listed the top 100 companies from around the globe. Johnson Controls was listed 64th overall, while Emerson ranked 91st and Tyco ranked 97th. www.tyco.com www.emersoncanada.ca www.johnsoncontrols.ca

Lowe’s withdraws bid Lowe’s Cos. recently withdrew its offer to purchase Rona Inc. after Rona’s board of directors rejected an offer that valued the Quebec-based home improvement retail company at approximately $1.76 billion. Lowe’s began operating stores in Canada in 2007 and has approximately 30 stores across the country. It is the second-largest U.S. home improvement retailer. Rona Inc. is the biggest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. As owner of Noble, it is also a contender in the specialty plumbing and HVAC/R markets.

Rona operates approximately 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate stores and employs close to 30 000 people nationwide. www.rona.ca

Canadian technology recognized in France RenewABILITY Energy Inc., the Kitchener, ON-based manufacturer of the Power-Pipe Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) system and Solénove Énergie, distributor of the Power-Pipe in France, recently announced that energy savings from the Power-Pipe are eligible for energy savings certificates in France. Walter Urban, vice-president of marketing at RenewABILITY Energy Inc., said the Power-Pipe Drain Water Heat Recovery system is the first Canadian product to become eligible to receive energy savings certificates in France. The PowerPipe pre-heats incoming cold fresh water by using outgoing warm drain water.www.renewability.com hpacmag.com

2" PVC Venting

Eligibility opens up for HI associate memberships Hydraulic Institute (HI) members recently approved a bylaw change that widens eligibility for associate membership in HI. The bylaw allows all corporations that manufacture products or develop software for ultimate use in or with pumps and pumping systems to be eligible for membership, as long as the corporation or firm sells its products in the North American market. www.Pumps.org/Benefits

1 /2" Gas Line

Tankless so advanced it’s simple.

School is in T&S Brass recently opened an on-site training facility on the T&S Campus in Travelers Rest, SC, designed to offer customers, consultants, sales representatives, distributors, contractors and engineers an opportunity to receive handson education and training. The 40 000 sq. ft. training facility accommodates small and large groups and features: areas suitable for small group break-out sessions; as well as theatre style seating; large dual input screens for presentations and videos; modular product tables and display walls, a dedicated office area and factory tour opportunities. www.tsbrass.com

Caleffi's new plant is up and running Caleffi Hydronic Solutions’ composite production plant in Gattico, Italy became fully operational over the summer. The facility has the capacity for 42 moulding machines and already has 30 installed, covering an area of 53 800 sq. ft. The expansion also features molding solutions for optimizing floor space, workspace ergonomics for operators and ease of maintenance for the systems. www.caleffi.us

(Isn’t it amazing what technology can do for you?)

The new Navien NPE condensing series is so advanced retroﬁts have ﬁnally become simple. Now the existing

1/2" gas line can be used and in many cases our 2" PVC venting can be run through the existing chase. All of which allow for a tankless installation in about the same amount of time and cost as a traditional tank install. Learn more at TanklessMadeSimple.com

• Utilizes existing 1/2" gas line

• Field gas convertible

• 2" PVC venting

• Ultra condensing efﬁciency

•

• Dual stainless steel heat exchangers

Buffer tank and recirculation • Three models: 150k Btu's, pump included 180k Btu's and 199k Btu's

The Leader in Condensing Tankless Technology

800.519.8794 NavienAmerica.com

continued on page 68 hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< MSN

continued from page 67

u R.W.

Bio-Circle sets up Chicago HQ Bio-Circle Inc., a business unit of Walter Surface Technologies with its roots in Quebec, has set up a regional headquarters in Chicago, IL. The company’s objective is to develop sales for Bio-Circle environmental parts cleaning systems throughout the U.S. Midwest. www.biocircle.com www.walter.com

Beckett celebrated its 75th anniversary with employees, customers and suppliers from September 20-22, 2012. Heating engineer Reginald Beckett officially started up the Ohio-based manufacturer on September 8, 1937 in the basement of a small home in Elyria, OH. The company now employs approximately 650 people and offers a product range from oil and gas combustion products to air moving devices and electronic controls. www.beckettcorp.com

u Halsey

Milestones

u Mits Air Conditioning Inc.’s Gerry Pohler shows off a proper six-inch, on-centre layout of PEX tubing at the company’s new hydronics training showroom, unveiled at Mits’ 25th anniversary celebration. The event was held on September 18-19, 2012 at Mits' office at 1608 Bonhill Road, Mississauga, ON. Mits has begun offering full hydronics training courses at this location. The event also featured presentations by Jim Garrett (GM of Taco Canada), Jim Chaters (Mits North American sales manager) and Anton Wolmarans (Mits product manager and application engineering). www.mitsair.com 68

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Taylor of Aok Brook, IL, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The company was opened by Halsey W. Taylor in 1912, when he developed the Puritan Sanitary Fountain, which he manufactured in Warren, OH. Taylor dedicated his life to providing safe drinking water after losing his father to typhoid fever caused by contaminated water and later witnessing dysentery spread through workers at an auto plant where he was the superintendent. Halsey Taylor products are available in Canada through Novanni Stainless Inc. www.halseytaylor.com

u To

celebrate production of Emerson Climate Technologies’ 100 millionth Copeland scroll compressor, all eight Copeland scroll compressor manufac-

turing facilities from around the globe painted a compressor using designs that reflected the plants and local communities. The compressors will be displayed as part of the company’s 25th anniversary of scroll production at various shows around the world, including: Mechanical Systems Week, AHR Mexico, Chillventa, Emerson’s Wholesaler Conference, AHR Expo and China Refrigeration Expo. www.emersoncanada.ca

Mergers Acquisitions

and

>> Daikin Industries Ltd. has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Goodman Global Group Inc. Daikin stated that the combination of the two companies would create several strategic benefits and general efficiencies. David Swift, CEO of Goodman Global, stated that he does not expect any immediate organizational changes, due to the different complementary products and markets that both companies serve. Until the transaction closes, which is expected to occur in Goodman’s fourth quarter, both companies will continue to operate as separate companies. www.daikin.com www.goodmanmfg.com >> Systemair AB recently signed an agreement to purchase Change’Air, a manufacturer of ventilation equipment for classrooms. Located in Aylmer, ON Change’Air has 65 employees. www.changeair.com >> The Beckett Corporation recently acquired the Firomatic product line from the Highfield Manufacturing Company, a division of Rexnord Industries, LLC. www.beckettcorp.com

hpacmag.com

>> The Modine Manufacturing Com-pany, recently completed the acquisition of Surrey, B.C.-based Geofinity Manufacturing. The purchase gives Modine a complete line of geothermal heat pumps in water-to-water and water-to-air models. Geofinity won the 2012 AHR Innovation Award in the Building Automation Category for its ORB Heat Pump Controller. www.modinehvac.com

HealtHy Climate® Humidifiers Power Humidifiers

Distribution News >> Wolseley Canada recently opened a plumbing and hydronics branch in Milton, ON. The branch is located at: 8039 5th Line North, Unit 2, Milton, ON, L2G 0E2, tel. 905.875.5625. www.wolseleyinc.ca >> Les Agences J.P. Sylvain has been appointed the representative for Flexcon Industries and Smith’s Environmental to Quebec. J.P. Sylvain is located at: 1380, rue Joliot-Curie, Boucherville, QC J4B 7L9, tel. 450.655.9588, fax. 450.641.2737. www.ajpsylvain.com >> ECCO Supply recently opened locations in Calgary, AB and Chilliwack, BC. The Calgary branch is located at: 1145 65th Ave. N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 8T9, tel. 403.295.4234, fax. 403.295.4220. The Chilliwack branch is located at: Unit 108 – 7900 Evans Road, Chilliwack, BC, V2R 5R8, tel. 604.702.4400, fax. 604.792.4545. www.eccosupply.ca >> Jomar Valve has partnered with NEO Valves Ltd., making NEO Valves the master distributor of all Jomar product lines across Canada. www.jomarvalve.com www.neovalves.com >> Burnham Commercial Boilers named G. Mitchell Heating and Air Conditioning (tel: 514-332-8929) as its new representative for Burnham Commerical boilers and accessories for the Quebec region. www.burnhamcommercial.com >> Morden National Sales and Marketing Inc. recently hired Northway Sales as its agent for Northern Ontario. The contact is Andre Bergeron, tel. 705.562.0066. www.mordennational.com >> M.A. Stewart & Sons Ltd. has opened up an Ontario distribution facility in Ajax, ON. It is located at: 40 Pugsley Court, Ajax, ON, L1Z 0L8, tel. 905.683.7303, fax. 905.683.9108. www.mastewart.com

continued on page 70

hpacmag.com

Now More Humidifier Choices • Built in fan helps circulate humidified air • Eliminates the hassle of manual adjustments

ByPass Humidifiers • Uses air handler or furnace fan to direct humidified air • Eliminates the hassle of manual adjustments

steam Humidifiers • Best output of humidification—up to 35 gallons of moisture a day • More even temperatures—reduces cold air bursts • Easy annual maintenance • Duct or remote mount

all Humidifiers come witH a five year warranty on covered comPonents

Call for mor details e

Ask your local Lennox PartsPlus™ store for more details, or visit us online at www.LennoxPartsPlus.com. 5350 86th Ave. S.e. Calgary, Alberta 403-279-8075

115 RANdAll dRive, Unit 10 Waterloo, ontario 519-886-3666

10 WoodSleA RoAd Brampton, ontario 905-799-9911

1 AdelAide StReet N., Unit 5 london, ontario 519-439-3377

2010 elleSmeRe RoAd, Units 13 & 14 2962 lAke City WAy Scarborough, ontario Burnaby, BC 416-754-4311 604-421-1767 351 NASh RoAd NoRth, Unit #10 hamilton, ontario 905-560-4200

133 ilSley AveNUe, Unit d dartmouth, Nova Scotia 902-468-5995

1177 PARiSieN StReet ottawa, ontario 613-745-1528

3540 BoUlevARd PoiRieR ville Saint-laurent, Quebec 514-336-6090

Stores are open Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< MSN

continued from page 69

>> Direct Expansion Solutions (DXS), a division of HTS Engineering Ltd. and a sister company of HTS Texas, has opened a Toronto office. DSX offers Daikin variable refrigerant volume (VRV) air conditioning systems. The office is located at: 115 Norfinch Dr., Toronto, ON, M3N 1W8 www.dsxeng.com

Clips >> Centrotherm Eco Systems Innoflue was recently approved for use with Rheem’s Prestige Series condensing tankless water heaters and WeilMcLain’s WM97 wall-mounted gas boiler. www.centrotec.com

>> NCI Canada Inc. has opened a new warehouse in Dorval, QC. It is located at: Unit 13, 1405 Boulevard Hyums,

tel. 514.685.0948. In related news, the company recently launched a new website. www.ncicanada.com

>> Johnson Controls has expanded its technical support services for Coleman distributors and contractors and now offers application, startup and commissioning (ASC) services. www.colemanhvacdealer.com >> The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) recently conducted an inquiry into the dumping and subsidizing of certain types of stainless steel sinks, originating in or exported from the People's Republic of China. The CITT concluded that the dumping of these sinks, pursuant to subsection 43(1) of the Special Import Measures Act, caused injury to the domestic industry. www.citt-tcce.gc.ca

>> Novo

Water Conditioning has received WQA Gold Certification according to the CSA B483.1 standard in Canada for its Novo 465, Novo 165 and CAN 850 Water Conditioners. www.novowater.com

>> Canadians can now obtain continuing education units (CEUs) when attending Uponor Academy training courses. www.uponor.com >> Thermadyne Holdings Corporation has changed its name to Victor Technologies Group, Inc. Victor Technologies will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013. http://victortechnologies.com >> Superior Radiant Products recently achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification. www.superiorradiant.com

winner’s circle tekmar wins Manufacturer of the Year award tekmar was recently awarded the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) 2012 Manufacturer of the Year award at the OESP’s 59th Annual Convention and Trade Show in (Left to right) tekmar’s Bob Yurch, Mike Providence, RI. RecipStevens, Jason Nelson and George Perrelli ients of the award pose with their OESP Award for Manufacturer are OESP members that have made an of the Year. impact in the areas of education, training development and technical support in the field. In related news, tekmar has named J.F. Taylor its representative for New Brunswick, NL, NS and PE. www.tekmarcontrols.com www.jftaylor.ca 70

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Broan-NuTone wins green energy challenges Broan-NuTone Canada Inc. was recently named the winner of two sub-challenges within the Greater Toronto Area Partners in Project Green’s People Power Challenge for waste reduction and energy efficiency. The Mississauga, ON-based company won the energy efficiency category by 10 points and the waste sub-challenge by one point. The company’s overall goal is to obtain a 75-per-cent energy reduction compared to 2006 consumption levels within the next two years. www.partnersinprojectgreen.com KMC wins sustainability competition KMC Controls recently won The Green Thinker Network Sustainability 2012 competition in the Heating and Air Conditioning and Plumbing category for its FlexStat. The KMC FlexStat is a BACnet Advanced Application Controller and sensor in one, designed to create a flexible solution for stand-alone or BACnet-network challenges in commercial buildings of any size. www.kmccontrols.com hpacmag.com

“Thanks to the new system upgrades, we’re seeing significant savings in energy use.” Douglas Dittburner Energy Manager, Cadbury

Saving energy makes sense – business sense. Get up to 70% off project costs, including: • Engineering studies • On-site energy manager • Key system upgrades

Energy efficiency incentives from your local electric utility are available for industrial plants like yours. Whether you’re in the food and beverage, automotive or plastics and packaging industry, you may be covered for up to 70% of your project costs, including engineering studies and process and systems upgrades to help lower operating costs. Big or small, every Ontario business can benefit from energy efficiency.

• Monitoring and targeting

Contact your local electric utility or visit saveonenergy.ca/industrial

Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Subject to change without notice. A mark of the Province of Ontario protected under Canadian trade-mark law. Used under licence. OM Official Marks of the Ontario Power Authority.

hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< people Changes at Wolseley Gilles Pétrin has been promoted to vice-president, sales and business development for Wolseley Canada. Petrin Gilles Petrin has 39 years of experience with Wolseley Canada and has held a variety of leadership roles, including vice-president, Eastern Region. Jamie Hebb has been promoted to the position of shared purchasing centre manager for Wolseley Canada. Jamie Hebb

Akbar Makalai has been appointed to the position of vice-president of HVAC/R. Makalai has 35 years of industry experience and most Akbar Makalai recently held the position of vice-president, Western Region.

Louis Pepe has been named director of sourcing for Wolseley Canada. Pepe is responsible for developing new partnerships as well as Louis Pepe strengthening existing partnerships with vendors.

Paul Kennedy was recently promoted vicepresident of plumbing. His duties include: all strategy and profit and loss for the company’s residential and commercial plumbing and hydronics business. Kennedy has more than 20 years of industry experience.

Glen Henderson has been promoted to vicepresident of Wolseley’s newly combined EPG/ Waterworks business group, called Wolseley Engineered Waterworks Group. His previous position was general manager, Engineered Pipe Group for Wolseley Canada.

Lochinvar, LLC recently named Wallace E. Goodwin its president and chief operating officer (COO). The Morgan Group has hired Mark Aris for the role of southwestern Ontario sales representative. Reliable Controls recently promoted Chris Gleason to vice-president of sales and marketing, Americas. Gleason previously held the position of regional sales manager for eastern U.S. for the past decade at Reliable Controls. Mike Miller, who is now national business development manager with Uponor, was recently appointed to the role of chair of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC).

Caleffi Hydronic Solutions has promoted Nick Kugler to the position of regional sales manager. Kugler will serve the mid-Atlantic U.S. area. Prior to joining Caleffi in 2011, he worked as a sales engineer. Wolf Steel Limited has hired Andrew Gabura as account manager for the GTA Southwestern Ontario. He is responsible for the Napoleon and Continental heating and cooling brands. 72

HPAC | september/october SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Taco recently hired Dave Holdorf as a new trainer. Holdorf has more than 15 years experience in the hydronics industry. He will offer training at rep, distributor and contractor locations, as well as at Taco’s Innovation and Development Center. Superior Radiant Products has appointed Tim Steel as its U.S. sales manager for engineered products. He has more than 30 years experience in leadership roles, including 25 years in the infrared heating industry. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has promoted Pete DeMarco to senior director of special services; Lynne Simnick to senior director of code development; and Dave Viola to senior director of technical services. Boshart Industries has named Arch Mulder its senior vice-president of operations and IT. In related news, Julie Story was named Boshart’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing. Boshart also promoted Joel Phelan to the position of senior purchasing manager. hpacmag.com

METAL. ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHAT WE DO. We have 40 years of experience manufacturing sheet metal and venting products for the residential and commercial HVAC market. With a renewed focus in service and product development, we will continue to introduce specialized sheet metal solutions to meet our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs today and tomorrow.

4 0 Y E A R S O F M A N U FA C T U R I N G

Sheet Metal, Venting, OEM & Custom Manufacturing Solutions hpacmag.com

HPAC09_66-75_MSN.indd 73

donpark.com september/october 2012 | HPAC

12-10-16 6:08 PM

ONE PIPE CAN DO SO MUCH “We’ve been using Aquatherm for 4 years and are very satisfied with our results and the of work we can achieve with it. Aquatherm’s advantages are: speed of installation, labor savings, and not having to worry about jobsite theft or damage.”

quality

“The quietness of the pipe is a big benefit for this large commercial and residential project – with water flowing through it you don’t even hear it. And the ease of installation and how and clean it is to work with are also major benefits.”

John Price, President, Price Plumbing Ltd., Riverview, NB

quick

Rick Dearing, Owner/President, Red Deer Plumbing, Red Deer, AB

“Aquatherm has so many good characteristics. It will last the of a building. It is much lighter than other metals, and isn’t going to get stolen like copper. Its flow rates are far better, and it has a natural insulation value.”

lifetime

Jim Myers, Owner/Manager, Jeda Mechanical, North Vancouver, BC

“We were introduced to Aquatherm when it became available in our area and have enjoyed great success using it. When compared to copper piping there is also a in material costs and the product is far less likely to be stolen.”

savings

Glen Gardiner, Estimator, Mr. Plumber, Blair LaPierre Inc., Charlottetown, PEI

“We’ve worked with Aquatherm for the last four years, and have done several projects in Vancouver and Saskatchewan. The benefits of the Aquatherm system were . It was easier to work with since it is lighter than steel or ductile iron.”

superior

Hermann Koechl, Project Manager, GML Mechanical Ltd., Delta, BC

change what’s possible

www.aquatherm.com 403-809-8707

aquatherm

Plumbing PRODUCts Octave double-equal and large/medium kitchen sinks from Kohler are made from 18-gauge stainless steel, have a depth of 9 in. and are available in topmount and undercounter installation models. The sinks feature SilentShield sound deadening technology and come with one or two basin racks, a sponge caddy and an 11.5-oz. bottle of Kohler stainless steel cleaner. www.kohler.com

Elkay’s GreenSpec EZH2O bottle filling station features sanitary, no-touch

American Standard’s Decorum FloWise high-

sensor activation with an automatic 20-second shut-off timer, a fill rate of

efficiency urinal features FloWise technology

1.1 gpm for refrigerated units and 1.5 gpm for non-refrigerated units and

that uses 1.9L/f, EverClean permanent fin-

a vandal-resistant StreamSaver Bubbler. It also comes equipped with a

ish, designed to inhibit the growth of stain and

Watersentry Plus 3000 gallon filter, a real drain system for eliminat-

odour-causing bacteria, mould and mildew on

ing standing water, laminar flow for minimal splash and a visual user

the surface and is WaterSense certified. The

interface display with a filter monitor, a green ticker for counting the

urinal is available in white with a ¾-in. top or

quantity of bottles saved and more. www.elkay.com

back spud inlet and includes a threaded twoinch outlet connection. www.americanstandard.ca

WHEN THE SITUATION CALLS FOR UPDATING YOUR WATER SYSTEMS,

ZURN LISTENS. COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE SINCE 1955

Thousands of workers depend on this facility’s water every day. So when we updated our restrooms and water systems, we needed the most dependable product with the most value. That’s why we called Zurn.

Design for connecting fittings and valves to copper, CPVC and PEX pipe. Ideal for on plumbing, water heaters and hydronic heating systems.

T O TA L B U I L D I N G S O L U T I O N S A complete line of products for any project. A 100-year history of quality and innovation. And the lowest life-cycle costs in the industry. When it comes to total building solutions for your water needs, one name stands above the rest. Zurn. For new construction, retrofit, and replacement, give us a call. We’ll listen.

zurn.c m 905-405-8272

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Due to their unique design utilizing a high quality EPDM and #304 Stainless Steel O-ring no soldering, crimping, or solvent welding is necessary.

Your #1 Choice

For “Easy-Grip” Push-Fit Fittings

www.boshart.com 1-800-561-3164 hpacmag.com

Zurn Industries’ ZTR6200

KWC Faucets’ AVA single-lever basin faucet

Sensor Flush Valve for

features COOLFIX technology, a six o’clock

water closets is perfor-

middle position designed to deliver “full cold,”

mance engineered with the dual

with hot water being released. It also comes

technology of the Ecovantage Pint sen-

equipped with a Neoperl Caché aerator, has a

sor and HydroVantage piston innovation.

flow rate of 1.5 gpm (60 psi); flat handles and

The valve features chloramines-resistant

are available in chrome and KWC’s splendure

internal seals, designed to reduce main-

stainless steel finishes.

tenance costs and add to the longevity of

http://kwcamerica.com

the valve. www.zurn.com

Precise Control Victaulic provides a complete line of balancing products that accurately control building temperature while optimizing energy efficiency.

FASTLOCK’s line of malleable iron press fittings for Schedule 10 – 40 black and galvanized steel pipe are designed for quick and easy installation and to reduce stress on joists and hangers during installation. They do not

Eliminate fluctuations in temperature.

Eliminate occupant complaints and costly remedies.

Reduce energy costs.

require threading dies, pipe sealants or pipe wrenches and are available in ½-in. to two-inch sizes. www.fastlockfittings.com

Visit us at Ciphex West Booth # 500

Grohe’s Eurocube lavatory faucets deliver 1.5 gpm (5.7 L/min) and come in a chrome finish. The faucets are offered with various basin installations, including three single-hole faucets

Victaulic is the exclusive North American representative for Tour and Andersson products. To learn more about the product line, visit:

and a three-hole deck-mounted faucet, in addition to a four-hole roman tub filler. It is also equipped with a 28mm cartridge with temper-

www.victaulic.com/balancing

ature limiter and is designed for simple and quick installation. www.grohe.ca hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

GE GEOSPRING HYBRID WATER HEATER SAVES BOTH MONEY AND ENERGY

o create the next generation of water heaters, GE rethought every aspect of

the appliance from the ground up. The result is a new product that can reduce water heater operating cost by up to 62% and save the average household up to $325 annually. By using advanced heat pump technology in combination with traditional electric elements, the Geospring TM hybrid water heater has been designed with maximum energy efficiency in mind. The tank portion of this water heater includes two electric heating elements, a pressure relief valve, an internal porcelain-lined tank and an anode rod. But what truly sets this apart is just above the tank. A compressor and evaporator are integrated into the unit to draw in heat from the surrounding air using a variable speed fan. Coils wrap the tank all the way to the bottom to transfer this heat into the tank and heat the hot water. This innovative process creates the same amount of hot water as a traditional water heater with a first hour recovery (FHR) of 65 gallons, but can reduce household operating cost up to 62%. The Geospring TM offers easy replacement of a standard electric water heater using existing water and electrical connections. The programmable control panel features a range of operating modes designed to fit your customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle and achieve desired energy efficiency savings. With benefits like an Energy factor of 2.4 in Heat Pump (Only), convenience and control over operating modes, similar footprint for installation and an attractive return on investment, the Geospring TM offers an ideal solution for consumers looking for greater control of their energy usage and substantial savings on their water heating bill.

www.geappliances.ca

THE GEOSPRING HAS PEOPLE WARMING UP THEIR PIPES IN A WHOLE NEW WAY. The GeoSpringâ&#x201E;˘ Hybrid Water Heater from GE uses 62% less energy and saves $325 a year on utility bills.* Long showers for less means more happy customers and less frantic phone calls. Advanced technology is making the business of hot water heaters something everyone can sing about. GE works. geappliances.ca 1-855-742-6112

*Based on DOE test procedure and comparison of a 50-gallon standard electric tank water heater using 4879 kWh per year vs. the GeoSpring Hybrid Water heater using 1830 kWh per year.

< conference Report

Speakers On Target At ABC Delegates join illustrious list of guests who have enjoyed Montebello’s hospitality.

BY Andrew snook

he Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) held its annual business conference (ABC) June 24-26 at the Fairmont Chateau Montebello in Montebello, QC. More than 220 people attended the conference themed, “Building Healthy Relationships.” Special events included keynote speeches about relationship building by Canadian Paralympic gold medalist Chantal Petitclerc and Don Plett, Senator for Landmark, MB; as well as presentations by The Globe and Mail national affairs columnist Jeffrey Simpson; Carleton University professor Dr. Linda Duxbury; Abenakis native Daniel Richer; and “Superbodies” host for Canada's national Olympic broadcast and human physiology scientist, Dr. Greg Wells.

Board members mingle on the grounds

Hydronics Update

Canadian Hydronics Council outgoing chair Bill Hooper (right) receives a plaque from incoming chair Sean

Incoming Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) chair Sean Giberson offered industry stakeholders an update on the “Beautiful Heat” campaign, designed to market hydronic heating in homes to consumers in new construction and in renovations and additions. After his presentation, Giberson presented a plaque to former chair Bill Hooper for his work as CHC chair from 2009 to 2012.

Helping Habitat for Humanity An update on CIPH’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada presented at the conference reported that since partnering with Habitat for Humanity Canada in 1994, CIPH has provided more than $8.1 million in cash, products and ReStore donations. Keith VanderVennet will lead the charge for CIPH’s fundraising committee in 2012-13; and has set a goal of $2.75 million to be raised by the end of 2013.

Eastbound for ABC 2013 The next CIPH annual business conference will take place at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, NS, from June 16-18, 2013. www.ciph.com <>

CIPH board of directors The election results for the CIPH board of directors were announced at the ABC. The board for 2012-13 is: John Hammill (chairman, Moen Inc.); Robert Whitty (1st vice-chair, Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd.); Paul McDonald (2nd vice-chair, Bradford White Canada Inc.); Keith VanderVennet (chair – wholesalers’ division, Wolseley Canada); Bill Palamar (chair – manufacturers’ division, Weil-McLain Canada Sales Inc.) and Kevin Fullan (immediate past chair/treasurer – Flocor Inc.). Honourary vice-chairs are Barry Raycroft (Bardon Supplies Ltd.), Case de Jong (Franke Kindred Canada Ltd.) and Russ Morgan (IPEX Inc.). Directors are Mike Verge (Marks Supply Inc.); Doug Kennedy (Masco Canada); Bill Hooper (Xylem, Residential & Commercial Water); Matt Robinson (B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd.); Andrew Dyck (Barclay Sales Ltd.); Siân Smith (Emco); Joe Senese (Groupe Deschênes Inc.); Frédéric Perrin (Usines Giant Factories); and Allen Taylor (Taylor Pipe Supports). 80

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Outgoing CIPH chair Kevin Fullan (left) receives a plaque hpacmag.com

See us at CIPHEX Booth 900

hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

< marketing Is your organization complying with the CRTC’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules?

BY THE

book Rules for Telemarketers • Register with the National Do Not Call List (National DNCL) Operator. • Purchase a subscription to the National DNCL and compare it to your calling list to ensure that you do not call anyone that is registered on the National DNCL. Download an updated National DNCL every 31 days. • Do not call any number registered on the National DNCL or your own internal Do Not Call list. • Identify who you are and, upon request, provide a working fax or telephone number where the person being called can contact you about the call. • Display the telephone number that you are calling from, or that the consumer can call to reach you. • Respect the allowable calling hours: telemarketers may call

NOTE In general, ADAD devices should not be used by any telemarketer (including one making exempted calls), unless written consent has been obtained from a consumer. 82

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

or send faxes only from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends. • Comply with the Automatic Dialing and Announcing Device (ADAD*) Rules, which apply to devices that dial telephone numbers automatically and deliver a pre-recorded message.

Internal Do Not Call List All telemarketers must maintain their own internal Do Not Call list because consumers who have not registered on the National DNCL may not want to receive telemarketing calls from specific telemarketers. Also, consumers who have had recent dealings with your organization may not want to receive telemarketing calls from your organization. If a consumer asks a telemarketer to stop calling, his or her name and number must be added to the telemarketer’s internal list within 31 days. Telemarketers must not call or send faxes to consumers on their own internal do not call lists.

Rules and limitations around ADADs Automatic Dialing and Announcing Devices (ADADs) may not be used for telemarketing unless express written consent is obtained from a consumer to receive such calls. ADADs may be used for non-solicitation purposes, such as surveys (only where there is no intent to sell goods or services); and public service communications for emergency or administration purposes, by police, fire departments, schools, and hospitals. ADADs must comply with the following conditions: • Cannot be made to emergency lines and healthcare facilities; • ADAD calls are restricted to 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends; hpacmag.com

Photo Istockphoto

oes your organization make telemarketing calls or send faxes to consumers for the purpose of solicitation? Does your organization use a third-party to make telemarketing calls or send faxes on your behalf? If you answered “yes” to either question, your organization is considered a telemarketer and must comply with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules at all times. If you answered “yes” to the second question, both your organization and the third-party organization must follow the rules.

• Must begin with a clear message identifying the person on whose behalf the call is made, plus a mailing address and a local or toll-free number where the caller can be reached; • Must display a working phone number or another number where the call can be reached; • Sequential dialing is prohibited; random dialing can be used to make ADAD calls (including to non-published numbers), but must not be made to emergency lines or healthcare facilities; • ADAD equipment must disconnect within 10 seconds of the person receiving the call hanging up. Learn more about ADADs by reviewing Part IV of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules at www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/ trules-reglest.htm.

What Types of Telemarketing Calls are Exempt from these Rules? All telemarketers must register with the National DNCL Operator and maintain an internal do not call list; most telemarketers must also purchase a subscription to the National DNCL. However, a subscription is not required if telemarketing calls (including faxes) are being made by, or on behalf of: • Registered Canadian charities raising funds. • Newspapers selling subscriptions. • Political parties and their candidates.

Fernox HVAC and Boiler Treatment Chemicals

• •

Companies selling only to other businesses. Companies contacting consumers with whom they have an existing business relationship (for instance, business dealings within the past 18 months).

NOTE Telemarketers making calls that are exempted from the National Do Not Call List Rules must still comply with all other aspects of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules.

What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance? Telemarketers found to be in violation of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules can be fined up to $1500 for an individual and up to $15 000 for a corporation, for each violation. To learn how to register and subscribe to the National DNCL, or for additional information, visit www. LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre If you receive a call that you think may be fraudulent, contact your local police or The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (888-4958501), a national anti-fraud service jointly operated by the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition 16 FLIR Back in Black HPAC Feb12:3.375x4.875 2/14/12 Bureau. <>

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

Gizmos & Gadgets The MX30E Multi-X Oscillating Tool from Bosch Power

The motion-activated Gyro

Tools has an amp rating of 3.0A and an adjustable speed

screwdriver from Black

from 8000 to 20 000 OPM. It features a toolless acces-

& Decker controls

sory change lever, reinforced gear housing to reduce tool

variable speed and

vibration, a small grip circumference and multiple soft grip

direction with a twist of

areas, an optional dust collection kit and is available in a

the wrist. The 4V MAX Lithium-ion rechargeable

variety of kits. www.boschtools.com

battery can hold a charge for up to 18 months. Features include an LED light, two standard screwdriving bits and a jack plug charger.

DeWalt’s Multi Material

www.blackanddecker.com

drill bits are designed for

drilling

through

light-gauge steel, PVC, wood,

ceramic,

tile,

brick and cinder block. They feature carbide split point tips, aggressive flute angles and a non-spin shank to eliminate bit slippage. www.dewalt.com REGEN Energy’s Swarm Energy Management platform features LiveHive, designed to optimize the Swarm’s peak reduction savings throughout warm or cool days. It allows REGEN’s electric

The testo 310 is a lightweight, residential cus-

load controllers to sense live changing condi-

tomer analyzer designed to measure flue gas,

tions and automatically adjust its own setting in

draft, ambient CO and pressure. It features

response to these changes.

two long-lasting high-range sensors to mea-

www.regenenergy.com

sure O2 and CO; a large, back-lit multi-line disLennox Industries’ icomfort Wi-Fi touchscreen

GOJO Cherry Gel Pumice Hand Cleaner, a

play and comes with a NOx filter standard. Ac-

thermostat uses Cloud connectivity to allow re-

cessories include: an integrated probe for flue

mote access for temperature adjustment from

gas measurements (32F to 752F) and a USB

smartphones, tablets, laptops or web-enabled

charger. The testo 320 is a professional-level

devices. It features one-touch away mode,

instrument built for residential and commercial

weather-on-demand for live weather alerts, ser-

boiler/burner tune-ups, service and mainte-

vice alerts and reminders, customizable skins,

nance. Both units are ready to measure in 30

diagnostics, a high-definition seven-inch touch-

seconds, have an auto-zero function and inte-

screen interface and automatic updates.

grated magnet back for hands-free operation

www.lennox.com/products/comfort-controls

and a rechargeable battery. www.testo.com

heavy duty hand cleaner with pumice scrubbers, cleans heavy dirt, grease and oil, and is pH balanced for skin comfort. The cleaner’s

Porter-Cable’s PCL180CDK-2 18V lithium ion drill/driver offers

gel formula spreads evenly and clings to hands

424 in./lb of max torque and a speed of 1500 rpm in high gear.

and arms. It is available in portable 6 fl. oz.

It weighs 3.8 lb, is 8.1 in. in length and features: a 22-position

and 10 fl. oz. squeeze bottles, ½ gallon and

clutch; an LED light; onboard tip storage and a glass filled nylon

one gallon pump-top bottles and in the GOJO

housing. Users can choose between lithium ion and NiCd

Pro TDX Dispensing System in 2000 mL and

batteries. Accompanying accessories include: two PC18BLX

5000 mL sizes. GOJO Sanitary Sealed refills

lithium ion batteries, one PCXMVC multi-chemistry charger,

help ensure that the soap is safe from con-

a soft-side storage bag and one double-ended bit.

tamination. www.gojo.com

www.portercable.com

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

hpacmag.com

The LadderLock from Master Lock can be attached to any standard ladder rack and features a keyhole cover to protect it from the elements; stainless steel bracket lock and hardware; and a push-to-lock feature to prevent false locking. It comes equipped with adapters for 1.5-in. round, 1.5-in. square, 1.75-in. square and one- and two-inch rectangle ladder racks. www.masterlocktruck.com

The Stanley FatMax 1 ¼-in.,

The Fluke 805 Vibration Meter has a low fre-

25-ft. magnetic tape measure (Canadian

quency range of 10Hz to 1000Hz and a high

Milwaukee Tool’s 1-9/16" SDS Max Rotary

metric version FMHT33866) is designed for

frequency range of 4000Hz to 20 000Hz. It

Hammer (5317-21) features two-mode opera-

professional users and comes with a magnet

offers a four-level severity scale for assessing

tion (rotary hammer/hammer only); a mechani-

with a holding force of 4 lb. and 11 ft. of blade

urgency of problems for overall vibration and

cal clutch; a 10.5 Amp motor and 5.5 lb. of

standout. It also features BladeArmor coating

bearing condition; exportable data via USB;

impact energy; 450 RPM; 3000 BPM and

on the first three inches and Mylar polyester

trending in Excel using built-in templates and

weighs 15.0 lb. It offers Constant Power Tech-

film on the blade; a high impact ABS case with

an innovative sensor and sensor tip design,

nology (CPT) and includes: a 5317-20 1-9/16"

a rubber over mould and a cushion grip.

built for minimizing measurement variations

SDS Max Rotary Hammer, side handle and

www.stanleytools.com

caused by device angle or contact pressure. www.flukecanada.com

carrying case. www.milwaukeetool.com

JBBMobile Field Cloud

V-Gard Shade Visors from

helps field service pro-

MSA are designed to pro-

fessionals

eliminate

tect against damage from

paperwork,

manage

impact and infrared (IR)

service schedules, au-

radiation during welding,

tomate timesheets and streamline processes.

cutting and brazing applications. Engineered

It can be used by companies that range from

for heavy-duty use, they are available in either

five to 500 field service technicians. It does

Shade 3 or Shade 5 as a visor or nitrometer. The

not require any installed software or special

visors’ sides are contoured towards the face

hardware.

for a closer fit and improved splash and impact

Bell & Gossett’s System Syzer Version 4 for PC

www.jbbmobile.com

resistance. www.msasafety.com

computers calculates flow rates and pressure drops in HVAC piping systems. Its features include: increased fluid property information;

hpacmag.com

The MT-543Ri Plus controller from Full Gauge features

lock icons to indicate what variable is to be

three stages and can be used for cooling or heating ap-

solved; ASHRAE 90.1 pipe sizing standards;

plications. It allows the second stage to be programmed

estimated pump energy cost based on pipe

as an alarm (within or outside range) and the third as a

size; a library of fittings, reducers and valves;

cyclic timer. The controller also has an internal audible

a NPSHa calculator with open and closed sys-

alarm and accepts NTC thermistor or PT-100 sensors.

tem support; and help calculating system head

www.fullgauge.com

loss. www.xyleminc.com/ESP september/october 2012 | HPAC

< solar

Geo-Solar Connection

A versatile way to integrate solar thermal and geothermal heat pumps.

wo thermally-based renewable energy technologies that grab many headlines these days are solar water heating and geothermal heat pumps. Both of these technologies are ways of capturing solar energy. The solar thermal system does it in real time, whereas the geothermal heat pump system, operating from a horizontal earth loop, extracts solar heat driven into the soil several months earlier. This time shift between when the energy is available and when it is needed, allows combinations of solar thermal hardware and geothermal heat pumps to be complementary. Take a look at the system schematic

in Figure 1. It combines both solar thermal and geothermal heat pump subsystems into an overall system for space heating, space cooling and domestic water heating.

HEATING MODE The primary heat source for space heating is the water-to-water geothermal heat pump. During the heating season, it extracts low temperature heat from the earth loop, converts it to higher temperature heat and parks that heat in a well-insulated buffer tank. When the heat pump is gathering heat from a horizontal earth loop, the fluid in the earth loop is at a relatively

Figure 1 Combined solar thermal and geothermal system

y rra

zoned air handlers for cooling

la so

to lec

low temperature radiant panels

electric element AB B A

Operating modes: 1. Solar input to DHW tank: diverter valve (AB to B) 2. Solar input to earth loop: diverter valve (AB toA)

variable speed pressure regulated circulators

outdoor reset controller

brazed plate heat exchanger

reversible water-to-water heat pump

purging valves

buffer tank

low temperature, especially during mid to late winter. In a northern climate, this fluid may even be less than 32F at times. In such systems, the earth loop fluid is typically a 15 to 20 per cent solution of propylene glycol or other antifreeze. A low temperature distribution system delivers that heat when and where it is needed. A variable-speed, pressure-regulated circulator operates in response to the differential pressure across the headers. When a zone valve opens, the differential pressure across the headers attempts to decrease. The circulator senses this electronically and immediately increases its speed to restore the original (design) differential pressure. The heat pump responds only to the temperature of the buffer tank, as monitored by an outdoor reset controller. The role of the heat pump, based on this control scenario, is to keep the buffer tank temperature within a certain range of a target temperature whenever space heating may be required. The latter is calculated based on the settings of the reset controller and the current outdoor temperature. This approach minimizes the temperature of the buffer tank based on the prevailing conditions. In doing so, it improves both the heating capacity and the heat pump coefficient of performance (COP). Figure 2 shows an example of how the reset line of such a controller could be set for a low temperature distribution system.

COOLING MODE earth loop circuits

temperature sensor

condenser

flex hoses evaporator

flex hoses

heating mode

domestic water heater

to/from other heating zones

BY John Siegenthaler

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

A similar operating mode is used for chilled water cooling. The heat pump hpacmag.com

chills the buffer tank and dissipates the absorbed heat to the earth loop. Chilled water flow is controlled by a second variable speed, pressure-regulated circulator in response to zone valves on each chilled water air handler. The temperature of the buffer tank is now likely to be controlled by a setpoint device that keeps the water in the range of 45F to 60F whenever the cooling mode is active. This configuration works well provided that the building does not require heating and cooling within a short time of each other. It is obviously not very efficient to heat the buffer tank to supply heat in the morning and then chill it down to supply cooling that afternoon. There are climates where heating is required in the morning, followed by a need for cooling in the afternoon. In such cases, one operating mode has to take precedence during swing seasons, or unusual weather conditions, until the system settles into a stable mode for the duration of the season. Another more costly and complex solution is to design the system with two buffer tanks – one for heated water and the other for chilled water.

SOLAR ASSIST The solar subsystem shown in Figure 1 allows for two operating modes: A. The solar heat collected is delivered to the DHW storage tank through the tank’s internal coiled heat exchanger. B. The solar heat is delivered to the earth loop through the brazed plate heat exchanger. If the sun is out and the domestic water temperature is lower than some limit, say 140F, the diverter valve routes the fluid leaving the collector through the tank’s internal coiled heat exchanger. If the tank reaches the upper limit and the sun is still shining, the diverter valve would reroute flow from the col-

Figure 2 Controller reset line lector array to a brazed plate heat exchanger in the earth loop. Connecting the collectors to the earth loop forces them to operate at a relatively low temperature, perhaps just a few degrees above that of the earth loop fluid. Under this operating mode, the collector array is partially unloading the earth loop. Over time this will keep the soil around the earth loop slightly warmer than it would otherwise be without the solar assist. This operating mode is particularly appealing in late winter and early spring; when the fluid temperature supplied by horizontal earth loops is bottoming out and the solar gains are getting stronger. The lower the operating temperature of the collectors, the higher their thermal efficiency. For example: A typical flat plate collector operating with an entering fluid temperature of 40F, at a time when the solar radiation intensity is 250 Btuh/ft2 and outside temperature is 30F, has a thermal efficiency of about 67 per cent. If the inlet temperature to this collector was raised to 120F under the same ambient conditions, its thermal efficiency would only be about 37 per cent. This implies that the collector operating at the lower temperature is gathering about 80 per cent more heat than the collector oper-

ating at the elevated temperature. Because of this, you may be thinking; If the efficiency is so much higher, why not just connect the collector array to the earth loop and forget about operating it at a higher temperature for domestic hot water?” The answer is based on two considerations. First, if “auxiliary” water heating is provided by an electric element or tankless electric heater, the cost of that heat may by three or four times greater than the cost of heat produced by the heat pump (assuming the latter has an average COP of three or four). Thus, displacing heat produced by the electric heating element will always be more cost effective and should be the priority mode. Secondly, if the collector array is only connected to the earth loop, it serves no purpose during warmer weather when the heat pump is operating in cooling mode. In this mode, the earth loop should remain as cool as possible. During this time there is plenty of solar energy available to heat water, but no way to collect it. When the heat pump is operating in cooling mode, the diverter valve directs the hot antifreeze solution returning from the collector array through the heat exchanger in the solar continued on page 88 87

< solar

continued from page 87

displacing heat produced by the electric heating element will always be more cost effective and should be the priority mode.

storage tank. In this mode, the solar subsystem is effectively isolated from the heat pump system.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES The foremost Achilles heel of closedloop, antifreeze-based solar thermal systems is what to do with excess solar heat in summer. Simply turning off the collector circulator if the storage tank reaches a high limit can cause rapid degradation of glycol-based antifreeze fluids within the collector. It can also cause steam flash in the collector array and the opening of the collector circuit pressure relief valve. The system shown in Figure 1 allows the option of dumping excess solar heat gain to the earth loop. The diverter valve directs fluid from the collector array through the brazed plate heat exchanger in the earth loop, while the earth loop circulator operates. In heating-only systems, or systems with minimal cooling load, this heat dump mode is easy to implement. The possibility of overheating the earth

loop due to occasional heat dumping is certainly less in northern climates, where earth loop temperatures, even during late summer, are in the range of 65F to 80F. However, this mode may or may not be viable in locations with long/hot summers and significant cooling loads. I see it as viable provided that the temperature of the earth loop fluid entering the heat pump does not rise above a point where heat pump cooling performance is significantly reduced. This could be detected by a setpoint controller, with the subsequent action of invoking another means of heat dumping. This also assumes that heat dumping is an occasional occurrence, rather than something that occurs every sunny summer day.

MORE TO COME It is possible to combine solar subsystems and geothermal heat pumps in other ways. One uses the solar array to add heat to the same storage tank that is otherwise heated by the ground source heat pump. A coil heat ex-

changer suspended in the upper portion of this tank, or a brazed plate heat exchanger outside the tank, serves to preheat domestic water. I had such a system in for several years and I would likely still have it, had we not added building space that required more capacity than the heat pump could deliver. I expect more research will be undertaken on how to best combine arrays of solar thermal collectors with geothermal heat pumps. The optimal configuration must address the relative size and timing of the space heating, space cooling and DHW loads. Look for this combination of subsystems to remain a popular topic in the future. <> John Siegenthaler, P.E. is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating (the third edition of this book is now available). For reference information and software to assist in hydronic system design visit www.hydronicpros.com.

Radiant Heating and Potable Systems HeatWeave® Electric Floor Warming

SubRay® Subﬂoor Radiant System

Infrared image of a radiant heated home

Learn more at www.wattscanada.ca or call 1-800-268-4045 88

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

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< conference Report

Gearing Up For Change From restructuring, to regulations, to rebranding, delegates leave event armed with information. by Andrew Snook

he Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) held its 44th annual meeting and conference, themed “Pursuing Service Excellence,” at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront in Halifax, NS from August 22-25. The four-day event featured a keynote speech by Pete Luckett, host of the television series “The Food Hunter” and multi-million dollar retail and wholesale owner/operator; HRAI’s annual general meeting and divisional AGMs; the HRAI Annual Awards Luncheon; an HRAI briefing session; an HVAC/R career promotion session; a tour of Refrigeration Services Inc.; a variety of educational sessions, and more. A first at the event was HRAI’s “Your Need to Know” session, which was a presentation from various HRAI staff on important issues and initiatives being reviewed by the organization. The harmonization of standards and the recent trend of diverging standards and regulations was a focus. HRAI staff discussed the need for increased participation from manufacturing representatives on standard committees, and the need for improving relationships with federal and provincial regulatory bodies. HRAI will be looking at lobbying for changes to how new standards are created at CSA. It was argued that some standards are being changed, or created, unnecessarily. Another subject of discussion was the creation of an Emerging Technologies Committee. The committee’s role would be to review and assess new technologies that could relate to the HVAC/R industry, while acting as a

liaison with other associations, such as the Canadian Solar Industries Association, the Canadian Green Building Council and the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition.

HRAI chairs for 2012-13 The gavel for HRAI chair was passed to David Morden of Morden National Sales and Marketing Inc. by past-chair Jim Thomas (l), president of Ron Robinson during the Refrigerant Services Inc., accepts HRAI Chairman’s Banquet. the HRAI Merit Award from HRAI Linde Canada’s Jim Flowers past chair Ron Robinson during the was elected the new chair for annual awards luncheon on August the manufacturers division, while Peter Henderson of Kerr Controls will continue to serve as chair of the wholesalers division and Marc Gendron of Les Enterprises MLG & Fils Inc. will continue as chair of the contractors division.

Re-branding for CMX-Ciphex The CMX-Ciphex Show has officially been renamed The Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Exposition for 2014.

Conference attendees mingle during the welcome event “An Evening at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic” on August 23, 2012.

Keeprite’s Walter Langille presented, “Application of ECM Motors to Head Pressure Control on Refrigeration Systems,” where he discussed how ECM air-cooled condenser fans could be speed controlled to obtain

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

hpacmag.com

Organizational restructuring HRAI recently announced a restructuring of its association staff, including four new members. Key contacts under the new structure are as follows: Warren Heeley (president); Martin Luymes (director of programs/relations); John Shearham (director of operations/services); Joanne Spurrell (manager of educational programs); Scott Papp (manager of divisional programs – contractors’ division); Caroline Czajko (manager of divisional programs – manufacturers and wholesalers); Heather GrimoldbyCampbell (manager of meetings and events); April Gucciardo (manager of environmental services); Ayesha Khan (accounting supervisor); Grace Gravina (marketing and communications specialist); Newly elected chair David Morden (r) of Morden National Sales and Marketing Inc. accepts the gavel from outgoing chair Ron Robinson during the HRAI Chairman’s

David Terlizzi (technical coordinator); and Jeff Zimmerman (technical coordinator).

supported by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), was presented during the Breakfast AGM/Annual Report held on Friday, August 24, 2012. To date, the Switch the ‘Stat program has diverted more than 237 kg of mercury and more than 61 000 thermostats from landfills. HRAI announced that in 2011-12, a new regional headquarAdditional highlights ters opened up in the Province of Quebec. Daniel Cloutier An update of the Switch the ‘Stat commercial and residential was named the Quebec Regional Manager for HRAI. Cloutier thermostat recovery program, administered by HRAI and has held various positions within the HVAC/R industry, including positions with Honeywell, Carrier, Eugene Binette, awards and achievements the Electrical League of Quebec and The Gearld Inch Award for Chapter Leadership went to Wayne Fischer, presithe Quebec Natural Gas Association. dent of HRAI Huronia Chapter. It was presented during the HRAI Contractors He can be contacted at 514.886.1504 Division AGM. Also discussed during the contractors AGM was developing or by e-mail dcloutier@hrai.ca. strategies for dealing with the negative impacts of “door knockers,” on the HVAC/R industry. Options discussed included: starting up a PR campaign to HRAI also announced the opening of educate homeowners about the different types of door knockers and pursuing a chapter in Calgary, AB. The chapter more stringent regulations. contact is Greg McPherson. He can be During the HRAI Manufacturers Division AGM, incoming divisional chair Jim reached at 403.541.0911 or by e-mail Flowers has been in the industry for 28 years, including nearly 20 years of at: greg@mcphersonclarke.com. volunteer service. He has been chair of the Refrigeration Product Section for the past six years. Vancouver-bound for 2013 The HRAI Awards Luncheon held on August 25, 2012 recognized a number HRAI’s 45th annual meeting and conof individuals for outstanding achievements, including: Rusty Jennings of ference will take place August 21-24, Carrier Canada Ltd. (Merit Award); Jim Thomas of Refrigerant Services 2013, at The Westin Bayshore in Inc. (Merit Award); Bob McKeraghan of Canco ClimateCare Heating & Air Vancouver, BC. from. www.hrai.ca <> Conditioning (20-Year Life Member Award); and Robert Flipse of Gordon Latham Ltd. (President’s Recognition Award).

Warren Heeley, HRAI president, said the new name better reflects what HRAI and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) represent to the industry and would be better received by exhibitors and attendees.

hpacmag.com

SEpTEmBER/ocToBER 2012 | HpAc

Training

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA Radon Mitigation Proficiency Course & Examination

CMCEF Project Management Course

The HRAI Skilltech Academy, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, will host a three-and-a-half day course and exam from November 19-22, 2012 in Toronto, ON. Anyone who completes the training program and obtains 70 per cent or higher on the exam can apply for certification under the Health Canada recognized National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). Note: the Radon Measurement Proficiency course is a prerequisite for this training program. For details, contact Angie Mantei at 800.267.2231, ext.237 or e-mail amantei@hrai.ca. www.hrai.ca

The Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation will hold its 10-day project management course from November 8-12, 2012 and from December 6-10, 2012 at the University of Waterloo. www.cmcef.org

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency is once again offering workshops focusing on improving efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering operation costs. The 2012-13 schedule is now available online. http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca

TECA's Quality First Training To register for the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association's (TECA) Quality First training courses, call 604.594.5956. www.teca.ca

GeoExchange Training The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) has added a national accreditation program for geothermal loop installers that is valid for commercial and residential installations. www.geoexchange.ca

RETScreen 202 – Heating & Cooling Project Analysis This intermediate-level course offers intensive instruction on RETScreen’s Heating & Cooling Project Model, including: an overview of heating and cooling project analysis; biomass heating project analysis; ground-source heat pump project analysis; solar water heating and air heating project analysis and more. www.retscreen.net/ang/home.php

LEED Canada Training The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is offering a variety of workshops in November and December, including: Speed Up Your LEED Canada-NC 1.0 Certification; LEED Canada for Homes: Program Review; LEED Green Associate Study Course; LEED Canada for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance and Understanding the Living Building Challenge. Tel. 613.241.1184. www.cagbc.org

Canadian Hydronics Council CHC’s course descriptions and training schedules are available online. Introduction to Hydronic Heating Installations is a starting point for anyone interested in the professional installation of hydronic heating systems. Participants will gain basic knowledge of hydronic terminology, how the design relates to the installation and how to avoid common pitfalls. The Essentials of Hydronic System Design intermediate level program is geared to helping practitioners understand key design principles and the different options and solutions required to meet client needs. Participants must have previously completed CHC’s Introduction to Hydronic Heating Installations. www.ultimatecomfort.ca

Canadian Electrical Code Updates CSA Standards is holding two-day, instructor-led, in-class seminars on the 2012 Canadian Electrical Code updates. The 2012 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, has more than 180 updates and revisions. This two-day course is designed to help people understand, interpret and apply key code changes to their business. CSA’s Fall 2012 training schedule is also available online. www.csa.ca

HRAI SkillTech Academy The SkillTech Academy’s Fall 2012 and Winter 2013 course schedule is available online. www.hrai.ca

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(877) 377-6694.............. www.hydronicagencies.com . ........................................ page 16,83 Lennox Parts Plus.. . . . . . ............ (214) 576-3800.............. www.LennoxPartsPlus.com . ............................................. page 69 Liberty Pumps.. . . . . . . . . . . . ............ (800) 543-2550.............. www.libertypumps.com ..................................................... . page 2 Mercedes Benz.. . . . . . . . . ................................................... www.mysprinter.ca . ................................................... page 48,49 Mitsubishi Electric. . . . . . ............ (905) 475-7728.............. www.zuba-central.ca . ...................................................... page 47 Navien.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (800) 519-8794.............. www.navienamerica.com . ................................................ page 67 Noble.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (800) 529-9805.............. www.noble.ca . ............................................................... page 17 NTI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ (506) 432-1130.............. www.nythermal.com ........................................................ page 61 Ontario Power Authority................................................. www.saveonenergy.ca ..................................................... page 71 Powrmatic.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (416) 744-7206.............. www.powrmatic.ca .......................................................... page 10 Saniflo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (800) 363-5874.............. www.saniflo.ca ............................................................... page 23 Slant/Fin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (905) 677-8400.............. www.slantfin.ca .............................................................. page 57 Supco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ (800) 707-6297.............. www.airforce1.ca ............................................................. page 39 Switch the Stat.. . . . . . . . . ............. (416) 922-2448.............. www.switchthestat.ca . ..................................................... . page 3 Taco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ (905) 564-9422.............. www.taco-hvac.com . ........................................................ page 31 testo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ (800) 227-0729.............. www.testo.com . ............................................................. page 27 tekmar Control Systems. ......... (250) 545-7749.............. www.tekmarControls.com ................................................ page 21 Thermo Mfg... . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (888) 678-3709.............. www.ThermoPan.com ...................................................... page 45 Venmar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (800) 567-3855.............. www.vanee-ventilation.ca .................................................... . page 6 Victaulic.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (610) 559-3300.............. www.victaulic.com/balancing ........................................... page 77 Viega... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (800) 976-9819.............. www.viega.com . ............................................................. page 59 Viessmann Manufacturing........ (800) 387-7373.............. www.viessmann.ca/CM2series . ....................................... page 35 Watts.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (888) 208-8927.............. www.wattscanada.ca . ................................................ page 88,96 Zurn.. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (905) 405-8272.............. www.zurn.com ................................................................. page 76 hpacmag.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 | HPAC

Calendar 2012

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ hpacmag.com HVAC Cold Climate Conference

MCA Canada National Conference

November 12-14 The 7th International HVAC Cold Climate Conference will be held in Calgary, AB.

www.ashrae.org/ColdClimate

Greenbuild

November 12-15

November 14-16

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada is heading to Maui, Hawaii for its 71st annual conference. www.mcac.ca

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo will be held in San Francisco, CA.

RSES Conference and HVACR Technology Expo

www.greenbuildexpo.org

Construct Canada

November 14-17

November 28-30

The 75th annual RSES Conference and HVACR Technology Expo will be held in conjunction with the 23rd annual RSES Mid-Southeast Regional Association Conference at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC. The 2012 conference’s theme is "Your Bridge to Education and Training."

Construct Canada – Canada’s largest building and design construction show – will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

www.constructcanada.com

www.rses.org/conference.aspx

CWWA Window on Ottawa

CanSIA Solar Canada

November 28-30

December 3-4

2013

The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association’s national event offers Canadian utility managers and federal regulators a chance to network and take in specialty workshops on climate change and water utility security. It will take place at the Delta Ottawa City Centre in Ottawa, ON. www.cwwa.ca

The Canadian Solar Industries Association’s conference and tradeshow offers attendees a chance to network with industry professionals while attending training workshops, educational sessions and checking out the latest technologies within the solar industry. www.solarcanadaconference.ca

IDS13 Interior Design Show

AHR Expo

January 24-27

January 28-30

IDS13, Canada’s largest contemporary design fair, will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON. www.interiordesignshow.com

The 2013 AHR Expo HVACR Trade Show will take place at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX.

Buildex Vancouver February 13-14

www.ahrexpo.com

This tradeshow and conference hosts more than 13 000 design, construction and real estate management professionals. It will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre West in Vancouver, BC. www.buildexvancouver.com

European Pellet Conference

National Home Show

February 27-28

March 15-24

This conference offers a meeting place for companies in the global pellet community and will look at the latest technology trends, policy updates, case studies and more. It will take place in Wels, Austria.

The National Home Show, presented by RE/MAX, is Canada’s largest and longest running consumer show. It will take place at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, in Toronto, ON.

www.wsed.at

www.nationalhomeshow.com

NFSA Annual Seminar and North American Fire Sprinkler Expo April 4-6 In conjunction with the National Fire Sprinkler Association’s (NFSA) annual seminar, the NFSA is partnering with the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA) and the Mexican Fire Sprinkler Association (AMRACI) to host the inaugural North American Fire Sprinkler Expo at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV.

www.nfsa.org

MCEE April 17-18 This plumbing, HVAC/R, hydronic, electrical and lighting expo will take place at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, QC.

www.mcee.ca

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show April 19-21 KBIS 2013 will take place at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

www.kbis.com

RSES Canada Educational Conference

NEBB Annual Conference

CIPH ABC and AGM

April 24-27

May 2-4

June 16-18

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society’s annual educational conference will take place at the Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/ Fallsview in Niagara Falls, ON.

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau’s annual conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Montreal, QC. The conference theme is “Solutions for Optimizing High Performance Buildings.”

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating’s annual business conference and AGM will take place at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, NS.

www.rsescanada.com

www.nebb.org

HRAI 45th AGM and conference

World Plumbing Conference

August 21-24

November 14-15

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada’s 45th annual general meeting and conference will take place at The Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, BC. www.hrai.ca

The 10th annual World Plumbing Conference will take place in New Delhi, India.

HPAC | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

www.wpc2013.in

www.ciph.com

AHRI Annual Conference November 17-19 The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s annual conference will take place at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Amelia Island, FL. www.ahrinet.org hpacmag.com

Advanced Comfort Technologies

Bosch utilizes a host of diverse technologies to achieve optimum thermal efficiency. Tankless Water Heaters. Solar Thermal Panels. Condensing Boilers. Heat Pump Water Heaters and Ultra-Efficient Geothermal Solutions. Bosch Advanced Comfort Technologies: Built to meet even the harshest Canadian conditions. Visit us at www.bosch-climate.us for further product information.