HPAC August 2018 by Annex Business Media

PROPANE INDUSTRY PREDICTS IMPRESSIVE GROWTH

BOILER MAINTENANCE TO-DO LIST

DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY

AUGUST 2018

VENTING TIPS FOR INSTALLERS AND TECHNICIANS HOW TO CONTROL SOUND TRANSMISSION A LITTLE EDUCATION CONTRIBUTES HUGELY TO CONSUMER SATISFACTION

MEET THE SUPERHERO OF THE MECHANICAL ROOM TRANSFORMERS EXPLAINED IN ELECTRICITY 101

ALSO INSIDE MODERN HYDRONICS 2018 FALL

ACHIEVE ENERGY SAVINGS WITH DYNAMIC SYSTEM CONTROL CONCEPT

PM 40065710

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: HOW TO IMPROVE THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

HYDRONIC PRODUCT SHOWCASE BOILER CLEANUP TIPS SOLAR & RADIANT PAIR UP

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CONTENTS

AUGUST 2018 / VOL. 92 NO. 5

18 FEATURES

MODERN HYDRONICS 2018 FALL

MH4

ELECTRICITY 101 TRANSFORMERS: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Mechanical room devices change one voltage to another, but how do they work? By Curtis Bennett

PENNIES PER DAY The diminutive cost of operating a well-designed hydronic distribution system. By John Siegenthaler

22 ACHIEVE ENERGY SAVINGS WITH DYNAMIC SYSTEM CONTROL CONCEPT

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: HOW TO IMPROVE THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

HYDRONIC PRODUCT SHOWCASE BOILER CLEANUP TIPS SOLAR & RADIANT PAIR UP

HPACMAG.COM

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VENTING BIRDS FOUL UP ATMOSPHERIC HOT WATER TANK Make regular inspections part of every maintenance schedule. By Steve Goldie

MH10 HOW TO BRING EXPECTATIONS CLOSER TO REALITY Working with the consumer to avoid confusion and unhappiness using their hydronic system. By Mike Miller

MH16 HYDRONIC PRODUCT SHOWCASE

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CONTENTS

AUGUST 2018 / VOL. 92 NO. 5

MH24

MAINTENANCE TO-DO LIST Fend off fuel waste with regular attention to waterside and fireside. By Tim Kane

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FIRST ZERO CARBON DESIGN CERTIFICATION GOES TO CORA GROUP By Jillian Morgan

MH26

CHANGE OF VISION WITH DIFFERENTIAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL The advent of condensing boilers, variable speed drives, and modern control platforms calls for a review and rethink of control concepts. By Dave Connors

EVENT REPORT INDUSTRY JOINS CIPH FOR SKY-HIGH CONFERENCE

MH34 THE STATE OF SOLAR HEATING How effectively are contractors integrating solar into hydronic systems? By Robert Waters

65 HVAC SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WELL MAYBE NOT An abridged review of noise sources and methods to control sound transmission. By Robert Bean

78 VENTING THE CHALLENGE OF CATEGORY IV GAS-FIRED APPLIANCE VENTING Pre-planning as part of the sales process will eliminate many of the issues technicians face in the field. By Ian McTeer

84 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTORS IN THE CLASSROOM Business networks offer contractors a venue to hone their skills and compete in a tough market. By Jillian Morgan

78 DEPARTMENTS 6 UPFRONT 8 NEWS FEATURE Growth of 20 per cent by 2025 predicted by propane industry study 9 INDUSTRY NEWS 68 MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS 74 PEOPLE 77 FAUCETS 85 THE SOURCE 86 TRAINING 86 CALENDAR

77 HPACMAG.COM

AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

< UPFRONT BOILERS, BREXIT AND BAD PRESS THE NEWS JUNKIES AMONG OUR READERS MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TIMES, a British daily national newspaper based in London with a reasonable reputation. It boasts a circulation of 440,558 in the UK, not to mention digital subscribers around the world; that is a lot of eyeballs. Good for it but not so great for five boiler manufacturers who took it on the chin recently. In an article titled “Mis-sold boilers cost homeowners hundreds of millions in extra bills” in the July 7, 2018 edition, the author describes testing methods that allow manufacturers to claim higher efficiencies than they will actually achieve in the field. He makes it all sound pretty nefarious and names five manufacturers whose efficiency data The Times examined and found to be inaccurate in real world settings. The discrepancy between rated and actual performance is seen in North America as well. HVAC equipment tested here is unlikely to perform exactly as it did in a lab. There are too many variables and that is the challenge with testing and rating HVAC equipment. Sir James Dyson, known for the Dyson vacuum, offers a difBeyond economics and immigration, the fallout ferent explanation for the probfrom Brexit may impact the mechanical industry lem. He claims a certain country as yet another testing and certifying entity could be thrown into the mix. dominates EU standards committees and that dominance has exacerbated the problem. Mind you, he may have changed his opinion by now—the quote used in the article is three years old. I was reading through the article thinking: "what the heck?" The article’s reason for being became clear in the final sentence: “Brexit may be a car crash but when we leave it should, if the deal allows, let us do things differently.” And here I thought we were talking boilers.

HPAC MAGAZINE 111 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 TEL: 416.442.5600 FAX: 416.510.5140 www.hpacmag.com EDITOR Kerry Turner (416) 510-5218 KTurner@hpacmag.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Jillian Morgan (416) 510-5201 JMorgan@annexbusinessmedia.com ASSOCIATE David Skene (416) 510-6884 PUBLISHER DSkene@hpacmag.com ACCOUNT Vince Naccarato (416) 510-5118 MANAGER VNaccarato@hpacmag.com MEDIA DESIGNER Emily Sun esun@annexweb.com ACCOUNT Kim Rossiter (416) 510-6794 COORDINATOR krossiter@annexbusinessmedia.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Urszula Grzyb (416) 442-5600 ext. 3537 ugrzyb@annexbusinessmedia.com

PUBLISHER Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 PLeonard@hpacmag.com VICE PRESIDENT Tim Dimopoulos (416) 510-5100 t dimopoulos@annexbusinessmedia.com PRESIDENT & CEO Mike Fredericks

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065710 Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning (established 1925) is published 7 times per year by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners. ISSN: 0017-9418 (Print) ISSN 2371-8536 (Online) Contents Copyright © 2018 by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. 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: $43.00 (plus tax) CDN; Outside Canada per year: $84.50 US; Elsewhere: 1 year $92.50; 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. 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: 416-442-5600 ext. 3552, Fax: 416-510-6875 or 416442-2191; E-mail: blao@annexbusinessmedia.com; or by mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto ON M2H 3R1 Annex Privacy Officer Privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374 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.

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GROWTH OF 20 PER CENT BY 2025 PREDICTED BY PROPANE INDUSTRY STUDY BY JILLIAN MORGAN

Canada’s propane industry is expected to grow by over 20 per cent between 2017 and 2025, according to a study commissioned by the Canadian Propane Association (CPA). Results of the study, conducted by the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) – a non-profit research organization – were presented at the CPA’s 2018 Leadership Summit, held June 6, 2018 in Ottawa, ON. Per year, the industry is estimated to generate $4.4 billion in GDP, about 21,000 jobs and $1.1 billion in government revenue across the country, the study reported. Population growth, primarily in Alberta and Ontario, is expected to drive residential propane demand. The study also reported increased use in the agriculture and transportation sectors. The petrochemical industry and the industrial sector are Canada’s largest users of propane, followed by commercial and residential end-users, according to CBoC. The organization also reported growth in propane use across health care facilities and educational institutions. “Low-emission, clean-burning propane is a game changer for Canada,” CPA president and CEO Nathalie StPierre said at the summit. “Our panel sessions today confirmed that.”

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

The CBoC was part of a panel session, “Propane’s Position in the Market: Where do we go from here?” Don Newman (left) hosted the panel, which included Carlos Murillo, senior research associate at the board (centre) and George Greene, founding chair of Stratos Inc. (right).

Peter MacKay, former minister of national defense and Conservative MP for central Nova Scotia, was the summit’s keynote speaker. Now a partner at Baker McKenzie law firm in Toronto, ON, MacKay encouraged attendees to deliver the CPA’s message of propane as a leading fuel for Canada directly to elected representatives in government. Presentations also included opportunities for propane in Nova Scotia, with former Nova Scotia Energy Minister Michel Samson, as the province looks to replace oil with lower emission energy sources, In another session, president and CEO of Transition énergétique Québec Johanne Gélinas said that while hydro is meeting the company’s energy needs, there is room for propane in helping Quebec reduce its emissions. Joanne Wilkinson, assistant deputy minister with Indigenous Services Canada, led a talk on the economic and environmental costs of burning oil and

diesel. Wilkinson shared how the propane industry can engage with indigenous and remote communities. Moving forward, the CPA views the use of online tools as a route to reposition propane in the minds of Canadians and the government. CPA also announced the winners of its top industry awards at the summit, including its Lifetime Achievement Award and two new awards introduced this year, the Health and Safety Award and the Innovation Award. Winners included James Callow, president of Budget Propane in Gravenhurst, ON, UPS Canada and Otodata Wireless Data Network. The Student Scholarship Award, funded annually by the International Association of Young Gassers, was presented to Emily Bestwick of Harrison Hot Springs, BC and Jessica Beltz of Landmark, MB. www.propane.ca www.conferenceboard.ca

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VANCOUVER PROPOSES BAN ON OPEN-LOOP GROUND WATER HEAT PUMPS Proposed by-law amendments in Vancouver, BC would ban open-loop ground water heat pump systems, among other changes, in an effort to conserve water and improve potable water supply. The amendments would also ban the use of methanol for geo-exchange systems. GeoExchangeBC is currently in talks with the City of Vancouver. The association did not provide a statement at press time. The city announced some immediate changes on May 31, 2018 and some additional proposed changes to take effect January 1, 2019. Immediate changes include a ban on

single pass systems, including oncethrough cooling; requirements for low flow toilets, urinals, showerheads and faucets; requirements for irrigation devices; and a clarification on cooling tower discharges. To reduce Legionella growth, an incremental approach has been proposed for 2019 with regards to construction, operations and maintenance standards of targeted building mechanical systems. Amendments include mandatory registration and annual operating permits for rainwater cisterns, building water treatment systems, cooling towers/ evaporative condensers and decorative water features. Proposed changes for 2019 also include design rules for â&#x20AC;&#x153;alternative water systems.â&#x20AC;? www.vancouver.ca

CIPHEX WEST TO HOST SEMINARS ON RADON GAS, HYDRONICS, 2020 NPC AND MORE The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Exposition (CIPHEX) West will return to Calgary, AB, on November 7 and 8, 2018. The trade show features over 200 global exhibitors, including those from Canada and the U.S. It will focus on plumbing, hydronics, HVAC/R and water treatment. The two-day, 30,000 square foot showcase will be attended by contractors, wholesalers, engineers, building managers and other industry professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn about new products and technologies. Seminar topics include thermostatic mixing valves, rainwater harvesting systems in commercial buildings, radon gas protection, hydronic snow melting systems, control panel troubleshooting and an update on the 2020 National Plumbing Code of Canada, among others. The Canadian Hydronics Conference, presented by the Canadian Hydronics Council, will also take place at CIPHEX West. Seminars include: hydronic system modification for low water temperatures, radiant cooling with dry panel systems, documenting hydronic systems, and a session on business growth. Over 65 per cent of exhibit space has been sold for the trade show, according to CIPH. The virtual edition of the trade show features more than 120 e-booths. Buildex Calgary will co-locate with CIPHEX West, and the two halls will be connected to allow visitors to access both expositions, which will be held at the BMO Centre in Calgary, AB. Registration is now open. www.ciph.com www.buildexshows.com

CODES AND STANDARDS >> The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials will develop and publish National Standards of Canada. The association received accreditation from the Standards Council of Canada as a standards developing organization. www.iapmo.org >> The Solar Rating and Certification Corporation has added Canadian performance ratings to over 600 of its solar water heating system certifications. The Canadian One-Day Performance Ratings, released in partnership with NRCan, will be available for other system types through the solar water heating system program. www.solar-rating.org >> Alberta Municipal Affairs issued a Standata that allows for the installation of split-system air conditioners in existing houses without having met section 9.36, 14.5 SEER requirements. Installation can be completed for building permits issued before November 1, 2016, as long as energy performance of the building will not decrease. www.alberta.ca NOVA SCOTIA, NEW BRUNSWICK OFFER INCENTIVES, REBATES Eligible Nova Scotia and New Brunswick contractors can participate in newly bolstered incentive and rebate programs. Efficiency Nova Scotia will receive $53.5 million in funding from federal and provincial governments over the next four years; NB Power's New Home Energy Savings Program offers homeowners up to $10,000 in incentives for energy efficient construction. Distributors, contractors, consulting engineers and other energy efficiency trade professionals in Nova Scotia must comContinued on p10

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plete an online application to be listed in the Efficiency Trade Network directory. New Brunswick builders must sign and agree to a Builder Agreement to participate in NB Power’s New Home Energy Savings Program. The program’s rebates are available on energy efficient heating systems, including heat pumps, boilers and pellet/ wood stoves. Rebates for new measures, such as faucet aerators, energy efficient showerheads and hot water pipe wrap, are also now available. Through the program new homes are modelled after three incentive levels. A net zero home represents the highest level and most significant incentive. www.efficiencyns.ca www.nbpower.com

Over the next year, the college plans to develop a framework to clarify the broader public policy objectives ratios, update the ratio review process and make any needed changes to the criteria for determining appropriate ratios. The framework is being developed with input from stakeholder consultations and an advisory panel. It will incorporate feedback from the last round of ratio reviews, including recommendations made in the Supporting a Strong and Sustainable Ontario College of Trades report. The identification of potential data sources is also in progress, according to the college, which will provide relevant labour market data to stakeholders prior to the next round of ratio reviews. Ratios were last updated four years ago and some were adjusted with the goal to allow sponsors to take on more apprentices. The college recently partnered with Skills Ontario to promote the skilled trades through outreach programs. The programs aim to encourage educators and parents to incorporate skilled trades-related activities into curricula and in discussions on the viability of careers in the skilled trades. Both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that focuses on the development of outreach initiatives geared to youth, parents, educators, government and other stakeholders. www.skillsontario.com www.collegeoftrades.ca

Students celebrate at the SCNC closing ceremony.

STUDENTS GO HEAD TO HEAD IN EDMONTON AT SKILLS CANADA NATIONAL COMPETITION Students from across Canada tested their skills in Edmonton, AB at the 2018 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC). Held in June, the competition tried, tested and judged 550 students and apprentices. Over 200 medals were awarded to students in six skilled trade and technology sectors. SCNC 2018 also represented a qualifying year where the two highest-ranking age eligible competitors in 28 identified Skill Areas are selected to take part in the next stage of the WorldSkills Team Canada Selection Process. The winners from this WorldSkills Team Canada Selection Event are named to WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 and will represent Canada at WorldSkills Kazan 2019. The 2019 Skills Canada National Competition will be held in Halifax, NS from May 28 to 29. www.skillscompetencescanada.ca COLLEGE OF TRADES HAS EXTRA YEAR TO IMPROVE RATIOS The Ontario Minister of Labour has approved a regulation to give the Ontario College of Trades an additional year to improve its journeyperson to apprenticeship ratio review process and criteria. Actual ratio reviews before a panel will begin in April 2019. 10

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

The trip included an all-expenses paid trip to the 2018 Country Music Association Festival.

ONTARIO, QUEBEC CONTRACTORS GET VIP TREATMENT Contractors from Ontario and Quebec were invited to Nashville, TN to take part in Lochinvar’s annual retreat. The four-day trip was attended by 16 of the company’s North American contractors. Canadian winners of the Lochinvar Nashville Experience Weekend Getaway Contest were: Gino Langlois of Chauffage M.D. 2007, Inc. in Trois- Rivières, QC; Stephane Nadeau of Plombexel in St-Hyacinthe, QC; Robert Dufresne of Empire Heating in Rutherglen, ON; and Joffrey Gregoire of AG Equipement et Comfort, Inc. in Saint-Lazare, QC. www.lochinvarvip.com Continued on p12 HPACMAG.COM

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ASHRAE PRESIDENT FOCUSED ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR 2018-19 Sheila Hayter kicked off her term as ASHRAE president for 2018-19 at the association’s annual conference, held at the George R. Brown Convention Centre in Houston, TX from June 23-27. A number of executive committee officers were also installed at the conference. Darryl K. Boyce, assistant vice president of facilities management and planning at Carleton University in Ottawa, ON is the new president-elect. ASHRAE also introduced its newest directors who will serve three-year terms from 2018-21. Among them is Jeff Clarke, CEO of Enviroair Industries Inc. in Mont-Royal, QC as region II director and regional chair, and Russell J. Lavitt, senior mechanical engineer with Stantec in Winnipeg, MB as region XI director and regional chair. The 2019 ASHRAE Winter Conference takes place January 12-16 in Atlanta, GA. The AHR Expo will be held in conjunction with the conference. www.ashrae.org

COMING SOON >> Human rights lawyer and humanitarian Amal Clooney will deliver opening keynote remarks at this year’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, which will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL from November 14 to 16, 2018. www.greenbuildexpo.com >> The Passive House Canada conference returns to the Vancouver convention centre November 7 to 8, 2018 with the theme “Partnering for Transformation.” The conference events focus on the emerging market transformation in the building and forestry industries. www.conference.passivehousecanada.com >> The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum inaugural Supporting Women in Trades Conference will be held from November 6-7, 2018 in Halifax, NS. www.caf-fca.com Continued on p14

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SOLUTION ON THE HORIZON FOR HYDRONICS “CRISIS” IN ALBERTA Radiant heating systems can soon be installed in Alberta without adhering to insulation requirements set forth in section 9.36 of the National Model Energy Code for Buildings, according to the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC). The provincial building administrator and plumbing/gas administrator will develop a Standata Interpretation, signalling the end of “intense insulation requirements” on Alberta’s hydronics industry. A proposed code change will also be made to Natural Resources Canada for changes to the National Building Code. Alberta also plans to present the issue to other provinces and territories, along with the proposed solution. CHC, the Canadian Institute of Heating and Plumbing (CIPH) and the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Alberta previously stated additional insulation would increase costs and in turn encourage less efficient heating system options. www.ciph.com www.mca-ab.com NTI BOILERS, REGENCY FIREPLACE PRODUCTS ANNOUNCE PRODUCT NOTIFICATIONS NTI Boilers has recalled its Trinity Tft and Slant/Fin CHS residential and commercial boilers due to a carbon monoxide hazard. The grommet seal can reduce in size over time and dislodge during use. This can cause the boiler to emit carbon monoxide. About 7,000 units were sold in Canada The Trinity Tft models have the name “NTI” printed on the front and were sold in metallic-grey. The Slant/Fin CHS models have the name “Slant/Fin” and “CHS” printed across the front bottom and were sold in white. Regency Fireplace Products has initi14

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

RYERSON RECEIVES FUNDING TO PROTOTYPE CLOUD-BASED SWITCHING SYSTEM FOR RESIDENTIAL HVAC Work to design and prototype a cloudbased smart dual fuel switching system (SDFSS) for residential hybrid HVAC systems is underway at Ryerson Students Paul Guilbaud (left) and Eddy Boyer University. (right) pose with a nearly completed building The university received a grant for integrated photovoltaic thermal collector. the project from ASHRAE as part of the organization’s 2018 Undergraduate Program Equipment Grants. Awarded grants – totalling over $113,000 – were presented to 25 undergraduate projects globally. Consisting primarily of graduate engineering students, and some undergraduate, the project focuses on natural gas furnaces and air-sour heat pumps. The team, under of the supervision of Alan Fung, associate professor in mechanical and industrial engineering (MIE), has performed an implementation and demonstration of the system in a net-zero energy house near London, ON with Union Gas Limited. The ASHRAE funding has been used to setup a similar experimental system for the university’s academic program so that Ryerson engineering students can learn various technical aspects of modern advanced, connected and sustainable residential HVAC systems. The award will also be used to support a multi-disciplinary (MIE and electrical and computer engineering) undergraduate capstone project team this fall to develop the SDFSS as part of Ryerson’s engineering laboratory. Fung and his students are currently applying for funding to complete the required research and development for potential commercialization. www.ryerson.ca ated a safety recall of two of its gasstove models sold between January 2001 and January 2018 across Ontario. The models included in this recall are numbers U39 and U37. Consumers can register for the recall with Regency. The pressure release mechanism at the back of the firebox was found to, under certain conditions during a delayed ignition, result in front door glass fracture causing glass to expel forward. www.regency-fire.com www.ntiboilers.com CARBON NEUTRAL, ENERGY RETROFITS AND EVOLVING METRICS AT CAGBC CONFERENCE Building professionals gathered in

Toronto in June to take part in the 2018 Canada Green Building Conference, Building Lasting Change. The event included educational streams, a showcase, speakers and tours of green building projects in the region. Educational sessions were presented in five streams: zero carbon, retrofit, WorldGBC International, resilient cities and LEED v4. A session on the Vancouver Declaration on Climate Change was presented by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Natural Resources Canada and BGIS, a property management company. Carbon neutral projects need to be Continued on p16 HPACMAG.COM

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CLIPS

Attendees gather for speaker sessions on the showcase floor at the green building conference.

developed with a high level of collaboration, stated Maria McGibbon of PSPC, between mechanical contractors, architects, projects managers and other stakeholders. Daniel Gosselin of BGIS said its possible to achieve a 75 per cent emissions reduction with existing technologies, but new technology allows us to achieve carbon neutrality. Maxime St. Denis of PSPC added that it is important for buildings to accommodate that future technology now. A separate seminar, held by Peel Passive House Consulting and Indwell, offered a case study analysis of a deep energy retrofit of a derelict building in Hamilton, ON to the EnerPHit standard, a passive house standard for retrofits. Presenters shared the challenges of applying Passive House standards to existing buildings. In an afternoon stream, Steve Kemp of RDH Building Science, a consulting firm, led a talk on assessing evolving energy performance metrics. In his presentation, Kemp questioned how industry standards – such as ASHRAE 90.1 and NECB – are serving the industry. Kemp said most performance standards are designed to be repeatable, and do not reflect actual performance. He compared proposed building design and predicted energy consumption with the reference building, or energy target. Canada Green Building Council has held the Building Lasting Change conference annually since 2012. www.cagbc.org 16

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

BOMA LAUNCHES CHALLENGE TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF QUEBEC BUILDINGS BOMA Quebec has launched the Building Energy Challenge, which aims to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions of Quebec's commercial, institutional and multi-residential buildings. The challenge, which will take place over four years, is geared towards building owners, managers and tenants. It is free and open to all eligible properties in the province, including nonmembers of BOMA Quebec. According to the association, some BOMA Quebec members have already confirmed their intention to participate. The data analyzed for the challenge will be collected via the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmarking tool. Register at www.buildingenergychallenge.ca. HEADS UP: ALBERTA MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS CLARIFIES RADON MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS Alberta Municipal Affairs has released a bulletin on design requirements for soil gas mitigation systems, which falls within the scope of Part 6 of the Alberta Building Code 2014 (ABC 2014). Standata bulletin 14-BCB-006 states these requirements need to be applied and understood with reference to Part 6 of the ABC 2014, which requires soil gas mitigation methods to be designed, constructed and installed by a registered engineering professional. Part 9 of the ABC 2014 requires a

>> The Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada (MSCC), a division of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, has launched a new logo. The logo features a new colouring, font and layout. MSCC said the update is part of an ongoing evolution of the organization’s brand. www.servicecontractor.ca >> Sharc CEO Lynn Mueller and the company’s wastewater heat exchange system have been nominated for the 2018 Ernest C. Manning Innovation Awards for the British Columbia and Yukon region. www.sharcenergy.com >> Johnson Controls’ Luxaire brand has extended its one-year Labor Limited Warranty to include all residential equipment. Parts and labour costs for repairs are covered under the new warranty. www.luxaire.com rough-in to be installed for a subfloor depressurization system for soil gas mitigation. Part 6 of the ABC 2014 does not prescribe mitigation systems for construction, as the appropriate soil gas mitigation system is at the discretion of the registered engineering professional. Only through testing after the building is constructed can there be a determination that soil gas mitigation is required, according to the ministry. www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca

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< ELECTRICITY 101

TRANSFORMERS: More than meets the eye

Mechanical room devices change one voltage to another, but how do they work? BY CURTIS BENNETT

formers at the dams were huge electrical devices. With any electrical device there are rare occasions where something goes wrong and it, well, blows up as was the case at Mica. Transformer malfunctions on this scale are not your typical puff of black magic smoke but a real explosion. A lot of stuff goes on when something that big happens at one of these plants and all the engineering in the world won’t make guarantee immunity from incidents.

really hope that the title of this article is not lost on readers. When I say the word transformer two things come to mind. The first is Autobots and Decepticons because I grew up in the 80s and the second is 24 volts in a boiler room. It is more pertinent to talk about the latter. Transformers come in all shapes and sizes, and in all different voltages and current ratings. Are we supposed to say VA or power? There actually is a lot to transformers. I see why the cartoon's title included "More than meets the eye.”

AROUND TOWN BIG POWER As I have mentioned in previous articles (online at www.hpacmag.com) I was not a total nerd growing up. I had the privilege of going to work with my dad who operated the Mica and Revelstoke Dams in British Columbia. I learned a lot about power from hanging out there–especially the old adage “big power, big problems!” Everything was huge there, even the transformers. The transformers in this case changed the power generated by the water hitting the generator into something that could be distributed along power lines. Those transformers were step up transformers, meaning they took a lower voltage and higher current and changed it to a higher voltage and lower current. 18

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

In this case, the transformers were sending out 500,000 volts AC. Needless to say the two-storey trans-

On a smaller scale, consider those big grey canisters on your telephone poles (as we always called them). These transformers change the very high voltage and low current into a very low voltage with a higher current. These are step down transformers. The power on the power lines is at a very high voltage of around 25,000 volts AC. The reason for such high voltage is that there is less loss of power in the actual wire connecting the power plants to the cities. This is where the transformers come into play–we need something that turns that voltage into something our buildings can use; what devices such as computers, dishwashers and lights need. HPACMAG.COM

MAGNETIC FLUX We know that transformers change one voltage to another voltage, but how do they work? The functioning of transformers is only available with alternating current; it does not happen with direct current. Why is that? Do you remember the experiment in elementary school when you wrapped the wire around the nail and tied it to a battery? What happened next? You put the nail near some small metal filings and voila, you made a magnet. I loved this experiment. You made a magnet with a battery. How is that even possible? Physics is how. This same principle is how a transformer works. A transformer works on a principle of magnetic flux. Magnetic flux happens when an AC current is put through a wire. Keep in mind that I will just use the term “current,” but remember when you have current you also have voltage. Magnetic flux is invisible, which to me is mind blowing. All we did is put AC current through a wire and we created this whole other property, which you do not even know is there until you put another wire close to it. It then creates AC current in the wire that you are holding. I tend to nerd out on stuff like this but just think about this: it is the transfer of energy through the air. In the case of a transformer, to make this transfer of energy more efficient they wrap wires around a metal core on both sides (although the position is not essential). The metal core comes in many different shapes, sizes and configurations but at the end of the day it is two sets of wires wrapped around some sort of metal as illustrated in Figure 1.

Formula 1 P(Power) = I(Current) x V(Voltage). To understand the amount of energy transferred we need to understand a formula. As an “electronic guy” I use Formula 1 all the time. IIn our industry P is also referred to as VA, which stands for Volt Amps. You can see that this is actually

VAC Primary

VAC Secondary

Figure 1 HPACMAG.COM

Step Up Configuration

Primary

Secondary

110 VAC 10A

1100 VAC 1A

Step Down Configuration

Primary

Secondary

1100 VAC 1A

110 VAC 10A

Figure 2

the same as Power by the formula. I won’t get into the why we use VA and not power because that gets into reactive, resistive and phases and peaks. But just know “basically” VA is equal to power in this case. Using this formula we can easily figure out a few things about transformers. If we know a transformer is a 40VA at 24VAC we can figure out how much current consumption we use on the 120VAC side of the transformer. 40VA, which is out Power in the calculation of P = IV, so 40 = I x 24. By doing a little algebra (sorry) we can solve for I. I(Current) = 40/24, which equals 1.667A. Voila. This current is the amount available on the secondary side (24VAC side). Using this same thinking on the primary side (120VAC side) 40VA = I x 120VAC, which equals 0.333A. You can see we only need 0.33A @ 120VAC on the primary side to create 1.667A @24VAC on the secondary side. Once again this transformer is a step down configuration. We go from 120VAC to 24VAC, which is a 5:1 ratio on the transformer windings. By adjusting the number of turns on the primary versus the secondary we can create different voltages and different current outputs BUT you are ALWAYS limited by P = IV. We cannot outdo physics. If we only have 40VA to work with then we cannot have more on the input than on the output. This same principle also works the other direction. If you put 24VAC with 1.667A Continued on p20 AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

< ELECTRICITY 101 on the secondary side you will have 120VAC with 0.33A on the primary side (this is assuming it is the same transformer). You are essentially swapping the primary and secondary side (see Figure 2).

IN THE REAL WORLD We see 24VAC transformers all around the mechanical room. They are used to run thermostats, humidifiers, zone valves, demand signals for boilers, furnaces and many other units in the mechanical room. They are everywhere. As noted in the first article in this series (see HPAC March 2018, Who Let the Smoke Out) 24VAC is much safer to handle than 120VAC. If you touch 24VAC with your bare hands you won’t get shocked, it is possible if your hands were wet but it is very hard for 24VAC to travel through

skin because it is a low voltage. This is the reason we step it down to be a workable voltage. What about wiring one of these transformers in the mechanical room? When you get a transformer 24VAC 40VA from the wholesaler it has three wires on the primary side: line, neutral and ground but you only have two wires on the secondary (24VAC) side. So where is the ground? Transformers work a little differently. If you measure from one wire to the other on the secondary side you get 24VAC, but if you measure from one wire to a copper pipe (ground) you will only see 12VAC. Generally, and I do say generally since this does depend on the jurisdiction, you need to ground one of the secondary transformer wires. What this does is it forces the transformer to be

referenced to ground. If you measure the wire that is not grounded, to ground you will find the full 24VAC is on one wire. This also gives an electrical path to ground, which is always a good thing. If something goes wrong the shorted path is to ground, essentially failing safe. Normally controls and boilers and such can take the 24VAC either way, but it is always good practice to have a ground. I know it may seem a little daunting and it is “just” a transformer but remember transformers make current out of thin air! There is more complex information we could have gotten into but as promised we laid low on the physics. Electricity is fun and it is everywhere but when it decides to go against you, well, you know what happens. Be safe, learn about it and do not take it for granted because you literally only have milliseconds before it starts to hurt. <> Curtis Bennett C.E.T is product development manager with HBX Control Systems Inc. in Calgary, AB. He formed HBX Control Systems with Tom Hermann in 2002. Its control systems are designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada to accommodate a range of hydronic heating and cooling needs commonly found in residential, commercial and industrial design applications.

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< VENTING

BIRDS FOUL UP ATMOSPHERIC HOT WATER TANK Make regular inspections part of every maintenance schedule. BY STEVE GOLDIE

have the opportunity to visit many different jobsites over the course of my workweek. Sometimes it is to do some on-site training, sometimes it is to inspect and consult on an ongoing installation, and quite often it is to troubleshoot equipment that does not appear to be operating as designed, if at all. Customers quite legitimately have an expectation that when they purchase and install an item it will work as advertised. When it does not we typically deliver a replacement as promptly as possible. On some occasions and in some circumstances I like to visit the site and verify the problem is indeed with the equipment rather than an incorrect installation or unusual site condition. A site visit was in order recently after we received a call from a contractor regarding a hot water tank he had just purchased and installed. It was an atmospheric chimney vented hot water tank and he was concerned because the plastic grommets around the inlet and outlet water lines at the top of the tank were partially melting. These pipes are inches away from the flue gas vent connection off the top of the tank and if the grommets were melting this would almost certainly be evidence of a blocked chimney, not a defective tank. I received the request from the branch manager and had not yet spoken directly to the customer so I called him immediately to ensure that the tank was not left operating and thankfully it was not. I arranged to meet the contractor onsite. He had told me he did not initially think the flue was blocked since he was

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

The plastic grommets around the inlet and outlet water lines at the top of the tank were partially melting.

Bird carcasses in various degrees of decay were totally clogging the chimney.

able to hear to the outside through it. We both agreed that flue gases were responsible for melting the grommets. When I arrived at the two-storey, semi-detached house, I noted there was a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest in the offset of the eavestrough downspout. Nesting birds or squirrels are often the culprits when you have blocked flues. We got a ladder out and climbed onto the roof, I fully expected to see the chimney termination converted into a bird condominium, however this was not the case, the vent cap was still in place and the vent appeared clear. I removed the cap and looked down with a flashlight and still no sign of anything, although there was an offset so I could not look down the entire length. Although I could not see evidence of a blockage, my nose could definitely smell what seemed to be something rotting. I asked the contractor to go down and turn the hot water tank on, after a couple of minutes of operation, there was no flue gas whatsoever coming up the chimney, it was completely blocked.

The bottom of the chimney was located behind the furnace and was not easily accessible. Fortunately, my Houdini-like contortionist ability, combined with a good whack from a broom handle, removed the base cap from the chimney. Out fell the carcass of a bird, soon followed by quite a number of additional bird carcasses in various degrees of decay. I had fully expected to find the chimney at least partially obstructed by a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest, I was not however expecting to find so many birds. I do not know if all these birds had entered the chimney in the two or three days between when the old tank failed and the new one was installed, or if this issue had existed prior to the new tank being installed. I do know that it was a very dangerous situation and I am very happy that in this case the only victims were avian rather than human. Sadly, the outcome is not always this way. As I am sure is the case with most of us, I have long been aware of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO), and Continued on p24 HPACMAG.COM

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< VENTING this incident serves as good reminder and provides an opportunity to review the facts and best practice to ensure CO deaths go down and not up. Statistics are not easy to nail down, however the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs estimate there are an average of 50 accidental CO poisoning deaths in Canada annually. CO gas is odourless, colourless and tasteless so it is impossible to detect without a good working CO detector, something that was not installed in the home I visited. This has been corrected now however, and the vent termination also now has a bird screen protecting it. Detectors are mandatory across the country in new housing as of the 2010 national building code, however Ontario is the only province that currently also mandates CO detectors in existing homes. Ontario enacted their legislation

following the CO deaths of a family of four in Woodstock, whose chimney, much like this one, had become blocked. Hopefully the other provinces and territories will not wait for similar tragedies to motivate legislating mandatory CO detectors in all residential buildings, new or existing. The hot water tank in the home I visited would not likely to have produced high concentrations of CO gas as only two people lived there and the tank would have only run for short periods intermittently. However, it is important to know that low levels of CO can accumulate, so death can occur from numerous short exposures to low levels just as easily as prolonged exposure to high levels. Ultimately, it is always better to be educated and safe rather than rely on good fortune. Regular inspection of all venting and vent terminations should be a part of every maintenance program or schedule.

Fuel burning equipment should be inspected, maintained and cleaned annually. Outdoor BBQâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, generators, and appliances should never be used indoors or even in attached garages. Regardless of whether or not you live in a jurisdiction that mandates them, please ensure that every living space has adequate working CO detectors to protect each and every human occupant. The birds will have to fend for themselves. <> Steve Goldie learned his trade from his father while working as plumber in the family business. After 21 years in the field, he joined the wholesale side of the business in 2002. His expertise is frequently called on to troubleshoot systems and advise contractors. He can be reached at sgoldie@nextsupply.ca.

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2018-08-02 9:43 AM

MODERN HYDRONICS 2018 FALL

ACHIEVE ENERGY SAVINGS WITH DYNAMIC SYSTEM CONTROL CONCEPT

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: HOW TO IMPROVE THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

HYDRONIC PRODUCT SHOWCASE BOILER CLEANUP TIPS SOLAR & RADIANT PAIR UP

a publication of

CONTENTS

Modern Hydronics

MH24

MH4

Pennies Per Day

Boiler Maintenance To-Do List

The diminutive cost of operating a well-designed hydronic distribution system. BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

Fend off fuel waste with regular attention to waterside and fireside. BY TIM KANE

MH10

MH26

Spend the time upfront with customers to review system components and how they will work together.

The advent of condensing boilers, variable speed drives, and modern control platforms calls for a review and rethink of control concepts. BY DAVE CONNORS

How to Align Expectations With Reality

Change of Vision With Differential Temperature Control

BY MIKE MILLER

MH34

MH16

The State of Solar Heating

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

How effectively are contractors integrating solar into hydronic systems? BY ROBERT WATERS

MODERN HYDRONICS

a supplement of Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning Magazine

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MODERN HYDRONICS

FALL 2018

MH3

EFFICIENCY

PENNIES PER DAY The diminutive cost of operating a well-designed hydronic distribution system. BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

any hydronic heating professionals like to promote that the modern boilers they install are capable of operating with thermal efficiencies in the range of 95 +/- per cent. Professionals who install geothermal heat pumps often boast that their equipment is capable of coefficients of performance (COPs) in the range of three to perhaps four. Both claims are possible given the right equipment, the right application, and the specific definition for thermal efficiency and COP used when evaluating the equipment. However, if past practice is any indication, those same professionals may not bother to mention that a well designed and properly installed hydronic heating system has a distribution efficiency much higher than that of either a forced air system or a system that moves heat through a building using refrigerant.

ing load of 30,000 Btu/hr. The building will be heated using eight identical panel radiators measuring 24 in. high by 72 in. long by 4 in. thick. These relatively large panels were chosen so that the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design heating load could be met using a supply water temperature to the radiators of 120F, along with a 20F temperature drop. That temperature makes the system compatible with mod/con boilers, heat pumps, and solar thermal collectors. The piping for the system is shown in Figure 1. 8, 24" x 72" x 4" panel radiators TRV

120 ft x 1/2" pex homerun circuits

distribution efficiency=

rate of heat delivery rate of energy use by distribution equipment

Distribution efficiency has nothing to do with converting any type of fuel into heat. Instead, it describes how many Btu/hr of heat the distribution system can move from the heat source to the heat emitters for each watt of electrical power supplied to operate that distribution system. The more heat the distribution system can deliver, per watt of electrical power input, the higher its distribution efficiency. To show how wide the gap is between two contemporary systems I will compare a relatively simply hydronic heating distribution system, using currently available off-the-shelf hardware to a forced air system on a state-of-the-art geothermal heat pump. The hydronic system assumes a building with a design heatMH4

FALL 2018

heat source

For the system to be considered best in class it needs a high efficiency heat source, as well as the ability to move heat (or cooling effect) through a building using minimal amounts of electrical energy. The latter criteria can be quantified using an index called distribution efficiency. That index is defined by Formula 1:

manifold station

pressure regulated variable speed circulator

BEYOND THE HEAT SOURCE

buffer tank

Figure 1

The system is equipped with wireless thermostatic radiator valves, allowing each panel radiator to function as an independent zone. This allows each room to individually respond to internal heat gains, temperature setbacks, and personal comfort preferences.

MODERN HYDRONICS

Continued on MH6 WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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EFFICIENCY Each radiator is connected to a manifold station by 120 feet of ½ in. PEX tubing (60 feet on supply plus 60 feet on return). The result is a simple homerun distribution system. A buffer tank is shown between the heat source and distribution system. Its purpose is to prevent heat source short cycling given the relatively low design load combined with a highly zoned distribution system. From the standpoint of distribution efficiency the heat source that warms the buffer tank is irrelevant. It’s the hydraulics of the distribution system and those of the variable speed pressure-regulated circulator that count. The total system flow rate required to deliver 30,000 Btu/hr with a 20F temperature drop is only three gallons per minute. This divides up equally among the panels so each circuit only requires 0.38 gpm. The combined head load of the 120 feet of PEX tubing and the panel radiator at this small flow Figure 2 rate is only about 4.2 feet of head. I added 10 per cent to this to allow for some head loss in the short 1-in. piping connecting the manifold station to the buffer tank. The circulator duty point in this system is therefore three gpm at 4.6 feet of head.

LOW POWER The flow / head requirement can be used to estimate the electrical power input to a circulator. To be conservative, I assumed an ECM circulator with a wire-to-water efficiency of 30 per cent at the calculated duty point. The estimated electrical input to the circulator can be calculated using Formula 2:

we =

0.4344 f ncirculator

0.4344 3.0 4.6 ( 0.43) = 8.6watt 0.3

If a circulator operated continuously at this power input, and at a location where electricity costs 20 cents per kWh, the total daily operating cost would be a paltry 4.1 cents. If the circulator operated continuously throughout a heat season lasting 3500 hours, the total cost would be about six dollars. I suspect that most people could work that into their budget. A few years ago, you would not be able to find a circulator that could operate at such low power. Today there are several circulators on the North American market that can operate in the nominal eight to 10 watt input power range. The European market has even more selections available in this range. One MH6

FALL 2018

such circulator, with a listed input power range of three to 40 watts is shown in Figure 2. The distribution efficiency of the example hydronic distribution system can be calculated using Formula 1:

distribution efficiency =

Btu hr = 3581 Btu / hr 8.6watt watt

30,800

So how does a distribution efficiency of 3,581 Btu/hr/watt rank relative to that of other systems? To put this number in perspective, let’s compare it to the distribution efficiency of a modern geothermal water-to-air heat pump with a variable speed ECM blower motor. One manufacturer lists the wattage of an ECM blower on a nominal four-ton (48,000 Btu/hr) rated water to air heat pump, at full speed, as 746 watts. Assuming that the heat pump delivers 48,000 Btu/hr using 746 watts input to the blower, its distribution efficiency would be:

Btu hr = 64.3 Btu / hr distribution efficiency = 746watts watt 48,000

The two calculated distribution efficiencies can be compared by forming their ratio: 3581/64.3= 55.7. This means that the hydronic system is delivering almost 56 times as

MODERN HYDRONICS

Continued on MH8 WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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EFFICIENCY much heat to the distribution system, per watt of electrical input energy, compared to the heat pump using forced air distribution. The reciprocal of that ratio, 64.3/3581 = 0.018, or 1.8 per cent, implies that the hydronic system delivers heat to the building using only about 1.8 per cent of the electrical input power required by the forced air system. Either way you look at it, the hydronic system in this comparison is far more efficient when it comes to delivering heat. Unfortunately, this profound performance difference goes largely ignored by heating professionals, utilities, energy auditors, and government agencies, all of which tend to focus on high thermal efficiency (that is high AFUE, or high COP) of the heat source.

THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE The concept of high distribution efficiency should be a starting point (rather than an oft-forgotten afterthought) when discussing the advantages of modern hydronic systems. Our industry needs to get this message to trade allies such as architects and engineers involved with low energy or net-zero

buildings, energy auditors, professionals involved in thermally-based renewable energy heat sources, and regulators who determine which HVAC technologies are incentivized through government programs. The superior distribution efficiency of hydronic systems could (and should) play an important role in helping provinces achieve their carbon reduction goals. At a time when energy efficiency enjoys support from a wide spectrum of society, the hydronics industry should not be leaving its best cards on the table. There are lots of decision makers with eager minds who have never heard about distribution efficiency. Some of them would embrace the concept based on real comparisons. It is time we tell them what is possible. John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a licensed professional engineer. He has over 34 years experience in designing hydronic heating systems. Siegenthaler’s latest book is Heating with Renewable Energy (for more information see www.hydronicpros.com).

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SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

HOW TO ALIGN EXPECTATIONS WITH REALITY Spend the time upfront with customers to review system components and how they will work together. By Mike Miller

t is not uncommon for contractors, and sometimes consumers, to call me to complain about the performance of a hydronic system. Many of these times, if it is not system settings related, it is because the consumer is expecting different behaviour from the system. Before dealing with the expectations

issue, I believe that once a control system is properly setup and commissioned, all the kinks should have been worked out and controls should be set to run the HVAC system as required. Fine tuning of some settings may need to be made, but overall, the system should be set and run its course. That aside, I believe that in most

cases consumer dissatisfaction is due to unrealized and unreasonable expectations. As trade professionals we often forget that the vast majority of consumers have very little, if any, knowledge of our trade and its associated technologies, and how they should be running together to achieve the premier comfort. Can we really blame them? Surely, if the

Figure 1 Loop layout for a smaller building

MH10

FALL 2018

MODERN HYDRONICS

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SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SNOWMELT

Figure 2 Radiant zoning

consumer is not in our field of work, there are more exciting things to pay attention to, at least in their mind. It is ok to be shocked by this revelation, as I was the first time someone made me aware of this. We can help ourselves by spending the time upfront with customers to go over the various pieces and how they will work together, so that the expectations are closer to the reality the consumers will find themselves living with down the road. The more common complaints consumers have are, more often than not, about comfort and speed of performance.

COMFORT CONTROL IN RADIANT SYSTEMS The lengthy response time when dealing with hydronic radiant floor heating systems is a case in point, especially if it is the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first radiant floor heating system. You will need to explain that the temperature of the fluid supplied hydronically is much lower than that of air based systems. The mass of the slab is what needs to respond to fluid temperaMH12

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ture changes and this does take time, particularly when air temperature setback is used during periods of absence. It is very important to highlight the recovery limitations of the radiant floor heating systems. It is best to recommend a 2F to 3F setback maximum atnight or during the day when everyone is out of the house. Use thermostats or control systems with the ability to learn the rate of setback recovery and to start early in order to be recovered at a desired time to reduce the dissatisfaction due to room comfort at time of recovery. For prolonged periods of absence, a holiday for example, when consumers tend to crank down the thermostat I would promote limiting the degree of setback to something that allows recovery within four hours. Some of the more sophisticated control systems available today have a learning algorithm that would be compromised by many rapid and bigger changes to the system. Consumers with hydronic systems need to understand that the temperature setpoints should be changed only when necessary and then only in smaller increments. MODERN HYDRONICS

Snowmelt systems are another pretty common call where the main complaints are operating costs and the length of time it takes to clear the surface. When digging into higher operating costs, I often find that slab melt temperature setpoints are too high. The consumer needs to understand that the greater the surface temperature is set to, the greater the energy consumption. I typically recommend keeping a snowmelt surface temperature just above freezing (36F is a setpoint I normally run with). This takes us to the second complaint, which is the amount of time it takes for the snow to melt. With lower melt setpoints, it will take longer to melt the slab. The question the consumer needs to ask is what does he/she have more of? Is it money, or is it patience? The differences between time versus costs need to be explained at the outset. Idling is another discussion you would want to have with the consumer. If you are idling a slab, it will reduce the melting time once the snow does land, but it will also cost a lot more to idle a slab while waiting for snow accumulation that may or may not come anytime soon. I personally do not recommend idling of snowmelt slabs to consumers for residential applications. It makes more sense in commercial applications when the speedy removal of snow is more important than the cost to get it done. If idling of a snowmelt slab is what the consumer wants, the same principle mentioned above applies. The lower the idling setpoint, the more cost effective it will end up being. I often recommend something in the neighbourhood of 29F for an idling setpoint.

THERMOSTATS WITH SLAB SENSORS Another common struggle seems to be thermostats with slab sensors and the temperature limits associated with WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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SYSTEM PERFORMANCE them, with the common complaint being overheating and/or underheating. As soon as you use slab sensors and you set either, or both, slab minimum and maximum limits, it will compromise air setpoint as soon as one of them is reached. For example, if you have a slab minimum limit that is greater than air temperature setpoint, the air temperature may be overshot as the minimum slab setpoint takes precedent over air setpoint. The same is true for slab maximum limit. This is the greatest temperature a slab can rise to in order to satisfy air setpoint, but it cannot go beyond. Calls regarding performance and the resulting dissatisfaction will be greatly reduced if the consumer clearly understands the purpose and functionality of slab sensors and their associated limits.

MORE ADVANCED SYSTEMS Whatever approach the HVAC designer/ installer takes to a hydronic system consisting of multiple radiant zones serviced by one air zone, thorough training of the consumer is imperative. The end result will be a happier customer and fewer service calls if you spend enough time here. Figure 1 shows an example of a loop layout for a smaller building. Figure 2 shows the radiant zoning within the same building and Figure 3 shows the air zoning. My recommendation would be to work with a control system capable of integrating radiant and air zones together. The system would utilize a thermostat in each of the radiant zones with one of the being a “master” that would control radiant and the air zone. They communicate with each other to best harmonize the needs of the radiant system with the air system. Systems such as this allow the radiant to operate independently across all stats, but when it comes to the control of the air zone, the master would take over and control it. In many of these systems, the conMH14

FALL 2018

Figure 3 Air zoning

sumer is often confused about how the radiant thermostats interact with the thermostat controlling the air zone. An air zone thermostat’s operation could be suspended for cooling if a radiant thermostats needs heat at the same time. Understanding the limitations and strengths of this kind of system will take time, but it is invaluable.

INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) As more options are available and will be available moving forward, it is even more important to explain to your consumer when and how they should be using the remote connectivity feature of the new devices entering our businesses. Only because we ‘could’ change things remotely, does not mean we ‘should.’ There are times when it makes sense to make changes to comfort settings, but those are usually limited to returns from holidays/longer periods of absence, or, to start certain devices in the building prior to needed use, such as pools and hot tubs. Suggest to the consumer that the remote connectivity should be mainly used for monitoring of the systems. If at MODERN HYDRONICS

all possible, I would even recommend limiting the adjustment capabilities to the consumer as much as possible. Give them what they need, but whenever possible make sure you eliminate system critical settings that could compromise the system’s functionality. Also, make sure that you understand for yourself and then clearly explain to the consumer, the IT related requirements to have these systems remotely accessible. Many of those needs do not fall into our typical day-to-day expertise either. As is the case with many things, there are many opportunities to save our future workload by putting in the necessary time at the beginning to educate the consumer. This will only help you by leaving you with less support needs and customers who will recommend your services to others. Mike Miller is director of sales, commercial building services, Canada with Taco Inc. and a past chair of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC). He can be reached at hydronicsmike@tacocomfort.com. WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Argosy pressurized composite buffer

Webstone’s vertical mount air separator can be

tanks by Flexcon Industries are rated to

placed beneath a wall hung boiler, upright in

180F. The NSF approved polypropylene

the system supply line. It is available in ¾ in. or

core is wrapped in a blend of continuous

1 in. with MIP, FIP, sweat, or press connections.

strand fibreglass and features a high

Isolation accessories include full port ball

temperature resin making the tanks suit-

valves and Isolator uni-flanged ball valves. The

able for hydronic and geothermal heating

G1 union connections simplify installation and

and cooling, low mass boiler systems and

prepare the air separator for future service. In-

chilled water applications. The tanks are

stall a G1 dual temperature gauge and verify

insulated with closed-cell foam and are

boiler output right at the source.

available in sizes of 22, 40, 55, 80, and

www.webstonevalves.com

120 gallons. Standard features are: four side ports, a thermal well (40 to 119 gals), vent, vacuum breaker and drain.

The DMF150 is the newest mini-feeder in

www.flexconind.com

Axiom’s system feeder family. It utilizes a feature-rich, user-friendly digital pressure control. An integrated easy connect wall bracket, front-fill point, and top sys-

From A.O. Smith, the ProLine XE Combi Boil-

tem connection all help minimize space

er for residential applications offers pre-

requirements. www.axiomind.com

heat and domestic hot water response modes that enable the unit to deliver hot water during frequent use cycles, such as

Viessmann’s Vitodens 100-W, B1HA

washing dishes. An air handler interlock

space heating boiler and the Vitodens

aims to prevent non-heated air from circu-

100-W, B1KA combi boiler have a com-

lating when it alternates from space heating

pact design and zero clearance to com-

to domestic hot water mode. It is available in

bustibles. Features include a stainless

111,000, 150,000 and 199,000 Btu/hr

steel Inox-Radial heat exchanger and Ma-

models and has a 95 per cent AFUE.

triX cylinder burner, multiple venting op-

www.aosmith.com

tions and fuel flexibility. All pipe connections are located at the bottom and serviceable components are accessible from the front. The Vitodens 100-W gas condensing boiler is controlled by a onehand, backlit LCD touchscreen with enhanced programming. The combi boiler offers a flow rate of up to 3.7 gpm, plus cost savings with the ondemand, indirect-fired design. The exchanger, pressure bypass valve, DHW temperature and flow sensors, three-speed pump and three-way diverting valve are built into the combi boiler. www.viessmann.ca Daikin Applied offers the compact OptiLine hydronic vertical stacked fan coil. Engineered for high-rise apartments, office buildings, dormito-

Bell & Gossett’s ecocirc XL delivers

ries, and hotels, it is designed to condition air

hydraulics, intelligent controls and

from 300 to 1200 cfm. The fan coil has a vari-

smart communication for commer-

able speed motorized impeller the fan and a

cial hydronic systems. The ecocirc

noise criterion (NC) of less than 30 for the space.

XL start-stop features temperature

www.daikinapplied.com

control, a pressure regulator and Modbus or BACnet control inputs. The circulator includes an ECM motor and built-in dry run protection. www.bellgossett.com

MH16

FALL 2018

MODERN HYDRONICS

WWW.HPACMAG.COM

PRODUCT SHOWCASE From Taco Comfort Solutions, the

The 7610 AquaSmart ad-

brass boiler feed and dual check

vanced boiler control from

backflow preventer and atmospheric

Beckett is a replacement

vent offers pressure setting adjust-

for the company’s 7600

ment between 10 psi and 25 psi,

boiler controls. LWCO sta-

which is separate from the lockable

tus is displayed on the sta-

fast fill lever. The combination valve

tus screen, as well as econ-

is available in ½-in. cast iron union

omizing verification when

sweat or union NPT feed valve with a brass backflow as well as ½-in. and

HeatManager is enabled.

¾-in. brass union sweat or union NPT feed valve with a brass backflow. The

Designed with brass and copper, it offers electrical isolation and is rated

backflow preventer, if purchased separately, is available in ½-in. and ¾-in.

for applications up to 250F and 250 psi. The 7610 features mounting

union sweat or union NPT. Taco now also offers brass boiler feed valves in

charges. The 7622TW can be used with either the 7600 or the 7610

½-in. and ¾-in. union sweat or union NPT. www.tacocomfort.com

controls and with existing removable sensors. The 7610 controls and 7622TW wells are compatible with existing 7600P (LWCO) sensors and 7600TS (temperature only) sensors. The 7610 is also compatible with existing 7600WTMU wireless temperature reset modules and the 7600RMU remote mounting kit. www.beckettcorp.com

The Caleffi Dirtmag magnetic separator is a two-in-one dirt and magnetic debris separation

component,

removing

non-ferrous debris from sysEquoclima’s radiant cooling strip from Aermec North America can be in-

tems as small as 5 microns.

stalled below the ceiling or above a dropped ceiling. It controls the humid-

The separator is designed to

ity levels in the room to 45 to 65 per cent using aluminum tubes. Conden-

deliver up to 95 per cent elim-

sate is collected in a condensate disposal tube. The system is made of

ination efficiency. It has a low

snap/easy fit components, which attach to the perimeter of the wall. De-

velocity zone and large dirt

sign is simplified using room dimensions and heat gain/loss of the room

capture area and neodymium rare-earth magnets. Other features include

to determine how many feet of cooling panel are required.

a top access port, concentric pattern design for low flow resistance and a

www.aermec.us

clip-on magnetic ring and purge valve. www.caleffi.com

MH18

FALL 2018

Fulton's Endura+ (EDR+) firetube

Eco-0550 from HBX Control Systems

condensing hydronic boiler is of-

is designed to control equipment in

fered in 2.5MM to 6.0MM Btu/hr

a two pipe, single or dual tank hy-

sizes. It is suited to commercial

dronic heating or cooling system. It

applications and is optimized for

can control up to three heat pump

variable-primary flow designs. It

stages (air-to-water or water-water)

may also be used for primary-sec-

or chillers and a reversing valve with

ondary heating systems. Its pat-

outdoor temperature reset control. It

ent-pending architecture is de-

can also control a backup heat

signed

eliminate

source (boiler) while operating two

thermal stresses on the heat ex-

heat pump stages. The backup heat

changer, and to allow the boiler to

source can be brought on with a few

fit through a standard doorway.

different options based on outdoor or tank temperatures. The control can

Turndown of 15:1 is standard, as

manage single tank applications as well as applications with separate

is real-time O2 compensation.

hot and cold tanks. The EcoSwitch feature can lockout heat pumps and

www.fulton.com/plus

run only the backup boiler on a timed schedule. www.hbxcontrols.com

virtually

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE The Peerless brand series PBC gasRiello introduces the new 95 per

fired, combination boiler is a 95 per

cent AFUE Condexa Pro commer-

cent efficient condensing heating

cial wall hung boiler. Featuring a

boiler and is available in three sizes

10:1 turndown ratio, built-in cir-

for natural or LP gas. The combi boiler

culating pump and cascade con-

is ENERGY STAR certified and pro-

trol, the boiler is available in two

vides up to 5.2 gpm of domestic hot

sizes, modulating up to 117 kW

water production. The direct vent boil-

(399,205 Btu/hr) and 75 kW

er utilizes 2 in. or 3 in. piping in a vari-

(155,902 Btu/hr). Up to six boil-

ety of materials including PVC, CPVC,

ers may be cascaded.

Polypro and AL294C. Other boiler fea-

www.egpproductsolutions.com

tures include an isothermic and stainless steel heat exchanger, an easy-tofollow control menu for set-up and service and 10:1 turndown. From HeatLink, the HEP025RT

www.peerlessboilers.com

heat exchanger panel operates at 25,000 Btu/hr. It features a heat exchanger, built-

The

in timer and stainless steel

commercial wall hung boil-

piping. It includes plug and

er from King Heating Prod-

play wiring and isolation ball

ucts is available in 300,

valves.

400 and 500 MBH and two

www.heatlink.com

models. Up to 16 boilers

Eco-King

Ultimate

may be cascaded. Racking systems are available for The Aquatherm Blue Pipe polypro-

two to four units on one

pylene-random piping system is

rack with low loss header.

designed for radiant, chilled-wa-

Vent directly off the top

ter, condensing-water and indus-

with (C)PVC, PP or stainless

trial applications. The system is

steel. Three in one venting adapters are included. It features multiple

available in four sizes, ranging

pump connections with two temperature capability: DHW tank and heat-

from ½ in. to 24 in. The SDR 9

ing. www.ecokingheating.com

model offers a lower wall thickness and weight per foot, 15 per cent higher flow capacity and 20-100 per cent higher pressure-capacity compared to the company’s other SDRs. www.aquatherm.com From Belimo Americas, NPT pressure compensated globe valves for water and steam applications range from ½ in. to 2 in. The two-way (G2) and threeway (G3) globe valves offer ANSI Class VI leakage rating and 100:1 rangeability to provide close-off up to 250-psi

Slant/Fin’s Revital/Line pre-cut covers are designed to replace covers on

and modulation at low flow. A

hydronic baseboard up to 8.5 in. high by 3 in. deep. The covers are made

single three-way valve can be used for both mixing and diverting applica-

from recycled aluminum and are available in 2 ft. to 8 ft. (including 3.5

tions. The globe valve actuators are available with multi-function technol-

ft.) lengths in Brite White or eight other colours. Tools are not needed for

ogy, which allows users to customize control signal, feedback signal and

most installations. Lab tested for maximum heat output, the covers are

running time in the field or factory set. www.belimo.us

powder-coated for a durable, enamel-like finish. www.slantfin.ca

MH20

FALL 2018

MODERN HYDRONICS

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HEATMASTER TC

HIGH EFFICIENCY CONDENSING BOILER & DOMESTIC WATER HEATER

The HeatMaster TC is the only storage combination boiler in the world to fully condense during hot water & space heating modes.

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• Intelligent Troubleshooting • Easy Serviceablity

Visit us at www.triangletube.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASE REHAU Insulpex preinsulated PEXa piping is designed for the efficient transfer of hot or chilled fluid within a building or in buried applications between buildings with minimal energy lost in transit. Using hydronics for the transfer of energy between buildings on a college campus, between indoor climate control and outdoor geo-exchange, snow melting or turf conditioning systems gives facility managers greater flexibility to meet changing requirements while optimizing overall consumption. The piping consists of flexible REHAU PEXa pipe surrounded by a solid layer of BFIT series boilers from Bryan Boilers provide access to the heat ex-

CFC-free polyurethane foam insulation. The pipeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flexibility allows it to

changer and burner for cleaning and maintenance. The boilers feature

bend around obstacles, or be directionally bored, reducing the need for

optional racking systems. Circular tubes provide variable flow or primary/

joints. The pipe meets the requirements of DIN 16892 and 16893 and is

secondary applications. The series also includes venting options equiva-

available in one-pipe configurations in carrier pipe sizes 25 to 140 mm

lent to 200 ft. of venting in CPVC, polypropylene or AL29-4c in Cat 4 or

(SDR11). The two-pipe configuration (up to 63 mm) combines supply and

Cat 2 common venting with an engineered vent system.

return pipes.

www.bryanboilers.com

www.na.rehau.com/energytransfer

Complete solutions for energy production, storage, and distribution

Radiant, Snowmelt, Oil Storage and Solar

HEY WETHEADS! DO NOT MISS THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF HPAC In addition to all the latest hydronic products our gurus will be stimulating your thoughts on topics including balancing valves and buffer tanks, and more!

John Siegenthaler

www.Roth-America.com Call 800-969-7684 MH22

FALL 2018

HPAC_Aug_Roth.indd 1

Robert Bean

Mike Miller

Make sure to mark your calendar for Modern Hydronics Summit 2019 in Mississauga, ON. Check www.modernhydronics summit.com for updates and registration details starting in January!

MODERN HYDRONICS HPAC_Filler_Aug18_EJS.indd 1 2018-07-17 3:06 PM

WWW.HPACMAG.COM

2018-08-15 9:19 9:51 AM

BOILERS

MAINTENANCE TO-DO LIST Fend off fuel waste with regular attention to waterside and fireside. BY TIM KANE Energy Loss Due to Scale Deposits*

Fuel Loss, % of Total Use Scale Thickness, inches

Scale Type “Normal”

High Iron

Iron Plus Silica

1/64

1.0

1.6

3.5

1/32

2.0

3.1

7.0

3/64

3.0

4.7

–

1/16

3.9

6.2

–

Note 1: “Normal” scale is usually encountered in low-pressure applications. The high iron and iron plus silica scale composition results from high-pressure service conditions. Note 2: These energy losses are for firetube boilers that are not equipped with stack gas heat recovery equipment such as feedwater economizers or combustion air preheaters. *Extracted from National Institute of Standards and Technology, Handbook 115, Supplement 1.

chanical cleaning typically utilizes moving brushes to remove scale from the walls of tubes and pipes, the chemical process uses a chemical solution to flow through the tubes dissolving and flushing out the scale.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BOILER • Stick to an Inspection and Maintenance Schedule – At least once a year qualified on-site personnel or a third party should inspect and clean all parts of the boiler. Contractors may create a maintenance plan to be done internally or do the work themselves. It is important to have a solid schedule in place to keep clients on track. •R eview the Chemical and/or Mechanical Cleaning Solutions – You will notice a significant reduction in operating costs by removing the contaminants on both the waterside (scale formation) and the fireside (soot and scale formation) of boilers. While meMH24

FALL 2018

Condensing boiler heat exchanger cutaway. MODERN HYDRONICS

• Maintain Daily Logs – Most problems develop slowly, therefore a log is the best way to detect significant changes. Have the facility manager keep daily logs on the following: type and amount of fuel used; flue gas temperature; makeup water volume; and steam pressure, temperature, and volume. Ongoing logs will help monitor for any potential issues that might develop or identify problems that could be fixed with proper cleaning. • Perform Visual Inspections – Look at the boiler tubes and conducting a visual inspection to check for scale accumulation on a more frequent basis to help ensure the boiler tubes are free of scale and buildup. Tim Kane is president of Goodway Technologies. Editors note: For more information on the effects of scale and corrosion see Modern Hydronics Part I and II 2017 at www.hpacmag.com. WWW.HPACMAG.COM

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, STEAM TIP SHEET #7

ne of the biggest thieves of efficiency in boiler operations is the accumulation of soot and/or scale on heat exchanger surfaces. It does not take long for soot to start causing significant loss of energy efficiency. In a matter of just a couple of weeks, there could be a potential of 1/8 in. of soot on equipment stemming from regular usage, which means lost efficiency and overspending in utility costs. Scale can also accumulate quickly and add unnecessary operational expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel consumption could increase as much as five per cent in firetube boilers as a result of scale. Routine maintenance and cleaning is the most beneficial way to keep boilers healthy and running efficiently. Performing this maintenance at least once a year is an investment that will pay off.

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SYSTEM CONTROL

ver time the hydronic industry has changed the approach to system piping designs and temperature control as equipment efficiency and technology has evolved. In the late 1960s and early 1970s out-door air reset was utilized. This allowed for better temperature control in the occupied space at a significant reduction in energy cost with reduced water temperature. Reducing water temperature as the outdoor air temperature increased caused the control valves operating the space temperature to stay open longer. This also proved that the terminal units were still sized large enough to satisfy the conditions at lower water temperatures. The unfortunate reality was the standard boiler design only allowed minimum return water temperatures of 140F to prevent them from condensing the flue gases. Most boiler designs utilized steel and cast iron as the choice in heat transfer media until copper was introduced and perfected in the early 1980s. The modular copper boiler design resolved the thermal shock issues, but 140F was still the lowest acceptable return water temperature. With the introduction of modulating firing rate and as water mass boilers were being replaced with the new evolution in the modular boiler design, the floodgates opened to new technologies and opportunities. MH26

FALL 2018

ENERGY CONSERVATION WITHIN REACH As new control technology became very affordable with the introduction of electronics in the late 1990s, the entire industry changed once again and new standards were invoked in the hydronic industry that revolutionized energy conservation. Energy would now be considered a performance-based opportunity rather than just a cost of doing business. With the ability to monitor the entire building from a central location and to optimize energy efficiency with very precise controllability, a new series of problems was created with the boiler technology and system designs of the past. The requirement to operate at return water temperatures well below the 140F as a norm presented real challenges to the boiler industry. As energy costs continued to rise and buildings were being monitored by the controls industry, the boiler market was slow to adapt. In the past boilers were protected by three-way valves, as well as unique piping configurations and pumping techniques; all attempting to adapt the modular boilers to existing systems. The past techniques would ultimately shorten the equipment life by short cycling or corrosion from low water temperatures, which became inherent to the misapplied designs and operating conditions. The challenge to maintain reset temMODERN HYDRONICS

perature capability as well as protect the heating device from condensing would now be managed by utilizing boilers capable of lower return water temperatures.

FIXED TEMPERATURE SYSTEMS CHALLENGED In most systems designed over the past 50 years in the hydronic industry the temperature differential across the supply and return was approximately 20F with operating temperatures of 180F to 160F. This was the basis for all pipe sizing, pump selections, and terminal unit approach temperatures. It was a very safe design and a steadfast rule until the recent development in condensing boilers and central location control technology. It is only recently that control valve positions and system flow rates have been easy to monitor and control. This monitoring presented a wealth of information, which surprised the industry and allowed many to capitalize on future designs. If we look at the actual system temperature differential of the standard 20F design; we can show that this differential temperature occurs less than 0.5 per cent of the total system operation time. Systems designed for the maximum heat loss and flow rates across the system are fixed. The 20F applies to design day conditions. The balance of the operating hours in each year run a system differential less than 20F.

Continued on MH28 WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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SYSTEM CONTROL

VFD TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYED System terminal units are traditionally underutilized and water circulation is typically more than the system requires during operations other than design day conditions. This was the beginning of industry standards that utilize VSD (Variable Speed Drive) or VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) for most circulation pumps in the hydronic systems.

THE PROBLEM WITH DELTA P CONTROL STRATEGY The system supply provides a desired water temperature at a specific flow to the system while the control valves react to the space conditions and open or close. Think about the control valves MH28

FALL 2018

and terminal units for a moment: A control valve is reacting to the space conditions. If the valve closes the space is satisfied. This would be an indication that the water temperature is too hot. If the water temperature was too cold then the valve would stay open because there would not be enough heat to satisfy the space. The terminal units do not know nor do they care what the differential temperature is across the unit. It is the control valve that does all the work. If the terminal unit has more flow than it needs during operation it passes through the additional flow and temperature to the return line. As the control valves close the pressure differential across the system will inMODERN HYDRONICS

crease because the same volume of water is attempting to flow through less piping. By monitoring the pressure differential between the supply and return we can typically slow the pump down. However, it is only a reference as to how many valves are open versus closed because the system can have the same differential pressure at full load (winter) when the pump is running at full speed as it could at partial load (spring/fall) when the pump is running at partial speed with valves closed and higher water temperatures throughout the system. The differential pressure control has no way of knowing the supply temperature or the differential temperature

Continued on MH30 WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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SYSTEM CONTROL

across the system. There is no way to verify that the original 20F differential temperatures designed into the system would occur, other than during the design day conditions. For example: as 50 per cent of the valves close the pressure differential would automatically slow down the pumps but the assumed 20F temperature difference across the system may not be present, unless it could be monitored.

THE ADVENT OF DELTA T CONTROL What is the significance of monitoring the temperature differential? We established that the water temperature causes the valves to close, why not lower the water temperature to control the space temperature and leave the valves open longer? If the valves stay open and the water temperature passing through the terminal units has a chance to dissipate the heat completely rather than pass it on to the return line we could effectively conMH30

FALL 2018

trol the supply and return temperature across the system. System designs based on outdoor air reset, coupled with temperature controlled variable flow rates to create condensing opportunities, causes the system to maintain a balanced differential temperature between the supply and return. The position of the control valves and the pressure differential in the system would lend itself to the direct correlation between the temperature across the supply and return. Sending hotter water back to the heating device lowers the overall system efficiency. One must have the opportunity to use all the available heat in the terminal device and have the lowest possible return water temperature to take advantage of the high efficiency condensing capabilities in industry today. The control valves would close or modulate as the space conditions allow, changing the temperature in the return, slowing the pumps to maintain a desired temperature differential. Nothing MODERN HYDRONICS

in the typical system design changes but the return temperature is monitored and flow is controlled based on temperature differential across the system rather than the temperature differential being a result of the slower pumping and higher temperatures. The preferred method of temperature control is to tie together (parallel) the firing rate signal with the flow rate VFD signal based on a supply and return water temperature. A specified system differential temperature of approximately 30F when achievable is the preferred operation. The pressure differential control signal could be utilized as a minimum system setpoint, if desired, to protect low-end flow only.

ADDING OUTDOOR AIR RESET TO THE MIX As an added feature to the system operation, outdoor air reset temperature requires a specific setpoint. The boiler water setpoint differential can be shifted or lowered by +/- 5F, which will allow the system control valves to stay in the open position longer. This will allow a lower boiler discharge (supply) water temperature and operate the boiler at the lowest potential temperature. The individual unit control valves will not have to close prematurely due to excess water temperature in the system. This is very similar to a boiler short cycling because it is oversized for the load. The control valves should act as a "high limit device" allowing the water

Continued on MH32 WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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SYSTEM CONTROL temperature to control the space temperature utilizing the lowest possible water temperature available for that specific zone always. Several water temperatures set points may be necessary to satisfy the load but always revert to the lowest temperature whenever possible.

NIGHT SET-BACK AND BOILER SEQUENCING The building terminal units/loads should be energized from setback mode on a sequencing schedule. Each load should have a minimum time when energized to allow the boiler to catch the load before a second load is energized and set-point established. Night "Set-back" should be accomplished by reducing water temperature +/- 15F as a shift to a lower water temperature rather than terminal loads shutting down completely. The building temperature will be reduced due to a lower water temperature while not causing morning start-up inefficiencies due to higher than necessary boiler firing rates. This will allow the boilers to operate in a lower fire input matching the building heat loss at lower building temperatures. The staggering sequence to an occupied setpoint will allow the boiler to operate at low fire input rather than high fire and utilize multiple boilers to match the load. This will increase the overall thermal operating efficiency. This method of sequencing the boilers to satisfy hot water return (HWR) temperature setpoint should occur regardless of the system water flow rate.

FLOW METER INCORPORATION The boiler firing rate should be tied (parallel) to the pump flow rate signal if a flow meter is incorporated into the system design in the main system header piping. With temperature sensors on the supply and return of the system and information on system flow through the flow meter; a simple system Btu/hr calculation can be made in real time as an MH32

FALL 2018

attempt to maximize the boiler firing rate based on actual Btus required to satisfy the load.

BOILER OPERATION Introducing a specific time delay between boiler stages and a slow ramping of the firing rate will give the boilers a chance to react to the system load before driving to high fire. A typical system designed with a 20-degree differential should have a circulation of at least once back to the boiler in less than 10 minutes. If we ramp the boiler firing rate slowly the system control valves should have ample time to react to the load and provide an average return line temperature. Using the return line for a setpoint location offers a stable place to sense the actual system load with very few radical changes. Incorporating a supply sensor as well gives us two reference points to establish a system delta T. The system delta T should be as wide as possible to take advantage of the condensing opportunities the boilers are now designed for. The new age of increased Delta T across the system has arrived. We are no longer constrained with high return water temperatures, which enables us to design supply temperatures at 160F with return temperatures as low as 100F as an example. This ability to spread out the Delta T allows us to condense the entire heating season if designed properly. Many experts will challenge the analogy of total energy savings of shutting the system down at night versus reducing the temperature of the water and leaving the pumps operational. The energy consumed by the pumps running at a substantially reduced flow rate and horsepower would be less power than starting the system at a specific time in the morning warm-up at full capacity. The control valves will be wide open and the system temperature differential will cause the boilers to operate at a higher firing rate and temperatures to satisfy the load quickly. MODERN HYDRONICS

What if we could use a sensor in the living space with a similar function to that of the outdoor air sensor to override to the outdoor air sensor. If the space temperature requirement is satisfied the water temperature would not have to increase based strictly on outdoor air temperature alone. If the inside air temperature falls below a given desired temperature, only then would the water temperature be allowed to increase and the pump speed increased. We could set up an individual indoor air reset curve for the conditioned space temperature changing the water temperature with respect to the outside air temperature. The two temperature reset curves could work to complement each other and attempt to always keep the water temperature as low as possible. Why raise the water temperature just because the outdoor air temperature curve plotted requires us too when this is the only reference point that has no input feedback from the actual space conditions? This simple concept could take the guesswork out of what water temperature is required to satisfy the space temperature. The success to any of this thought process is to incorporate a learning period to examine how the building will react to the operating conditions and then customizing the operation. Constantly looking at water temperatures required to satisfy the conditions will be the key to energy savings. This is not a fix for every system design but an opportunity to think differently than we have for so many years. Run the system continuously at the lowest possible water temperature in your design. Typically, systems are oversized and will have the capacity available if needed. David Connors is regional sales manager with Harsco Industrial PattersonKelley. He can be reached at dconnors@ harsco.com. WWW.HPACMAG.COM

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

THE STATE OF SOLAR HEATING How effectively are contractors integrating solar into hydronic systems? BY ROBERT WATERS

here is currently a lot of attention being devoted to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings. One of the primary methods that governments are using to meet their goals is to tighten up building codes to require super-insulated and super-airtight building construction that require much less energy to heat. The path forward and timing with building codes changes is not clearly defined in all areas yet, but the ultimate target of most governments seems to be to get to a level of Net Zero Energy Ready standard by about 2030. Net Zero Ready homes will have space heating requirements that are almost 90 per cent less than current building code levels. These newly constructed low energy homes will have dramatically reduced energy consumption and emissions. Making new homes more efficient is only a part of the solution, as they only make up a small part of the entire building stock. Existing buildings will still account for the bulk of emissions from buildings and the vast majority of homes in Canada are heated with natural gas. So another big focus for GHG emission reductions is to transition away from fossil fuel burning equipment altogether, and start utilizing low carbon heating systems. There are various “renewable” heating options that can be considered low carbon, such as electric resistance, air and water source heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal. With my background in the solar thermal (ST) and hydronic heating industries, I am often asked about integrating solar thermal into hydronic systems. What kind of integrated systems are possible? Are any of these types of systems being used? In response to the first question, there are numerous possibilities for integrating ST with hydronics. Unfortunately the answer to the second is there are very few of these systems being installed. Before looking more closely at the types of system possibilities, let’s look at the current state of solar heating. Solar thermal water heating suffers from several significant market barriers, with the primary issue being the economics. There is plenty of proven and reliable ST heating equipment available in the market, especially from some European suppliers, but the initial capital cost for equipment and installaMH34

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Design support is available to help you avoid design and installation pitfalls.

tion is quite high. Combine this high cost for ST heating with the low cost of natural gas, and the resulting system paybacks are very long. The ST industry in Canada also does not currently have any government support incentives to help out. Steve Royce is the solar thermal specialist at Viessmann Manufacturing Company, and he says “There is lots of interest in solar thermal heating, but the cost generally scares people away. This is especially true after they realize that the solar system will only provide supplemental heat, and that you still require a backup heating system.” Another barrier facing ST water heating is the lack of awareness in the industry about the capabilities of solar systems, and the installation requirements. Royce says that most people have unreal expectations about the winter heat output of a solar system. “I get requests all the time from people who say “I want to heat my home with solar.” I have to explain to them that solar systems do create plenty of heat, but it comes primarily in the spring and fall shoulder seasons.” There is also an issue with a lack of knowledgeable solar heating contractors. According to Royce, “Even good hydronic guys are often dumbfounded with solar system design and installation.” He tells me “There are very few contractors out

MODERN HYDRONICS

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Modern Hydronics

there who have the technical knowledge and skills to properly install a solar combi system. We end up dealing with many systems, which have installation or design issues.” Market pressure from other types of renewables, especially solar photovoltaics and heat pump technologies have also slowed down the use of solar thermal heating systems. Hydronics expert and HPAC columnist John Siegenthaler devoted an entire section to solar thermal heating systems in his 2016 book Heating with Renewable Energy. This book is one of the best resources available for anyone who wants to know how to properly design and install solar thermal heating. Siegenthaler, admits however that “solar PV is so dominant now that solar thermal has suffered.” He still sees interest in solar thermal, but says “people are tending to put their money where the best bang for the buck is, and right now that is in grid connected or net-metered solar PV systems.”

FIGURE 1 COURTESY VIESSMANN MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC.

Figure 1 Flat plate solar collector array

Even with these barriers, solar thermal heating still has a lot to offer for those interested in utilizing renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel use. There are three primary loads that can be very effectively met by ST heating: domestic hot water heating, pool heating, and supplementing radiant heating systems. The most common application for ST is for DHW heating. SDHW systems tend to be small scale with one or two collectors, and a 200 to 300 gallon storage tank. There are several manufacturers offering packaged SDHW systems, which are pre-designed, have all of the components required, and are fairly easy to install. Solar combi systems are systems that combine solar DHW heating with space heating and/or pool heating. DHW is a year round load, so it is the ideal “base load” for the system. By adding additional loads, the solar panel array size can be increased and more fossil fuel energy can be displaced. Solar combisystems tend to be custom systems and the success of these systems is heavily dependent on the designer and installer. There are unique design considerations WWW.HPACMAG.COM

to solar combi systems, with many being related to how cold and how hot things can get in a ST system. The potential for wintertime freezing in the solar collector loop must be addressed with either the use of freeze proof glycol in the collector loop, or by using a drainback system. Closed loop glycol systems tend to be more popular, primarily due to the ease with which the supply and return lines can be run from the collector array to the storage tanks. Glycol however must be maintained properly, and can turn nasty if it is exposed to long periods of stagnation. Drainback systems eliminate the use of glycol, as water is used as the heat transfer medium and it all drains back into the building every time the pump shuts off. To achieve this the challenge of installing the supply and return lines is substantially increased. There is no margin for error in the Canadian climate when using drainback system design. The inability to shut off the fuel source (sun) can create excessively hot collector loops in the summer months. This often results in collector stagnation, steam formation and glycol damage. These problems often plague many solar combisystems due to the larger size of the collector array. Even skilled hydronic professionals often make key mistakes related to these two important factors that can dramatically affect system performance and durability. Commonly found issues include: Insufficient solar storage tank volume, undersized expansion tanks, incorrectly located check valves, overly complex control systems, incorrectly piped diverting valves, and systems missing key components. If you are going to tackle a solar combisystem, here are several key factors that must be addressed to ensure that you have success:

1. Do not try and do too much with solar While it may be tempting to try and get as much solar support as possible, this can often lead to poor economics, summertime overheating problems, and overly complex designs. Most European combi systems are moderately sized, utilizing storage tank sizes of between 450 to 750 liter, and collector arrays of 10 to 15 m2 (four to six flat plate collectors). These systems have proven to be simpler to design, install and maintain.

2. Simplify the design Complicated designs with multiple tanks, multiple pumps and diverting valves feeding numerous loads are certainly possible with solar combi-systems. These systems however require skilled designers and knowledgeable installers, complex controls and must be precisely commissioned and maintained. Royce agrees the simple approach is often the best way. “I

MODERN HYDRONICS

Continued on MH37 FALL 2018

MH35

August 2018

I SEE YOU’RE INTO HYDRONICS… IS CANADA’S #1 SOURCE FOR HYDRONIC COVERAGE: products, applications, events, news and more.

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find that I primarily recommend simple designs, and often back off on the size of the system. Wherever possible I try and design systems with a single pump, a diverting valve, a dualcoil solar storage tank and simple controls,” he added. Besides being easier for the contractor to install and commission, these types of systems are also easier for the building owner to understand, and simplify future troubleshooting and maintenance.

3. Match up solar with low return water temperatures Solar panels are similar to condensing boilers, in that they operate more efficiently with low return water temperatures. Therefore, to keep the solar combi systems operating as efficiently as possible it is important to match them up with loads that require low temperature distribution systems. The two best choices for this are swimming pool heating and radiant floor heating systems. Pool heating makes for a great solar combi system. The spring and summertime load of the pool occurs at the exact time when the days are long and the most solar energy is available. DHW/pool combi systems are relatively simple designs that use a single DHW storage tank and a solar pool heat exchanger. A second pump or three-way diverting valve will redirect the solar fluid through the pool heat exchanger when the DHW tank has been heated. It is also possible to have a simple switch the homeowner can activate when they want the pool to have priority and get all of the solar energy. The biggest challenge is often making the connection between the basement where the solar stor-

Continued on MH38

Figure 2 DHW-pool solar combi system

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age tank is located and the solar pool pump which is often out in the back yard somewhere. Using solar to supplement a radiant heating system is a good combination due to the low water temperature requirements of radiant systems. This is especially true in the spring and fall shoulder seasons when most of the solar space heating support will be produced. Do not expect huge solar contributions in the coldest part of winter, as this is the time of year with the shortest days and least amount of solar radiation. To keep summertime stagnation issues to a minimum, avoid installing too large a collector array. One way to increase wintertime output, and lessen summer overheating is to consider vertically wall mounting the solar panels, or keep the panel slope very steep (at least 70 degrees from horizontal). 1/2" air vent w/ isolation valve

(S1)

outdoor temperature

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Several years ago in Europe, ST industry representatives created the “CombiSol Project.” This project resulted in several key documents related to best practices in design and installation of solar combi systems, which can be found at www.combisol. eu. Siegenthaler’s book, which was mentioned earlier, contains detailed schematic layout drawings showing both closed loop design and drainback design solar combi systems. ST manufacturers also offer an excellent source of design and sizing support for solar combi systems. They should be relied upon to help with system design, selecting the right components and getting them installed correctly. Some will also offer to run a computerized solar analysis using solar simulation software. Solar combi system performance is very site specific and depends on your location and the solar panel orientation and slope. Simulation programs are great design tools that provide a detailed analysis of the solar system output and performance specific to the parameters of your project. They will also quickly show, with both data and graphs, if a system design is likely to have overheating problems. A source of free energy, solar combi systems can be a great way to provide a low-carbon heating solution that reduces the reliance on fossil fuel use. They are very effective when paired up with the appropriate system and application. Avoid some of the problems mentioned earlier and get advice from the experts if you are going to tackle one of these systems.

expansion tank

(S2)

Figure 3 DHW-radiant floor slab combi system

Fortunately solar combi systems have been very popular in Europe for many years and there is design support available to help you avoid design and installation pitfalls.

Robert Waters is president of Solar Water Services Inc., which provides training, education and support services to the hydronic industry. He has over 30 years experience in hydronic and solar water heating. He can be reached at solwatservices@gmail.com.

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ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE

ADEY........................................................................................ www.adey.com/us...................................................................................................... MH25 AERCO..................................................................................... www.aerco.com.......................................................................................................... MH13 Amvic Building System........................................................ www.amvicsystem.com.............................................................................................. MH17 Aqua-Tech Sales & Marketing............................................ www.aquatech-canada.com........................................................................................ MH8 Bradford White....................................................................... www.bradfordwhite.com............................................................................................ MH27 Caleffi...................................................................................... www.caleffi.com........................................................................................................... MH9 Eco-King.................................................................................. www.ecokingheating.com.......................................................................................... MH37 Granby..................................................................................... www.granbyindustries.com........................................................................................ MH29 Harsco..................................................................................... www.harscopk.com.................................................................................................... MH23 Lochinvar................................................................................ www.Lochinvar.com...................................................................................................... MH2 Master Group......................................................................... www.master.ca........................................................................................................... MH19 Navien...................................................................................... www.TanklessMadeSimple.com.................................................................................. MH7 NEXT Supply........................................................................... www.nextsupply.ca..................................................................................................... MH11 NIBCO...................................................................................... www.nibco.com.......................................................................................................... MH31 Noble....................................................................................... www.noble.ca............................................................................................................. MH33 Roth......................................................................................... www.Roth-America.com............................................................................................. MH22 Taco......................................................................................... www.tacocomfortsolutions.com................................................................................ MH40 Triangle Tube.......................................................................... www.triangletube.com............................................................................................... MH21 Viessmann.............................................................................. www.viessmann.ca..................................................................................................... MH39 Webstone................................................................................ www.webstonevalves.com/TMV.................................................................................. MH5 MH38

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FIGURE 3 COURTESY JOHN SIEGENTHALER, HEATING WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY, CENGAGE PUBLISHING

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Easy start-up and operation

On-demand DHW

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SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT – WELL MAYBE NOT An abridged review of noise sources and methods to control sound transmission. BY ROBERT BEAN

ound complaints are the number one indoor environmental quality problem in buildings today, surpassing thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) and lighting quality in the hierarchy of occupant discomfort. Objections can be anything from chatter in offices, to the neighbour’s music, rumbling in ducts or the ticking sounds from expanding heating pipes. As an irritation, noise does not have to be loud, just undesirable. Similar to all other sensory systems and perceptions, noise is subjective and people’s response is both physiological and psychological.

EXISTING CODES With what we know about sound and vibration transmission it is worth asking how many HVAC designers know that Canadian building codes state, “An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness due to high levels of sound originating in adjacent spaces in the building.” Or that the NBC Part 5 Environmental Separation section requires not only calculations related to the transfer of heat, air and moisture but also the transmission of sound. Control of sound transmission is also a requirement in Section 9 and is addressed again in the appendix stating, “Environmental loads that must be considered include but are not limited to: sound, light and other types of radiation, temperature, moisture, air presHPACMAG.COM

Figure 1 Motors are energy converters taking electrical energy and turning it into kinetic energy but due to inefficiencies not all of the energy converted is used to move the fluid, some energy is converted to waste by-products of heat, vibration and noise.

sure, acids and alkalis.” Interestingly in the hydronics world, I could not find any reference to sound or vibration in my copy of CSA B214 Installation Code for Hydronic Heating. On the air side there is a muted (pun intended) clause in CSA F326 Residential Mechanical Ventilation Systems that states, “The installing contractor shall follow procedures outlined by the manufacturer for minimizing noise and vibration transmission, and use any materials provided for this purpose, where applicable.”

sources such as pumps and fans, which are then transmitted along one or more paths, which may include ducts, pipes, framing members or drywall, until they reach the occupant (see Table 2). In some cases, in-space acoustical treatments and/or transmission modifications can be implemented to reduce unwanted sounds and vibration but control is the most effective and least expensive way to reduce noise at the source.

SOURCES AND CONTROL

1. Major equipment such as boilers/ chillers/heat pumps/chp plants/ furnaces/fancoils/air handlers etc. generate vibrations and mechanical and thermal noise associated with their operation and noise associated with flow. Of concern is noise related to flowing air and solids in

As per the ASHRAE Handbooks, “A primary objective in the design of HVAC systems and equipment is to evaluate noise and vibration to ensure that the acoustical environment in a given space is acceptable for various occupant activities.” i Sound and vibrations are created by

MEASURES TO PREVENT/ MITIGATE

Continued on p66 AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

< HVAC water-based systems, and vibration due to motors and turbulent flow/high velocity through heat exchangers. Equipment should be isolated from structural surfaces and connected to distribution lines with vibration dampening devices. Hydronic systems should be cleaned and air separated and vented (see Figure 1). All systems should be designed for the lowest practical velocity but not below manufacturer’s minimum requirements. Thermal expansion devices and silencers should be installed to mitigate noise associated with flow and thermally expanding distribution networks. Rooms housing major mechanical equipment and flow devices should be designed to contain the heat, noise and vibration and use construction and mechanical strategies to mitigate transmission through the walls, floors and ceilings into adjacent spaces. 2. Flow devices such circulators and fans have vibration and noise associated with motor operation and fluid flow. Motors are energy converters taking electrical energy and turning it into kinetic energy but due to inefficiencies not all of the energy converted is used to move the fluid. Some energy is converted to waste by-products of heat, vibration and noise as shown in Figure 1. To reduce the waste, these devices should be selected for maximum efficiency and be connected to distribution lines with installation accessories to mitigate sound transmission. Care should be taken when establishing line pressures to make sure circulators do not cavitate. 3. In space heat terminal units such as radiant distribution HEARING AND SOUND Hearing is the action of transforming sound waves entering the ear into vibrations within the ear vis-a-vis the ear drum. These vibrations open up chemical receptor cells resulting in an electrochemical signal. The signals are then sent out via neurotransmitters and received by the brain through the auditory nerve. The brain interprets the signals as sound. The originating sound waves are simply fluctuations in pressure above and below atmospheric pressure created by disturbances in the air. The frequency of the oscillation is measured in Hertz (Hz) (cycles per second). While still in the womb, a baby’s brain begins to build up an inventory of auditory signals associated with specific sources of noise. The newborn then begins a lifelong sound experience through association to a source. It is in conscious thought where recognition from memory identifies the difference between a dog barking and a bird chirping, for example. Likewise, the brain can recognize the sounds associated with water flowing in a heating pipe or air velocity in a ducted HVAC system. 66

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

manifolds, panel radiators, force flow units, bath fans, range hoods and mini cassettes provide a direct sound path into the space through expansion noise, motor noise and fluid flow (See Table 3). To mitigate vibration and noise these devices should be located, mounted and controlled as per manufacturer’s installation manuals and good installation practice. 4. Distribution lines such as ducts and pipes are a major noise source and transmitter usually associated with thermal expansion, high flow velocities and turbulent flow. Where possible they should be designed for laminar flow and using best practices assembled with fittings and methods that reduce turbulence. 5. Flow control devices such as dampers, valves, grills, registers and diffusers are known for noise due to flow through velocity and pressure changes due to the opening and closing function. Cavitation can also occur within valves and should be selected and operated in conditions that eliminate the possibility of dropping below the fluid’s vapour pressure. Noise is also associated with these devices being installed incorrectly resulting in chattering sounds. They should be installed as per manufacturer’s recommendations and selected using authority logic and the noise ratings provided by the manufacturers. 6. The following accessories should be in every specification and should be inspected during pre-commissioning stage: a. Flex connectors on all major equipment b. Vibration pads under all major equipment

Just as in electromagnetic energy (ex. light and radiation), sound wave pressures (energy) are either absorbed, reflected, or transmitted.i These are scaled to ranges of decibels (db) (Table 1). A whisper for example is approximately 30db at 6 ft. (2m), conversational speech is 60 db at 3 ft. (1m), an automobile horn is 70db at 10 ft. (3m), and threshold of pain at 120db. Noise levels between 10db and 50db are considered acceptable in residential settings. Decibel levels must be evaluated and controlled at numerous frequencies to prevent unacceptable noise (ACCA, 2015).ii When noise from adjacent spaces or HVAC and electrical equipment becomes irritating – either because it is present all the time and/or it is loud – individuals exposed to the aggravation will take steps to prevent that discomfort; they will turn it off, alter the source, or remove themselves from the cause so that it no longer remains annoying. Some measures to prevent sound discomfort could have negative effects on lighting quality, thermal comfort and IAQ.

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TABLE 1 TYPICAL SOUND PRESSURES AND SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS

TABLE 2 SUBJECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH FREQUENCIES CREATED BY VARIOUS HAVC COMPONENTS

Sound Pressure, (Pa)

Sound Pressure Level, (dB) [re 2 µPa]

Subjective Reaction

Military jet takeoff at 100 ft

200

140

Extreme danger

Artillery fire at 10 ft

63.2

130

Passenger jet takeoff at 50 ft

120

Threshold of pain

Rumble

Loud rock band

6.3

110

Threshold of discomfort

Roar

125-500

100 Whistle and Whirr

500-2000

Unmuffled large diesel engine at 130 ft.

0.6

Accelerating diesel truck at 50 ft.

0.2

Freight train at 100 ft.

0.06

Conversational speech at 3 ft.

0.02

Window air conditioner at 3 ft.

0.006

Moderate

Quiet residential area

0.002

Quiet

Whispered conversation at 6 ft.

0.0006

Buzzing insect at 3 ft.

0.0002

Perceptible

Threshold of good hearing

0.00006

Threshold of excellent youthful hearing

0.00002

Source

Automobile horn at 10 ft

Throb

Hiss

8-31 31-125

Equipment associated with frequencies causing noise fan instability, air turbulence rumble, structure borne vibration fan and pump noise

vav noise, chillers

2000-8000 diffuser noise

Loud

TABLE 3 MAXIMUM SOUND RATING FOR FANS Maximum Sound Rating, sones ASHRAE 62.2

Rated according to CAN/ CSA-C260-M

Rated according to HVI 915

Principal ventilation fan

2.5

3.5

Faint

Supplemental fans installed in bathrooms and their makeup air fans

Threshold of hearing

Supplemental fans installed in kitchens and their makeup air fans

no rating required

c. Elastomeric Suspension rods/hangars for all ceiling mounted equipment d. Guides, supports, hangars, sleeves, packing and isolation clamps for facilitating expansion and contraction. e. Expansion control devices to prevent stress related noises and damage to equipment and distribution systems. f. Silencers where air velocity and turbulence could be transmitted to adjacent spaces. Practitioners are encouraged to take steps to mitigate noise and vibration in HVAC and electrical systems and familiarize themselves with equipment noise criteria (NC) ratings published by manufacturers, as well as sound transmission classes (STC) and ratings published for assemblies. <>

i 2017 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals, Sound and Vibration, Chapter 8.3 ii Air Distribution Basics for Residential and Small Commercial HPACMAG.COM

Octave band centre frequency, (Hz)

Very loud

ref.: 2017 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals, Chapter 8.0, Sound and Vibration

REFERENCES

Subjective Description

Note: one (1) sone is an approximate to 30 dba; three (3) sone is an approximate to 40 dba Buildings, Manual T. Air Conditioning Contractors of America, 1992 (2015). iii 2017 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals, Sound and Vibration, Chapter 8.3

Robert Bean is a Registered Engineering Technologist in building construction (ASET) and a Professional Licensee (Engineering) in HVAC (APEGA). He is president of Indoor Climate Consultants Inc. and director of www. healthyheating.com; a past ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer; recipient of ASHRAE’s Lou Flagg Award and ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award; and a member of ASHRAE technical committees 2.1 (Physiology & Human Environment) 6.1 (hydronics), 6.5 (radiant), 7.04 (eXergy) and SSPC 55 (thermal comfort). Bean is also the author of numerous industry courses and seminars covering the building sciences, indoor environmental quality, energy, and radiant-based HVAC systems. AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS • WHOLESALERS

Master Group has over 34 branches and four distribution centres in Canada. Over 250 people attended the grand opening, including sales representatives, employees, local dignitaries, and other invited guests.

WATTS OPENS THIRD U.S. TRAINING CENTRE IN NORTH CAROLINA Watts has unveiled its latest training centre in St. Pauls, NC. The company has two other facilities in North Andover, MA and Woodland, CA, respectively. Located in a manufacturing facility, the 3,000 square foot Watts Works Learning Center houses a demonstration lab and configurable classroom, as well as working product displays. At the centre, customers, channel partners, sales representatives, employees and visitors can be trained on Watts products, including Orion chemical piping systems, Blücher stainless steel drainage, cast iron drainage, rainwater harvesting solutions and Mueller Steam specialty products, among others. www.watts.com DANFOSS ACQUIRES STAKE IN CALIFORNIA HEAT EXCHANGER TECHNOLOGY START-UP Danfoss purchased minority shares in California-based start-up Nelumbo. The company develops surface treatment technology that aims to improve heat exchanger performance and prevent corrosion. Three engineers from the University of California, Berkeley, formed Nelumbo in 2015. The company currently employs eight people. Danfoss Drives also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The anniversary marks the mass production of the company’s AC drives. www.danfoss.com www.nelumbo.io 68

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

MASTER GROUP CONTINUES WESTERN EXPANSION WITH NEW MANITOBA BRANCH Less than two weeks after the acquisition of Saskatchewan distributor Davies Supply Group and its branches in Calgary and Lethbridge, Master Group opened a 16,000 square foot branch in Winnipeg, MB. The branch is located at 2065 Logan Avenue, Unit 7 and can be reached at 204-632-9030. www.master.ca NEXT PLUMBING AND HYDRONICS SUPPLY RELOCATES HEAD OFFICE Next Plumbing and Hydronics Supply has opened the doors to its new head office at 300 Galcat Drive in Vaughan, ON. The location also includes a 120,000 square foot warehouse and pick-up counter. Next’s Galcat Drive office, its 11th location, is accessible via Highway 407 at Pine Valley Drive. It includes shipping and receiving areas, multi-tier pick tower, 40-foot clearance ceiling height and a pipe yard. The office can be reached at 289982-6398. Next will maintain its pick-up counter in Concord, ON. www.nextsupply.ca WOLSELEY ACQUIRES EDMONTON, AB-BASED NATIONAL SUPPLIER AMRE Wolseley Canada Inc. has acquired Amre Supply Company Limited, headquartered in Edmonton, AB. Amre president Doug Swane, soon-to-be divisional president, said the acquisition will allow the company to expand its market reach in Canada through Wolseley’s distribution network.

ACQUISITIONS >> Radiant Advantage Designs, a subsidiary of Mestek, purchased radiant ceiling products and certain physical assets of Barcol-Air USA, located in Connecticut. The radiant products will be manufactured at Mestek’s operations in Westfield, MA. www.mestek.com >> France-based Sauermann Group acquired E Instruments International, headquartered in Langhorne, PA. The purchase aims to boost the group’s research and development, manufacturing service and warehousing capabilities in the U.S. www.sauermanngroup.com www.e-inst.com >> Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) completed its acquisition of John Guest Holdings Ltd. RWC hopes the acquisition will allow it to expand its product portfolio and market presence in Europe. www.rwc.co.uk www.johnguest.com >> T&S Brass and Bronze Works acquired Klarco SRL, an Italian manufacturer of faucets, pre-rinse units and hose reels for the foodservice industry. The deal aims to allow T&S to expand globally, and offer Klarco support to grow its product selection. www.tsbrass.com www.klarco.com >> Bacharach acquired Pennsylvaniabased Neutronics Inc., a provider of refrigerant and gas analyzers for the automotive and commercial HVAC markets. Neutronics will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bacharach and continue to carry its existing brand. www.mybacharach.com www.neutronicsinc.com

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MSN >

Fancey (left) and Swane (right).

Amre currently has 12 locations across Canada in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Over 200 Amre employees will work under Wolseley. Its branches will continue to operate under the Amre Supply brand for the foreseeable future. Wolseley also recently opened the doors to its 8,000 square foot Orangeville, ON branch. Located at 80 Centennial Road, the branch has been renovated to include HVAC/R inventory. www.wolseleyinc.ca www.amresupply.com

SANIFLO HITS 30-YEAR MILESTONE, OPENS NEW LOCATION IN ONTARIO Sanfilo, a division of Group SFCA, celebrated its 30th year in Canada. Group SFCA also commemorates its 60th anniversary this year. Saniflo manufactures macerator and grinder toilet systems. The company also offers drain-water pumps and condensate pumps for both residential and commercial applications. The company also expanded its operations and moved to a 9,500 square foot facility in Cambridge, ON. www.saniflo.ca UPONOR OPENS NEW $6.5M MINNESOTA MANUFACTURING PLANT Uponor has completed renovations on its $6.35 million manufacturing facility in Hutchinson, MN. The 237,000-square-foot facility was completed six months ahead of its projected finish date. Production of PEX

Uponor PEX operator Tim Wettstein performs the first production measurement on pipe manufactured in the new Hutchinson facility.

pipe is underway. Uponor North America purchased the facility in July 2017 to support its manufacturing operations in the United States. The opening of this plant marks the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eleventh expansion since 1990. The previous 10 occurred on its North American headquarters campus in Apple Valley, MN. Continued on p70

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AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

< MSN The Hutchinson plant is modeled after the Apple Valley facility, which was presented with the Minnesota Manufacturers Alliance Manufacturer of the Year Award in both 2013 and 2018. www.uponor.ca ARMSTRONG PARTNERS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS TO LAUNCH GLOBAL “2 IN 22” GHG INITIATIVE Armstrong Fluid Technology announced at its Global Energy Summit in Toronto that the company is committed to reducing GHG among its installed customer base by two million tons by the year 2022. When making the announcement on June 19, Armstrong’s CEO Lex van der Weerd, issued a challenge to industry participants to set similarly aggressive targets for the same four-year time frame. “Organizations globally are being driven to achieve a zero footprint future. We believe this can best be achieved through key stakeholders focusing on solutions and timelines that will make zero footprint a near-term reality,” said van der Weerd. “We are both inviting and challenging all organizations to join us in pursuing the goal of zero footprint operations. The GHG reduction would be equivalent to taking 600,000 cars off the road or offsetting the average annual CO2 emissions generated by 100,000 people. “While aggressive, we believe this goal is absolutely achievable,” emphasized van der Weerd. “We have spent the last several years developing technology solutions that conserve energy and water, improve system efficiencies, and deliver strong and often immediate economic returns both on installed cost and operating cost that provide significant reductions in GHG emissions.” Armstrong has already launched a global validation effort across a wide range of customer types and applications with the results being validated by Bureau Veritas. The company is also significantly expanding its team of energy-savings specialists that will work closely with existing 70

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

customers to measure, manage and enhance their current operations. www.armstrongfluidtechnology.com WETSTYLE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW HEADQUARTERS IN MONTREAL Montreal-based bath furnishings manufacturer Wetstyle has announced plans to open a new factory complex and headquarters in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC. The complex, located in the city’s Industrial Eco Park, will house the brand’s manufacturing operations alongside a new showroom space. The headquarters, designed in partnership with Sydney Gobel Architecture and Atelier Moderno, will consist of two buildings linked together by an enclosed pathway. The larger of the two buildings will consist of the 30,000-square foot factory and operations offices. The second, 11,600-square-foot building will house the showroom on the lower level and corporate offices above. The showroom space will showcase the company’s selection of bathware products, as well as offer room for events. A dedicated training area for sales representatives and professionals will also be integrated into this space. www.wetstyle.ca

(Top row, left to right) Martine Éthier, Mariève Ouellette, Kathleen Saint-Yves, Mikaël Kingsbury; Vanessa Bérubé and Luc Lefebvre. (Bottom row, left to right) Audrey Choquette and Marc-Antoine Lemerise.

RIOBEL SPONSORS OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST MIKAËL KINGSBURY Riobel recently announced it will sponsor freestyle skier Mikaël Kingsbury until 2022. The 25-year-old athlete won Continued on p72

DISTRIBUTION >> Quebec-based Enviroair Industries is the latest addition to Centrotherm’s manufacturer representative base. The company will work closely with Michael Dailey, Centrotherm regional sales manager for Canada. www.enviroair.ca www.centrotherm.us.com

(Left to right) Don McInroy, national sales manager or Canadian commercial venting and OEM sales for Duravent and Security Chimneys. and Bill Palamar, president and owner of Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing.

>> Aqua-Tech Air, a division of Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing Inc., now represents Security Chimneys in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe territory. Andrew Bonnema, technical sales representative for the product offering, will be based at the company’s Burlington office, located at 4390 Paletta Court, Unit M, L7L 5R2. www.securitychimneys.com www.aquatech.com >> Smart Frog air conditioning units are now available to the Canadian market, sold exclusively through Ecco Supply. The hybrid system is designed for residential and light commercial applications with HVAC, standby generator and solar plug and play capabilities. www.eccosupply.ca www.perfectlygreencorp.com >> G.S Equipco Ltd. will assume sales for the Pfister and Fortis brands, under Spectrum Brands, in Atlantic Canada. www.spectrumbrands.com HPACMAG.COM

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< MSN gold at the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang and silver at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. A two-time world champion at the World Cup, Kingsbury has had 49 victories, including 13 consecutive triumphs and 7 Crystal Globes in a row. www.riobel.ca NAVAC BRINGS HVAC/R OFFERING TO NORTH AMERICAN MARKET Navac, a global HVAC/R manufacturer, has launched its North American operations in Lyndhurt, NJ. The company is a supplier of HVAC vacuum pumps, gauges, charging machines and other products. Navac has more than 600 employees and its products are available in 80 countries. www.navacglobal.com

Kohler is not a raw materials company. “We’re having to do that ourselves literally out of a dumpster,” he said during the panel. Boyce said slag, which came from Kohler’s cast iron division, caught his eye due to its similar appearance to lava rock. The team ground up the waste by hand and created a glaze. After this process of experimentation, the goal is to replicate it on a larger-scale. www.kohler.ca NORTEK AIR SOLUTIONS DONATION RECIPIENTS INCLUDE QUEBEC, SK CHAPTERS Nortek Air Solutions (NAS) has been recognized by ASHRAE for its contribution to HVAC/R research as part of the association’s Research Promotion (RP) campaign. RP is a grassroots campaign that raised $2.7 million in funds in 2017 for

research, scholarships, comprehensive educational activities and young engineers in ASHRAE. NAS divided its contribution between three U.S. and two Canadian ASHRAE chapters where it operates manufacturing facilities. Canadian chapters include: Quebec Chapter–Region II and Saskatoon, SK Chapter–Region XI. This latest contribution marks the 18th consecutive year of RP donations for NAS, putting it in the top 20 of 7,000 donors. www.nortekair.com COOLSYS AWARDED FOR ITS ROLE IN NATURAL REFRIGERANT ADOPTION CoolSys is the recipient of an Accelerate America Award for its role in bringing climate-friendly solutions to the HVAC/R sector in North America. The company received the best con-

MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS >> Regal Beloit Corporation launched its ECM Made Easy campaign, intended to promote its Genteq Evergreen line of motors. In conjunction with the campaign, Regal introduced specifications, videos and product details for the product line. www.ecmmadeeasy.com

WasteLab re-purposed ceramic tiles.

KOHLER WASTELAB LOOKS TO REPURPOSE INDUSTRIAL WASTE INTO NEW PRODUCTS Kohler WasteLab associates shared their latest work to repurpose industrial waste materials during a Facebook Live panel. The team’s first project uses pottery cull, iron slag, leftover glazes and enamel powder to create ceramic tiles, which Kohler expects to begin marketing under the Ann Sacks brand in 2019. The idea for the project originated in 2013 at the company’s annual Innovation for Good retreat. Joshua Boyce, senior project engineer at WasteLab, said the challenge is that 72

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

American Standard’s partnership with Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Kevin Pillar (pictured) will play a significant role in the launch of the brand’s campaign.

>> Lixil launched new marketing campaigns for its American Standard and Grohe brands to showcase new innovations and technology. Grohe partnered with Canadian technology expert and television personality Amber Mac. As brand ambassador, Mac will share information about the company’s technology through events, a video content series and online campaigns. American Standard’s “Welcome to the Big Leagues” campaign is part of its multiyear partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays. At the core of the campaign are the “Big League innovations,” including the company’s kitchen and bath portfolio. www.welcometothebigleagues.ca www.grohe.ca HPACMAG.COM

MSN > NAVIEN MARKS 40 YEARS IN CANADA AND THE U.S.

DIGITAL REFRESHER >> Airmaster's mobile-friendly website now has more detailed product descriptions and 360-degree photographs. www.airmasterfan.com

Navien employees throughout the United States and Canada celebrated KD Navien’s 40th anniversary and 12 years of operations in North America.

tractor award in the food and retail sector for the innovative adoption of natural refrigerants by its Source Refrigeration business. Presented as part of the ATMOsphere America conference, the award recognizes those who help drive adoption of natural refrigerants in North America. CoolSys was one of six companies recognized in the awards program. Colmac Coil Manufacturing received Innovation of the Year award for its low-charge DX evaporator. www.coolsys.com AKWA WATER LEAK TECHNOLOGY TO BE AVAILABLE IN ONTARIO HydroSolution AKWA water leak prevention and detection technology was recently launched in Quebec, it includes smart probes with bi-directional communications. It is designed to close the main water valve before any leak occurs. “AKWA is now looking to sign distribution partnerships in the rest of Canada and the USA,” Pierre-Andre Paulin, vice president of business development, said. www.akwatek.com JOHNSON CONTROLS RELOCATES AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS BUSINESS Johnson Controls is moving its air handling systems and ducted DX businesses from its current location at 631 S. Richland Avenue, York, PA to a renovated facility

just a few miles away at 100 JCI Way, also in York. The facility, named the Airside Center of Excellence, includes 40,000-square-feet of office space and a 285,000-square-foot manufacturing area. www.johnsoncontrols.com

>> HeatLink partnered with Thomas Product Data Solutions to provide BIM files in Revit and CADmep file formats, including a catalogue of plumbing PEX-a tubing and fittings, and heating PEX-a oxygen barrier tubing items. www.bim.heatlink.com >> Viega has partnered with Avitru (formerly Arcom) to include its products in the MasterSpec guide specification system. The system allows access to a list of building product manufacturers. www.viega.us www.avitru.com

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HOSES

2018-06-01 10:16 A

< PEOPLE B&B Trade Distribution Centre, part of Johnstone Supply, recently appointed three new vice presidents. Robb Howe, formerly general manFerris ager, will take over as vice-president Hibbert of finance and supply chain. Rob Kearns, formerly sales and marketing manager, is now vice-president of business development. Brian Howe Hibbert, formerly operations man- Kearns ager, is now vice-president of operations. The company also welcomed Robert Ferris as sales manager. In 2017, B&B Trade Distribution Centre joined Johnstone Supply as the first Canadian member of its co-operative. Valerie Malone has been named president and general manager of Lixil Canada. She will spearhead Lixil Canada's growth strategy within the trade, retail and e-commerce channels. Malone joined Lixil in May 2017 as vice president of Malone marketing. Martin Rego is the new vice president of sales at Ontor Limited. He succeeds Fred Boven, who will retire after 24 years with the company. Boven Rego will be responsible for the com- Rego pany’s growth and product offerings across Canada. Bill Liu has been appointed director of engineering for Ice Air. Prior to joining Ice Air, Liu was the program manager at General Electric Appliance for its Home Comfort Group.

Liu

Emery Bert has joined Ridge Tool Co. as a territory manager for Edmonton, AB. He will share Alberta territory responsibilities with senior territory Petrie manager Mark Nelligan. Greg Petrie Bert has also joined the company as territory manager for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and Ontario. Shane Angle has been named vice president of sales and technical services for Emerson’s commercial and residential solutions platform. Angle had previously served as Emerson’s vice president and general manager for the commercial air Angle conditioning group. Karl Zellmer, will take on a new role supporting the company’s new market and technology growth initiatives.

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

Denis Montour, sales manager, Quebec region, at Uponor, has been nominated president of the Quebec chapter of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH). He will serve as president for two years. A member of CIPH for 26 Montour years, Montour has been active on the board for eight years. Stelpro has appointed Pierre-Yves Martin as national retail sales director. In this role, Martin will lead the retail sales team, manage new market development and maintain relationships with external business partners. He will play an active Martin role in the company’s commercial expansion. Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing has hired David Hills as a technical support representative. He will service and support Lochinvar, Xylem, AWS Canada - residential HVAC, and Security Chimneys products. Hills will work out of the company’s Hills Burlington, ON office. Chris Rock is the new director of sales and marketing, Canada, for Watts Water Technologies. Prior to this role, Rock held the position of director of the Non-Ferrous Division at Combined Metal Industries. Before that, he was employed Rock at Conagra Foods for over eight years where he held various roles including brand manager, senior pricing manager, sales finance manager and director of finance, business planning. English Boiler has named Nick LeJeune the company’s new president and general manager. LeJeune previously served as vice president of operations for Boiler and Steam Performance in the U.S. State of Georgia. English Boiler co- LeJeune founder John English will remain with the company as senior vice president and chief engineering officer. Spectrum Brands has named Lisa Pratt national sales manager for its wholesale plumbing division. Based out of Edmonton, AB, Pratt will be responsible for sales of Pfister and Fortis brands. Pratt previously held the position of national Pratt sales manager for Private Label products at Wolseley Canada. Marley Engineered Products has named Lovin Saini director of product management. He will be based out of the company’s Burr Ridge, IL office. Most recently, Saini held the position of senior Saini product manager for Gerber Plumbing Fixtures.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY > The centre will house labs and classrooms specializing in fields such as clean and renewable energy, sustainable design, technology automation, cyber security and materials manufacturing, among others.

FIRST ZERO CARBON BUILDING DESIGN CERTIFICATION GOES TO CORA GROUP BY JILLIAN MORGAN

he Cora Group in Waterloo, ON and Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON earned Canada’s first and second Zero Carbon Building Design certifications from the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). The Cora Group was presented Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building Design certification for evolv1, a commercial multitenant office building in Waterloo, ON. Mohawk College was awarded the second certification for its planned Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation. The certification requires the building to: model a zero carbon balance for future operations; incorporate a highly efficient envelope and ventilation system to meet a defined threshold for thermal energy demand intensity; and design onsite renewable energy systems capable of providing a minimum of five per cent of building energy consumption. Project teams are required to evaluate energy use holistically, including impacts on peak electricity, and determine the GHG emissions associated with structural and envelope materials. The buildings are two of 16 from across Canada to be chosen as a part of a pilot project for CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Standard. Over the course of the first 12 months of operation, evolv1 will monitor performance to demonstrate a zero emissions balance in order to earn the Zero Carbon Building Performance certification. The high-performance building envelope incorporates triple glazing, a solar wall for preheated ventilation, a geo-exchange/ VRF HVAC system, three-storey green wall, and a combination HPACMAG.COM

of photovoltaics. It is due for completion in summer 2018. “This has been a building several years in the imagining, planning, and making,” Cora Group COO Adrian Conrad said. “evolv1 represents a project that goes well beyond ‘building sustainably.’ We firmly believe it sets a new benchmark for green building design and construction.” Energy for the Joyce Centre will be generated through solar photovoltaic panels. There will be nearly 500 solar panels mounted to canopies on the roof. Curtain wall technology was used to improve insulation, and the centre will use no natural gas on-site. It will also feature 38 geothermal wells that draw energy from more than 600 feet below the building. “We worked diligently to enhance sustainable features using natural materials, maximizing natural light and views, applying finishes strategically, integrating water conservation measures and green roofs,” Joanne McCallum, CEO of mcCallumSather, said.

The building is a collaboration between The Cora Group, Sustainable Waterloo Region, The David Johnson Research and Technology Park and anchor tenant E&Y. The building, designed and engineered by global design firm Stantec and constructed by Melloul-Blamey, is also targeting LEED Platinum certification.

The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation will be home to new and existing programs offered through Mohawk’s School of Engineering Technology. New and existing commercial, institutional, and multi-family buildings can use the Zero Carbon Building Standard. It is the first in North America to use carbon instead of energy efficiency to measure a building’s impact. www.coragroup.com www.mohawkcollege.ca <> AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

< EVENT REPORT

Industry joins CIPH for record breaking conference

Ralph Suppa (left), CIPH president and general manager, was recognized for 30 years of service with the institute.

C “

ommunication, Engagement and Connection” was the theme of this year’s Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) annual business conference. Inline with this message, the association emphasized communication as a key driver of progress. Allen Taylor, newly elected CIPH chairman for 2018-19, said there is “real disruption on the horizon,” and the industry needs to be prepared. “CIPH has many responsibilities, but I believe one of the key ones will be to start the conversation on this disruption,” said Taylor, president and CEO of Taylor Pipe Supports, in his inaugural speech. More than 310 delegates from across North America – up from a record 280 in 2017 – along with companions and guests made the trek to scenic Whistler Village, BC from June 17 to 19, 2018 to network, learn and celebrate the association’s 85th anniversary. The conference included presentations on leadership skills and the digital world, in addition to a keynote talk from John Furlong, former CEO of the

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

Barry Cunningham (left), general manager at Triangle Supply Ltd., accepting the Canadian Hydronics Council Award of Merit from Senese (right).

Taylor gives his inaugural speech at the annual general meeting. He has been involved with CIPH for more than two decades.

Vancouver Olympic games, titled “The Vision that Changed a Nation.”

dent of marketing and e-business at Wolseley Canada, and Bill Hooper, regional sales manager for the Atlantic Provinces at Uponor, respectively. Bill Palamar, chairman of the board for 2016-17 and president of WeilMcLain Canada Sales Ltd., will retire.

AWARDS AND APPOINTMENTS “We stand on the shoulders of boards that have been making the right decisions and the right calls for the last 85 years and it is my aim to continue this tradition,” Taylor said at the 86th annual general meeting. As 71st chairman of the board, Taylor succeeds Joe Senese, vice president of operations at Group Deschênes Inc. and now treasurer of the board. Drew Molnar, national sales manager at InSinkErator Canada, will take over as director of the manufacturers’ division. The committee also nominated Dave Hammond, general manager at A.O. Smith Enterprises, as chairman of the division. Matt Robinson, vice president of sales at B.A. Robinson, is the new chairman of the wholesalers’ division. The first, second and third vice chairman positions were filled by Andrew Dyck, vice president of sales at Barclay Sales Ltd., Gail Kaufman, vice presi-

WARM WISHES In a video presentation, CIPH received congratulations from a number of industry associations for its milestone anniversary. “HRAI and CIPH have been working together on common industry matters for more than 45 years,” said Warren Heeley, soon to be retired president of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), in a video message. “When I think about the relationship between our two associations, three things come to mind: shared interests, strength in numbers and collaboration,” he added. ABC 2019 will be held at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown, PE from June 16 to 18. www.ciph.com <> HPACMAG.COM

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heads. www.crosswaterlondon.com

valves are available in a polished chrome finish.

hand attachment, or a three-hole faucet and

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tap set. www.pfisterfaucets.ca

The Dorrance faucet from Newport Brass is available with lever or cross

From American Standard, the Beale MeasureFill pull-down kitchen faucet

handles. The widespread faucet is ADA-compliant and features an angu-

delivers an adjustable set volume of water. It features a blue LED light on

lar spout. It operates at 1.2 gpm. The collection includes a full line of

the dial window and volume marks when the measuring function is in

matching bath accessories comprised of tub fillers, shower and bidet

use. It also offers a temperature memory setting and choice of stream or

sets, and a wall-mounted faucet variation. www.newportbrass.com

spray using a flow rate of 1.5 gpm. www.americanstandard.ca

Franke Pescara stainless steel faucets feature

Inlays in the West Coast faucet from THG Pairs

The Franz Viegener Premium Collection in-

a 360-degree swivel range. Pescara faucets

are available in a Guilloche metal pattern, a

cludes Edge, Skyline, Buzz and Dominic Plus

are offered in tall pro-style and prep models, as

technique in which the pattern is mechanically

faucets. Buzz features a pyramid base and

well as wall and deck mount pot filler, in pol-

engraved into an underlying material. The fau-

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ished chrome, steel or satin nickel finishes.

cet has a belted waist and finial details on the

The standard aerator for the faucets is 2.2

www.franke.com

handles and spout. www.thg-paris.com

gpm. www.franzviegener.us

HPACMAG.COM

AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

< VENTING

THE CHALLENGE OF CATEGORY IV GASFIRED APPLIANCE VENTING Preplanning as part of the sales process will eliminate many of the issues technicians face in the field. BY IAN McTEER

As the production housing market ramped up, especially in 1980’s Ontario, installation crews rarely ever received in-house training on how to best deal with plastic materials. Installation crews raced from one house to another. Hurriedly assembled, ramshackle vent systems far too often generated failed utility inspections meaning no fuel would be supplied until the system passed inspection. Thus, the harried company service technician would be dispatched to re-vent the furnace (and hurry up, eh!) allowing the builder to use it for temporary construction heat–an unwise and ruinous practice in itself.

hich 90 per cent AFUE furnace brand got into Canadian basements first? Perhaps it was Clare Brothers HEG series MegaSave furnace or maybe the Lennox G14 Pulse shared the limelight with Clare for first high efficiency gas furnace on the market, my memory fails me now. Venting with plastic pipe was the future, what could be simpler? Builders loved the idea of eliminating chimney chases but what about that water heater vertical vent, can it go sidewall too? Yes, indeed! In Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the majority of new construction 90 per cent AFUE gas furnace and gas-fired hot water heating appliances became sidewall vented. As is often the case in the residential HVAC industry, installers and technicians

are frequently first exposed to new technology while on the job. When plastic pipe venting came along, it seemed anyone used to measuring, cutting and assembling threaded steel pipe or hard-drawn copper pipe would have no trouble in learning how to specify and how to install plastic vent systems. After all, wasn’t everything an installer needed to know about working with plastic materials and adhesives thoroughly explained in the installation instructions? Perhaps things are different now, but in those days anything resembling paperwork left behind for the eventual homeowner (even if required by law) often ended-up in the dumpster bin as overly zealous cleaning crews hurried to make the place shine. Sometimes the installation instructions were used for other purposes.

A zero-sweep PVC elbow often used in the non-certified old days. Very restrictive to flow, this design accounted for 10 equivalent feet of 2 in. pipe.

A certified medium radius elbow: often specified due to its lower resistance to flow. Manufacturers dictate what type of sweep elbow to use and provide equivalent length data in the installation instructions.

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

BAPTISM UNDER FIRE I have heard the vent repair story from technicians very often, even to this day. A similar situation happened to me: since the installers were busy working elsewhere on the site, I was dispatched to re-vent a newly-installed furnace that failed inspection for the same old reasons: no slope; not enough support; improper termination. Fortunately, I had the installers guide, a box full of fittings, a hacksaw and miter box and, a friendly plumber finishingup on the same job who kindly showed me how to run a proper slope to the furnace without stressing the pipe. Even after getting expert advice, I still managed to mess-up several joints because the adhesive set-up much faster than I

HPACMAG.COM

A certified TEE compared to a certified TEE-WYE (right). Do not use a tee-wye in place of a tee as required by your manufacturer.

When re-using ABS material for combustion air in a retrofit situation, the pipe should be marked to show that it complies with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

had anticipated. And the smell, the odour of solvent cement seemed to be just as unpleasant as the incredibly acrid crud that necessarily gets removed from an oil furnace flue pipe.

(a) a Type BH venting system complying with the ULC-S636 “Type BH Gas Venting Systems,” or (b) a venting system certified as a component of the appliance and provided by the manufacturer. Figure 7.10.3 referred to an appliance label requiring a Special Venting System that included flue gas temperature and vent pressure, whether positive or negative. 7.10.4: When a Special Venting System label indicates that a Type BH Class II venting system is required, the temperature rating marked on the Class II venting material shall not be less than the flue gas temperature shown on the Special Venting System label on the appliance. In today’s code, venting falls under section 8.0 8.9.5 Venting systems or total vent run if less than 3 ft. (900 mm), that employ plastic vents shall be installed such that the first 3 ft. (900 mm) from the appliance outlet is readily accessible for visual inspection except for direct vent appliance such as fireplaces that are intended to have short vent lengths to be concealed for decorative purposes. 8.9.6 Vents constructed using plastic piping shall be certified to ULC S636. 8.10.14 A Special Venting System shall neither pass through an unheated space nor be installed outdoors unless insulated in accordance with the appliance and/or vent manufacturer’s certified instructions.

APPROVED PLASTIC MATERIALS From the early 1980s until 2007, various manufacturers specified ABS plastic material (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) meeting ASTM D2661 or CSA B181.1 Type DWV (drain, waste, vent) for use with Category IV condensing gas furnaces. Furnace manufacturers relentlessly tested new high efficiency products with ABS pipe and seemingly were very satisfied with the performance of ABS plastic making it the natural choice for price sensitive contractors. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material meeting ASTM D2665 (CSA B181.2) and stainless steel meeting Type AL-29 4C specification could have been used (sometimes these material were specified) although at a considerably higher price. I typically do not try to second-guess scientists and engineers, especially when an unforeseen problem develops with any particular technology that requires intensive investigation and experimentation prior to determining the appropriate fix. Before 2007, I had not noticed any degradation of ABS venting material that might have led to disastrous consequences. Yes, I dealt with vents that came apart due to improper solvent welding technique; improperly sloped/supported /terminated vents were too often problematic. However, Canadian plastic pipe manufacturers became alarmed as they had never tested their products for continued exposure to condensed flue products or raw natural and propane gas. It appears that many in the HVAC industry failed to notice a seemingly obscure addition to the CAN/CSA B149.1-M95 edition of the gas code published in 1996. Venting, in that edition of the code, came under section 7.0. 7.10.3: An appliance bearing a Special Venting System label similar to figure 7.10.3 shall be vented as applicable, with either HPACMAG.COM

THE LETTER 7.10.4 Referred to water heaters vented with plastic pipe, however, in all my travels I do not recall ever seeing any plastic pipe with a temperature rating so marked. In January 2007, an engineer employed by TSSA noted in a letter to the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) that ABS vents were failing at an alarming rate. The letter detailed results of studies undertaken by four water heater manufacturers starting in 1999.

Continued on p80 AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

< VENTING

Old pipe, new pipe: leaks never seem to go away.

Whether back in the ABS days or even with today’s certified material, the discovery of rust on top of an in-shot burner is a problem. It could be the result of flue gas recirculating through the inlet air pipe of an improperly constructed vent termination. Never use a tee-wye on the vent pipe unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions. Some installations suffer from condensation in the air inlet pipe. Inspect the original inlet piping for signs of water – utilize a condensate trap in the new piping to prevent condensate from flooding into the furnace.

Electrical wiring, pieces of wood, ductwork, metal strap screwed into the flooring instead of structure are not acceptable methods of supporting vent pipes. Note the ABS pipe separated from the elbow – even though a healthy blob of cement was applied to the joint, it failed to hold. 80

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

Results of Manufacturer A’s Voluntary Program: “...revealed that approximately 90% of the 130,000 affected water heaters had cracked vents and approximately 20% had flue products escaping from the cracks. The vent cracking appeared to be related to the age of the installation.” “While the main cause of the cracks was attributed to the design of the power vented water heater connection and the limited flexibility allowed by the connection, improper installations or poorly supported vent systems also increased the likelihood of vent separation.” Manufacturer B’s program: Estimated that 47 per cent of 12,000 water heaters had cracks and 33 per cent found downstream of the power vent connection. Manufacturer C: “Approximately 400 water heaters installations were retrofitted when a CO investigation revealed that the plastic pipe was melting and separating.” Manufacturer D: Identified 150 water heaters with 3 in. ABS plastic vents that had cracks; the cause was not determined. As a result, after years on the books, the ULC S636 standard for Type BH Special Venting Systems came into force on August 1, 2007. TSSA said, “The new plastic vent has been tested and certified specifically for its intended use to vent combustion products and is supported by plastics manufacturers.” TSSA decided the ULC S636 standard need only apply to new installations and was not retroactive.

TIPS FOR INSTALLERS AND TECHNICIANS No doubt, there are plenty of ABS vented appliances still in operation today. TSSA said, “A current system can continue to be safely used so long as there is no evidence of cracks, deformation, melting or separation. The appliance and vent piping shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.” On a service call to such an appliance, technicians should be inspecting ABS venting for said potential failures. In general, all vent pipes and air inlet piping should be inspected for defects on any service call: • Is the pipe properly supported as per manufacturer’s instructions, typically every 3 to 5 feet? • Does the vent pipe maintain the minimum slope as required by the manufacturer throughout the entire run? • Are the pipe hangers loose enough and do the fittings have enough clearance from structure to allow for expansion of the vent pipe? • If the appliance pressure switch won’t close on a call for heat, is the inlet pipe and vent pipe clear of obstructions? • Is a two-pipe vent system properly terminated to avoid flue gas recirculation? • The vent termination meets gas code and manufacturHPACMAG.COM

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< VENTING

One 90° elbow and one 45° elbow installed at the furnace end of the piping system ensures the required slope is maintained while eliminating stress on the pipe and the draft inducer housing.

When the vent pipe is sloped to the outside or even installed completely level, the first elbow outdoors will eventually fill with condensate and block the vent. Sidewall vent termination, according to most of the installation instructions I have read, should be 12 in. (0.3 meters) above the “anticipated snow level.” The technician found the gas meter before the furnace and water heater vent after this blizzard.

er’s requirements related to distance away from pressure regulator vents, mechanical air supply inlets, grade level, doors and windows? • Does the appliance take combustion air from indoors? Outdoor air should always be used when dual certified gas-fired appliances are installed. Installers often face a difficult task when it comes to determining the route a vent system should take to its ultimate termination point. The well-established convention for all venting dictates the shortest route with the least number of elbows using the smallest material possible is ideal. However, in a real basement the route to the outdoors is often obstructed by ductwork, plumbing pipes, electrical wiring and various other elements of the building structure such as steel beams, flush beams, windows and doors. The termination point outside may have numerous conflicts: the gas pressure regulator is too close, there are mechanical air inlets for other appliances nearby, a dryer vent is too close, there is not enough clearance to grade and finally, the customer does not want it there. In Alberta and Saskatchewan, gas appliances over 35K Btuh cannot be vented into an unobstructed space less than four feet from a property line, and, if the space is less than eight feet but more than four feet, a tee must be installed on the flue pipe so that condensate is directed sideways. What is an installer to do? It seems obvious that pre-planning for the vent system taking into account the customer’s needs along with all related installation requirements must be part of the sales process; installers must not be left on their own to fabricate a potentially inappropriate vent system. In TSSA’s informative Q&A letter dated April 10, 2007, this question was raised: “Does the combustion air piping need 82

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

Consider using polyethylene pipe and fittings on your next job. My vent is early PolyPro and the pipe clamping system was a bit clunky in the early days, but much improved now.

Sidewall vent termination, according to most of the installation instructions I have read, should be 12 inches (0.3 meters) above the “anticipated snow level.” Technician found the gas meter before they found the furnace and water heater vent after this blizzard.

to be certified to ULC S636? Answer: “No – the combustion air pipe is not exposed to flue gases and does not need to be certified.” However, a gas code amendment in September of 2010 requires installers to follow the manufacturer’s certified installation instructions along with the Code and, 4.1.4 Where a conflict exists between a manufacturer’s certified installation instructions and this Code, the most stringent of the two shall prevail.” Typically gas appliance manufacturers direct installers to use ABS material meeting the ASTM standard D2661; in Canada CSA B181.1. With the most stringent rule in mind, installers intending to reuse an existing ABS inlet air pipe should check for the proper markings on the material not just the appropriate equivalent length, adequate support and proper termination. Otherwise, it is best to utilize S636 material for the inlet air as well. I can hear the ground source heat pump and the cold climate heat pump community saying, “Use our products instead because venting is not an issue.” They may well have a point. Many investigations into poor performance and cold weather service interruptions plaguing sidewall vented condensing furnaces conducted by me and others reporting to me proved to be vent system or condensate drain related. It is now wholly appropriate to offer consumers other combustion-free technologies in applications where proper venting cannot be guaranteed. <> Ian McTeer is an HVAC consultant with 35 years experience in the industry. He was most recently a field rep for Trane Canada DSO. McTeer is a refrigeration mechanic and Class 1 Gas technician. HPACMAG.COM

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< BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

CONTRACTORS in the classroom Business networks offer contractors a venue to hone their skills and compete in a tough market. BY JILLIAN MORGAN

echanical contractors remedy complex and critical problems in the field. The skills to run a small- to medium-sized business, however, may not come as easily. A contracting business can become stagnant without the acumen to handle operations tasks, such as service expansion, sales, digital marketing and long-term strategy development, to name a few. Even more, the industry’s toughest problems, such as labour shortages, can seem insurmountable. A solution in the form of membership-based business growth networks offers contractors an opportunity to learn what it takes to turn a profit. Nexstar, headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, is one of these organizations. “I’m not going to say it’s not cheap,” said Nexstar member John Finan, president of London, ON-based Finan Home Service. “On the flip side, the return and the processes you learn are invaluable.” Nexstar membership costs upwards of $8,000 USD annually. Its patented training system is one key reason 610 North American contractors (29 in Canada) have signed on, according to business enhancement specialist Lisa White. Conversely, in Ontario, the ClimateCare Co-Operative offers its services at a tiered membership structure, and the cost of core membership runs from as little as $350 a month up to $950 a month. The co-op has 34 members across the province, as far west as Chatham,

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

east to Cornwall and north to North Bay. Unlike Nexstar, members – for the most part – operate under the ClimateCare brand. Through purchases from approved suppliers, member-contractors earn individual and group volume rebates and discounts while building their equity in the co-op. The group also offers technical training, marketing expertise and professional business coaching, among other services. White said Nexstar’s revenue is mostly funnelled into research and development, on which it spends $2.5 million annually. Its latest project, a recruiting course, debuted in June after a year in development. The organization also plans to offer technical training online for plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades. The cost to develop that program – still ongoing – has hit $5 million. “It’s really hard if you’re an individual, independent contractor to go it on your own,” ClimateCare executive director Mario Bernardi said. “Sometimes we have expertise here that they don’t have, especially on the marketing side and even strategic planning.” Finan, an electrician by trade, said working with Nexstar allowed his business to branch into plumbing and HVAC services. The organization’s courses, which include trade expansion, are offered to owners, leadership teams and frontline employees. Members meet with a busi-

ness coach monthly to set goals, which can vary. White said some contractors want to comfortably run a $5 to $6 million business, while others hope to generate higher revenues. Conversely, a $3 million business might struggle with cash flow, inventory or sales, for example, and a coach will tailor training accordingly. With 140 live-events around North America each year, members also access plenty of networking opportunities. Annual regional round table meetings are held in May and June with its board of directors, comprising nine members. Its most recent meeting was held in British Columbia – home of Brian Williams, founder of Ashton Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and member of Nexstar’s board of directors. At his first Nexstar meeting in 2012, Williams said he filled out five pages of notes in the first hour. “Holy mackerel,” he thought. “We’re not doing this. We need to do this.” Since then, he said Ashton has “jumped in with both feet” and taken about every course Nexstar has to offer. “90 per cent of our to-do’s are getting to-done,” Williams said. “You would have to get an MBA to learn all these things.” Martin Luymes, director of programs and relations at the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), echoes Williams when he describes the benefits of these organizations, and HRAI, to contractors without a formal business education. “This is kind of a substitute for that [training] and, in some ways, a better one because the people you’re learning from are other successful contractors,” he said. Although, with 1400 members in Canada from across the industry supply chain, Luymes said HRAI offers a networking opportunity that “very few other organizations can match.” HRAI’s Peer Exchange Program (PEP) offers a less-formalized opportunity to HPACMAG.COM

join forces with non-competing contractors, assess one another’s business operations and share ideas. Luymes adds that many Nexstar members are members of HRAI, and all members of ClimateCare are required to join the institute. Prior to the evolution of business growth organizations, the market was manufacturer-driven, said Tim Inch, regional vice president and general manager of the Canadian region for Service Experts. Manufacturers would make an effort to develop dealer-contractor skills in order to sell more products – the brand is the contractor, though, not the equipment, Inch said. Inch is the son of Gerald Inch, ClimateCare founder and developer of RIPS, a flat-rate software program. Established in 1992, the co-op offered a space for contractors to learn from each other. At that time, he said there was “very little education on how

to be a better contractor and, specifically, how to be more profitable.” Since then, ClimateCare has expanded its offering and, with that, its price point grew. For some contractors, peer-type groups, such as HRAI, offer similar programs at a lower cost. “Members pay a lot, lot more money to be part of ClimateCare, certainly a lot more than they pay to be a member of HRAI,” Luymes said. But many contractors are working in the business instead of on it, he said, which makes it difficult for these organizations, as well as HRAI, to recruit. “It seems like a really obvious thing to do for a business owner to be part of something like that to better their business, to be more profitable,” Luymes said. For a franchise operation such as Service Experts, though, business growth organizations are not as necessary since in-house training programs offer the same value, Inch said. Luymes adds that for a large, commer-

cial contracting company, a business networking organization like Nexstar or ClimateCare that focus primarily on residential contracting may not be a fit. Still, Finan said with big players like Enercare, recently acquired by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP, and Reliance Home Comfort, owned by Victor Li’s CKP (Canada) Holdings Ltd., dominating the market, it’s important to know how to compete – and Nexstar helps him to do just that. “Would we still be in business doing what we’re doing without it?” Finan said. “Sure. But not to the level of seamlessness and sophistication that we do.” Inch believes these organizations offer value to mechanical contractors as the marketplace continues to evolve. “A lot of contractors will probably initially view it as a cost they don’t need, but I think the progressive ones will understand that what they’re able to bring them they wouldn’t be able to, for the most part, get themselves.” <>

THE SOURCE ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE

ADEY.............................adey.com/us...................................... MH25

Master Group..............master.ca........................................... MH19

Adrian Steel.................AdrianSteel.com......................................20 AERCO..........................aerco.com.......................................... MH13

Navien...........................TanklessMadeSimple.com................. MH7 NEXT Supply................nextsupply.ca..................................... MH11

Amvic Building System.........................amvicsystem.com.............................. MH17

NIBCO...........................nibco.com.......................................... MH31 Noble............................noble.ca............................................. MH33

Aqua-Tech Sales & Marketing.....aquatech-canada.com........................ MH8 Bibby Ste-Croix...........Bibby-Ste-Croix.com................................11 Bradford White............bradfordwhite.com............................ MH27 Caleffi...........................caleffi.com........................................... MH9

Powrmatic...................directairhvac.com................................... 21 PVI................................pvi.com....................................................15 Roth..............................Roth-America.com............................ MH22 Spectronics.................spectroline.com.......................................73

Eco-King.......................ecokingheating.com......................... MH37

Taco..............................tacocomfortsolutions.com............... MH40 Testo.............................testo.com/promo...................................... 7 Thermostat Recovery Program......hrai.ca/trp...............................................69 Triangle Tube...............triangletube.com............................... MH21

Ford...............................ford.ca/builtforbusiness......................... 17

Union Gas....................uniongas.com/homerenocontractor..... 81

Franklin Electric.........littlegiant.com......................................... 24

Viega............................viega.us/About-us...................................23 Viessmann...................viessmann.ca.................................... MH39 Viewpoint.....................VIEWPOINT.com/ViewpointOne.............. 71

Canarm.........................canarm.com............................................13 CIPHEX West..............ciphexwest.ca/register...........................83 Delta.............................deltacommercialfaucets.com.................. 4

Fujitsu..........................fujitsugeneral.com.................................... 2 Granby..........................granbyindustries.com....................... MH29 Harsco..........................harscopk.com.................................... MH23

Watts............................tekmarControls.com...............................88

Liberty Pumps.............libertypumps.com................................... 87

Webstone.....................webstonevalves.com/TMV.................. MH5 Zurn..............................zurn.ca.....................................................12

Lochinvar.....................Lochinvar.com..................................... MH2 HPACMAG.COM

AUGUST 2018 | HPAC

TRAINING

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA HRAI Training

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) offers a variety of residential and commercial courses. The Small Commercial Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculations course is developed for HVAC technicians and designers. This three-day course instructs participants in proper calculation of small commercial heat gains and heat losses, and applies to buildings of up to three storeys and 600 sq. metres per storey. For scheduling opportunities, tel. 800.267.2231 ext. 237, or e-mail amantei@hrai.ca. www.hrai.ca

Construction Education Council

CEC’s National Seminar Program offers over 160 seminars. Areas of interest run from supervisory training, estimation, project management, commissioning, safety, leadership and communication, productivity, business management, and service, to name a few. Where applicable the courses have been Gold Seal Accredited. The majority of listed programs are ½ day to two days in duration. To determine if a seminar has been scheduled in your area, tel. 613.232.5169.

www.constructioneducation.ca

Hydronics Training

The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) has partnered with NAIT and British Columbia Institute of Technology to provide course blocks toward CHC certification for hydronic system designers and installers. At NAIT students can register for online or paper-based learning and have nine months to complete each block.

www.ciph.com

TECA Quality First Training

TECA’s Quality First training programs are developed by the industry, for the industry, setting minimum standards for the residential and light commercial heating, ventilating and cooling trade in BC. Courses provide contractors with the information they need to install equipment that operates safely and comfortably at rated efficiencies.

www.teca.ca

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops

Since 1997, over 30,000 representatives of industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) organizations have enrolled in the Dollars to $ense energy management workshops. In 2016, the material was completely remodeled and updated; it is now presented in 30 modules, which can easily be used as building blocks for organizations that have limited resources or that wish to focus on specific topics.

www.cietcanada.com

GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green

Canada Green Building Council is offering this four-hour course as part of its Green Professional Skills Training (GPRO) program. It teaches the basics of sustainability and provides an overview of the essential strategies and work practices that make buildings more efficient. GPRO covers the “green gap” between standard trade skills and the new awareness required to successfully implement sustainable building practices. It is the prerequisite for all GPRO trade-specific courses.

www.cagbc.org

CALENDAR

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS, SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ HPACMAG.COM MCA Canada 77th National Conference September 19-22

ASPE Convention September 28-October 3

Bomex Calgary October 1-3

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers will meet in Atlanta, GA.

Bomex 2018 will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary, AB.

RSES Annual Conference October 9-12

HRAI AGM October 14-16

Chillventa October 16-18

RSES will hold its annual conference at the Crowne Plaza in Albuquerque, NM.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada will hold its 50th annual meeting and conference at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Chillventa, a trade show of components, systems and plant for the refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pump segments will be held at the Exhibition Centre in Nuremburg, Germany. www.chillventa.de

CIPHEX West November 7-8

Passive House Canada Conference November 7-8

The Calgary tradeshow will feature a full conference program and product showcase. It will be co-located with BUILDEX Calgary.

With a focus on Partnering for Innovation, the 2018 conference will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC.

Supporting Women in Trades Conference November 7-8

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada heads to the Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler, BC for its 2018 conference.

www.aspe.org/futureconferences

www.bomacanada.ca/bomex-2018

www.mcac.ca

www.rses.org

www.hrai.ca

www.ciphexwest.ca

HPAC | AUGUST 2018

www.passivehousecanada.com

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum inaugural Supporting Women in Trades Conference will be held at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront in Halifax, NS. www.caf-fca.org

HPACMAG.COM

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