Our HVAC products have been designed on a foundation of excellence, with a selection of advanced Gas Furnaces, Central Air Conditioners, Central Heat Pumps, Air Handlers, and Thermostats. Each one of our HVAC products incorporates the latest cutting-edge and energy-efficient technologies to help your customers enjoy each day in total comfort while optimizing their energy use.
Like everything Continental designs and builds, each unit is exceptionally easy to use and install, and designed to last a lifetime.
FEATURES
12
COVER STORY
HVAC
HANDLING A REFRIGERANT CHANGE
Rules you need to know for transporting A2L refrigerants.
By Ian McTeer
18
DUCT FREE ZONE
GET YOUR MOTORS RUNNING
Think out-of-the-box for your next marketing and advertising campaign.
By Gerry Wagner
66
PLUMBING
LUXURY OR A NECESSITY
Hot water recirculation technology is becoming more popular in new builds.
By Doug Picklyk
72
BUSINESS
DIGITAL ADOPTION IS A REQUIREMENT – NOT AN OPTION
Embracing digital solutions for operations, finances and marketing will improve the profitability and value of your service business.
By Matthew Birch
74
REFRIGERATION
CO2 VS THE NEWCOMER (A2L)
Embraced for its climate-friendly qualities, CO2 as a refrigerant is experiencing some challenges.
By Dave Demma
CONTENTS
MH6
SELLING
COMFORT STILL MATTERS
When it comes to superior indoor thermal comfort, hydronics is the premium solution homeowners should be willing to pay for.
By John Siegenthaler
MH10
PROJECT
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND A2W
An 18-unit development in Nova Scotia uses air-to-water heat pump system for space heating and DHW preheat.
By Doug Picklyk
MH16
RETROFIT
CAST TO CONDENSING
Considerations to keep in mind when retrofitting a commercial mechanical room to new efficient boiler systems.
By Dan Rettig
MH22 CONTROLS
HELP ME, HELP YOU
Technical support is here to solve your problem, let’s work together.
By Curtis Bennett
MH26
BUSINESS
SETTING UP SERVICE PLANS
Leverage manufacturer manuals to design and sell maintenance.
By Mathew Pottins
MH28
HYDRONICS PRODUCTS
MH34 DESIGN
STRETCH IT OUT
Consider using extended manifold designs where possible to use less tubing, less drilling and less fastening.
By John Siegenthaler
Green Building Strategy
< UPFRONT ALWAYS LEARNING
AS I WRITE THIS COLUMN, WILDFIRES HAVE ALREADY SWEPT THROUGH THE TOWN OF JASPER and are still burning in the area. My one visit to this breathtaking and serene Canadian landmark was in June of 2022 for my first trip to annual Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) conference.
It so happens this year’s CIPH event took place in picturesque Kelowna, an area ravaged by fires in August of 2023, and the opening session featured Jason Brolund, fire chief for the city of West Kelowna.
Brolund explained how over 100 homes were destroyed last year, but entire streets were saved, and no lives were lost. His three takeaways from that experience: we all have tough, stressful, days on our jobs; however, we all rely on teams we assemble; and success is forged through relationships and the community we build.
It was years of training that led to saving a large portion of the city from devastation, and the crisis itself led to the opportunity reinforce the importance of fire prevention. While it will take time, no doubt lessons learned from Kelowna and fires before it will lead to a rapid recovery for the Jasper area.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Continuing the theme of sharing knowledge, I’d like to thank two readers from Alberta who took the time to write in and let me know how I got it wrong on a magazine cover earlier this year:
Hi Doug, I enjoy reading your publication, but I wanted to point out a major faux pas on the cover of February 2024.
Plumbing 101 is how to apply T-tape correctly. First it must be applied in clockwise direction, the direction the thread rotates, to engage so it doesn’t just peel off and not be in the joint.
Second, to be able to apply sufficient pressure to apply the tape and stretch it to rip off you need to be releasing the tape from the bottom of the spool as you rotate.
– Bill Calvert, Bill’s Plumbing and Heating, Banff
Just came across the Feb 2024 magazine and was disappointed to see the front cover illustrating someone wrapping Teflon tape in the wrong direction. I would expect a professional trade magazine to do a better job of vetting what is being depicted.
– Bob Doerksen, ARPI’s, Calgary
I’ve been the editor of HPAC since the Fall of 2019, but I clearly have a lot to learn. As these letters illustrate, it takes a community to improve how things get done. Thanks again for the letters, keep them coming.
–
Doug Picklyk, Editor
Reader Service
Print and digital subscription inquires or changes, please contact Angelita Potal, Customer Service
Tel: (416) 510-5113
Email: apotal@annexbusinessmedia.com
Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1
EDITOR
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER MEDIA DESIGNER PUBLISHER
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.
To subscribe, renew your subscription or to change your address or information please visit us at www.hpacmag.com.
Subscription Price per year: $44.88 (plus tax) CDN; United States: $114.24 CDN; Elsewhere: $125.46 CDN; Single copy Canada: $8.00 CDN. Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning (establish 1925) is published 6 times per year by Annex Business Media Inc. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/ manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners.
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: 416-510-5113, Fax: 416-510-6875; E-mail: apotal@ annexbusinessmedia.com; or by mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto ON M2H 3R1
HPAC Magazine receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. HPAC Magazine, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort.
NOTICE: HPAC Magazine, Annex Publishing & Printing Inc., their staff, officers, directors and shareholders (hence known as the “Publisher”) assume no liability, obligations, or responsibility for claims arising from advertised products. The Publisher also reserves the right to limit liability for editorial errors, omissions and oversights to a printed correction in a subsequent issue. HPAC Magazine’s editorial is written for management level mechanical industry personnel who have documented training in the mechanical fields in which they work. Manufacturers’ printed instructions, datasheets and notices always take precedence to published editorial statements.
Proud member of:
www.hpacmag.com
PROTECT the HOMES You BUILD with RadonX™
Radon gas is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs naturally from decaying uranium in the soil. Over time, it can seep into a home through cracks and openings in the foundation and, if not adequately vented, potentially pose a serious health hazard.
The RadonX™ Soil Gas Venting System from IPEX is a complete piping solution designed to improve air flow and consists of a solid vent pipe, perforated gas collector pipe, standard fittings, termination accessories, and solvent cement. It’s easy to install and to identify, and it features a permanent joining system along with an exclusive rain cap.
As a contractor or home builder, building safe homes for families is your first priority. Reduce the risk of radon gas exposure with RadonX™ Soil Gas Venting.
Did you know… Exposure to radon gas is a growing concern and is a preventable risk. Check with your building authority to confirm what your local requirements are when it comes to radon gas mitigation.
Open your IOS or Android device and scan here for more information
NEWS FEATURE
CANADA GREEN BUILDINGS STRATEGY TO BAN OIL FURNACE INSTALLATIONS
The Canada Green Buildings Strategy, released in early July, details the Federal government’s plans to increase energy efficiency across the housing sector, including a commitment to ban the installation of oil furnace systems in new construction as soon as 2028 and new financial incentives for Canadians to purchase and install heat pumps in their homes.
The new Strategy overview indicates: “To reach our climate goals, reduce monthly bills and increase the supply of Canada’s housing stock, we need to accelerate the retrofit of approximately 11 million buildings and construct millions of new greener buildings in the coming decades … Emission reductions in the buildings sector are not presently on track to make reductions in line with Canada’s 2030 or 2050 emission targets.”
The Strategy centers around three priorities: accelerating retrofits; building green and affordable from the start; and reshaping the building sector of the future. It recognizes that at the current rate it will take 140 years to retrofit all residential buildings and 70 years to retrofit commercial spaces. To reach its 2050 net zero goals, the country will need to be retrofitting 3% of existing buildings every year. An aggressive target to be achieved through incentive programs and new laws. Looking forward, it realizes the magnitude of the cost requires annual investments in the tens of billions and that emissions from the continued installation of fossil-fuel burning heating equipment will be locked-in for decades.
The legislation banning oil furnace installations will apply to provinces where similar measures are not previously in place; with this ban already existing in Quebec, and Nova Scotia already committing to similar regulations.
Exemptions will also be extended to regions lacking sufficient access to the electricity grid, where backup fuel sources are required. The document does not detail any plans regarding the legislative enforcement of this upcoming ban on oilfired furnaces.
The plan introduces the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP) as a replacement for the Canada Greener Homes Grant (CGHG) for assisting homeowners and tenants in switching to heat pump systems. The successful CGHG program stopped accepting new applications earlier this year as the positive uptake (over 590,000 applications) ran down the allocated resources.
The new CGHAP is an $800 million program for assisting lowto-median-income homeowners and tenants across Canada to retrofit their homes free of charge using a “direct install” model
where installations are managed and delivered by third parties.
The report also mentions new planned amendments to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act (EE Act), where between 2024 and 2026 new amendments to the Energy Efficiency Regulations are planned, including Amendment 18 – which will see the update or addition of energy efficiency or testing standards for a series of products including air conditioners, heat pumps, gas-fired furnaces (commercial) and storage water heaters, as well as electric and oil-fired water heaters (for households).
“As we work toward ending Canada’s housing crisis, we need to ensure the longevity of new and existing buildings by making them more energy efficient and resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “We are proud to announce these investments today that will go a long way in doing just that across the country.”
The plan highlights electrification of HVAC systems, acknowledging new cold climate heat pumps with capabilities down to -30C, and mentions thermal storage strategies to reduce peak loads on the grid as well as ground source heat pumps.
The Canada Green Buildings Strategy is part of the Federal government’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan; a sector-based approach to Canada’s goal of reducing emissions to at least 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. Funding for the strategy comes from the 2024 budget. natural-resources.canada.ca
New Strategy focuses on accelerating retrofits and promoting green new building practices.
BELYEA BROS. OF TORONTO ACQUIRED BY RIGHT TIME GROUP
Right Time Group of Companies has acquired Toronto-based Belyea Bros., an institution in the Toronto plumbing and heating trades dating back to 1908.
As a testament to its heritage, Belyea Bros. was issued the first plumbing and heating license in Toronto and has built a name for itself serving families with heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services and specializing in services for older Toronto homes.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being big enough to look after you, and small enough to know who you are,” said David Graeme, Belyea Bros. president, in a media release.
With this latest acquisition, Right Time now operates 27 locations in total across Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C., servicing the residential HVAC market.
In other news, on May 21st Right Time named Doug Hart as CEO, taking over the position last held by Craig Goettler.
Most recently, Hart was CEO at Royal House Partners, a Texas-based firm acquiring HVAC home services businesses in the southern and central U.S. (owned by CPS Capital of Toronto).
Previously he served as vice president western Canada and vice president of sales and marketing at Reliance Home Comfort (owned by CK Asset Holdings and CK Infrastructure Holdings out of Hong Kong).
Right Time is majority-owned by San Francisco-based private equity firm Gryphon Investors. right-time.ca
VANCOUVER REVERSING NEW BUILD BAN ON NATURAL GAS HEATING
The Vancouver City Council voted in favour of restoring the use of natural gas in heating systems and domestic hot water usage in new build homes during a meeting on July 23rd..
The amendment reverses legislation from 2022 that required only low-emission electronic units to be installed in new low-rise residential buildings. Council support for this reversal came in at votes of 6-5, with the city having until November 1 to prepare bylaw amendments for the council’s consideration.
“During a time when everyday Vancouverites are struggling with affordability challenges, allowing natural gas as an energy source offers a cost-effective option for heating and hot water,
helping lower utility bills and contributing to overall housing affordability in Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a statement to the Vancouver Sun.
Meanwhile, on June 11 Vancouver City Council approved updates to efficiency standards for replacement water heaters. Effective February 28, 2025, major home renovations exceeding $150,000 will be required to install higher efficiency water heaters, and starting January 1, 2027, all replacement water heaters in detached homes and duplexes must also meet the highest efficiency standards, meaning electric resistance or heat pump technology.
A series of exceptions will support households that have space or electrical capacity constraints.
vancouver.ca
Continued from p10
MARKHAM DISTRICT ENERGY BEGINS WET PROJECT
Markham District Energy (MDE) has broken ground on the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer (WET) project at Markham, Ont.’s Low Carbon Energy Centre (LCEC).
When complete, the project is expected to reduce MDE’s carbon emissions from thermal energy production by 30,000 tonnes per year.
MDE is an energy company owned by the City of Markham with a network that delivers heating and cooling to over 240 buildings in Markham and Cornell Centre. markhamdistrictenergy.com
PAST
Things came full circle for Hamilton, Ont.’s Birnie Plumbing & Drains, when the company replaced the drain lining of a local home whose pipeline was first installed by founder John Birnie over 100 years ago in 1922.
The replacement was project pro bono in honour of the company’s century-plus commitment to the local community.
According to documents and drawings found by John’s great-grandson and the company’s current CEO, Rob Birnie, the 1922 installation was one of the first jobs that Birnie Plumbing had ever performed.
In recognition of this milestone, the local TV station morning show (CHCH) was on-site to cover Rob and his team, along with his father Bob and son Tyler, as they honoured the legacy of the company and its founder.
birnieplumbinganddrains.ca
HVAC RETROFITS FOR RBC BRANCH NETWORK
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is investing $35 million over the next three years toward the first phase of retrofitting the majority of its branch network with low-carbon HVAC systems such as heat pumps.
The bulk of the retrofit program is set to begin in Spring 2025, with work taking place across 62% of its 1,200-plus nationwide branches until its expected completion in 2035.
rbcroyalbank.com
CLIMATE INSTITUTE RECOMMENDS HALTING NEW GAS LINES
New research published by the Canadian Climate Institute finds that provinces should stop expanding gas infrastructure and invest in electrification to ensure building heating remains reliable and affordable in the transition to clean energy.
According to the Institute, meeting climate goals in the lowest-cost way requires switching to electricity for building heat, and that if gas networks continue to grow, governments, shareholders, and remaining gas consumers could find themselves on the hook for billions of dollars in obsolete infrastructure.
The new report, entitled Heat Exchange, presents the case for updating how provinces plan for and regulate electric and gas utility infrastructure. climateinstitute.ca
MECHCAN ACQUIRES POPE AND SONS IN B.C.
MechCan, the Toronto-based company rolling up mechanical services businesses, has made its second acquisition in B.C. with the addition of Pope & Sons located in Parksville, just north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
This acquisition marks MechCan’s eighth transaction since launching in January 2022. With most of its holdings in Ontario, the company made its first venture into B.C. late in 2023 with the acquisition of Burnabybased, Pro Ace Heating & Cooling. mechcan.ca
ASHRAE INTRODUCES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR BUILDING DECARBONIZATION
ASHRAE has transitioned its task force on building decarbonization into a permanent committee, now known as the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD).
The CEBD is focused on accelerating the adoption of climate change mitigation policies, and to mark its permanent formation, the committee is releasing two new technical guides: Decarbonizing Hospital Buildings, (pictured) available now, and Decarbonizing Building Thermal Systems: A How-To Guide for Heat Pump Systems and Beyond, set to be released later this year. ashrae.org
CLIMATE CARE ADDS MARKETING MANAGER
ClimateCare, the Ontariobased member owned network of independent HVAC systems contractors, has hired Tom Rand as member marketing and implementation manager. In this role Rand will coach member companies on building marketing budgets and plans, sharing experience and knowledge of conversion marketing tactics and tools. He joins the team of ClimateCare coaches, helping members drive growth and profitability. climatecare.com
Birnie Plumbing & Drains team photo.
BIRNIE PLUMBING & DRAINS REVISITS
Heat pump installation at RBC Scarborough, Ont. Branch.
TOM RAND
UNIX SERIES
HIGH-EFFICIENCY CENTRAL HEAT PUMPS WITH CASED COILS
Heat pump combination AHRI Certified for installation with ANY 3rd party furnace.
ROOFTOP
COLD CLIMATE DC INVERTER HEAT PUMP
Two-stage, two-cylinder compression and hot gas injection for unparalleled heating efficiency.
Eligible for financial incentives in certain provinces, contact us for more detail.
SPARE PARTS
TO FULLY SUPPORT OUR DEALER NETWORK
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR IN CANADA
*GREE Canada is not responsible for warranty on units sold outside GREE Canada’s sales channel.
For more detail, contact our team at proservice@gree.ca
HANDLING THE REFRIGERANT TRANSITION
Rules you need to know for transporting A2L refrigerants in your service van.
BY IAN McTEER
Our HVAC/R industry is constantly changing. Remaining well-informed and proactive is crucial for ongoing success. As environmental considerations increasingly shape industry practices, the transition to refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) is the order of the day, and the transportation of ‘mildly flammable’ A2L refrigerants in service vehicles will eventually transition from choice to imperative.
This article aims to review the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) as administered by Transport Canada (TC) pertaining to the essential safety protocols meant to protect all users on Canadian roads and highways, with specific attention to where A2Ls fit in. This topic is quite ‘regulatory’ but it’s important to know. In Canada, to transport dangerous goods, the TDGR requirements have to be met. Unless exemptions can be used, the product must be classified in
accordance with the TDGR (Part 2); a shipping document must adequately describe the dangerous goods (Part 3); the means of containment must bear the appropriate safety marks (Part 4); and the goods must be transported in a prescribed or permitted means of containment (Part 5).
All the activities linked to the transportation of dangerous goods must be done by a knowledgeable person who retains a valid training certificate (Part 6). And any unexpected or uncontrolled release of a dangerous good must be reported (Part 8).
Exemptions have been provided for some cases to provide easement from the regulations. So how will A2Ls be treated by the TDGR?
The following excerpts from the TDGR may require further examination for specific circumstances related to delivery trucks and service vehicles. For further clarification, Transport Canada maintains a nationwide resource of
knowledgeable agents who can be reached by phone or by email. Be sure to visit the dangerous goods website for more information: tc.canada.ca
TRANSPORTING A2L CYLINDERS
When any product is packaged in a pressurized container (aerosol cans, cylinders) it then becomes a dangerous good due to the contents being under pressure. TDGR Section 2.13 and 2.14 defines a Class 2 dangerous good, and Class 2 has three divisions:
1. Class 2.1 – Flammable gases
2. Class 2.2 – Non-flammable gases
3. Class 2.3 Toxic gases
Thus, A2L refrigerants are classified in Part 2 as a dangerous good under the TDGR.
The transportation of A2Ls in enclosed vehicles is permitted, however, Transport Canada will only exempt A2Ls from fully regulated transit in cylinders under specific requirements.
HEAT PUMPS
There are two exemptions from the requirements surrounding fully regulated loads currently utilized by our industry: 150 kg gross mass exemption and 500 kg gross mass exemption. Even so, both exemptions encompass a bevy of regulations that may require some reexamination of current truck stock practices.
Here comes some details direct from the regulations.
150 kg Gross Mass Exemption
1.15 (1): “Part 3 (Documentation), Part 4 (Dangerous Goods Safety Marks), Part 5 (Means of Containment), Part 6 (Training) and Part 8 (Reporting Requirements) do not apply to the handling, offering for transport or transporting of dangerous goods on a road vehicle.”
So, a service vehicle or delivery truck could carry up to 150 kg of virgin or recovered A2L refrigerants (i.e. R-32 or R454b) without the need for placarding, shipping documents, training, reporting as specified in 1.15(1) under the following conditions:
The cylinder(s) may not have a water capacity greater than 46L. The industry standard 30-lb. cylinder (13.6 kg) is filled to 80% volume and contains approximately 10.88 liters. However, Transport Canada is concerned with the gross mass of the means of containment.
Gross Mass = tare weight + water weight. I used 9.5 kg as the tare weight of a refrigerant cylinder.
Thus, 13.6 kg + 9.5 kg = 23.1 kg total gross mass per cylinder. Thus, it is under the 150 kg gross mass exemption, 150 kg/23.1 kg = 6 cylinders. So, the contractor would be able to carry six Class 2 cylinders in a vehicle.
Not so fast! According to Transport Canada’s dangerous goods regulations, a cylinder of compressed gas such as oxygen or nitrogen is considered to be a dangerous good; high pressure cylin -
ders must be in accordance with the requirements set out in section 5.10(1) of the TDGR.
This includes cylinders that have been manufactured in accordance with CSA B339. Other flammables in the truck must be accounted for under the 150/500 kg exemption such as propane and acetylene. Take note of the TDGR references to the CSA B340-18 Standard: Selection and Use of Cylinders, Spheres, Tubes, and Other Containers for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Class 2
• CSA B340-18 4.1.3 Fire Extinguishers: “Road vehicles used to transport containers filled with flammable gas shall carry one or more dry chemical fire extinguishers conforming to CAN/ULC5504 with a combined total effective rating of not less than 10B-C. Each fire extinguisher shall be recharged immediately after each use and shall be inspected and marked annually in accordance with NFPA 10.”
• CSA B340-18 4.1.4 Venting: “Containers in flammable gas service shall be transported in road vehicles only if the cargo space is vented to the outside.”
• CSA B340-18 4.2.3.1: “Containers filled with a refrigerated liquified gas or a liquified flammable gas shall be transported in an upright position unless they are designed for horizontal service.”
• CSA B340-18 4.2.3.2 “During transportation, all containers, boxes, crates, and cradles shall be secured to prevent shifting and overturning. The arrangement of containers during transport and the means and methods of securement shall not cause damage or deformation to the containers, valves, valve protection devices, and other accessories.”
• CSA B340-18 4.3.8: “Pressure relief devices on containers filled with liquified flammable gas shall be in direct contact with the vapour phase only.”
• And, of course, no smoking in the vehicle.
• Cylinders containing more than 46L of an A2L refrigerant (123-lb. “Squat” water capacity 55.8L) are not exempt using the 150/500 kg exemption. Carrying such cylinders in a service truck or delivery vehicle would be treated as a fully regulated load, in other words — Part 3 (Documentation), Part 4 (Dangerous Goods Safety Marks), Part 5 (Means of Containment), Part 6 (Training) and Part 8 (Reporting Requirements) would apply.
Most contractors, already observing the regulations for Class 2.2 refrigerants (non-flammable, non-toxic such as R-22 and R-410A), will have no issues with transporting 13.6 kg Class 2.1 cylinders going forward.
New refrigerants will require new training, both on the tools and in the vans.
TRAINING AND REPORTING
In the case of the 500 kg Gross Mass Exemption 1.16 (1): Part 3 (Documentation), Part 4 (Dangerous Goods Safety Marks) and Part 5 (Means of Containment) do not apply to the handling, offering for transport or transporting of dangerous goods on a road vehicle.
A service vehicle or delivery truck could carry up to 500 kg of virgin or recovered A2L refrigerants, similar to the 150 kg exemption, however, Part 6 (Training) and Part 8 (Reporting Requirements) will apply under the 500 kg exemption.
Training: 6.1:
• (1) A person who handles, offers for transport, or transports dangerous goods must:
(a) be adequately trained and hold a training certificate in accordance with this Part; or
(b) perform those activities in the
presence and under the direct supervision of a person who is adequately trained and who holds a training certificate in accordance with this Part.
• (2) An employer must not direct or allow an employee to handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods unless the employee:
(a) is adequately trained and holds a training certificate in accordance with this Part; or
(b) performs those activities in the presence and under the direct supervision of a person who is adequately trained and who holds a training certificate in accordance with this Part.
(See Section 6.3 (1 - 4) pertaining to certification documentation for corporate or self-employed individuals, and here’s a link for more information about training: tc.canada.ca/en/dangerousgoods/tdg-bulletin-tdg-training)
Discover the Strata ERV
The Perfect Harmony of Features
The Strata ERV delivers fresh, balanced air by continuously exchanging indoor and outdoor air, ensuring optimal ventilation and reducing pollutants. With 60% efficiency at -25°C, it controls humidity year-round, preventing mold and maintaining comfort. Made in Canada, it offers unmatched efficiency, quiet operation, and versatile configurations to meet various needs.
With the introduction of the Strata ERV, Dettson now offers a comprehensive and complete suite of HVAC solutions. Your Total HVAC Solution
Learn more
Reporting Requirements: 8.1
This Part applies in respect of:
(a) the release or anticipated release of dangerous goods that are being offered for transport, handled, or transported by road vehicle...
(b) the loss or theft of dangerous goods; and
(c) unlawful interference with dangerous goods.
Any of the above must be reported to local authorities and to Transport Canada.
The 500 kg gross mass exemption includes the prohibition of cylinders containing more than 46L of 2.1 flammable liquified gas.
NEW REQUIREMENT, TDGR PART 17
There is a new requirement in the TDGR and companies or individuals that meet the requirements to register will need to
do so by October 23, 2024.
In many situations, those wanting to use the 500-kg gross mass exemption will have to register with TC’s Client Identification Database.
Registration will be done online, and users will find a questionnaire that will help in determining whether you or your company needs to register or not: https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerousgoods/client-identification-database-cid
FULLY REGULATED LOADS
Transporting even one squat (55.8L) A2L cylinder in a service or delivery vehicle in a mixed load with 13.6 kg cylinders is possible provided the load is fully regulated. Thus, the following are excerpts from the TDGR describing elements of a fully regulated load:
• A carrier must not take possession of dangerous goods for transport unless the carrier has the shipping document for the dangerous goods. (TDGR Part 3).
• The driver of a road vehicle transporting dangerous goods must ensure that a copy of the shipping document is kept in a pocket mounted on the driver’s door or within the driver’s reach, or on the driver’s seat, or in a location that is clearly visible to anyone entering through the driver’s door. (TDGR Part 3).
• Dangerous good safety marks (placarding): A person must not offer for transport, transport, or import a means of containment that contains dangerous goods unless each dangerous goods safety mark required is displayed on it in accordance with this Part (TDGR Part 4).
• Means of containment: A person must not offer for transport, handle or transport dangerous goods included in Class 2, Gases, in a means of containment unless the means of containment is manufactured, selected, and used in accordance with CSA B340-18 for road vehicles carry -
ing cylinders. (TDGR Part 5).
• The carrier or driver must be trained to properly handle dangerous goods and driver must carry a valid training certificate as discussed above (TDGR Part 6).
• Reporting Requirements are meant for any release of a dangerous good, the loss or theft of a dangerous good or unlawful interference with a dangerous good must be reported to local authorities as soon as possible and to Transport Canada (TDGR Part 8).
• All TDGR as described above apply to regulated waste such as recovered contaminated A2L refrigerants being transported to a licensed facility.
“HVAC truck loads can be heavy as well as potentially dangerous.”
Documentation, or a vehicle placard, showing an unlisted UN shipping code is a violation of the TDGR and may lead to penalties. For example, the code for R-32 is UN3252. R454b is listed as UN3161 N.O.S., (not otherwise specified).
This means the substance is a mixture having a variety of hazardous ingredients, thus R-454b is a zeotropic blend of R-32 and R-1234yf.
N.O.S. means that R454b is a hazardous good that does not have a more specific applicable name in the UN database.
Transport Canada or provincial transportation authorities, such as the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), are jointly responsible for enforcing safety regulations. When inspecting a service vehicle carrying flammable gases (like refrigerant, propane, or acet-
ylene) authorities will be checking for compliance with the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR).
Vehicles must be roadworthy, properly insured, and cannot be overweight. A vehicle with a seemingly well configured load could still be overweight.
The gross mass of all the pressurized cylinders on board cannot exceed 150 kg, otherwise the 500 kg exemption might apply, and in that case TDGR Part 6 (Training) and TDGR Part 8 (Reporting) requirements apply to the load.
As noted previously, 500 kg gross mass users need to register with Transport Canada’s Client Information Database (CID). And the entire vehicle load cannot exceed its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
I looked at the specs for a Mercedes 2500 Sprinter Cargo Van (base model, 4-cylinder diesel, RWD), it’s GVWR is 4105 kg. This is the maximum permissible weight said van can handle without a trailer. It includes its curb weight and its payload. When towing a trailer, the gross combination weight rating (GCWR), which is the sum of GVWR value and the weight of any attached trailer and the cargo in the trailer for this vehicle, is 6,318 kg.
HVAC truck loads can be heavy as well as potentially dangerous. With A2Ls on the horizon, now is a good time to reexamine your vehicles for safety and compliance with the TDGR. <>
Ian McTeer is a regular contributor to HPAC and an HVAC consultant with over 35 years of experience in the industry. He was most recently a field representative for Trane Canada DSO. McTeer is a refrigeration mechanic and Class 1 Gas technician. He can be reached at imcteer@outlook.com.
Setting a new industry standard in hybrid heating products.
Napoleon is recognized as an industry leader in Canada for our cold climate heat pump technology. Our new EQ HUB SMART THERMOSTAT delivers efficiency and lower operating costs through fuel choice and time of use rates*
Our hybrid systems are fully supported and eligible for federal and provincial rebate programs, benefiting homeowners. Count on our nationwide HVAC training and support for these innovative products to support the growth of your business.
*Time of use rates are currently only available in Ontario, Canada.
LEARN MORE
GET YOUR MOTORS RUNNING
Think out-of-the-box for your next marketing and advertising campaign. BY GERRY WAGNER
As the vice president of business development for Bathica Corp., I’m always looking for new and unique ways to get our brand in front of our audience, which is HVAC contractors and their customers.
I recently hit a target number in my career that I have been working toward for the last 12 years or so, and that is 10,000 HVAC installers and technicians trained by me. This spring I hit 10,256 since 2012.
I bring this up not to pat myself on the back, but rather to point out that in my experience the vast majority of those 10,000+ training attendees I interacted with were gearheads, motorheads, hotrodders and nitro-junkies just like me. I’ve learned that HVAC contractors are generally interested in all things mechanical and many attend races or have raced themselves.
In my previous role with the Gree product in the U.S., we sponsored a young racer in the NASCAR ARCA Series for three seasons, Gus Dean. The sponsorship was hugely successful not only for the TV coverage provided by FOX Sports at the time, but also for the “at track” activities that the sponsorship afforded us.
We would choose tracks and races that were in strategic markets for the company and have “customer appreciation events” where our customers and their families could enjoy rockstar access at a race with not only our driver, but all the drivers pre- and post-race as well as pit access, and in some cases, executive suite accommodations.
The return on investment (ROI) was tangible, and during those three sea -
sons Gree grew to the number five HVAC equipment line in the U.S. from essentially being unknown in the market, with the common joke being, “What’s a Gree?”
Now, in my present role with Bathica and the Tosot product, we have entered into similar sponsorship deals with drivers and teams in Canada, most notably, driver Gary Klutt who drives the #59 Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in Canada.
This was a single race deal that had two other promotional events included, one with Gary and the car with the BATHICA/ EMCO/TOSOT livery (pictured above) appearing for a pre-race promotional event at the EMCO/McKeough Supply location in Guelph where customers could bring their families and get pictures and autographs, enjoy BBQ and play arcade racing video games.
The second event was an open house at the Klutt Family business, Legendary Motorcars, in Georgetown, Ont. Our cus-
tomers and their customers were able to enjoy being in the presence of some of the most collectable and exotic automobiles on the planet. And the third event was the race itself, the Weathertech 200 at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ont. Fifty-plus guests enjoyed food, drink and a start/finish line view from an executive suite.
As Klutt explains, “Motorsports sponsorship in our program with Legendary Motorcar Company competing in the NASCAR Canada Series is all about tailoring a custom package for the respective company. The most important ingredient to a good package is the competitive potential of the team and driver, with the car racing at the front, the exposure time and VIP fan experience is far more fruitful.
“Viewership numbers these days come from: TV coverage, social media reach, our content creation team, and VIP events with the car and driver outside of the race weekend. Our network
Sponsorship involves a lot more than just your name on the car.
of sponsors and customers at Legendary Motorcar provides our sponsors leverage to pursue B2B potentials and synergies as a result of the sponsorship program.”
Currently in the U.S., we are participating in a sponsorship program with a young driver, Logan Clark who drives in the zMAX CARS Tour. Logan drives the #15 Ford Mustang with the Hajoca/ Mainline livery (our distributor and brand in the U.S.).
The CARS Tour Late Model Stock (LMSC) program is the southeast’s premier late model stock car touring series. Logan’s family is in the HVAC trade themselves, which makes for perfect synergy and not only a sponsorship relationship but also a B2B cooperative endeavor that benefits both motorsports team and sponsor.
Clark says the following about sponsorship opportunities; “Sponsorship in motorsports gives brands a number of
different avenues to reach consumers all under one partnership. Drivers like myself, along with our teams, are working to represent these brands full time through creative fan engaging activations, not just on-track activity, although that is important for exposure also.
“Race fans are extremely loyal to sponsors. They constantly support and engage with these companies, which is something that can be harder to achieve in other advertising markets without the direct interaction that racing provides. Motorsports activations have advanced over the years and we are in a great spot right now for companies to reach consumers directly and effectively through our creative platform.”
There is a motorsports sponsorship opportunity for all budgets, and not all involve the exchange of money but rather a bartering of product for exposure. An example was Bathica’s unique experience with Stephen Cox, owner
and driver for Sopwith Motorsports in Indiana.
Stephen was building a new facility for his race cars, and we provided the HVAC equipment and installation in return for video content created by his Sopwith Media business. Stephen says, “Sponsors who don’t heavily advertise their motorsports sponsorships are really missing their greatest opportunity. Your car and driver need to saturate every media platform and every print and digital ad your company produces. The way to compound your ROI is to literally advertise your advertising.”
I’m currently working with one of the founding families of NASCAR, the Petty/ Moffitt Family in Randleman, North Carolina. This too was a bartering relationship where they needed an HVAC system for a family member’s home, and we in exchange had the opportunity to have Richard Petty, “The King” and his grand-
son, Thad Moffitt who is a driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, do a promotional video for us.
The opportunity to have Richard Petty, the winningest driver in NASCAR history and simply a motorsports icon, say our brand name in a video is priceless!
This arrangement, like the one with Stephen Cox, creates content that will last for years to come and resonates with our customer base in a way that traditional ads can’t.
My friends at Daikin clearly understand the value of motorsports sponsorship. Recently I attended a winged sprint car race at the iconic dirt track, Williams Grove in Central Pennsylvania. I was delighted to see a Daikin sponsored team.
There are local dirt tracks all across Canada and the U.S. where the advertising bang for your buck is tremendous! This is an example of lower cost sponsor-
UL 60335-2-40 RECERTIFICATION
The HVAC industry is making a momentous transition to alternative refrigerants to meet Global Warming Potential Requirements. Manufacturers will need to meet the latest safety requirements to UL 60335-2-40 for certification. Contact our experts today to learn more.
+1 800 WORLDLAB (967 5352) icenter@intertek.com Intertek.com/HVACR FOR MORE INFORMATION
ship opportunities that target not only your specific audience but also your specific geographic market.
Here’s the important thing to remember, putting your logo on a race car is NOT what this is all about, and in fact
most motorsports teams will tell you that if that is your only goal, then they aren’t interested.
Teams nowadays realize that for sponsorships to be successful for all parties involved, the company must participate in at-track and off-track promotional activities so the ROI is realized to its greatest potential.
OK, bottom-line, look, I make it no secret that I am a motorhead to the highest degree, so marrying my two passions, motorsports and HVAC, is particularly satisfying to me. But I’m also a business person who has to show ROI for all the promotional activities I get our company involved with, and motorsports has proven to be one of the most successful and FUN ways to increase sales of equipment and get your brand in front of your consumer audience.
Yes, motorsports sponsorships sell equipment. <>
Gerry Wagner is the vice president of business development for Bathica in Canada. He has 43 years in the HVAC/R industry working in manufacturing, contracting and training. You can contact Gerry by email: GerryWagner@Bathica.com
PHOTO: GERRY WAGNER
It’s an honour to work with Richard “The King” Petty (left) and his grandson, Thad Moffitt.
MODERN HYDRONICS
FALL 2024
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AFFORDABLE HEATING
Multi-unit air-to-water in Nova Scotia
COMFORT SELLS CAST TO CONDENSING
EXTENDED MANIFOLDS
All Systems
and
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID - INHIBITED PROPYLENE GLYCOL
CHART
MH6 SELLING Comfort Still Matters
When it comes to superior indoor thermal comfort, hydronics is the premium solution homeowners should be willing to pay for.
By John Siegenthaler
MH10 PROJECT Affordable Housing and A2W
An 18-unit development in Nova Scotia uses air-to-water for space heating and DHW preheat.
By Doug Picklyk
MH16 RETROFIT
Cast to Condensing
Considerations for retrofitting to new efficient boiler systems.
By Dan Rettig
By Mathew Pottins
MH22 CONTROLS Help Me, Help You
Technical support is here to solve your problem, let’s work together.
By Curtis Bennett
MH26 BUSINESS Setting Up Service Plans
Leverage manufacturer manuals to design and sell maintenance.
MH28 HYDRONICS PRODUCTS
MH34 DESIGN
Stretch It Out
Consider using extended manifold designs where possible to use less tubing, less drilling and less fastening.
• Lowers ambient temperature operating range to as low as -22°F / -30°C
• Extremely quiet: 38-53 dB operational sound level
• Increased reliability with few moving parts
Easy-To-Install Decarb Solution For Year-Round Comfort
COMFORT STILL MATTERS
When it comes to superior indoor thermal comfort, hydronics is the premium solution homeowners should be willing to pay for.
BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER
Aside from the fact that they are all used in hydronic heating systems, what do the following items have in common? a) PEX tubing, b) ¾-in. copper elbows, c) boilers, and d) ball valves.
Answer : They are all commodities in the North American hydronics market. There are dozens of choices for all these items from a wide variety of manufacturers. You can buy all of them at traditional wholesalers , big box stores, or online.
Price is often the major determinant of which brands sell the most, and the majority of your clients don’t know enough to specify which brands of these commodities they want in their system. Most don’t care. Instead, they trust you to make
the right selection. After all, you’re the industry professional.
Which of the following would you also label as commodities? a) Ford Focus, b) Tesla Model S, c) Plymouth Voyager minivan, or d) Ford F-350 6.7L PowerStroke.
I suspect many of you probably consider the Ford Focus and the Plymouth Voyager as the commodity vehicles to be found in this list.
But wait, aren’t all four of these vehicles available from hundreds of dealerships? Can’t they all get you from point A to point B? Aren’t they all capable of easily exceeding speed limits? Don’t they all have heating, cooling, power windows, anti-lock brakes, and radios? So, in some sense, aren’t they all commodities?
But why would someone pay upwards of $100,000 for the BMW, and not much less for a fully loaded F-350, when for about 1/4 of the price they could get the Ford Focus, and still drive to and from where they need to be? Why would anyone pay so much more when all the basic functions can be had for far less?
The potential answers span quite a range: luxury interiors, superior performance (the Tesla model S does 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds), heated seats, huge touchscreen panels, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth… and perhaps even superior ride comfort.
Surely, it’s no surprise that there’s a huge spectrum of features and associated prices when it comes to purchasing automobiles.
ACCEPTABLE VS. AWESOME
If only more people could translate this discernment when it comes to home comfort systems.
A basic 20-year-old furnace connected to an adequate ducting system can keep the thermostat in a typical modern house satisfied.
In most cases it can do this even when the air temperature at the ceiling is 20F higher than at the floor. Even when the sound of air whistling through registers requires the volume on the 85-inch flat screen TV to being cranked up. And even
when a photo of what has accumulated inside the ducting would quickly spoil most peoples’ appetite.
Many North Americans apathetically accept what their heating and cooling system does or doesn’t do.
During winter they cope by wearing “hoody footies”, or buying room humidifiers, electric space heaters, and WiFi thermostats that promise to reduce their fuel consumption (which they do by reducing indoor temperatures and further degrading already marginal comfort).
In recent years I’ve watched the market for those “little white boxes on the wall” (A.K.A. ductless mini-splits) increase exponentially.
Walk the floor at trade shows like CMPX and you’ll see many offerings for these systems. Surf the web and you’ll find many government-funded incentive programs for installing these systems. Listen to the radio in the morning and you’ll hear advertisements touting the “free” money offered by government and utility incentive programs, and that most of your neighbours qualify for that free money.
Ask a contractor if they would rather attempt to unravel an existing heating system that’s been buggered up by various contractors over several decades, or just abandon that system and drill a few three-inch holes though the exterior wall for refrigerant tubes to connect the little white boxes to the mothership outside.
Several market forces have aligned to boost the market for these systems. Most of them involve concepts such as easy, fast, plug-and-play, remote control, and photos of happy people with bare feet sitting on couches as one of those little white boxes on the wall lovingly watches over them.
THERE ARE CHOICES
Imagine an experiment in which a typical family is first situated in a home, in Regina, conditioned by several little white boxes on the wall.
They live in that house for a couple of
years and get to experience all the nuances of air-side heating and cooling.
Then they move to another nearly identical house next door in which a heat pump supplies properly installed radiant floor panels or panel radiators during winter, and a central chilled water air handler supplies summer cooling.
After a couple years they’re asked which system provided better comfort, including evaluation of thermal comfort, acoustical comfort, and respiratory comfort.
What’s your bet as to which system gets the better evaluation?
“True comfort is a luxury, not a commodity”
Suppose you then told them that the hydronic system cost about 20% more than the little white boxes on the wall, and both systems have about the same operating cost.
In effect you’re offering them the Tesla or the F-350 for about 20% more than the Ford Focus. Which option do you think most of them would choose?
STAY ON MESSAGE
As a professional in the hydronics industry, you should never lose sight of what you’re selling (e.g., comfort).
Never take the attitude of all’s well when a thermodynamic balance of Btus in = Btus out is achieved. Doing so is like the Tesla dealer conceding that it’s pointless to compete against those dealers selling the Ford Focus.
Do you see that capitulation happening in the auto industry?
Of course not!
Superior comfort has been, and continues to be, the primary reason that informed owners choose hydronic systems.
Most of that demographic has taken some time to understand the differences in what’s available, and most are willing to pay a reasonable premium to have years of unsurpassed comfort.
Unfortunately, that demographic remains a relatively small percentage of North American households. Most of the lesser informed majority don’t know what’s possible or what they’ve been missing. Instead, they put on a sweater and move to a different chair to avoid the drafts.
Hydronic pros have access to a technology that can - allow me some sarcasm here - “blow” the doors off the heating comfort delivered by air-based systems.
Don’t squander the possibilities or “apologize” for a reasonable premium to achieve those possibilities.
Don’t capitulate to a one-size-fits-all plug-and-play approach.
Use your knowledge to create simple, repeatable, serviceable systems that are compatible with future energy trends and capable of delivering superior comfort.
We live in a world full of commodities. Those little white boxes on the wall are but one example.
With a myriad of choices when it comes the heating (and cooling), many homeowners believe that any HVAC system available to them could do the job. Perhaps from the standpoint of a simple thermodynamic balance between Btus in versus Btus out they’re right.
But comfort - true comfort - in a North American home, is a luxury, not a commodity. Professionally crafted hydronic systems are the pathway to that luxury. Understand it, believe it, and sell it! <>
John Siegenthaler, P.E., has over 40 years of experience designing modern hydronic heating systems and is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating (4th edition) and Heating with Renewable Energy. To learn more visit: hydronicpros.com.
Lightweight champion heavyweight performance
NEW
NHB-H
Series Condensing Boilers
Navien packs a lot of innovative punch into this high-efficiency compact wall-hung boiler. Includes circuitry and software to run a boiler pump, 3 zone valves, 3 zone pumps, or 2 zone pumps and an indirect pump. Durable dual stainless steel heat exchangers and burner. Intuitive click wheel controller with Set-Up Wizard software for easy start-up and diagnostics. To learn more about all the strengths of the New NHB-H, visit us at Navieninc.com.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING USING HYDRONICS AND HEAT PUMPS
The True North development in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, benefits from the electrical efficiencies of heat pumps for space and water heating.
BY DOUG PICKLYK
Nationwide, Canadians are being faced with an affordable housing crunch. For years the combination of rising demand for homes and a limited housing supply has led to rapidly rising prices. Stagnant wages have made keeping up impossible, and as a consequence, individuals and families are struggling to find affordable places to live.
But the challenge of meeting the demand for affordable housing for economically challenged Canadians isn’t a new
phenomenon. Groups from coast to coast have formed to help provide shelter for local citizens. One such group is the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS), a not-for-profit that has been actively involved in building affordable housing and upgrading existing housing stock since the mid-1980’s.
Part of the group’s aim is to build resilient housing with a vision towards netzero-ready infrastructure, and one of their latest projects combines the benefits of passive design with hydronics and heat pump technology to deliver an optimized and efficient housing solution with no gasburning appliances.
The True North project in Dartmouth consists of a multi-phase multi-unit rental housing development funded by the Federal Rapid Housing Initiative and built on land received from the Halifax Regional
Municipality. The goal of the project is to offer a variety of affordable rental rates for three- and four-bedroom townhouse units in a family-oriented mixed income community.
The initial 18-unit apartment complex made up of two buildings in an L-shape, designed by Passive Design Solutions, features a tight building envelope and a solar PV array on both rooftops making it Net Zero ready.
“We are heating 18 units, and producing all of the domestic hot water, using two five-ton heat pumps,” notes Benoit Maneckjee, founder of ThermAtlantic, the Newfoundland-based developer of air-towater heat pump components and controls. With a focus on affordability and simplicity, without sacrificing comfort, the mechanical engineer on the project, William Marshall, president of Equilibrium
Overview of the 18-unit affordable housing development on True North Crescent in Dartmouth, NS.
Built for the PRO, by the PRO™
The NEW I-SERIES Plus™ line of Solo and Combi Condensing Gas Boilers offers unmatched value and
with an expanded product line of 14 models that range from 60-199k Btu.
Now you can Rely on Rinnai for all your Residential Heating projects no matter the size or complexity.
Allows you to connect your smart phone or tablet to the SENSEI® RX Series via Bluetooth®.
Use the Rinnai Central™ App for quick, simplified boiler set-up and registration, significantly reducing your install time.
Rinnai’s Adaptive Gas Valve Technology lets you select your fuel type with the touch of a button on the unit controller or your smart phone. Conversion Kits not required. Smart Sense™ is only available on 60-150k BTU units
4 Built-in Zones for better comfort and savings.
Engineering, part of LMMW Group in Dartmouth, specified the ThermAtlantic products for the build.
Designed as split system air-to-water heat pumps, the ThermAtlantic direct expansion to water (DX2W) module is located indoors and can pair up with various outdoor air-source heat pumps to supply refrigerant into the building.
Although designed to work with reversible heat pumps for heating and cooling, for this affordable housing project the design called for a heating only mechanical room, and instead of in floor heating they elected to go with low temp radiators in the units.
The outdoor design temperature for the Halifax/Dartmouth area is -18C, and based on modeling for passive design of the building the design temperature for the space heating is 105F [40.5C].
HEATING ONLY
“The ThermAtlantic product is cool because you can hook anything to it,” says Scott Carvery, owner of Scotia Mechanical, who handled the HVAC installation, working alongside Blackburn Bennett Plumbing and Heating on the project.
In the trade for 20 years, Carvery incor-
porated Scotia Mechanical in 2013. After years as a chiller mechanic, now his company works more on high-end residential and medium to light commercial jobs along with a lot of service work.
Something of a fluid mechanics specialist, Scotia Mechanical has worked on a lot geothermal and an increasing number of air-to-water systems.
“The biggest difference from what we’re used to doing, is we basically bought a heat exchanger with controller from ThermAtlantic, and we were able to buy any appropriate heat pump. At True
North we went with a two-stage Trane XL outdoor unit with a nice roof cover on it. There are two outdoor units, so it’s got some redundancy,” notes Carvery.
The mechanical room is located in the middle of the L-shape project design. From the DW2W modules the heated water flows through a 120-gallon buffer tank then through a back-up 15 kW electric boiler for supplemental heating if required.
“The supply temperature is 105F and we have the capacity to put it up to 115F if we really need to,” say Carvery, noting that the backup boiler will not engage unless supply water drops to 95F.
In the first year of operation the boiler only came on when a heat pump was down, and another time when a power surge in the area took out the controls, a situation that was remedied within a few days.
The buffer tank satisfies the space heating demand for the complex with one Wilo smart circulator in constant pressure mode feeding the space heating supply with a zone valve for each apartment.
HOT WATER CASCADE
The heat pumps are not only supplying the space heating but also providing preheat for the DHW. “What’s really important, is that once you get into the multi-unit
The two 5-ton Trane XL heat pumps to supply space heating for the 18-unit apartment complex.
The two DX2W indoor split air-to-water heat pump modules connected in parallel, with back-up electric boiler and circulator.
Founded over 70 years ago, Recochem has grown into a multi-national company, focused on supplying our customers with specialized solutions and global distribution capability. With a portfolio of expert brands & proprietary formulations in multiple categories, our objective to be a strong partner to our customers is assured.
For the past few years, our thermal management solutions have been distributed under two strong brands, KostChill in the United States and RecoFreeze in Canada. Today, as part of our mission to continue leading the way in glycol-based heat transfer fluids (HTF), we are proud to announce the merger of both brands into one global brand, Solutherm. Our commitment through the Solutherm brand is to continue building on our acquired expertise, and elevate the performance, quality and range of services we provide our customers.
LEADING CATEGORY GROWTH WITH EXPERT BRANDS
Solutherm Services is an array of customizable & à la carte services for our customers, to meet their needs:
Custom formulation development capabilities
Testing services
Industry specific technical guidance
Tailored trainings & sessions
Education material (webinars, newsletters, video capsules, whitepapers, etc.)
Worldwide manufacturing & distribution
Solutherm Safeguard is a specific product portfolio containing additive packs designed to ensure aluminum protection in HVAC systems.
OUR FORMULATIONS: Internally developed & proprietary I ASTM D8039 & D3306 & D4340 approved I Meets E1177 EG-1 I Tailored solutions
• OUR EXPERTISE: Industry specific I ASTM approved technical laboratories I Regulatory requirements I Industry compliance
Bio-preferred registration: USDA approved
• LEED-certified formulations: Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design rating
• Increased Uptime: Application-specific formulations developed to ensure compatibility and system longevity
• Reduction of costs in-use: high quality components to promote performance & preventive safeguarding
residential market, you start to realize that domestic hot water is a huge portion of the energy bill,” notes Maneckjee. “With the systems I’ve been doing since 2018, we are fully electrifying domestic hot water production.”
It’s a design he calls “airdronics,” a play on hydronics. The True North system uses a two-stage cascade, with the outdoor air source heat pumps used for pre-heating the water through a 120-gallon double coil indirect tank, and then feeding two 80-gallon Rheem hybrid heat pump water heaters which lift the temperature to the desired output.
The design also includes a fan coil located in the mechanical room to heat the air in the colder months to assist the heat pump water heaters.
“Normally one of those heat pump water heaters is recommended for a family of four, and in conventional applications it’s responsible for bringing 45 to 50F cold water up to 125 to 130F. But when you feed it 105F water, it has a lot less work to do,” explains Maneckjee, “So we are able to maximize the capacity of those two heat pump water heaters so they can service the roughly 80 people that live in those units.”
Carvery was also impressed with the water heating design. “We’re not only preheating our domestic water with a heat pump, but then we’re actually heating it a with heat pump. We’re really able to leverage the electricity substantially.”
The multi-unit complex also takes advantage of hot water recirculation, which is monitored and optimized.
CONSTANT MONITORING
ThermAtlantic has been installing air-to-water systems for over a decade, and every one of its systems comes with an Internet monitoring service. And with the advancement in technology, now installing contractors and building managers can also access an online dashboard through an app that can send alerts to their phones, and if something goes awry they also have a real-time view and can make adjustments to the system.
For this project, the dashboard keeps track of kWh consumption, output, net efficiency, and breaks it down between the heat pumps, the heat pump water heaters and the auxiliary electric boiler.
According to Maneckjee, one of the benefits of monitoring is an 80% reduction in call backs. “The sad reality is that with the increased complexity of HVAC systems now that heat pumps are becoming prevalent, people must get used to the fact that there are going to be more call backs.
“And the next problem is that your technicians are going to have to be more experienced on this technology than most are today.”
He suggests that any HVAC company that is going to offer monitoring is going to need people who understand the very systems that they’re monitoring — eventually he foresees AI being able to monitor and regulate systems, but for now it requires expertise.
Carvery is impressed with the tracking features: “It was cool being involved in that and hopefully, a sign of things to come with engineers and designers putting a little more emphasis on energy efficiency and monitoring.” He also sees real value in finally getting a monitoring system like this for lower-budget smaller builds.
The mechanical system for True North was commissioned in August of 2023, and the next phase of the development is underway. Carvery was happy to be part of the project. “This area in Dartmouth has seen next to no growth in the last 30 years. To say we need housing is an understatement, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of this,” says Carvery.
“There’s just so much innovation, so much change in the trade right now. I really think the sky is the limit when it comes down to what’s possible and who’s out there really putting rubber to the road with making this change.”
“It’s this type of work that will get the next generation interested in the industry as well.” <>
The 120 gallon buffer tank and 120 gallon double-coil indirect tank.
PHOTOS: BENOIT MANECKJEE
The two 80-gallon hybrid heat pump water heaters supply all 18 units.
The latest addition to our product lineup is the NTI Compass, designed with a keen focus on flexibility, easy accessibility, and top-notch efficiency. Featuring independently reversible plumbing connections, this boiler empowers you to choose your own direction.
CAST-IRON TO CONDENSING
Considerations for retrofitting to new efficient boiler systems.
BY DAN RETTIG
The hydronic heating industry has seen a broad adoption of high-efficiency condensing boilers in all retrofit applications. Frequently, the previous boiler that served a building was a conventional, standard-efficiency, cast iron model. This is true among older commercial and industrial customers.
The switch from high-mass cast iron to low-mass condensing technology is being driven by several factors, including energy efficiency mandates. In most instances, the benefits include lower energy expense, quieter operation, and increased space in the mechanical room. There are, however, several considerations that installers should consider before making the conversion.
VENTING
The most common hurdle to overcome during a high-efficiency retrofit is boiler venting. Mechanical rooms are often in a
When
difficult location with limited access and space. At times, this may require some creativity to get the vent installed within the requirements of the new boiler.
Masonry chimneys and existing steel venting cannot be re-used when retrofitting with a condensing boiler for two reasons. First, many of the cast iron or steel boilers being removed are atmospherically vented, meaning the flue did not need to be sealed. Modern high-efficiency boilers (and some conventional boilers) are designed for induced draft, meaning the flue operates at a static pressure higher than the atmosphere in the boiler room. This means the venting must be sealed.
Second, the heat exchangers in condensing appliances are so efficient that flue gases are cooler and can be vented in multiple materials if the manufacturers have tested and certified the appliances with each type of vent material. The common materials are stainless steel, polypropylene, CPVC and PVC. The condensate is corrosive and will destroy other vent materials. Each appliance will
have different venting requirements so the installation and operation manual should be referenced before each job.
SYSTEM PIPING
When replacing a conventional boiler with a condensing boiler, it’s important to look at the existing system piping. Is the existing system a full-flow or primary/ secondary layout?
In terms of flow rate, the current system must offer what the new boiler requires. If the system can’t facilitate sufficient flow, it must be re-piped.
Not all condensing boilers can be installed with a full-flow piping arrangement. Even if permitted, full-flow systems can be problematic because multiple zones with different flow rates can make it difficult to maintain the minimum flow required at the boiler.
Primary-secondary arrangements can still present water flow issues, so installers must fully understand the requirements. Proper installation of closely spaced tees is critical. The system circulator must pump away from the point of
converting from standard to high-efficiency boilers, it’s important to understand the differences between the technologies.
Venting and gas supply considerations are different and proper combustion analysis is critical.
no pressure change, and the system flow must always be greater than the boiler flow.
SYSTEM CLEANING
Cleaning a hydronic system before any boiler retrofit is good practice, but it’s especially important when converting from a conventional boiler to a high-efficiency boiler, or when the existing system includes old cast iron rads or black pipe.
This is because the channels within a high-efficiency heat exchanger are much smaller than those inside a cast iron boiler and are more likely to clog when decades’ worth of sludge is introduced.
Additionally, many high-efficiency hydronic retrofits include the use of permanent-magnet ECM circulators. These circulators are prone to collecting black iron oxide sludge around the wet rotor, causing early failure.
The best way to clean the system is to
use a cleaning solution, like those produced by Fernox, Sentinel, or other hydronic water treatment brands.
Some installers prefer to circulate cleaning fluids and flush the system before the old boiler is removed, but this can be problematic because it exposes the entire system to the debris that was resting at the bottom of the cast iron boiler sections.
Other installers prefer to wait to flush the system until the new boiler is installed. This removes the dirt inside the old boiler, but now exposes the new boiler to the dirt that had been dormant within the system piping and radiation.
The best way is to either isolate or move the existing boiler, introduce cleaning additive, circulate and flush. After a thorough flushing the new boiler can be installed.
It’s also good practice, and sometimes a requirement, to install a magnetic sep -
Z-Vent
arator in a high-efficiency hydronic system, especially a system that has been exposed to black pipe or cast-iron components.
CONDENSATE DISPOSAL
Condensing boilers generate flue gas condensate as a byproduct of efficient combustion. In rough numbers, condensate is produced at .75 gallons per hour per 100,000 Btu/h of gas fired capacity. This fluid has a pH range of 3.2 - 4.5, making it acidic.
Anything downstream of the mechanical room can be damaged, including drains, cast iron sewer lines, and on-site septic systems.
As a result, flue gas condensate must be neutralized by a properly installed and maintained neutralizer and disposed of via a drain. Depending on the location of the boiler, a condensate pump may be needed in addition to the neutralizer.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
VENTING
For the safety of both property and occupants proper venting of condensing gas-fired appliances is critical
Over time, scaling, poor combustion, elevated temperatures, and lack of maintenance can cause appliance fl ue gas temperatures to rise above safe operating temperatures of plastic vent material
For an added safety margin and peace of mind install Z-VentBLU®
GAS SUPPLY
It’s considered best practice to replace the existing gas regulator when converting a hydronic system from conventional to condensing technology.
Older regulators may not be able to facilitate the changes in gas pressure as a result of modulating burner turndown ratios. In some instances, old regulators can’t adjust rapidly enough and could potentially create gas supply issues.
With the introduction of turndown ratios above 5:1, the industry learned that not all regulators respond the same. There are lock-up and non-lock-up type regulators. Lock-up type regulators are very effective at eliminating spikes in gas pressure, but these units can also have slower response times, creating problems for modulating burners.
Some gas valves won’t open if there’s too much pressure. A utility line gas pressure spike could result in a no-heat situ -
ation. Also, some regulators don’t respond rapidly enough to provide the gas pressure needed by the boiler as it quickly modulates up.
It’s critical to follow the instructions supplied with a new regulator, especially the vent line sizing. Some regulator manufacturers require an increase in the vent line diameter as lengths increase.
Never assume the connection size on the boiler will work for each job. Static and dynamic gas line tests are best practice before any retrofit and are definitely the first thing to be checked if there are ignition issues or loss of flame.
RETURN WATER TEMPERATURE
Over the years, it’s amazing how many times I’ve heard that a high efficiency boiler retrofit didn’t yield the energy savings expected. The problem is that the return water temperatures are too high to permit condensation of flue gases. If
condensation never occurs, the savings potential will never be achieved.
Return water temperatures depend almost entirely on the amount and type of radiation installed relative to the heat load of the space. Return water should be roughly 130F for proper condensation. Without low enough return temperatures, a condensing boiler will operate at similar efficiencies as a cast iron boiler. That said, the condensing boiler has the advantage of firing rate turndown, which could be enough benefit without the unit operating in condensing ranges.
Mod-con boilers are no longer new technology, are not difficult to install, and the retrofits become business as usual after one or two projects where best practices are followed and all factors are taken into account. <>
Dan Rettig is a product manager with Thermal Solutions.
Precision factory formed pipe and fittings, with fusion welded seams
ANSWERING THE DEMAND
With changing regulations and decarbonization goals on every priority list, trust Lochinvar’s latest innovation, the LECTRUS™ Commercial Electric Boiler.
HELP ME, HELP YOU
Technical support is here to solve your problem, let’s work together.
BY CURTIS BENNETT
If you have read anything I have written before you will know that I have had a few electrical mishaps. Working in the field of hydronics control systems, I do a lot of testing while designing new products. I have all the static safety mats and wrist straps to make sure I don’t shock the controls when they are out of an enclosure. Well, one day I was doing some testing on a raw board, meaning it was out of the case, and of course there was 120VAC needed to power the board. Testing the board includes hooking up sensors and then hooking up the power. The unit turns on, thing are fine, and then I did something dumb. I pressed on the connectors. Now the back of the connectors are pointy and sharp, so when I
pressed on the board the connectors broke the surface of my static mat.
Now you may or may not know, but static mats are conductive. When you touch one or are connected to it, the conductivity will “absorb” the potential difference between you and the mat. The mat is usually grounded so it will protect the electronics.
I hope you noticed that I said “conductive”. Well, when I pressed on the connectors and they pierced the static mat, can you guess what happened? A very large flash and a nice electrical pop. It scared the living “beep” out of me.
I now live with a reminder on my desk, because I have a static mat with a discolored burn mark on it. I have found that I learn more by messing up because usually I get shocked from messing up, and it imprints in my brain. Anyways enough of my stupidity we need to move on.
Today’s topic is one near and dear to my heart. Tech support.
START WITH THE BASICS
I don’t take as many tech support calls as I used to, but I do get pulled into the complex ones—but those are not on the agenda today.
For this article we will talk about product support. Seems a bit boring, but it’s a big topic at most manufacturing companies. Now keep in mind this comes from my perspective as a “small” company where we do not outsource our tech support. Not saying anyone else does, just saying we do not.
I want to start with a few ways to get you the best support possible. This can be a delicate subject, because the first part of receiving great customer support put the onus (responsibility) on the person needing the support, you.
I understand there can be frustrations, I do, but remember that the person on the other end doing the support is a person too.
Ok… so, the first point is ‘Be Concise.’
Easier, fast er ins t alla t ion & opt imum per for mance design
Ampex Insulated Radiant Floor Heating Panel ®
Suitable for multiple PE X tube diameters Easyto assemble
Amvic Insulat ed PE X panel is designed to pr ovide the most cost -effec tive ins t allat ion and per formance f or hydr onic radiant f loor heating syst ems for new cons truc tion and r enovat ions.
Ideal for basement s, car ga rages, slab-on- grade ar eas and exterior use f or snow and ice melt applicat ions on dri veways and walk ways.
Save time, labour and money
Walk in inst allation
No st aples or ties required
Superior tube insulation
Integrated vapor barrier
Available for r esidential and commer cial
The job of tech support is to help you with your problem, not redesign your system.
Yes, we need to know certain items in your system, and we will pull that information from you if we need it, but often customers will just start talking about their issue without explaining which product they are calling about—in our case “Which control is it?”
So, always start with the basics: What control is it? What is not working on the control? Notice I said, “on the control.” Calling in and saying, “My boiler does not work,” may not be enough information to get started.
The second point is do a little ‘due diligence.’ It’s frustrating to receive a call and nothing has been tried already. Once again, we are here to help, we want to make your support experience the best it can be, but we need you to know a few things about your system, items like: What pumps are connected to the con -
“99.8% of WiFi connectivity issues are that the SSID and/or password have been entered wrong. Double check the spelling.”
trol? How many and what types of boilers are they? Two-stage boilers or single stage? Is the DHW connected to our control or is it just on an aquastat?
I think I have said this in a previous article (thank you Jerry Maguire): “Help me, help you.”
Here’s where things get a little delicate: “Take a look at the manual.”
Like many other manufacturers out there with components that supply the hydronics industry, we have a QR code on the front of our products that link directly to the manual. Take a quick look.
If you are looking for what certain op -
tions do, the manual for all products will explain that. You will save yourself time and frustration by reading the manual.
We have so many customers call in, and the answer was on page 18. Ok, probably not on page 18, well maybe it was, but you get my drift.
The third point is when checking the control, ‘disconnect the wires from the control.’ For example, if you think the boiler is not turning on because of the control; disconnect the wires going to the control and test right at the control. This will tell you if it’s the control or the rest of the system very quickly.
We will ask you to test continuity anyway, it’s one of the first tests we like to do. Continuity is a test for a short or an open. Most meters will beep, but you still should look at the meter.
Most continuity tests will beep and give you the resistance of the test. The beep will indicate anything below, let’s say 100 ohms, but if the test is at 89 ohms and you should have a perfect short (which is 0 ohms) then this can also show an issue. Ok, this is slightly off topic, sorry for that.
BAD CONNECTION
One of the main issues we run into is bad reception. This is not anything we can solve. You call in, don’t get support right away, so you leave a message. We call you back, but you are back in the basement and do not get the call because of bad reception. In most cases we do not keep calling back. We must move to the next call.
This can be extremely frustrating to the customer, and we get that, but it’s out of our hands. At HBX we have imple -
mented a good chat feature on our website, and I know other companies have as well. This helps a lot, because with chat our support team can be doing more than one support service at a time, so problems get solved faster for you.
Another issue involves products being “connected”. All of our controls come with Wi-Fi built in. This comes with its own set of issues. You are going to think I’m exaggerating, but 99.8% of Wi-Fi connectivity issues are that the SSID and/or password you are entering are wrong.
Spending 20 minutes on the phone only to find out that you did not capitalize one of the letters in the network name is really a waste of time for both sides. So, confirm the SSID and password. It will solve most of these issues. No joke.
The other part of the Wi-Fi connectivity is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5Ghz. Just because your phone sees the network does not mean the control can. Most controls are still 2.4GHz. A lot of routers provide a dual frequency broadcast, but IT guys often shut off the 2.4GHz portion. Keep that in mind. We see it all the time.
Last, but not least, it’s important to have some prior knowledge of what the control you are using can do. I know, it’s a lot to ask, especially when it comes to controls that pack a lot of options into them. I will say it again because I have not said it enough: “Read the manual.”
I am a huge culprit here too, so don’t get me wrong. But just do it. By reading the manual you will find other items that the control can do, that may not only help with the current installation but will help out with future installations and make your life easier with wiring and determining how to control a system.
Looking back on what I wrote here it seems like I am putting a lot back on the customer, and I am.
This may be my final article after all of the complaints come in. But believe me, supporting products is not an easy task. I know controls have bugs, parts fail,
they are shipped across the country and then ride in a parts van for 400 kms. Things can go wrong, and they do.
All manufacturers want to solve your problems as quickly as possible. Your time is valuable, and to spend hours on the phone is not a pleasant experience. I hope you can use a couple of these tips to make that easier for all parties, and, oh yeah… read the manual. <>
Curtis Bennett C.E.T., product development manager at HBX Control Systems in Calgary, co-founded HBX with Tom Hermann in 2002. Its control systems are designed, engineered and made in Canada to accommodate a range of hydronic heating and cooling needs.
SETTING UP SERVICE PLANS
Leverage manufacturer manuals to design and sell maintenance.
BY MATHEW POTTINS
Ithink we know that for most small to medium-sized plumbing and HVAC companies the value of the business is tied very closely with the owner. These service companies ride the tide of how much business the owner/salesperson/installer (usually all the same person) can drum up.
In the last few years, through a lot of conversations, watching, listening, and learning, I’ve realized it doesn’t always have to be this way.
It is possible to create deep and lasting value in an HVAC company, so that when it’s time to retire, move on or simply take a vacation, the company still generates plenty of income on a recurring basis to feed the business and grow.
And what’s even better, for those in the hydronics design, installation and servicing business, you will find that the manufacturers of the appliances and parts you use everyday are actually (secretly/not so secretly) trying to force you to do this— and all you have to do is … read the manual.
I know, I know, these are the most annoying three words in all of HVAC, but I'm here to tell you that there is more to these documents than safety precautions, installation instructions and charts and graphs.
TAKE THE TIME
Look, I get it. These days as soon as I open a book I’m basically sleeping, but when it comes to making money and building my company, I’m always wide awake. That’s how I would view reading the manuals that come with the products you work with, and so should you.
So where am I going with all of this? As the title of this article suggests, Service Plans!
Not only can building a service plan help your company in the long run, but it will help you sell jobs, earn new customers and grow your business.
We know that hyrdonic systems are complicated. We know these systems require routine maintenance. We know that sys -
tems are expensive and need to be sold to end users. So how do you do that?
PLAN OF ACTION
Believe it or not, we can leverage the product manuals to help sell systems and design and develop comprehensive service plans. As you are trying to sell a project or a service plan you can open the manual of any boiler manufacturer, circulator maker, air bleeder or condensate neutralization kit supplier and highlight key points. For example:
• NTI Boilers Maintenance: “Perform annual maintenance inspection of the boiler’s heat exchanger, combustion chamber and burner. Check and adjust the flue gas composition to ensure efficient combustion. Clean the condensate trap and ensure the drain is clear to prevent blockages and corrosion.”
• Caleffi Air Bleeders: “Manually or automatically bleed the system to remove trapped air, which can cause inefficiencies and noise. Inspect and replace seals to prevent leaks.”
• Taco Circulators: “Regularly check for leaks and ensure bearings are lubricated (not as common with new magnetic motors but still relevant). Ensure the impeller is free from debris to maintain flow rates. Inspect and tighten all electrical connections to prevent malfunctions.”
• JJM Neutralization Kits: “Regularly replace the neutralizing media to maintain effectiveness in neutralizing acidic condensate. Check the housing for any signs of damage or leakage.”
These are only a few of the components of the overall hydronics puzzle, I didn’t mention magnetic dirt filters, feed valves, glycol systems, etc. The point is, your service plan is al -
ready built for you in the content supplied in all of these manufacturers’ manualsl. You simply have to read the manuals and 'borrow' the best parts.
“Manufacturers’ manuals are goldmines.”
SOFT SELL
I do know for some technicians, the idea of selling and promoting doesn't come naturally, but with a little effort it can make a huge difference. Here’s the sales pitch: “By following the (insert manufacturer’s name) recommended maintenance schedule, our service plan ensures that your heating system operates at peak efficiency, reducing your energy bills and extending the life of your equipment. Regular checks and adjustments outlined in the manual not only keep your warranty valid but also provide peace of mind knowing your system is safe and reliable. Sign up for our compre -
MEET THE HEET!
hensive service plan today and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained hydronic heating system.”
What homeowner is going to say no to that? It builds trust and shows you know what you’re doing.
Manufacturers’ manuals are goldmines, not just to learn how to install, service and troubleshoot products, but they actually help you to sell.
It’s just a matter of how you look at it and then how you present it.
All you have to do is READ THE MANUAL! <>
Mathew Pottins has worked with HVAC manufacturers and suppliers for over a decade, and his passion is in growing the industry. He runs Laylan Hydronics and HVAC Sales and can be reached at mathew@laylanhvac.com.
HYDRONICS PRODUCTS
The Vitocal 100-AW from Viessmann is a residential air-to-water heat pump system including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a 20-gallon buffer tank. The system comes in three sizes, 1.5, 3 and 4.3 tons for cooling/20.5, 34 and 58 MBH for heating. An optional indirect storage tank allow for DHW and comes in three sizes, 53, 66 or 79 gallons. The indoor unit features auxiliary heat, or the unit can be paired with a furnace or boiler using a dual fuel switch. The heat pump uses the low GWP R32 refrigerant Viessmann.ca
The Pro-Pal E-Tank Service Assembly from Webstone simplifies the installation and service of a hydronic expansion tank. Its forged brass design features isolation valves for the system, a dedicated drain valve, and a union connection at the expansion tank to provide control during installation. An automatic air vent, pressure gauge, and steel mounting plate are also included. The dual union-ended ball valves provide isolation for cold water supply and the system. The assembly supports tanks up to eight gallons. webstonevalves.com
NTI Boilers new Compass is a condensing floor mount, fire tube boiler with a new user interface for set up and troubleshooting. The unit features independently reversible plumbing connections, as well as a built-in ECM pump. With its field reversible left- or right-hand piping and built in primary/secondary, it makes retrofitting to existing piping systems easier than a wall hung. The heat exchangers are made of Chromium stainless steel. The boiler maintains 95-96% AFUE and is available from 85-199 MBH. Systems can be designed to cascade up to eight boilers, and are available in both combi and non-combi models. ntiboilers.com
Johnson Controls new YORK YMAE 575 V air-to-water inverter scroll modular heat pump is compliant with the Canadian Registration Number (CRN) requirements for pressurized equipment in certain provinces. The unit features variable speed electronic vapour injection (EVI) scroll technology to expand heating capacities. Available in two- and four-pipe configurations, the YMAE 575 V can deliver 60C (140F) water in heating capacities up to 443 MBH while in heating-only mode, and 546 MBH during simultaneous heating and cooling using recovered energy. The YMAE 575 V uses the lowGWP refrigerant R454B. Up to four modules can be factory-kitted. york.com/commercial-equipment
Caleffi’s 149 Series FLOWMATIC Express is a compact pre-assembled terminal unit coil kit, which contains a 145 Series FLOWMATIC pressure independent control valve (PICV). The multifunction device simplifies a complex task to four pipe connections. Assembled from individual components, the kit provides flow control, balancing, bypass, filtering, isolation and flushing functionality. Optional on/off or modulating actuators add automatic control for connection to a local controller or BAS. caleffi.us
McDonnell & Miller, a Xylem brand, updated its electronic low water cut off (LWCO) product line, including the GuardDog RB-24SE and RB-122E for residential hot water boilers. Both updates share the company’s selfcleaning probe that minimizes scale buildup and protects users from potential boiler shutdowns or water overfill. The updated line also features a leak-free brass metal-tometal seal and a push-to test button that quickly confirms proper operation. xylem.com
The new Calbalance 4-in-1 hydraulic separators from Calefactio separate water, air, dirt and ferrous debris while also isolating the primary circuit from the secondary circuit for heating and snow melting applications. The unit improves system efficiency by preventing corrosion, blockages, noise, and excessive energy consumption. The easy to install 4-in-1 hydraulic separator product line is offered with 1-in. to 2-in. NPT connections including a wall support, the new model is available with a 2-½-in. to 4-in. flange. Preformed polyurethane insulation is also available as an option. calefactio.com
Benchmark
E
Powered by Electricity and Benchmark Reliability
Electrify your heating with Benchmark E - engineered for maximum efficiency and zero emissions.
Peak Load Management: Save money by lowering building peak loads and maximizing electricity usage
Hybrid Plant Capable: Easily sequence with Benchmark gas-fired condensing boilers to optimize boiler operation and cost efficiencies
Electric, Vent-Free System: Pair with AERCO SmartPlate EV water heaters for a fully electric, vent-free heating and hot water solution
aerco.com/benchmark-e | sales@aerco.com
ThermAtlantic, the Newfoundland-based manufacturer of air-to-water heat pump components and controls, new DX2W-EX3 series of indoor control offers native support for most heat pumps using cold climate inverters using enhanced vapour injection (EVI) technology. The third-party heat pump outdoor units supported now includes central split inverters with 24VAC thermostat support including those manufactured by Gree or Midea. Units using the latest EVI inverters extend the operating envelope down to -25C and broaden the heating capacity by as much as 60% compared to the previous generation of conventional heat pumps. thermatlantic.com
Jaga Climate Systems’ Astra Beam is a non-ducted fan coil that can use chilled water to extract heat from indoor air. Equipped with a tangential fan, it circulates air through a high-capacity hydronic coil. The unit can deliver up to 1.5 tons of cooling using 43F entering chilled water, for heating and cooling efficiency. It operates on 54 watts of 24VDC power for .08 watts per CFM. An integrated condensate tray manages condensation. The unit features a single grille that handles the supply and return air as well as access to the fan coil. jaga-canada.com
Viega is growing its portfolio of press products with the addition of 21 valves across its ProPress, MegaPress and PureFlow systems to satisfy and broader spectrum of residential, commercial and industrial projects. Key new products include swing check valves and strainers for ProPress and MegaPress systems, brass ball valves and a complete hydronic balancing valve offering. The update also includes a ProPress 3-way mixing valve and a ProPress 3-piece ball valve. Users are able to press multiple system fittings and valves with the same tool, for improved efficiency and reducing overhead costs. viega.us
The VoltMax range of electric boilers from Thermo 2000 has been developed to power hydronic heating systems in commercial, institutional and industrial applications. Available in a range of voltages to adapt to single-phase or three-phase electrical supply, the units’ electronic controllers enable precise temperature, power and dual-energy management to optimize performance. Units can deliver from 22.5 kW up to 408 kW. The controller can modulate the power of the unit from 0 to 100%, based on heating demand. Compact in size, they fit into small spaces and require little clearance. thermo2000.com
Our NEW wall-hung & floor standing boilers, the perfect fit for commercial needs. Solutions offered as a boiler or a volume water heater.
INTRODUCING
Easy to install featuring low weight and compact size.
Market leading thermal efficiency up to 99%.
HeatLink has a new line of 1-¼-in. and 1-½-in. stainless steel manifolds for residential and commercial applications. Offering pre-assembled configurations from two to 12 loops, the 1-¼-in. manifolds include integrated 1-in. FNPT isolation valves and hose bibs. The 1-½-in. manifolds (pictured) include ball valve isolation for each supply loop and hose bib on supply and return manifold. The larger manifolds are suitable for large commercial, snow melting and as a distribution header handling a max. trunk flow rate of 50 gmp and max. operating pressure of 145 psi. heatlink.com
Taco Comfort Solutions enhanced its line of switching relays and zone valve controls adding priority zoning for circulators and pumps, or fan controls. The NextGen Zone Controls offer: simple wiring and grounding; priority protection, postsurge, pump exercise timers; diagnostic lights for all outputs; five programmable outputs to control circulators, boilers, heat pumps, ventilation and more; DHW recirculation; and mobile app connectivity. Applications can include 2-, 3- or 4-wire zone valves. The controls are fuse-protected, compatible with universal thermostats, and offer 24-volt output for hard-wired thermostats. tacocomfort.com
Weil-McLain’s ECO Tec stainless steel fire tube family of modulating condensing boilers feature a 95% AFUE and include heating models in four sizes (80, 110, 150 and 199 Btu/h) and combi models in three sizes (110, 150 and 199 Btu/h). There is a built-in circulator for both heating and combi models, and they come in a wall mount design with optional colourmatching floor stand. The models include the company’s new colour touchscreen control and the cabinet design allows for easy service accesss. weil-mclain.com
THESE PRIZES AT THE SUMMIT SEPT 12TH!
Everyone registering and attending
NEW LOCATION IN VAUGHAN PARAMOUNT EVENTSPACE!
As always, the Summit will include our full slate of excellent speakers, 50+ exhibitors demonstrating the latest technologies, and unparalleled networking with hydronics professionals from all sectors of the trade.
Summit 2024 will again feature our Hydronics 101 sessions. Sponsored by – this is the perfect training opportunity for newer technicians!
Lots of prizes including, test instruments and Blue Jays tickets, will be won!
STRETCH IT OUT
Consider using extended manifold designs where possible to use less tubing, less drilling and less fastening.
BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER
Several years ago I had the opportunity of visiting the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort show in Milan, Italy. The international trade show ranks right up there with the famous ISH show in Frankfurt, Germany, as a “bucket list” event for those who are passionate about hydronic heating and plumbing.
After spending a couple days walking the show, one of the folks at the huge Caleffi booth asked me; “What are your impressions of Mostra?”
I gave a rather off-the-cuff response: “Does the world really need more manifold systems?”
SO MANY MANIFOLDS
There were dozens upon dozens of manifold offerings. They were made of copper, brass, stainless steel, polypropylene, and other engineered polymers.
Some had balancing valves, along with trim such as isolation valves, air vents, fill/drain provisions, temperature gauges, electric valve actuators, and spaces for labeling each circuit.
Some manifold station systems even included circulators, mixing valves, insulation shells, and provisions for hydraulic separation.
Much of this technology is now available in North America, with dozens of suppliers and a wide range of options.
Manifold stations, in some sense, have become a commodity in the global hydronics market.
They are most widely used in radiant panel systems for heated floors, walls, and ceilings. It’s common to see mani -
fold stations that can accommodate from two to 12 individual circuits. These circuits are typically “gathered” together as they approach the location of the manifold station, as shown in Figure 1.
I like to “fan out” the circuits in the vicinity of the manifold station, as seen in Figure 1. This reduces “hot spots” or weak points in a slab due to many tubes running in parallel lines at very close spacing.
STRETCHING THE CONCEPT
Fundamentally, all manifold systems are just a way to divide an entering flow in multiple parallel paths. This provides the same supply water temperature to each path. It also allows for individual circuit flow adjustments.
The latter is “enhanced” by the fact that head loss along the length of a typical short and larger diameter manifold is very small relative to the head loss
PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER GASPERINI
Figure 1. Manifold stations make sense for heated floors, walls, and ceilings.
through individual parallel circuits.
There are situations where a classic manifold station collecting multiple parallel circuits, although possible, may not be the best option.
One example is a homerun distribution system that serves many panel radiators that are spread out all over a relatively large building.
In theory each radiator could be supplied and returned to a single manifold station, but doing so would probably require several hundred feet of small (3/8-in. or ½-in. PEX , PERT, or PEX-AL-PEX) tubing, along with many holes drilled through framing, clips where the tubing runs along the framing, and possibly hundreds of feet of tubing insulation if some of the tubing is routed through unconditioned space.
Insulated or not, all this piping emits heat into spaces that are not where the radiators being served are located.
The goal is to get the heated water from the manifold station to each of the heat emitters being served with minimal amounts of materials and labor. Poorly planned or located manifold stations, such as the one shown in Figure 2, can “waste” a lot of tubing.
EXTENDED MANIFOLD
An alternate approach is what I call an extended manifold. It’s basically two straight runs of rigid piping with several tees located as close as possible to where the flexible tubing circuits begin and end. Figure 3 (next page) shows the concept for one extended manifold that serves several panel radiators and two floor heating circuits.
This assembly is for a house with a design heating load of 36,000 Btu/h. In total it serves 10 panel radiators and two small floor heating circuits. Flow through each of the 12 parallel circuits is regulated by thermostatic radiator valves. Ten of the thermostatic valve operators are mounted directly to integral valves on the panel radiators.
The two floor heating circuits use a valve mounted in an accessible location and connected to a wall-mounted adjustment knob via a capillary tube. Heat output from each of the 12 circuits can be individually adjusted.
A small variable-speed pressure-regulated circulator operates 24/7 during the heating season. Its speed automatically
increases or decreases as the flow requirements of the heat emitters change. At full speed this circulator requires a power input of just 44 Watts. Under more typical partial load conditions it operates between 20 and 30 Watts.
Over 24 hours, and operating at an average power input of 30 watts in a location where electricity costs $0.20/kWhr, the operating cost of this circulator is about 15 cents per day.
The extended manifold consists of two runs (supply and return) of ¾-in. copper tubing. Each branch connection is made using a ¾-in. x ¾-in. x ½-in. tee (sweat or press).
The ½-in. side port on each tee transitions to a ½-in. PEX-ALPEX compression fitting. Figure 4 (next page) shows the fittings at one of these “take-off” points.
“Poorly planned or located manifold stations can ‘waste’ a lot of tubing.”
The project in which this particular distribution system was installed had a 12-in. deep laminated veneer lumber (LVL) main girder running the length of the building to support the floor joists. The ¾-in. tubing that forms the extended manifold just runs straight along this girder. After pressure testing the copper tubing was covered with ½-in. thick elastomeric foam insulation.
You’ll notice some short stubs of ½-in. copper that are soldered to the brass adapters connected to the ½-in. PEX-AL-PEX tubing. This was done because there was no source (at the time) for ½-in. PEX-AL-PEX x ½-in. FTG adapters, which, if avail -
Figure 2. Not an ideal manifold station location.
If you or a member of your team is relatively new to hydronics or is simply looking to reinforce their understanding of the basics of hydronic design and installations this is a must attend event!
NEXT Supply along with industry experts will guide attendees towards enhancing their hydronic knowledge on the following topics:
• Proper Application of Combi Boilers
• Heating Boiler Application and Troubleshooting Tips
• Typical Boiler Room Accessories and Application
• The importance of System Fluid and Maintenance
• Radiant Heating and Snowmelt Installation Tips
• Hydronic Controls 101
BIG CONTEST: by attending the NEXT Hydronics 101 sessions, you’ll be entered into a draw for a chance to WIN a high efficiency tankless water heater!
In addition to lunch, dinner, refreshments and great networking opportunities, everyone who registers and attends the NEXT Hydronics 101 sessions will receive a free magnetic bowl. and other swag
REGISTER TODAY at modernhydronicssummit.com Click on “Get Tickets” then select Hydronics 101. See you there!
able, could have been directly pressed to the ½-in. side ports on the tees.
The total flow rate to the extended manifold, at design load conditions, is only about 4 gpm. So each ¾-in. tube is only operating at approximately 2 gpm (assuming the mains tie in at the midway point between all the heat emitters, and with all heat emitters operating).
Because the extended manifold piping was insulated there was very little tem perature drop from where the mains con nect, to the outer end of each ¾-in. tube. Thus, each heat emitter receives water at about the same temperature.
Individual flow adjustments (e.g., bal ancing can be done at each of the radiator valves).
The buffer tank allows the “microzoned” distribution system to operate without short cycling the heat source. This project used an air-to-water heat pump as the primary heat source, but it could just as easily be a boiler or a combination of a heat pump and a boiler.
The control logic is simple: operate the heat source(s) as necessary to maintain some specified temperature range in the buffer tank. It could be a setpoint range such as 100F to 120F, or based on outdoor reset control. The latter will typically improve the performance of heat pumps
as well as mod/con boilers.
Extended manifolds trade a few feet of rigid piping (typically type M copper, or fused PP-R) for what otherwise would be many more feet of ½-in. flexible tubing (PEX, PERT, or PEX-AL-PEX) along with a manifold station to connect all that flexible tubing to.
They can greatly reduce the amount of drilling and fastening required to install the distribution system. They represent an alternative to “classic” homerun distribution systems, where all circuits begin and end at a single compact manifold station. Keep them in mind when the right building layout comes along. <>
John Siegenthaler, P.E., has over 40 years of experience designing modern hydronic heating systems and is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating (4th edition) and Heating with Renewable Energy (visit hydronicpros.com).
Figure 4. Example of a fitting at one of the “take-off” points on the extended manifold.
Figure 3. Schematic showing the concept of an extended manifold serving several panel radiators and floor heating circuits
The Total Hydronic Heat Pump Solution for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water
Residential Air-to-Water Heat Pump System featuring an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a steel buffer tank (20 gal). Pairs with Vitocell 100 V 53 and 66 gallon indirect tanks.
3 sizes available: 20 to 51 MBH for cooling / 28 to 78 MBH for heating.
The Perfect BALANCE
The ideal manifold and tubing for the distribution of heating fluid in radiant systems
Thanks to our ideal set-up for installers using our unique flow meters on each manifold loop, IVAR stainless-steel manifolds guarantee perfect system balancing, optimizing energy use, while providing premium thermal comfort.
Every manifold set is supplied with all components included in the box, ensuring a smooth commissioning process for radiant system installers.
Pair the IVAR Manifolds with our premium VIPERT™ (PE-RT) Oxygen Barrier Tubing, manufactured specifically for radiant systems, and you have a winning solution every time.
Take advantage of our in-house hydronic expertise, including LoopCAD design and layouts customized for each of your residential and commercial projects.
CIPH CELEBRATES IN KELOWNA
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), the national association of manufacturers, wholesalers, manufacturers’ agents and associates in the plumbing, heating, hydronics, industrial PVF and water systems industry in Canada, gathered in Kelowna, B.C. June 16-18 for three days of networking, educational sessions and association business.
At the national annual general meeting the members welcomed Sean Kelly, vice president and general manager, EMCO Corp., as its newly elected National Chair for 2024-25.
Kelly becomes the 77th Chair of the Institute, taking over from outgoing Chair, David Hammond of A.O. Smith.
Upon accepting the new role, Kelly outlined key items on the agenda for CIPH in the year ahead, including a long-range plan that is currently in development.
He reinforced the need for the association to re-evaluate how it is bringing value to its members, and how the group can attract more companies while also encouraging growth and greater diversity within the plumbing and heating industry.
“We talk often about the shortage and the need to bring more young people into our industry and more women into our industry, and part of creating that attraction is the work we do behind the scenes to create a more belonging culture throughout our industry that extends to the industries we serve in the contracting community,” said Kelly.
“The people side of what we do, in creating a really welcoming environment, is going to be critical to our success going forward.”
He also expects to challenge the way things have always been done and narrow the focus of the organization to strengthen the benefits to the members and the overall industry. His message resonated with the conference theme,
MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS
MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS • WHOLESALERS
“The Future in Unity.”
The educational sessions during the event included: lessons in preparation and leadership from Jason Brolund, fire chief, West Kelowna Fire Department; management advice from Pam August, focused on the power of connecting with the potential of people and organizations; Pedro Antunes of the Conference Board of Canada shared economic indicators with a relatively steady outlook in the short term; Bob McDonald of CBC’s Quirks and Quarks shared a positive message about how human ingenuity is developing the technology to combat climate issues; and TVO presenter Steve
Paikin recounted the life and times of John Turner, a Canadian Prime Minister for only 79 days but a lifelong champion of promoting democracy at home and around the world.
Plenty of awards were handed out during the conference, and the Canadian Hydronics Council also hosted a luncheon where the Chair position transitioned from Jerry Leyte of Viessmann to Alan Zanidean of Axiom Industries.
Next year’s CIPH Annual Business Conference will be held at MontTremblant, Quebec, from June 29 – July 1, 2025. ciph.com
PHOTO:
Sean Kelly, CIPH National Chair, 2024-25
Kevin Ernst of OS&B (left) received an Honourary Life Member Award presented by past Chair, David Hammond.
The Canadian Hydronics Council Award of Merit went to Gilles Legault of CB Supplies. “I wasn’t expecting this, and it’s truly a great honour,” said an emotional Legault.
The CIPH Women of Distinction Award went to Nancy Barden of CIPH (left), presented by previous winners, Barbara O’Reilly of Rheem Canada (centre) and Sian Smith of Riptide Fulllfillment.
BOSCH ACQUIRING JOHNSON CONTROLS RESIDENTIAL HVAC BUSINESS
Germany’s Bosch has agreed to purchase Johnson Controls’ global residential and light commercial HVAC business, including Johnson’s North American Ducted business and a complete acquisition of Johnson Controls and Hitachi Air Conditioning’s joint venture.
Bosch will acquire 16 manufacturing sites and 12 engineering locations from across 30 countries, adding brands such as York, Coleman and Hitachi to its product portfolio.
Valued at US$8.1 billion, this marks the largest acquisition in Bosch’s history and will expand the company’s presence in North American and Asian markets.
All acquired assets will be integrated into Bosch’s Home Comfort Group and will see the business unit grow from 14,600 employees to 26,000, with the company projecting a sales revenue increase from 5B to 9B euros.
Johnson Controls is shifting its strategic focus to be a pure-play provider of commercial building solutions. bosch.ca
DISTRIBUTION
>> Starting September 16, 2024, Glen Dimplex Americas will take over direct sales and distribution of all Convectair and Dimplex electric heating products in the Canadian electrical distribution market. In addition, EDP Electric is its sales representative agency for electrical distribution in Quebec and the Ottawa area. glendimplexamericas.com
NOBLE GTA BBQ EVENT RUNS HOT
Welcoming summer at the end of a weeklong heat wave, Noble Ontario hosted its annual Greater Toronto Area (GTA) customer appreciation BBQ and tradeshow event this year on Friday, June 21st.
With sweltering temperatures in the low 20s but feeling like 30+ with the humidity, this year’s all-you-can eat BBQ lunch and cool drinks were a welcome reprieve for the hundreds of local contractors in attendance at the wholesaler’s head office location on Jane Street in Concord (just North of Toronto).
As usual, the event included the newest version of the Noble T-shirt give-away and hats, and along the aisles were a series of supporting vendor exhibits and the always welcome ice cream truck.
The company hosted Canadian Olympic gold medalist sprinter Donovan Bailey, who was signing autographs and taking pictures with the guests. Noble.ca
WATERFURNACE UNDERGOING $14M EXPANSION
WaterFurnace International, maker of geothermal and water source heating and cooling solutions, has begun a 173,000 sq. ft. building expansion more than doubling the current size of its Fort Wayne, Indiana headquarters.
The expansion comes on the heels of two record-breaking years, driven by a growing demand for renewable energy technologies.
waterfurnace.com
BRADFORD WHITE ACQUIRES HEATFLO AND FLOLOGIC
It was a busy July for Bradford White Corp. as the company announced the acquisition of Heat-flo, maker of stainless steel indirect water-heating and hydronic storage tanks, followed by the acquisition of North Carolina’s FloLogic, a producer of plumbing leak detection and automatic shut off solutions for the residential and light commercial sectors.
bradfordwhite.com
>> Next Supply continues to expand outside the GTA with a new location in Barrie. The branch/warehouse can be found at 124 Brock St, near Hwy 400. nextsupply.ca
>> Centon Sales, Ontario-based manufacturer’s rep in the plumbing space, has integrated Showerline Sales in southwestern Ontario into its family. centonsales.com showerline.ca
>> CB Supplies has broken ground on a new expansion in Calgary located close to its existing location. cbsupplies.ca
>> Eden Energy of Guelph, Ont. has been acquired by Sugar Maple Capital, a Toronto-based private equity firm, together with Eden Energy's general manager Michael Ridler. The company, established in 1981, was owned by Grant Blackmore. edenenergy.com
Olympian Donovan Bailey signing photos at Noble GTA BBQ
TACO CONTINUES EUROPEAN EXPANSION
Taco Comfort Solutions’ new European arm, Taco Europe (bringing together its Taco Italia and Taconova brands) is continuing to grow its operations in Central Europe with the addition of a new facility in the town of Boršov, Czech Republic.
The new plant produces circulators for heating, cooling and solar systems and heat interface units that provide domestic hot water and hydronic circulation.
The new plant also includes a major European distribution centre to streamline logistics to the continental market. tacocomfort.com
LENNOX AND SAMSUNG ENTER JOINT VENTURE
Samsung Electronics has agreed to form a joint venture with Lennox, called Samsung Lennox HVAC North America, to sell ductless HVAC systems in Canada and the U.S.
Samsung will own 50.1% of the joint venture and Lennox will own the remaining 49.9%. The joint venture will be distributing Samsung ductless products in Canada and the U.S. as well as “Lennox powered by Samsung”-branded products for Lennox, which will be sold through Lennox stores and direct-to-dealer network. lennox.com
NAPOLEON EXPANDS HYDRONIC AIR HANDLER PORTFOLIO WITH NEW ACQUISITION
Napoleon has completed the acquisition of the Ecosmart product line, a range of hydronic air handlers manufactured and designed by Woodbridge, Ontario’s NV Ecovision Sales.
With Napoleon’s acquisition of the Ecosmart line, the Barrie, Ont.-based company now offers a complete range of high- and low-velocity hydronic air handlers, including ducting, dampers and controls.
“We are excited to bring the combined strengths of Napoleon and Ecosmart offerings to the market,” said president of Napoleon, Mike Tzimas.
With this acquisition, Ecosmart joins Napoleon’s 1.8 million sq. ft. of manufacturing space and 1,500 employees across the global heating, cooling, fireplace and outdoor living product spaces. napoleon.com
KITCHENER, ONT. STARTUP RECEIVES FUNDING FOR MEMBRANE-BASED HVAC SYSTEM
Evercloak, a startup based in Kitchener, Ont., has received $1.1 million in federal funding from NRCan and US$1.5 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) toward the development of its membranebased HVAC system.
This new technology uses graphene oxide composite membranes designed to allow water molecules to pass through while keeping air out to dehumidify air prior to cooling.
The technology would create increased energy efficiency across HVAC systems with minimal infrastructure changes.
Evercloak anticipates that successful use of its membranebased HVAC system is expected to cut air conditioning and dehumidification’s energy expenditure by up to 50%.
Evercloak is an advanced material innovation spin-out company from the University of Waterloo. The company is a past winner of the NRCan Breakthrough Energy Solutions Canada program. www.evercloak.com
CLEAVER-BROOKS ACQUIRED BY MIURA
Cleaver-Brooks, the U.S.-based provider of boiler room products and systems for commercial and industrial applications, has been acquired by Miura Co., Ltd. of Japan.
Miura, a global manufacturer of boiler room products, also manufactures water treatment equipment, food processing equipment, medical equipment, marine equipment and environmental products with operations in 24 countries worldwide.
The company first announced its intentions to acquire CleaverBrooks on March 29th, and with the acquisition now completed MIURA Group’s business operations outside of Japan will account for as much as half of its consolidated annual revenue, a jump from 25% of its revenues.
Muira also announced that it intends to continue expanding its business operations globally. miuraboiler.ca cleaverbrooks.com
GRANBY INDUSTRIES CELEBRATES 70 YEARS
Cowansville, QC-based heating, air conditioning and storage company Granby Industries is celebrating its 70-year anniversary.
In recognition of its last seven decades, the company’s headquarters has focused on renewing its workforce through recruitment and internal mobilization initiatives, according to a press release. The company also recently hosted Commander Robert Piché to speak with 185 employees on the topics of perseverance and self-trust.
To align with the demand for renewable energies, Granby is also ringing in this new era by ensuring that all products in its catalogue are now biodiesel-certified. granbyindustries.com
Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing has promoted Grant Erickson to vice president, sales and marketing. Erickson joined Aqua-Tech in 1999 and most recently served as sales manager. He will now be working alongside Chris Neilson, vice president of operations, both reporting to president Darryl Singleton.
Tim Main has joined Taco Comfort Solutions as the regional sales manager for commercial in Canada. Main brings a wealth of industry experience, spending over 14 years with Bell & Gossett/Xylem, most recently as national sales manager.
CB Supplies has named Sebastian Carrillo Dolande as their new product marketing specialist. With years of digital marketing experience, most recently Dolande was a brand marketing specialist with Wolseley Canada.
Luc Desrosiers has been named vice-president and general manager of Boone Plumbing & Heating Supply (part of the Deschenes Group), taking over the role from Joe Desjardins, who retired after a 42-year career in the industry. Desrosiers has been with Boone since 1985.
Rita Woodley has been named general manager with Noble, taking over from Jim Anderson who stepped down to spend more time with family and pursue personal interests. Woodley has progressed over her career with Noble—moving from GTA sales manager to GTA regional manager and now general manager.
Harry Kandilas has joined Marcone Supply as general manager-sales. Kandilas brings over 25 years of sales and leadership experience, most recently with Wolseley Canada and previously with Zurn and Belanger.
Enviroair Industries has named Matthew Reid as the new technical director – heating division, replacing Simon Mandeville. With over 22 years of experience in the HVAC and hydronics industry, Reid will look after the heating products represented by the firm across eastern Canada.
Rinnai America named Paul Nick as vice president of product and marketing. The newly created position will lead the organization’s product management and marketing teams. Nick brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and product leadership most recently with Polaris and previously with Kohler.
Enertech has named Derek Dwyer as president/ CEO, taking over from the retiring Steve Smith. Dwyer has held leadership positions at BlueLinx Corp., Lennox International and Huntsman Building Solutions. Smith helped grow the business from the ground up over 27 years.
Stiebel Eltron USA announced the passing of its founder and president, Frank Stiebel (66). Born Gottingen, Germany, Stiebel traveled to Massachusetts in 1981 to study architecture and made it his permanent home. In 1990 he established the Stiebel Eltron USA, a division of the German company his father founded in 1924. Jonathan Walsh, previously vice president, is now president of Stiebel Eltron USA.
Erickson
Dolande
Main
Desrosiers
Woodley
Kandilas
Reid
Nick Dwyer
Stiebel
LUXURY OR A NECESSITY?
Hot water recirculation technology is improving and becoming more popular in new builds.
BY DOUG PICKLYK
For years hot water circulator pumps have been sold as powerful water conservation devices, some estimates reporting the systems can save as much as 1,000 gallons of water per person annually. For a family of four, that’s about 50 bathtubs full of water every year that’s going down the drain.
It’s for this reason some waterstarved jurisdictions, like California, have placed hot water recirculation in the code, ensuring homeowners have no reason for letting the water run while
waiting for it to get hot.
Hot water recirculation has been standard in large multi-unit residential apartment and condo buildings for decades, as it can take minutes for water to travel between water heaters in mechanical rooms and occupied units. Also, the constant movement keeps the warm water in the building’s pipes from stagnating avoiding the possibility of Legionella bacteria forming.
The installation of dedicated hot water recirc lines in single-family homes across Canada has been available for many years as well, but the demand for the convenience seems to be growing.
“We’re seeing more builders are supplying it as standard, at least out here in Alberta,” says Bruce Layte, district sales manager with Grundfos Canada. He’s seeing hot water recirc in show
homes in new developments, and in larger higher-end new builds where the owners seem to be more conscious of water and energy savings.
Steve Goldie, HPAC plumbing columnist who works with Ontario-based plumbing and hydronics wholesaler Next Supply, recalls hot water recirc being a luxury back when he was on the tools over 20 years ago. “It was an option back then, but one that more and more people today think is necessary. People want to turn the tap on and have hot water there right now, and it saves water, so there is an ecological reason for doing it.”
DEDICATED LINE
In its simplest form, a hot water recirculation system keeps hot water flowing and accessible in the hot water lines. In
The next step in hot water recirculation
Introducing the digital ALPHA HWR & ALPHA COMFORT SYSTEM
Give your customers the comfort of instant hot water while you enjoy a much easier installation. It’s easy to want and easy to install.
Experience ALPHA COMFORT SYSTEM's energy-efficient smart features like the built-in Bluetooth timer, intelligent flow control, and digitally enhanced troubleshooting.
With ALPHA HWR, the pump, timer, and temperature sensor built into one solution, this digitally connected hot water recirculation pump delivers next level performance and energy efficiency.
For
Discover more: grundfos.to/HPAC-HWR
ALPHA HWR
For homes with a dedicated a return line
ALPHA COMFORT SYSTEM
homes without a dedicated return line
< PLUMBING
new construction the hot water supply line from the water heater will branch off to each fixture in the home, and then a dedicated return line is run from the furthest fixture in the house back to the water heater. It’s on this dedicated return line, where it connects back to the water heater in the mechanical room, that a hot water recirc pump will be located.
In the case of a gas or electric fired tank water heater, the recirc pump will often be attached to the boiler drain located at the bottom of a water heater tank. Contractors will place a tee in that position and put the drain valve on one side of the tee and the hot water recirc will port on the other.
“We also see the return line coming back and teeing into the cold water line which is going back into the tank,” says Layte. “Now you have to put a check valve in there as well so that cold water doesn’t go back through the pump.”
Recirc pumps can also be attached to tankless water heaters, and now many of today’s tankless water heater manufacturers are also offering models with recirc pumps built in that can be adapted to work with a dedicated recirc return line or with a retrofit system.
RETROFIT SOLUTION
For homes without a dedicated recirc line installed, the modern retrofit solution involves placing a four-way bypass valve at the fixture which is furthest away from the water heater.
Placed under a sink for example, the simple valve will connect to both the hot and cold water lines on either end, and between the hot and cold side is a temperature sensing bypass valve that will open when the water is cool and close when it’s hot.
When the valve opens, a recirc pump located on the hot water supply side of the water heater, or in some cases under the sink and plugged into an outlet,
will send water through the line, and the return water will be delivered back to the water heater through the home’s cold water line. Once the temperature at that four-way valve is hot enough the valve will close.
“With this system, yes you now get hot water instantly, but you also get warm or temperate water in the cold water line,” notes Goldie. “So, if you want cold water to get a drink or brush your teeth, then you end up running the cold water line to purge the tempered water out. So it’s a compromise.”
ENERGY LOST
As noted, recirculation systems have been in large buildings for years, and traditionally they operate oversized recirc pumps that run continuously 24/7. As a result, for the convenience of instant hot water there is a lot of energy lost through the constant running of the pump and the standing heat loss along the piping circuit.
Benoit Maneckjee, the founder of
ThermAtlantic Energy Products in Newfoundland, has installed systems in many multi-unit residential buildings and notes that sometimes the hot water recirc load represents 25 to 30% of the entire energy of the building if it’s not designed properly.
Goldie recalls having his eyes opened to massive energy loss through a recirc line at an estate home in Toronto. The mansion had four 120-gallon indirect tanks for hot water and over a million Btus of boiler capacity.
“Well, one evening the boilers locked out on some fault at two o’clock in the morning. The owner gets up early around 6 a.m. and goes for a shower and there’s no hot water,” says Goldie. Called in by the contractor, together they were able to figure out the boiler lock-out issue (a faulty component), but how did they run out of hot water with all of that storage?
“We’re looking around and discovered a recirc line going through this pipe chase area that led underground to a
Pinholes in copper tubing and PEX can be caused by constant high flow rates.
sink in an outdoor greenhouse. That half-inch recirc line was running 24/7.”
Because of the cold outside temperature, he assumes the line used all the hot water capacity in four hours.
“It was mind boggling. This was an extreme situation, but I would never have guessed that would have been the cause.”
One solution to assist with standing heat loss is to insulate all the hot water piping. “Insulation is still neglected too often,” says Goldie. “It’s best practice, but it often doesn’t get done so there’s massive energy loss there that nobody talks about or really tracks.”
In addition to heat loss through the piping, with water constantly feeding back to the water heater, gas or electricity is being used to reheat that water.
Plus, when considered holistically, there is energy being used all the way up and down the line as the municipality is pumping that water to a home or
apartment building, and the sewage treatment plant is using energy to accumulate and treat the wasted water. The solution is better controls on hot water recirculation that can lead to much improved energy efficiency.
“When
recirc pump you should be sizing
flow rates.”
CONTROL STRATEGIES
Today’s hot water recirculation systems employ a number of control strategies to mitigate potential heat loss issues, control flow and keep the pumps from running constantly.
Using a timing control is one way to conserve energy. One method Maneckjee has used in multi-unit residential buildings is to put the recirc
pump on a 10-minute duty cycle where the pump runs for 2.5 minutes then it goes off for 7.5 minutes. “This drastically reduces the amount of energy wasted by the recirculation system,” he says. “This way we ensure everyone will have hot water when they need it (it’s not going to cool off in 7.5 minutes), but we save a tremendous amount of heat loss. We were able to reduce the loss by two thirds while still maintaining hot water in the building.”
In residential homes, timer controls and temperature controls using aquastats is the way recirc pump manufacturers have been managing usage. Some pumps plug into an outlet, and they may have an timer at the outlet to turn the power on or off. Some pumps are outfitted with timers attached to them with switches turning on and off at set times based on when the hot water is being used the most.
Continued on p70
PLUMBING
Some timer set ups can also monitor usage patterns and then the pump will operate during those time periods. If the hot water isn’t used for over 24 hours, some systems will shut down completely (assuming the occupants are on vacation).
Aquastat sensors are used by some pumps (sometimes together with timer controls), and when the temperature of the water in the dedicated return line drops below a certain setpoint the pump turns on until the temperature in the line reaches an upper set point (if the timer is set up as well, it will override and only turn on during the set times).
Another control strategy is an on-demand system, where the homeowner can actually push a button, or a motion sensor can be activated, to call for the recirc system to turn on. In some jurisdictions,like California, this control option is a re -
With modern energy efficient electronically commutated motors (ECMs) and onboard digital controls, today’s recirculating pumps have the built-in intelligence to optimize residential re -
Taco introduced its 006e3 ECM hot water circulation pump in 2018, a low-energy pump that pairs with other solutions to work with dedicated return lines or retrofit systems.
This year at the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago, Grundfos introduced its Alpha HWR pump for recirc systems with a dedicated line, and the Alpha Comfort System for retrofit applications. These ECM pumps are available with integrated timer and
The ECM Alpha HWR pump from Grundfos has integrated controls that can be set up and adjusted remotely by an app.
temperature sensors as well as flow velocity control.
A common issue with hot water recirc in buildings is oversizing pumps pushing high flow rates through the pipes leading to pinhole leaks. It’s seen in the copper risers of large multi-unit buildings and can also occur in PEX piping as the combination of heat and chlorine in the water along with high flow can contribute to breaking down a PEX pipe’s structure.
Uponor recommends a maximum velocity of 2-ft./second for the common pipe sizes of ½-in., ¾-in. and 1-in., which equates to flow rates of 1.1-, 2.2- and 3.6-gpm respectively.
“When you size a recirc pump you should be sizing for these flow rates,” says Layte. And to address that, Grundfos has built controls into its pumps so the contractor can select the pipe size, and the pump will not exceed these flow rate limits.
In any retrofit recirc system operating with a pump that is on 24/7 or on a timer, that four-way valve at the furthest fixture could be opening and closing at different times throughout the day, but the pump will continue running. So, when the valve is closed, that pump will be deadheading and wasting energy. The new ECM pump can provide a solution for the issue of deadheading.
“With our new smart pump for the retrofit recirc, the Alpha Comfort System, the pump will actually shut down when that valve closes,” says Layte. “Because it’s an ECM smart pump it monitors the power consumption, so there is a signature when that valve closes, there’s low power consumption, and the pump says, ‘OK that valve must be closed, I’m going to shut down.’”
The ECM technology also allows today’s pumps to gradually ramp up and ramp down, avoiding any sudden bursts of hot water at a fixture when the system starts up.
In addition to the digital controls built into the modern pumps, the connectivity is extended through Bluetooth capabilities. Contractors can access the pump's settings remotely to optimize its operations and view real time data as well as historical performance.
An app can also allow the home owner to adjust settings like timing and temperature to their own preference from their phone.
LUXURY ITEM
So, are hot water recirculation lines a luxury or a necessity? Well, yes to both may be the right answer!
In large homes, where it can take minutes for hot water to reach showers and faucets, hot water recirculation systems installed correctly with insulation and with optimized control strategies to conserve both water consumption and energy just makes sense. If it can be done, why don't we. And of course, not having to endure the chill of waiting for the shower water to heat up is a perk, and as the trend of hot water recirc catches on it's a luxury that everyone should enjoy. <>
CONDENSATE PUMPS
Sanicondens® Best Flat
Residential and commercial condensate pumps with multiple inlets will discharge up to 15 Ft vertically.
Comes with ready to install connections to an alarm system or shut-off switch
Equipped with 20 feet of vinyl tubing, PVC discharge adapter and neutralizing granules *.
Low profile commercial model with built-in neutralizer can handle up to 500,000 BTU/hour *. *
LEARN MORE
Digital Adoption is a REQUIREMENT Not an Option
Embracing
digital solutions for operations, finances and marketing will improve the profitability and value of your service business.
BY MATTHEW BIRCH
“
James, you’ll never believe what they wanted to offer us for the business!” said Trevor, co-owner of Advanced Plumbing Experts. “Don’t they understand the quality of work we do? Don’t they see that our revenues have been growing? I just don’t get it!”
“Did they offer a reason?” asked his business partner James. “Why would they lowball us like this?”
“They said that our systems were out of date and that we needed to embrace technology.”
James and Trevor had always considered themselves to be successful in business. Both were journeymen plumbers who built their reputations on hard work, quality service and fair pricing. They started in the industry many years ago working for experienced tradesmen that knew the operations of the business but were also competent entrepreneurs.
After 15 years in business together James and Trevor had also built a strong business of their own. Advanced Plumbing Experts was not a big company, but they had a great reputation in their community, they always had
steady work and they were proud of the business they had built.
The business didn’t have a lot of company assets however, and revenues had been growing year over year for as long as they could remember. Cash was sometimes tight, but they always made it through. In fact, they would often commiserate with other business owners about how normal these seasonal cashflow challenges were.
“Understanding trends puts a business owner in a position of strength.”
The two partners were not planning to sell the business. They had been approached by a competitor, a relatively new company that had experienced significant growth in its short lifetime, primarily through acquisition. The companies they were acquiring were mostly well-established businesses with owners that were approaching retirement.
“I’m not willing to settle for a lowball price like that,” James remarked. “If our systems are out of date, then let’s fix that problem. We’ve worked too hard for too long for our business to be worth so little.”
“What do you suggest we do?” Trevor asked.
“We’ll find an expert to help us modernize our systems,” James replied. “And when we’re ready to sell, we’ll ensure that we get top dollar for the business.”
DIGITAL ADOPTION IS MORE THAN GOOGLE ADWORDS!
The story of Advanced Plumbing Experts is a common one, but why does it happen?
To understand this issue, we must first understand the motivation for purchasing a business. Most investors are not looking to acquire a job. They’re seeking an investment that will generate a return on their purchase price. If the target business is not capable of operating on its own, then they must either implement systems and procedures to streamline operations or hire additional staff to perform each function. Each of these solutions requires experience, time and an additional cash investment.
There is no industry that has not been touched by digital transformation, but to translate that technology into value each function of the business must be analyzed, automation must be considered where practical and standard operating procedures developed where automation doesn’t make sense.
Google Adwords could be a great start for digital marketing, but Digital Adoption involves transformation of all business systems including operations,
INCREASE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES
Business owners can increase profitability by raising prices, lowering costs or increasing efficiencies. Digital technology can streamline operations, reduce rework and accomplish more with less. Some examples include:
• Scheduling: As the number of crews increases so too does the complexity of scheduling work. The more jobs each plumber can complete in a day the more profit a business will be able to earn. Scheduling software can help to coordinate jobs closer in proximity to each other, minimizing travel and increasing the number of hours that can be spent on productive work each day.
• Note Taking: As AI continues to improve so too does the ability for a technician to digitally record notes from each jobsite. Handheld devices have made it easier to document the state of each job site, the work completed, the parts required and any follow up necessary.
• Identifying Upsell Opportunities: Emergency work is great for profit margins, but expensive for clientele. Preventative maintenance can help a homeowner avoid costly repairs, but businesses rely on their field staff to assess each jobsite and determine if opportunities exist. With on site access to quoting tools, the ability to search parts inventories and access to technician schedules, field staff may be more effective at assessing upsell opportunities and closing sales.
• Increasing Parts Availability: Having the right parts available when you need them is not always easy, but incorporating software that uses past experience to dictate what parts to stock and how many of each part can save countless hours running for additional supplies.
IMPROVE FINANCIAL INSIGHTS
Understanding trends puts a business owner in a position of strength. When would you prefer to know that your costs have been increasing: when the monthly trend indicates that gross profits are shrinking, or when you file your taxes at the end of the year?
• Cloud Accounting vs Desktop Software: Knowledge is power and making great decisions requires having timely accurate financial information. Large companies with big accounting departments have always had the upper hand, but cloud accounting now offers small businesses a cost-effective way to generate monthly financial reports letting business owners know in real time if they’re making or losing money.
• Cashflow Leadership: Even profitable businesses will suffer if they don’t have strong cashflow. Providing easy payment options on site to your customers can greatly minimize bad debts and improve the speed of cash coming into your
business.
• Access to Professional Guidance: Without timely financial reporting a business owner relies on their instincts when making financial decisions, but managers and executives of large businesses constantly leverage the expertise of financial professionals providing a strategic advantage. Business owners who’ve implemented cloud accounting and monthly financial reporting can now gain access to these same professionals leveling the playing field.
ATTRACT YOUR IDEAL CLIENTS
You know who they are, your perfect clients. Maybe its location based (within a 15-minute drive of your shop), perhaps its based on age of building (homes 60 years or older with galvanized pipes), possibly it’s residential vs commercial, or maybe its repair work versus new home builds.
Whatever the demographic, digital adoption can help you focus on the traits of your ideal client, identifying more perfect clients and limiting the volume of those who are not in your zone.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, why would I turn away business? A paying client is a paying client, but consider this, the more variety of clients you serve, the higher the cost of servicing those clients.
When you’re willing to travel 45 minutes to service a client vs 30 minutes, you’re likely to spend closer to double the amount of unbillable travel time servicing clients and at the same time limiting the number of jobs that you can complete on average each day.
When you’re willing to service commercial clients in addition to residential clients you’re likely to either increase the volume of parts you stock on each vehicle, increase the number of trips to the supply store, or increase the number of site visits to complete the work.
A digital advertising strategy can help plumbing businesses find more of their perfect clients, reduce their investment in parts, inventory and equipment, minimize travel and increase profitability.
Just like James and Trevor, plumbing businesses that want to increase the value of their organization recognize that digital adoption is a requirement, not an option. <>
Matthew Birch is the founder of Legacy Profit Solutions, an organization designed to help business owners find their Forever Bookkeeper. You deserve a bookkeeper who knows the plumbing and heating industry, who works with businesses of your size and is local to you. All firms in the Legacy network must pass a 14-point pre-screening process ensuring their systems and procedures are capable of meeting the high quality standards expected by our clients.
CO2 VS THE NEWCOMER (A2L)
Embraced for its climate-friendly qualities, CO2 as a refrigerant is experiencing some challenges.
BY DAVE DEMMA
Our industry’s push towards emission reduction through the phase down, and phase out, of certain refrigerants was influenced by the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement finalized in 1987 to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
ODS are substances that were commonly used in products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and aerosols. Major casualties of this phase down included Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants including: R-11, R-12, R-500, and R-502.
The Paris Agreement that came into force in November 2016 set out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2C. The Agreement includes commitments from all countries to reduce their emissions and work together to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and calls on countries to strengthen their commitments over time.
Finally, the Kigali Agreement, an amendment to the Montreal Protocol and adopted in 2016, is an international treaty that aims to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) by more than 80% over the next 30 years. If fully implemented, the amendment can avoid up to 0.4C of global warming by the end of this century., which are potent greenhouse gases widely used in
refrigeration, air conditioning, and other industrial applications.
The most common refrigerants affected by this phase down include: R-404A, R-407A/C/F, R-507, and R-448A/R-449A
“There appear to be a few cracks developing in the image of CO2 refrigerant systems.”
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL
Following these phase-down initiatives came the now recognized term GWP, or global warming potential. GWP is a relative measure of the amount of heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere. The GWP number is a comparison between the amount of heat trapped by a certain mass of the particular gas in question to the amount of heat trapped by a similar mass of CO2 For example, R-404A’s GWP of 3,943 means that a given mass of R-404A has 3,943 times the effect on global warming than an equal mass of CO2. Figure 1 shows a graph showing comparative GWPs of some common refrigerants.
And then the total equivalent warming impact (TEWI), is a measure of the global warming impact associated with the use and disposal of a particular
piece of refrigeration equipment. It consists of two parts: 1) the warming impact from direct refrigerant emissions (from leaks, servicing losses and endof-life disposal); and 2) the warming impact of CO2 emissions from burning of fossil fuels to generate the electricity needed to run the equipment.
As the countries of our planet have ratified treaties with the goal of reducing the potential for global warming (more popularly known now as climate change), refrigerants which have been industry mainstays have fallen by the wayside. This has been the result of phase outs (CFCs and HCFCs), or phase downs (HFCs).
There have been some decent replacement refrigerants introduced in the last few years:
• R-407C was a good conversion refrigerant for R-22 in air conditioning applications
• R-407A was a good conversion refrigerant for R-22 in refrigeration applications
• R-407A was also a good choice for new refrigeration equipment
• R-448A/R-449A a better lower GWP choice for new refrigeration equipment
But with the constant advancement of the regulatory train, the GWP of these refrigerants has become unacceptable as a long-term solution.
Unfortunately, there is not an endless supply of chemical compounds with the thermodynamic properties necessary
to function as efficient refrigerants, while simultaneously being non-toxic, non-flammable and perfectly environmentally friendly. Oh, they must also be easy to manufacture and distribute, and they must be easily implemented in new equipment designs (passing equipment manufacturing standards and be accepted by local building codes, etc.). Piece of cake, right?
CARBON DIOXIDE
So, what’s left to choose from? Enter CO2, with its GWP of 1.
There has been very definite movement towards considering and using CO2 as a refrigerant in supermarket systems in the last several years. Some of this is driven by the environmental awareness of high GWP refrigerants, and some of it is driven by regulatory requirements.
For example, in California any refrigeration system with a refrigerant charge over 50 lbs is limited to a refrigerant with a GWP of less than 150. Currently, the only refrigerant that fits that requirement is CO2
Here are a few CO2 facts: ASHRAE A1 Classification; high volumetric cooling capacity compared to other refrigerants; low viscosity (low pressure loss and lower pump HP requirement); high heat transfer coefficient; compatible with most materials.
And a few important definitions:
Critical Point: The point on a phase diagram at which the liquid phase and vapour phase of a substance have the same density (meaning they are indistinguishable).
Critical Temperature: The maximum temperature at which a vapour can be converted into a liquid by increasing the vapour’s temperature. If the vapuor is above the critical temperature, it cannot exist in the liquid state.
Critical Pressure: The pressure required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature.
Triple Point: The temperature and pressure at which the solid phase, liquid phase and vapour phase of a pure substance can coexist in equilibrium.
Sublimation: The transition of a substance from the solid phase directly into the vapour phase. Sublimation occurs at temperatures and pressures below the triple point.
Subcritical: CO2 systems where the high side pressure is below the critical temperature (87.9F) and critical pressure (~1055 PSIG).
Transcritical: CO2 Systems that are designed to operate at pressures above the critical pressure of ~1055 PSIG. Every substance (including all refrigerants) has a critical point. However, the most commonly used refrigerants never come close to conditions where the system is operating near the critical point.
For example, the critical temperature for R-22 is 205.1F. To put this into practical terms, if a condition ever existed in an R-22 system where the saturated condensing temperature was at 205.1F, the system high side pressure would need to be 723.7 PSIA for a change of state (vapour to liquid) to occur. This condition is never going to happen in an R-22 system.
On the other hand, the critical temperature for CO2 is 87.9F, with the critical pressure at ~1055 PSIG. So, a CO2 system operating with an air-cooled condenser, selected with a 10F TD, will reach its critical temperature when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches 77.9F. That doesn’t allow too many locations to use CO2 without planning for Transcritical operation.
CHARACTERISTICS
Following are some of the considerations and differences to the found between using CO2 and more common refrigerants. Higher Pressures: While CO2 pressures are higher than those experienced with HCFC/HFC refrigerants, this is not the first refrigerant to enter the marketplace with substantially higher pressures than the industry’s mainstay refrigerants. The most recent example of this would be the higher pressures seen in an R-410A system as compared to an R-22 system. While it’s not of the same magnitude as the increase between CO2 and R-404A, it’s still a good example to illustrate that it’s not unheard of to see a new refrigerant introduced with substantially higher pressures than the refrigerant it’s meant to replace.
At a given saturation temperature, the CO2 pressure will be substantially higher than HCFC/HFC refrigerants. For example, at a -20F SST, the corresponding pressure will be 200 PSIG. Because of the higher pressures, you may see Type K Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel, or hybrid Copper-Steel piping, depending on the application. The maximum allow-
Continued on p76
Figure 1. Comparitive global warming potentials (GWPs) of common refrigerants
< REFRIGERATION
able working pressure for the CO2 LT Secondary system is 400 PSIG. This would be the rating for the system relief valves. As such, the copper tubing will need to have a MAWP rating of at least 400 PSIG. The 1-5/8’-in. and 2-1/8-in. Type L copper tubing does not meet that rating, requiring Type K to be used for those two sizes.
Heat Transfer: The CO2 might be used as a secondary heat transfer fluid.
Insulation: Insulation wall thickness will be 1-in. in mild conditions (80F dry bulb, 50% RH), 1-1/2-in. in normal conditions (85F dry bulb, 70% RH), and 2-in. in severe conditions (90F dry bulb and 80% RH). And piping in display cases must be insulated.
Grades: Available in several different purity grades (as opposed to a single grade for HCFC/HFC refrigerants). The Coleman Grade, with a purity of 99.99%,
is the recommended minimum grade for refrigeration applications.
Cooling Capacity: CO2 has a greater volumetric cooling capacity as compared to commonly used HFCs. For example, in a -20F application, R-404A has a latent heat of vapourization of 81 Btu/lb-min. As a comparison, in the same application CO2 has a latent heat of vapourization of 130 Btu/lb-min. The resulting mass flow requirement for CO2 will be approximately 38% less, with the benefit of smaller compressor displacement and smaller pipe sizes.
Pressure Relief Valves: Due to the high operating pressures you will see pressure relief valves everywhere. Anyplace in the system where liquid CO2 could be trapped with an isolation valve closure will require a relief valve piped in parallel with that valve. This allows a flow path for the potential high pressure
CO2 in the isolated portion of the system to vent back to the main receiver vessel.
System charging: After evacuating, break system vacuum with vapour only. The triple point occurs at 75 PSIG— charging liquid into a system which is at a pressure less than 75 PSIG will allow triple point conditions, meaning that some portion of the liquid will turn into a solid. You don’t want dry ice inside the system piping. To be safe, the system should be pressurized to somewhere between 200 PSIG to 250 PSIG to avoid this scenario.
CO2 NEGATIVES
Once all of the unique characteristics of CO2 as a refrigerant are understood there are a few other challenges to be considered when looking at a CO2 refrigeration system.
Get the most hot showers from the only water heater that holds a true 50 gallons of water (Compared to 50 gallon electric steel tank water heaters per DOE rated gallon capacity). WHY GE?
BEST-IN-CLASS REAL CAPACITY* so what you see on the tank is what you get inside
BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE that delivers high first hour ratings.**
8, 10 & 12-YEAR WARRANTIES
* Compared to other tank water heaters per average gallon capacity.
** Based on internal testing.
• More complex than HFC systems, they require trained and skilled technicians.
• Typically, higher equipment and installation costs.
• Less efficient operation during Transcritical operation.
• Adiabatic condensers can reduce Transcritical periods, but the equipment, water consumption and maintenance expenses will increase.
• During power failures the CO2 will warm to ambient conditions and the system pressure can rise above the set point of the pressure relief valves.
• CO2 is not as readily available as the common refrigerants, which can make recharging after a leak difficult. While CO2 remains relatively popular for the supermarket sector, there appear to be a few cracks developing in its image. At the 2023 FMI (Food Marketing Institute) Energy Conference, various speakers shared the following remarks:
THE SOURCE
ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE
• Problems with refrigerant leaks.
• In certain regions, HFC refrigeration systems had a 16% to 25% performance advantage over CO2 systems.
• Increased use of natural resources such as water, with a reported 600,000 gallon usage per year.
• Potential total loss of system charge in the event of a power failure. One survey suggested that upwards of 80% of refrigerant loss in CO2 applications attributed to power failures.
• An accounting of 12-year-old CO2 Transcritical system being replaced with a new system using an A2L refrigerant (R-454A). An overall reduction in energy consumption (34%), along with a reduction in CO2 emissions. This is where TEWI becomes an important, if often overlooked, factor. While CO2 has the lowest GWP of all refrigerants, this is only part of the overall impact on the environment. While it would require another article
to provide an overview of the ‘mildly flammable’ A2L refrigerants which will be entering the marketplace over the next few years, suffice it to say that their performance will be equivalent to those seen with the popular HFC refrigerants, but they will have a lower GWP.
Given the added cost, reduced efficiency and additional complexities experienced with CO2 systems, together with the emergence of A2Ls, it will be interesting to see whether CO2 once again falls out of favour.
Stay Tuned! <>
Dave Demma holds a degree in refrigeration engineering and worked as a journeyman refrigeration technician before moving into the manufacturing sector where he regularly trains contractor and engineering groups. ddemma@uri.com.
Liberty Pumps libertypumps.com p.5
Lochinvar lochinvar.com MH20, 21 Napoleon ............................. napoleon.com ..................................... p.17
National Energy Equipment ........................... nee.ca.................................................. p.76
HPAC magazine’s annual Modern Hydronics Summit lands at the Paramount EventSpace just north of Toronto with a day filled with learning opportunities and displays of the latest in products and technologies that are pushing the hydronics industry forward. modernhydronicssummit.com
PHCC Connect
October 7-10
The annual gathering of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association will be taking place in Birmingham, Alabama. Plumbing and HVAC pros from across America come together to learn about best practices and services to improve their business. phccweb.org
HRAI Annual Conference September 22 – 24
The Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada 2024 Annual Conference will take place in Vancouver. As always, the yearly gathering will include a variety of social and networking events along with a series of informative and thought-provoking sessions on topics of interest for this evolving industry. hrai.ca
ASHRAE Decarbonization Conference
October 21-23
This edition of the Decarbonization Conference will be held in New York City and will focus on an information and idea exchange on topic of reducing carbon emissions from existing tall buildings in cold climates. ashrae.org
Canadian Hydronics Conference September 25-26
The Canadian Hydronics Council hosts its now annual conference this year at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton. This will be a two-day conference including keynote presentations and a series of break-out technical sessions and workshops. There will also be a hydronics tabletop trade show. ciph.com/page/canadian_hydronics_ conference
Kitchen + Bath Canada
October 22-24
A trade show and conference featuring the latest in products and services, KBC 2024 takes place at the International Centre - Hall 5 in Toronto. The event is a destination for exhibitors and attendees to learn about current industry trends and discover showcased products. kbcexpo.com
MCAC Annual National Conference
November 27-30
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada takes its annual national conference to the capital city of Texas, Austin, which is well known for its live-music scene centered around country, blues and rock. mcac.ca
The Buildings Show
December 4-6
Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Bldg., this event includes Contruct Canada, Homebuilder & Renovator Expo, PM Expo and World of Concrete under one roof. The event is part of Canadian Real Estate and Construction Week in Toronto.
2025 AHR Expo
February 10-12
The 2025 edition of North America’s largest tradeshow and conference travels to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The AHR Expo brings together manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes and specialties to share ideas and showcase the future of HVAC/R technology.
ahrexpo.com
IGSHPA Annual Conference
March 11-13
The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is holding its annual conference in a dedicated conference center at the I Hotel in Champaign, Illinois. Breaking New Ground is the theme of this year’s event igshpa.org
ISH
March 17-21
Hosted in Frankfurt, Germany, ISH is the flagship international event for the plumbing and HVAC sector. With a theme of “Solutions for a Sustainable Future” visitors will gain insights on where the industry is headed as manufacturers from around the world display the latest in modern plumbing, heating and air conditioning innovations. ish.messefrankfurt.com
MCEE
April 24-25
Biennial HVAC and plumbing event held in Montreal and produced by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating and Corporation of Master Pipe-Mechanics of Québec, returns to the Montreal Congress Centre. mcee.ca
DESIGNED for DURABILITY
Proven reliability in flame-free HVAC/R joints.
A powerful defender against VOC damage
With ProCoreTM high corrosion-resistant technology, the battle against leaks has changed forever
Tired of replacing leaky coils? ProCoreTM copper tubing provides the solution. Even in the most severe environments, tubing with ProCoreTM technology maintains refrigeration system integrity with no reduction in capacity. Install with confidence, and bring longer-lasting comfort to your customers.
• Dramatically inhibits pitting & corrosion
• Maximizes reliability of the heat transfer system
• Enabled a drastic reduction in replacement coils over the last 5 years
• Stronger and more resilient than standard & oxygen-free copper
