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CONTENTS
FEATURES
12
COVER STORY
HVAC
AVOIDING TROUBLESHOOTING BIAS
Maybe it’s not the pressure switch. By forming conclusions prematurely, technicians may be overlooking details and misdiagnose the issue when heading out to service calls.
By Ian McTeer
20
HYDRONICS
STREAMLINING A DESIGN
Reducing complexity and cost while improving performance was the goal when reviewing a proposed heating system for a school adding two electric boilers to an existing gas-fired cast-iron boiler.
By John Siegenthaler
25
CONTROLS
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Careful installation practices, from sensor positioning to tidy wiring, help mitigate future troubleshooting complications when it comes to hydronics controls.
By Curtis Bennett
28
PLUMBING
HOT, BUT NOT TOO HOT
The evolving role of thermostatic mixing valves in keeping hot water in homes and buildings flowing efficiently and safely.
By Doug Picklyk
CONTENTS
38
AHR EXPO
CELEBRATING HVAC IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
AHR Expo 2025 returns to Orlando highlighting the latest in HVAC/R trends and technology. PLUS: see all of the category winners of the 2025 AHR Innovation Awards.
By HPAC Staff
46 BUSINESS
YOUR PLAYBOOK & SCOREBOARD
Running a business requires being able to adjust your gameplan based on the results you're achieving. First you need to be sure you're keeping score and then form your plan.
By Matthew Birch
48
TOOLS YOU CAN USE LAST MINUTE GIFTS
From pliers and flashlights to saws and pants, we've collected a group of tools and other items that any contractor might want to find under the tree this year.
By HPAC Staff
49
REFRIGERATION
THE PROBLEM WITH MR. FROST Manufacturers use various methods for evaporator defrost on refrigeration systems—it’s important to understand them all. In this article we take a look at two common approaches.
By Dave Demma
As we celebrate the holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued trust and partnership.
Your support has been invaluable to us, and we’re truly honored to serve you.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas lled with warmth, and a New Year lled with prosperity and success. We look forward to an exciting year ahead, and to growing our partnership in the years to come.
Thank you for being a cherished part of our journey!
Fire Protection - Mechanical - Waterworks
REASONS TO CELEBRATE < UPFRONT
THROUGHOUT 2024, LIKE MOST YEARS, HERE AT THE MAGAZINE WE RECEIVED NUMEROUS NOTICES FROM COMPANIES who were eager to share with the world that their business was celebrating a significant anniversary.
Just a few of this year’s included: plumbing parts manufacturers like Watts celebrating 150 years and Nibco at 120; tool makers DeWalt and Milwaukee both turned 100; Armstrong pumps was founded in Toronto 90 years ago; and Western Canadian wholesaler Bartle & Gibson turned 80 this year.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few other manufacturers and distributors who are celebrating milestones in 2024, but suffice to say that we all belong to an industry with deep roots that has been supplying products and solving problems for well over a century in this country.
Last fall I was invited to a local contractor’s open house. Michael Nepom, the owner of Toronto-based McKinnon Heating Cooling, sent the invite to come and help celebrate the firm’s new location. Nepom has owned and operated the company since 1995. What I didn’t know, and he didn’t share in the invitation, was that McKinnon would be celebrating the company’s 90th anniversary in 2024.
The family-owned business, with Nepom’s kids very active in both running the operation and one also working on the tools, is a great story of longevity and the humble nature of this industry.
His son Jacob, who works on the business side, welcomed me during the open house and gave me a tour of the new shop, which includes plenty of storage at the back and a well-appointed space on the second floor for staff functions and training sessions. I’ve since run into Jacob at a few industry events, and he’s always gracious, full of energy and looking to learn.
Michael didn’t grow up in the HVAC industry, but he saw McKinnon as a business opportunity and learned on the job. At the open house he shared a bit of the company’s history with me, and I also read about it on a framed page from a 1997 issue of HPAC found on a wall near the shop’s entrance.
The business started out in 1934 delivering coal by horse and wagon in the Beaches area of Toronto. It moved to fuel oil delivery, became an early dealer in air conditioning, and now services and installs all forms of heating and cooling equipment. A commitment to customer service, continual learning and adapting to change are all characteristics that have endured for 90 years.
Time spent at the open house revealed the collegial relationship among the staff, the admiration from the manufacturers and distributors the company works with, and even the appreciation from some long-term customers.
I left that open house inspired by the success of McKinnon and the promise for other businesses in the plumbing and heating industry.
I bring up the theme of anniversaries because in 2025 HPAC magazine turns 100. Although I’ve only been on board for five years, it’s an honour to be part of a legacy that has be chronicling the history of plumbing and HVAC/R in this country for a century. So, from the staff of HPAC, enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year. 2025 is going to be something to celebrate!
– Doug Picklyk, Editor
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Comfort
RELIANCE DONATES TO ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE’S HVAC LAB
Kingston, Ont.’s St Lawrence College has opened its Reliance Home Comfort Residential HVAC Lab, the school’s training lab for apprentices enrolled in its 313D residential AC mechanic program.
As part of its three-year naming agreement, Reliance donated $104,000 in equipment including heat pumps, furnaces, space heaters and other tools. A ribbon-cutting ceremony revealing the partnership was held on October 10.
This donation also supports St. Lawrence’s newly-launched residential air conditioning systems mechanic apprenticeship program. Introduced in August 2024, the program has a current capacity of 20 apprentices and is expected to expand in 2025.
“As more households adopt green technologies for heating and cooling, the HVAC industry is expected to grow rapidly, creating an increased demand for skilled workers,” said Aidan Wornes, associate dean. “This partnership ensures that the next generation of HVAC professionals is well-equipped to meet these challenges.”
stlawrencecollege.ca
MORE DISTRICT HEATING COMING TO MISSISSAUGA
Government and industry officials recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new district energy system to support the new Lakeview Village development, a 177-acre waterfront site in Mississauga’s that was formerly the Lakeview Power Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant that operated from 1962 to 2005.
The district energy system's network of pipes will heat and cool an entire community and will leverage treated wastewater from the nearby G.E. Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility as the main source of low carbon energy.
The City of Mississauga and Enwave have signed agreements allowing Enwave to construct a new building to operate the system and locate the necessary pipes and infrastructure on city land.
“The groundbreaking of the district energy system at Lakeview Village is an exciting step toward the future of sustainable communities in Canada and beyond,” said Carlyle Coutinho, CEO of Enwave Energy Corp. “This development is a complex undertaking, which will be the largest of its kind in North America with the integration of effluent.”
The new building will house the district energy operations centre, which will be operated by Enwave, along with a sewage pumping station (which will be operated by the Region of Peel) and an educational space to provide learning opportunities for Mississauga residents, visitors and the business community.
Construction kicked off on the community’s first residential building earlier this month, with occupancy expected in early 2029. mylakeviewvillage.com enwave.com
Left to right: Daniel Liao, dean, faculty of technology and trades; Sheldon Leonard, Reliance Home Comfort; Aidan Wornes, associate dean, school of skilled trades; Glenn Vollebregt, president/CEO St. Lawrence College; and Maher Ghalayini, senior VP academic, officially open the Reliance Home
Residential HVAC Lab at SLC. (photo: St. Lawrence College)
Rendering of the new district energy building
Ground breaking ceremony for new district energy building: (l-r) Stephen Dasko (city councillor); Charles Sousa (MP), Brian Sutherland (Lakeview Community Partners), Gord Buck (founder of ARGO), Carolyn Parrish (Mississauga Mayor), Carlyle Coutinho (CEO, Enwave Energy), Ehren Cory (CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank), Alvin Tedjo (city councillor), Rudy Cuzzetto (MPP), and Silvio De Gasperis (president/CEO of TACC Group).
SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACTING GEN Z’S INTEREST IN SKILLED TRADES
Results from U.S.-based online home services directory Thumbtack’s second annual Future of Skilled Trades report finds that more than half of Gen Z (ages 16-26) is considering a future in the trades, with two out of three citing social media as increasing their interest in this career path.
The report gathered data from Gen Z, their parents and home services professionals. This shift in perspective toward the trades is supported by Gen Z feeling let down by traditional four-year postsecondary programs, with 90% of graduates feeling strongly that college is incorrectly presented as the only path to career success.
This figure is supported by 80% of Gen Z believing skilled trades to be a better path to economic security than college, with this interest nearly equal between men (57%) and women (52%). Among the top trades this generation is most interested in pursuing are plumbing (sixth overall) and HVAC (eighth overall).
Social media is reported as one of the primary influences fuelling this shift, with Gen Z seeing these platforms as the second-biggest influence in choosing their career path, behind only their parents.
77% of Gen Z have seen increased attention to the trades on social media over the past year, with this trend supported by 60% of skilled trades professionals believing that their profession is becoming more “instagrammable.”
“Gen Zers are looking for careers that allow them to work and earn money right away, while pursuing a career they enjoy and learning new skills—all qualities that the skilled trades deliver on,” said Marco Zappacosta, co-founder and CEO of Thumbtack.
Respondents included 1,000 U.S. Gen Z’ers surveyed between July 27- 29, 2024 with an equal sample of high school aged (16 to 18) and college aged (19 to 26) respondents. thumbtack.com
ENERGY EFFICIENCY INITIATIVE LAUNCHED FOR B.C.’S CONDO HOUSING
The Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC) has launched the Strata Energy Advisor program in support of strata (condominium) councils in British Columbia looking to upgrade their buildings for climate and energy efficiency.
The Strata Energy Advisor program will provide hands-on guidance to 260 condo councils over the next three years regarding processes such as identifying retrofit opportunities in alignment with major capital renewals, navigating technology and financing options and the implementation of these upgrades.
This free service is open to all multiunit strata buildings across the province, with additional funding provided by the City of Victoria and the District of Saanich for expanded program spaces and community support.
This funding directly supports more
than 60 out of the 260 buildings comprising the program. While qualifying buildings in B.C. must be roughly 30 units or more, funding from the City of Victoria and District of Saanich expands this criteria buildings with a minimum of five or more units in their respective areas.
To qualify, buildings must be based in B.C. and have an upcoming end of life replacement project, with participants interested in the electrification of their building’s preexisting natural gas heating, hot water, ventilation or fireplace systems.
ZEIC is undertaking this initiative in partnership with the Condominium Home Owners Association of BC (CHOA BC). The program is also part of the BC Retrofit Accelerator, which is funded by Natural Resource Canada’s Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative, the Ronald S Roadburg Foundation, Metro Vancouver, ZEIC, and other contributors. zeic.ca
Continued
COLD CLIMATE HEAT PUMP CHALLENGE WRAPS UP
All eight manufacturers participating in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge successfully completed product field testing and demonstrated efficiency and improved performance in cold weather for their products developed for the initiative, said the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The Challenge was developed in 2021 by the DOE in partnership with the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Participating manufacturers included: Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, Midea, Rheem and Trane Technologies. All manufacturers anticipate entering commercial production as soon as this fall— Bosch was first to market launching its IDS Ultra model in early November.
Laboratory testing was carried out in 2022 and 2023 before entering into a field testing phase across 23 residential sites spanning two Canadian provinces and 10 U.S. states, where a full year of performance data was gathered.
The DOE has shared its key findings from the field testing in a published report. energy.gov
NEW CEO APPOINTED FOR SKILLED TRADES ONTARIO
Candice White has been appointed as the new CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) by its board of directors.
White was most recently the chief administrative officer for the municipality of Port Hope,
White replaces outgoing CEO Melissa Young, who served as STO’s CEO since January 2022 and helped launch initiatives such as the Standards Industry Advisory Committees, Certificates of Qualification and wallet cards for skilled trades professionals, STO’s Exam Support Unit and more. skilledtradesontario.ca
STATCAN DEBUTS RENOVATION PRICE INDEX REPORT
In November Statistics Canada released its first Residential Renovation Price Index (RRPI), a report focused on the costs to completing residential renovation projects.
Overall residential renovation prices across Canada increased by 0.7% in Q2 of 2024, building on an increase of 0.8% in Q1 2024. Provincially, B.C. saw the largest Q2 increase at 1.4%, followed by Saskatchewan (+1.3%) and Newfoundland and Labrador (+1.2%).
An overall trend is the sharp increase driven by pandemicera prices, though the report shows this spike has largely since normalized. The national renovation price average has increased a total of 66.5% between Q1 of 2017 and Q2 of 2024, though the RRPI demonstrates that quarterly growth has begun to return to pre-pandemic levels since Q2 of 2022. statcan.gc.ca
On October 3, Modern Niagara was on hand to celebrate the grand reopening at 945 Princess Street Kingston, Ont., a major building retrofit project with the space turning into a sustainable innovation hub for local organizations following nearly $70 million in renovations and decarbonization efforts.
The 230,000-square-foot facility is designed to accelerate innovation and collaboration, with the building featuring labs, shared analytical equipment, piloting bays, pre-manufacturing space, an on-site machine shop and coworking spaces. Current tenants include AirWise Sales, OX2 Air Solutions, Sparq Systems, Queens University and more.
Modern Niagara’s retrofit is expected to reduce the building’s carbon emissions by 80% with an approximate 2,000 tonne reduction in annual emissions, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon status. The project was to include replacing the building’s existing fossil-fuelled heating system with electrified systems such as heat pumps and to enhance its operation control system and insulation. The building’s retrofit received $25 million in funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Building Retrofits initiative. modernniagara.com
MODERN NIAGARA RETROFITS NEW KINGSTON INNOVATION HUB
Ribbon cutting at the grand opening of revitalized innovation hub, featuring Modern Niagara president/CEO Brad McAninch (left) along with City of Kingston officials.
The revitalized building at 945 Princess St. in Kingston, Ont.
PHOTO: MODERN NIAGARA
HUMBER OPENS EXPANDED CENTRE FOR SKILLED TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY
In October Humber Polytechnic in Toronto opened its expanded Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, with its new facilities featuring updated equipment for hands-on training in sectors including heating, refrigeration and air conditioning.
Located in Etobicoke, the 16,000 sq. ft. expansion adds 500 new skilled trades training opportunities across the apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship and post-secondary levels. Specialized labs have been added as part of the expansion, including a heating, refrigeration and air conditioning (HRAC) lab. humber.ca
1CLICK SUPPORTING COMMUNITY HOUSING RETROFITS
Toronto's 1Click Heating & Cooling, an e-commerce platform working with HVAC contractors nation wide, has started work on a pilot project on behalf of Ottawa’s Gloucester Housing to support EnviroCentre’s Retrofit Accelerator initiative.
1Click is supporting deep retrofit work that includes the replacement of traditional furnaces with hybrid air source heat pumps, upgrading natural gas water heaters to electric hybrid heat pump water heaters, installing heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems, and performing insulation upgrades. 1clickheat.com
KID’S BOOK FEATURES HVAC/R FOCUS
The second book in the Next Up Trades series is now available, as Philadelphia-area HVAC/R and plumbing industry marketer and author Ryan Kiscaden has released The Air Came To A Stop, an illustrated children’s book educating kids about the trades.
Kiscaden’s first book in the series, The Water Came To A Stop, was released in 2022 and focused on a plumbing. In the latest book, Kay and her classmates experience an unusually hot day inside their school, and when Kay tries to help, she accidentally causes her school’s air conditioning to come to a stop. Fortunately, HVAC/R technicians, Gomer Gopher and Drafty Giraffe save the day.
Kay and her classmates learn about teamwork, HVAC/R technology and terms, and they develop an appreciation for the skilled trades.
This second book in the Next Up Trades series is sponsored by the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). kiscadenconsulting.com
AVOIDING TROUBLESHOOTING BIAS
Maybe it’s not the pressure switch. BY
The Ides of October are upon me as I begin to write this article and, oh my, a magnificent blanket of frost covers my backyard. I can imagine HVAC service technicians will soon be dispatched with fists full of no heat job tickets.
Companies that service all makes rely on technicians being able to diagnose and repair a variety of cranky residential furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, packaged units, fireplaces and even commercial products such as unit heat-
IAN McTEER
ers and rooftop units to name just a few. There’s a mountain of knowledge— no, a universe of knowledge—and experience required to deal with everything out there under the HVAC sun.
I like to watch HVAC technicians who post YouTube videos of their diagnostic adventures. Some repairs prove to be almost absurdly challenging, usually involving several problems needing to be solved before the real core issue presents itself.
One Youtuber regularly starts his trou -
bleshooting journey from behind the wheel of his stationary service vehicle advising viewers of the type of equipment waiting for him at the impending service call, and he then shares his thoughts on what the issue might be.
Invariably, the brand of the installed product noted on the job ticket comes under his close speculative scrutiny as he drives to the customer’s home. All the while, viewers are being treated to a litany of things that commonly go wrong with
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BUILT CANADA TOUGH
“Companies servicing all HVAC brands should consistently offer their service staff comprehensive training opportunities.”
this Brand X unit featured in the video.
I’m sure any of us who have done any kind of HVAC service work also run potential scenarios related to Brand X’s no heat failure, or any Brand’s no heat or poor performance failings for that matter. And many times we’re right, because Brand X might be famous for a particular type of failure.
Yet, once on the jobsite, our premonition of a speedily resolved service event is turned upside down when Brand X has failed for an entirely different, unexpected reason. This presumptive diagnosis of Brand X is a phenomenon known as confirmation bias, that is, diagnosing problems solely based on the information provided in the service ticket, without first visiting the jobsite.
By forming conclusions prematurely technicians may overlook critical details and misdiagnose the issue, ultimately affecting the quality of service and customer satisfaction.
IN DEFENSE OF BRAND X
There is no argument on my part that some products, in the universe of products, demonstrate the concept of value engineering all too well and too often provide a mountain of grief for their owners and servicers.
However, I would argue that efforts to make such products both competitive and affordable in the marketplace can benefit consumers and contractors alike provided solid industry practices and manufacturer’s installation instructions are followed.
I installed a Brand X air conditioner at my sister’s house, in fact, the unit I chose was stenciled from a well-known manufacturer of HVAC equipment. Why? Because it was affordable for her. The unit lasted 22 years: the condenser fan motor and contactor were replaced over the time by a local servicer that also provided yearly maintenance for her. Not bad, Brand X.
In one Youtuber video, he arrived at a service call to find the limit control had failed open. He expected a failed hot surface igniter, and brought one into the basement with him, only to find the igniter was in good condition.
A control board flash code eventually led him to testing the limit. Not having the replacement part handy, he left the job to source a new component at a local supply house. Once replaced, the unit started working again. He changed the nearly plugged air filter with what looked like a MERV 4 air filter the homeowner had on hand and then left the job.
A furnace limit control failure is a serious matter. Even though the Youtuber had more service calls waiting, further investigation should have been conducted.
Perhaps, off camera, the homeowner was encouraged to book another service appointment, we will never know.
Here’s what I think should have happened:
• The blower wheel and secondary heat exchanger should
Figure 1. Example of a modern 24-volt limit switch.
Figure 2. Here’s a 120-volt furnace fan limit control switch
have been inspected for cleanliness.
• Based on the ductwork I observed in the video, a temperature rise test was necessary. Any limit failure ought to dictate a temperature rise test.
• Test static, working and manifold gas pressure.
• The gas meter should have been clocked to verify input.
Modern gas furnaces typically use a 24 volt “limit on a stick” control (see Figure 1, opposite page).
This control will reset automatically, but it is not an operating control. In reality, this safety control only has to work once, yet this type of control will reset a number of times, how many times is anyone’s guess.
The service technician most often has no way of knowing how many times this control reset itself before failure. Unlike the old-style 120-volt helical fan limit controls (see Figure 2) that too of-
ten allowed cycling on the limit for extraordinary lengths of time, possibly years! Today’s new limit controls are more conditioned to detect overheating and to act faster thus helping to avoid heat exchanger failures.
CONFIRMATION BIAS VS. PRESSURE SWITCHES
It’s true that in older condensing furnace designs the metal pressure switches were prone to corrosion caused by water vapour from the flue gas migrating into the switch, thus rusting holes into the casing.
Today’s plastic switch body housings along with improved placement location preventing such migration means the pressure switches are remarkably robust. However, the pressure switch retains its villain status to the point where anyone can purchase a new one from online retailers.
Continued on p16
Figure 4. The vent pipe in this installation was sloped towards the vent termination elbow. Trouble.
Figure 3. Could this vent location cause a problem?
Modern HVAC equipment is sophisticated. Control boards monitor so many system functions that sometimes failure mode readouts—be they flashing LEDs or smart thermostat coded events—that technicians with confirmation bias have this reinforced by another fallibility called cognitive incapacitation.
Faced with various types of equipment using unique failure readouts, many codes that techs have probably never seen before, all requires absorbing new information from 100-page manuals being read in poorly lit basements. Ultimately techs can become overwhelmed and simply start throwing parts at the offender.
In such situations, technicians should fall back on essential knowledge common to all HVAC products: the sequence of operation.
This is a typical sequence for a single stage gas furnace:
Call from thermostat (R to W1)
Control board runs a self-check routine, it may exercise some relays and look for:
1. All pressure switches open
2. Limit control closed.
3. Flame Rollout closed.
4. No flame detected.
If no faults exist, then the draft inducer is energized.
Pressure switch closes.
Igniter warm up period.
Gas valve energized.
“By forming conclusions prematurely, technicians may overlook critical details and misdiagnose the issue.”
The control board flame sensor circuit confirms ignition.
Blower fan energized.
If the control board indicates a pressure switch error at the start of the cycle, the pressure switch must be closed; nothing is going to happen. There are only three basic pressure switch (PS) errors:
1. PS Closed at the start of the cycle.
2. PS Doesn’t close at the start of the cycle.
3. PS Opens during the cycle.
Why would the PS be closed at the start of the cycle?
1. The switch may be faulty.
2. There is a wiring short circuit.
3. Strong wind outdoors pressurizing the vent system.
Why would the PS not close at the start of the cycle?
1. The draft inducer isn’t running or not running fast enough to produce the deep negative needed to close the PS.
2. The venting is blocked.
3. The venting system is too long over its maximum equivalent length, too many elbows, undersized pipe.
4. There are sags in the vent or sec -
tions with improper slope allowing water to accumulate thus blocking the vent.
5. The drain is blocked allowing the vent or draft inducer to fill with water.
6. The furnace heat exchanger is defective.
7. The vent terminal is blocked by debris, snow or ice, improper termination. Why would the pressure switch open during the cycle?
The PS will often open during the cycle as the reasons for not closing at the start of the cycle manifest themselves once combustion is enabled. It is worth examining the vent terminal before making any assumptions about the cause of a no heat.
Is the vent terminal in Figure 3 (page 15) installed appropriately? Could the ice buildup on the fence impede efficient venting and trip the PS from time to time (intermittent failure)?
In Figure 4 (also page 15), the vent pipe was sloped towards the vent termination elbow. Installed in November, the system ran until New Year’s Day before the accumulation of water at the elbow
Continued on p18
Figure 6. Clean burners make a difference, check for rust.
Figure 5. The pressure switch may designate an operating pressure (OP) that can be checked.
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prevented the pressure switch from closing. You could hear the water sloshing around in the vent as the draft inducer tried to close the PS.
Manufacturers specify how much deep negative the draft inducer needs to develop at the start of the cycle assuming the vent and drain systems are installed according to the installation instructions.
Said pressure can only be determined using a low-pressure manometer. For example, the manufacturer might specify a deep negative of – 0.92-in. water column (w.c.) to close the switch.
Once the combustion cycle starts, pressure in the system will increase (move closer to zero). The opening pressure (trip point) might be specified at – 0. 77-in. w.c. with a range of +/0.04-in. w.c. The PS may designate an (OP) Operating Pressure (see Figure 5, page 16) including a manufacturer specified range, often +/- 0.04-in. w.c.
Before connecting a manometer, be sure to verify all the physical restraints that will impair proper venting are not the issue. Only then can a manometer identify a faulty switch.
MAYBE IT’S NOT THE FLAME ROD
More often than not, the flame rod needs servicing or replacement—no confirmation bias there. But, whenever servicing the flame rod it’s best to take a before and after DC microamp reading to be sure the true problem has been corrected.
Burners must be clean, especially the cross lighters, be sure to check for additional problems such as badly rusted burners (see Figure 6, page 16). Why is the burner rusty? Contaminated combustion air often plays a role in burner degradation.
Just a seemingly insignificant amount of debris in one part of the cross lighter can cause flame failure regardless of the virtues of the flame proving circuit (see Figure 7, above).
Other sophisticated components such as electronically commutated fan motors and electronic control boards are fun -
damentally voltage dependent. Check for voltage at the device such as Line terminal on the control board (see Figure 8).
Voltage drops are caused by wiring faults, loose connections, poor grounding or other defective components that must be repaired. Electronic devices starving for proper input voltage are subject to erratic output operation leading to the most frustrating kind of no heat calls.
Whether a low-cost Brand X or a highly rated premium HVAC product found its way onto a technician’s no heat call list, every technician should have a basic understating of how the device is meant to operate.
Furthermore, a second-rate installation will launch any HVAC product into the orbit of premature failure. Technicians should take the time to evaluate the entire system from gas meter to furnace drainpipe looking for external culprits leading to internal breakdowns.
Companies servicing all HVAC brands should consistently offer their service staff comprehensive training opportunities. By ensuring technicians are familiar with the diverse range of equipment installed in the area, companies can enhance diagnostic accuracy and repair quality.
Additionally, developing, refining and consistently reviewing company policies related to installation and commissioning criteria is essential. Providing support and feedback mechanisms will foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement in your business, ultimately benefiting both technicians and customers. <>
Ian McTeer is an HVAC consultant with over 35 years of experience in the industry. He was most recently a field rep for Trane Canada DSO. McTeer is a refrigeration mechanic and Class 1 Gas technician. Any questions or comments, Ian can be reached at imcteer@outlook.com.
Figure 8. Check for voltage levels on the control board.
Figure 7. Cross lighter blockage can cause flame failure.
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STREAMLINING A DESIGN
Reducing complexity and cost while improving performance. BY
JOHN SIEGENTHALER
Iwas recently asked to review a proposed heating system for a school in which two electric boilers were being added to supplement the output of an existing gas-fired cast-iron boiler. The electric boilers were chosen to take advantage of low “off-peak” electrical rates.
The system supplied four zones of low temperature water floor heating, all of which required the same supply water temperature at design load.
The designer planned to operate the gas-fired boiler at temperatures high enough to avoid sustained flue gas condensation. They also planned install a “bypass circulator” as another means of boosting the inlet temperature to the gas-fired boiler to (supposedly) prevent flue gas condensation.
A 3-way motorized mixing valve would be used on each of the four zones to reduce the supply water temperature supplied from the boilers. The proposed schematic for the system is shown Figure 1 (page 22)
Although the proposed system could likely have delivered heat to the load, it would do so while operating at undesirable conditions, and after costing significantly more than necessary to install. Here’s a list of the issues, and some proposed modifications to eliminate them:
1). Never pipe boilers, or other hydronic heat sources, in series. There is no upside, and multiple downsides, such as not being able to remove one boiler for service without temporarily
“True value engineering reduces cost without sacrificing quality.”
changing the piping to keep the system operating.
In the case of modulating/condensing (mod/con) boilers or heat pumps, connecting them in series will lower the efficiency of downstream heat sources due to the higher inlet water temperature.
The flow of heated water through inactive combustion-type boiler(s) also needlessly increases jacket and stack heat loss.
2.) Although it would be possible to operate the proposed system (as de -
signed in Figure 1) at higher water temperatures and use mixing valves to achieve the lower supply temperatures needed for the floor heating circuits, it isn’t necessary. This is especially true for electric boilers that don’t create flue gases that could condense.
The gas-fired boiler can be protected against sustained flue gas condensation by installing a three-way motorized mixing valve that senses and reacts to boiler inlet temperature. This valve attempts to keep the boiler inlet temperature at or above 130F whenever possible. The bypass circulator shown in Figure 1 cannot react to boiler inlet temperature and as such cannot provide consistent anti-condensation protection.
3.) There are no check valves shown for the individual zone circuits in Figure
Continued on p22
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1. This would allow flow reversal through inactive zones when other zones are operating. Whenever zoning is accomplished using independently controlled circulators, each zone circuit must include a check valve.
4.) No purging valves or central air separator are shown in Figure 1. As shown, the system in Figure 1 would require a lot of aggravating hours to fill and purge.
5.) Although it’s not a major mistake, the water temperature sensors associated with any type of mixing assembly should be installed downstream of the associated circulator whenever possible. This ensures complete mixing of the hot and cold streams prior to the flow passing by the sensor that’s controlling the mixing assembly.
THE CHANGES
The schematic proposed in Figure 2 (page 24) shows one approach that eliminates all of the previously described issues.
All three heat sources are now piped in parallel, and each boiler has been equipped with valving that would allow
“ The hydraulic separator provides air and dirt separation, and I recommend one equipped with a magnet.”
it to be isolated, or even removed, for servicing without affecting operation of the remaining heat sources.
Each boiler also has its own circulator, which only runs when that boiler is active. Each boiler also has a check valve to prevent flow reversal, and a purging valve to expedite air removal during initial commissioning or following servicing.
The gas-fired boiler is now protected against sustained flue gas condensation by a three-way motorized mixing valve that responds to boiler inlet temperature. When that temperature is less than 130F, the cold port of the mixing valve is fully closed. This creates “recirculation” of water that is leaving the boiler going directly back into the boiler.
Very little heat is released to the headers. This allows the boiler to quickly warm-up above conditions that cause
sustained flue gas condensation before releasing heat to the load circuits.
All three heat sources connect through generously sized headers that lead to a hydraulic separator. In addition to isolating the pressure dynamics of the heat source circulators from those of the load circulators, the hydraulic separator provides efficient air and dirt separation for the system.
I would also recommend that the hydraulic separator be equipped with a magnet to capture any ferrous metal particles in the flow stream. This is good practice in new systems, and especially important in retrofits.
The water temperature on the load side outlet of the hydraulic separator is monitored by a three-stage heat source controller. That controller operates all three heat sources based on its settings.
Figure 1. Example of hydronic heat sources piped in series.
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Typically, it would use the gas-fired boiler as first stage (assuming that the unit price of heat from gas is below that of electric resistance heating during non-off-peak hours). The electric boilers would be operated as stages two and three to maintain a suitable supply water temperature to the load circuits. That temperature would be based on outdoor reset control.
The four three-way motorized mixing valves shown in the original design (Figure 1) can be eliminated. They are not needed. All mixing would now take place within the hydraulic separator.
The multi-stage heat source controller provides all the necessary logic and heat source operation to achieve and maintain the necessary supply water temperature. Eliminating the four mo -
torized mixing valves, along with the control hardware needed to operate them would save several thousands of dollars in a system of this size.
Finally, each of the four zones is equipped with a check valve to prevent flow reversal, and a purging valve to expedite air removal and filling.
PURPOSEFUL “PRUNING”
Although the term “value engineering” is sometimes used as a quip implying “cheapening” the design without regard to performance, its real intent is a very valid concept that all system designers should apply. True value engineering reduces cost without sacrificing quality.
In many cases value engineering can also improve the system’s long-term efficiency, reliability and serviceability.
Leveraging value engineering in hydronic system design relies on a broad understanding of proven piping designs, valving, circulator performance, control concepts and the operating characteristics of the heat sources.
The more time you spend learning the fundamentals of hydronic design, the better you’ll get at spotting opportunities to “prune” proposed designs for optimal results. <>
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 2. Alternate design with all the heat sources are piped in parallel.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Careful installation practices help mitigate future troubleshooting complications when it comes to controls.
BY CURTIS BENNETT
Unfortunately, for regular readers of my articles who may be looking forward to a story of me electrocuting myself (again) there simply isn’t space this time. So, forgive me, but I will be jumping right into today’s topic: troubleshooting control issues.
As control integration into the energy producing devices (boilers, heat pumps, furnaces, etc.) becomes more prominent
the emphasis today often gets shifted to other controls. Space controls, not outerspace but rather the zoning and final temperature controls like thermostats become more and more important to be accurate and set up properly to give the best end-user experience.
Homeowners, at the end of the day, are our customers. Their comfort and happiness are what drives not only our industry but really all industries. We pride ourselves on trying to make the customer happy, but doing so is not always as easy as it seems. From HVAC/R design to installation there are many aspects in that process that can go side -
ways and go sideways very fast.
Let’s go through a few things that hopefully will help you along the way to avoid issues in the future. When time is money, the less time you spend troubleshooting the more money in your pocket.
As you may or may not know about me, I am a huge proponent of analytical troubleshooting. I just wanted to make it sound fancy, but essentially that means not blindly changing things out or making random guesses as to what an issue may be.
Ok, on a continuation from one of my recent articles (HPAC August 2024/
Continued on p26
< CONTROLS
Continued from p25
Modern Hydronics Fall 2024 – “Help Me, Help You”), I need to reiterate something (again): Read the manual.
I’m sorry but I have to keep saying it, and for this article I ’m not talking about reading the ‘How to use the product’ aspect of the manual, but rather I’m talking about the ‘What this product can do’ information.
Having a comprehensive understanding of what the control you’re installing can do will go a long way to optimizing your systems. Plus, it WILL get you out of the occasional pickle. Trust me. It becomes important from the moment you decide to create a design for a home or building. When you understand what the control’s capabilities are; you will purchase the correct controls for the job.
You may not think this is part of troubleshooting, but it is.
Simply assuming you understand all the features of a control is NEVER a good design strategy. Ok, ok, I will move on. I think you get it now. (Read the manual)
NOTHING IS FAIL PROOF
Ok, a few words of wisdom before we move on. Actual words that as a control designer I live by: There is no such thing as failure proof.
EVERYTHING can fail at some point. Ok, you’re now thinking of something that can’t fail. That’s right there isn’t anything. That particular “thing” you are thinking of is FAILURE RESISTANT.
As a controls designers we need to mitigate failure the best we can. It seems easy, but I can tell you emphatically that it is not. The second words of wisdom are: Assume that it’s your fault. I don’t know how many times we get calls the instant a control is not working only to find out the issue has nothing to do with the control. It seems trivial, but if we take our egos out of the equation, yes, I said we, then you will get to the root of the problem faster.
We get a lot of support calls, and most
are not the control’s fault. I have a saying (I doubt I made it up or was the first to say it): “It’s not our fault, but it is our problem.”
The last thing I want to say to an installer is that it’s their fault. Laying blame does not help the situation, ever. Let’s fix the problem, and then we can all go home for a beer. As I said at the start, happy customers are our business.
COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN
Enough with the philosophy lesson already! I agree.
Let’s get down to business. The world we live in now is all about connectivity. The only issue with that is networks and passwords. There is still no device in the world that can guess your password. Well not any “legal” ones at least. This becomes the most important aspect once you have installed the controls.
Time and again we hear, “It won’t connect to the Internet.”
The first questions we ask are: “Do you have the correct SSID [service set identifier or Wi-Fi network name]? And is the password spelled right?”
“Yes,” is always the answer. I can’t stress this enough. Check it, double check it, and then check it again. Network names and passwords ARE CASE SENSITIVE. The second step, after you are 100% sure you have the proper
information, is to check the frequency of the router.
There is in fact a big difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz. (It’s 2.6GHz, lol … cheese, I know, I had to say it.) It’s a big deal to get this right. Most controls do not connect to 5GHz networks, and it will probably be a little longer before they do. So, for this to work you will need a 2.4GHz network.
If you are working in a building that has an IT department, they probably have shut off the 2.4GHz network. So, check that, and be sure about it. If that fails, set up a hotspot on your phone and try to connect to that. This will prove if there is a control issue or a “user” issue.
It is always a good idea to use the ‘scan networks’ option in the control if it has one. It will only pick up networks that the control can see. So, if you don’t see it in the list, then I would say that the network is broadcasting in 5GHz only. If you have done all of that correctly and still nothing, then, and only then, call support.
SITE SPECIFIC
Sensor position is another big issue— you could even say thermostat positioning as well. The sensor for the control or thermostat is the most important part. No sensor, no worky.
You know the real estate motto: location, location, location. The same goes for sensors. If you are using a pipe sensor for a mixing control, ensure you are on the correct pipe. The control can only respond to the information it’s given. Wrong input, wrong output.
Keep the outdoor sensor out of the sun. Notice I did not say, “Make sure it’s on the north side.” I said, “Keep it out of the sun.”
I have seen this issue more than once: certain times of the day a control starts to function improperly, only to find out that the outdoor sensor has been heating up for some reason.
1.) Check the conduit to the outdoors to ensure you don’t have heat migration.
2.) Check that there is not a window reflecting sunshine onto the sensor somewhere (I have seen that a few times).
3.) Check the wall where it’s attached isn’t heating up for some reason. Dark bricks absorb heat. Even if the sensor is not being directly hit with the sun, if the wall is warming up the sensor will pick that up.
The principle above also holds true for thermostats. Make sure you are only sensing the room temperature. Walls can have drafts within them behind the thermostat, and if there is a conduit box behind the thermostat then guess what, that draft will affect the thermostat.
Secondly, check the wall temperature. You may think you are on a wall that is in a good location, but even and inside wall can be affected by the sun, even if you are not in the sun’s path
Even if the other side of the wall the thermostat is on gets hot it can heat up the thermostat. It happens, trust me. So just keep it in mind.
The thermostat is the “trusted” temperature in the room, so it needs to be fed the proper information to make the room the temperature you would like it to be. It’s the little things that will usually catch you up on a pesky troubleshooting trip.
FINAL TIPS
Lastly today, check everything. What is the first thing you do when the TV does not work. That’s right, you throw the remote control at it! Just kidding. You check the power. Is it plugged in? Are the batteries in the remote out of juice? Same with controls. Step number one, check the power. Do so by checking it right at the control, NOT at the working device leading to the control or the breaker.
The next thing to do, this is going to sound stupid but, wiggle the wiring. Wiggle it while watching the display if the control has one. Are the numbers changing. During the repeated heating and cooling of copper it will expand and contract, if only a little. These expansion and contraction cycles can loosen a connection you thought was tight when you installed the control. Wiring is a big culprit in one way or another. Remember that to check resistance
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you can’t have any current going through it. That one has tripped me up a few times. You are in a frenzy to find the issue, and you don’t turn the control off, or you are reading resistance of a wire that comes from a different location and was still powered. Just watch out for that. Well, that bring us to the end of our program. I hope you have enjoyed the show. All jokes aside, I hope you can glean some information from this quick overview of the items that trip up a lot of installers, present company included. <>
Curtis Bennett C.E.T is product development manager with HBX Control Systems in Calgary. He formed HBX Control Systems with Tom Hermann in 2002. Its control systems are designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada to accommodate a range of hydronic heating and cooling needs.
HOT, BUT NOT TOO HOT
Plumbers understand the importance of hot water delivery, no hot water equals unhappy customers. But they also know hot water comes with its own set of challenges, from technical issues like scale build up to safety concerns including bacterial growth and the risks of scalding temperatures. Thermostatic mixing valves and automatic compensating valves with thermostatic control are the solution for many of these challenges and valves of many types are found in family homes as well as larger commercial and institutional buildings.
HOT WATER DILEMMA
The dilemma in domestic hot water storage and delivery comes from the requirement to avoid the potential build up Legionella bacteria in systems. Legionella are bacteria that live in water and the inhaling of contaminated water droplets can cause two types of illness in humans: Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever.
Legionnaires’ disease is a respiratory illness that results in pneumonia, linked back to an outbreak that killed 29 peo -
ple at an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia in 1976. Pontiac fever is a milder flu-like illness first identified in Pontiac, Michigan in the early 1970s.
Legionella bacteria become dormant if water temperature drops below 20C/68F and will start to die off above 50C/122F. Water temperatures between these extremes provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth, so the most widely accepted method of preventing Legionella is to maintain hot water storage continually at or above 60C/140F.
The trouble with 60C water is that it will scald humans within one second of exposure and cause a third-degree burn in five seconds. The tender skin of small children and thin skin of the elderly make them particularly vulnerable to serious hot water burns.
Thus, from the “Water Temperature Control” section of the most recent national model plumbing code (gradually being harmonized across the country): “the temperature of water discharging from a shower head or into a bathtub shall not exceed 49C.” There is an exception in the code: “In healthcare facilities and seniors’ residences, the
temperature of water discharging from a shower head or into a bathtub shall a) not exceed 43C, and b) be adjusted at the shower or bathtub controls.”
This is where the requirement for thermostatic mixing fits in. To meet the demand of 60C water heater storage and a maximum 49C or 43C delivery at the fixtures, the code requires a certified thermostatic mixing valve.
The most common location for mixing valve installation has been as close to the water heater as possible, or where there are long piping runs from the water heater to the fixtures, a point of use mixing valve is installed to temper the water. Now many shower and tub/ shower combination valves have certified automatic compensating valves to control temperature and pressure at the fixture, satisfying the code.
VALVE DESIGN
Relatively simple in design, thermostatic mixing valves have a hot water inlet connection, a cold water inlet connection and a mixed water outlet connection, along with a thermal element or thermostatic sensor and a
The evolving role of thermostatic water mixing valves for domestic hot water. BY DOUG PICKLYK
means for adjusting the mixed water outlet temperature (see figure 1). The devices can be either mechanically actuated or electronically controlled.
The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) is the product certification body with a focus on thermostatic mixing. There are many different types, sizes and configurations of mixing valves that are designed for specific applications, the two common differentiators are point of distribution (close to the water heater) and point of use.
“Choose your fighter: high-flow or high-protection,” explains Max Rohr, director of marketing and education with Caleffi North America. “ASSE 1017 listed, point of distribution mixing valves, cover a wide range of flow rates but aren’t all built to close the hot port completely to prevent overshoot. They are most frequently installed one per mechanical room.
“ASSE 1070 listed, point of use mixing valves, are the last line of defense to limit water temperature at a fixture and have a narrow outlet temperature range. They are used for one fixture or a small group of fixtures. Some small valves are able to meet both criteria and are dual listed.”
In addition, ASSE 1016 (CSA B125.16) sets out performance requirements for automatic compensating valves for individual showers and tub/shower combinations. These valves can be pressure only, temperature only or combination.
The temperature control section of the latest model plumbing code states: water supplied to shower heads or bathtubs shall be controlled by an automatic compensating valve conforming to ASSE1016/CSA B125.16. The code goes on to say, this requirement can be waived if hot water supplied only to bathtubs is controlled by an automatic compensating valve conforming to CSA B125.3, or a temperature-limiting device conforming to ASSE 1070/CSA B125.70, or where the water is supplied by a single tempered water line con -
trolled by an automatic compensating valve conforming to CSA B125.3. At the end of the day, the valves must conform to anti-scald limitations and keep water no hotter than 49C.
There are efficiency benefits to having a thermostatic mixing valve near the water heater and feeding the whole house. “If you only control the temperature at the shower you are going to have heated a lot of water unnecessarily,” notes Chris Rock, director of sales and marketing with Watts. “You'll have a much higher temperature from the water heater tank all the way to the point of use, and you run a risk of scalding.”
By mixing close to the tank, it also reduces the amount of hot water being drawn from the water heater. With the water stored at the higher temperature of 60C, and then mixing it down to 49C close to the tank’s outlet, there is an increase in the usable hot water supply.
“In theory, we should be selling a thermostatic mixing valve with every single tank water heater,” says Steve Goldie, HPAC plumbing contributor who works with Ontario plumbing and hydronics wholesaler Next Supply. “But in practice we don’t, because most plumbers will only put them in if they absolutely have to.”
As Goldie sees it, the customer is always right. “Some people want their showers hot. They’ll get into a shower
and then gradually make it hotter as they get acclimatized. If you really follow the letter of the law, you may be limiting how hot they can have it.”
Modern automatic compensating type shower or tub/shower valves are the last line of defense in protecting people from scalding water, and also thermal shocks, the unintended surprises that occur when one person is showering and someone else runs the cold water or flushes the toilet.
Another specialty thermostatic valve application is for emergency situations in factories or laboratories. These point of use valves (certified to ASSE 1071) have a tighter tolerance to limit the water temperature to emergency eyewash or drench shower applications.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
In multi-unit residential buildings, including high-rises towers and hotels, as well as institutional buildings like hospitals here hot water demands are higher and more challenging to deliver, thermostatic mixing and balancing take on more important roles.
“Clearly commercial buildings have larger and/or digital valves giving the flow rates required versus residential,” notes David Desjardins, business development manager – mixing, with Watts. In general, Continued on p30
Figure 1. Internal view of a thermostatic mixing valve.
Figure 2: Some valves can perform multiple functions based on their ASSE certification (1017 point of distribution; 1070 point of use).
these systems are more complex with much more fluctuation in demand.
When comparing residential to commercial applications, Rohr draws on an automotive analogy. “Essentially, thermostatics are like a carburetor and digital mixing is more like fuel injection in a motor,” he explains. “In residential, simplicity is key and [mechanical] thermostatic valves hit the mark. Commercial applications are where we are seeing a shift to digital mixing valves. Upgrading the ability for a controller to gather information from a handful of sensors to predict and react. Along with datalogging and communication options, digital mixing can help with commissioning and troubleshooting.”
The digital mixing valve technology has been developing for well over a decade, targeting the hot water delivery and recirculation systems in large buildings. The digital controls are more precise than mechanical devices and with monitoring software can control water temperatures to prevent scalding but also ensure circulation in long piping runs to provide Legionella protection.
Another “major driver” notes Rohr is that digital valves can “mechanically manage scale buildup by exercising the ball control element ensuring consistent and reliable operation.”
THERMAL BALANCING
Another related activity in the delivery of domestic hot water in large buildings
is the thermal balancing of the systems. Hot water delivery can be affected by large swings in demand disrupting the consistent supply of hot water at the temperature required.
“In the past, balancing was done during commissioning of the building,” says Rock. “The big problem is that this was very labour intensive and couldn’t possibly account for future changes or the dynamic nature of a building. This is where digital mixing and a control system like Nexa (software developed by Watts to help monitor and control the whole water system) become so valuable and offers a dynamic element.”
When it comes to the balancing, “Dialing in the mixed water temperature from the mechanical room is step one,” says Desjardins. This is where the digital thermostatic mixing valve excels.
Then for the hot water recirculation system, the introduction of thermostatic balancing valves are devices that can continuously adjust flow to maintain a set temperature in the system. These self-actuating devices can then work in conjunction with smart variable speed electronically commutated motor (ECM) circulator pumps in the system which can vary their speed to match the required flow.
According to Rohr, digital mixing, thermal balancing and ECM circulators are the “technology dream team” for domestic hot water recirculation. “This combination excels at delivering hot wa -
ter to occupants, while quietly reducing water and energy waste.”
MAKING IT EASIER
From the simple mechanical thermostatic mixing valve installed near the top of a water heater tank (or onto a tankless water heater), to the more sophisticated digital mixing valves in commercial applications, the product offerings continue to evolve to make installations and servicing the devices simple for contractors.
“For example, in our newest addition (Intellistation 2 [digital mixing valve]) we have a four-bolt pattern on the globe valve to make access and servicing a five-minute exercise,” says Rock.
Although many of the basic mechanical thermostatic valve designs haven’t changed much over the years, products are available for all types of connections (threaded, solder, PEX, CPVC, quick-connect or press), and some come with temperature gauges for more dialed in control.
In addition, some are sold in kits for certain applications. “A compact kit with pivot fittings works great with limited clearance and combi-boilers, and a flexible stainless-steel pipe and cross fitting can make avoiding a gas flue simple. Flexibility is key,” says Rohr. “I’ve been into many mechanical rooms over the years and no two are the same. The larger the variety of product options to choose from, the quicker the installer gets the hot water back on.” <>
Figure 4. The latest digital mixing valve from Watts features a touchscreen interface, connectivity and precise monitoring.
Figure 5. Example of a pivot connection kit with a flexible stainless-steel pipe to extend from the cold water line to the hot water on a water heater tank.
Figure 3. Many shower and tub/shower valves now have an automatic compensating valve to control pressure and temperature at the fixture.
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Watts has launched Nexa, a water management solution for buildings offering real-time monitoring, alerts, and insights to prevent water-related incidents and reduce water and energy consumption. The system includes sensing technology and a software platform allowing building managers to enhance building performance and occupant experience. The interface features a system schematic, alerts, and analytics. When used with with Nexa compatible equipment, like water heaters, digital mixing valves or shutoff valves, facility managers remotely manage specific operations. Nexa is available in desktop and mobile app formats. nexaplatform.com
Viega’s new line of MegaPress Transition Couplings can be used to transition between galvanized or carbon steel pipe and copper, PEX, or stainless steel. The company offers three products available in ½-in. to 2-in. sizes. All of the couplings are made of zero-lead bronze that can be used to connect dissimilar metals while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion. They also feature Smart Connect technology to detect and resolve unpressed connections. The couplings with EPDM sealing elements carry an NSF-61 rating for potable water. viega.us
OS&B introduces its redesigned Island Tub Drain (IDT) featuring a deeper, more compact, onepiece asymmetrical deck flange and removable mortar/debris guard. The ITD, which allows installation of a freestanding bathtub in minutes, is available in ABS, PVC and Total 1 2-in-1 ABS/PVC base material options. It installs into a 4-in. hole before finished flooring onto a 1-1/2-in. or 2-in p-trap. Engineered and manufactured in Canada, the redesigned ITD is available now through wholesalers. osb.ca
Water Treatment as a Profit Centre:
An Untapped Opportunity for Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors
The Plumber Protects The Health of The Nation
BY PAUL ETHIER
One hundred years ago, the American Standard Fixture Company created a poster that to this day is displayed proudly in many of the plumbing and mechanical contractor shops I’ve had the honour of visiting across North America.
It pictures a plumber standing confidently with a sea of ordinary folks looking admiringly up at him. At the top it reads, “The Plumber Protects the Health of The Nation”.
In the century since that poster was commissioned, the nation still looks to its plumbers as a trusted figure in the community, looking out for the health and safety of the home and families they serve each day.
In this article my hope is to remind you of this fact, and to outline the ways you and your team can benefit from helping your customers improve the quality of the water in their home.
Where (and Why) To Begin?
Water quality is an issue that affects households, commercial properties, and industrial facilities across the country. The presence of bacteria, viruses, sediment, heavy metals, and chemicals in water can lead to a host of problems, including health risks, equipment damage, and reduced efficiency of water systems.
As a plumber, the treatment of these issues offers a lucrative opportunity to diversify and grow your business while also addressing environmental and health concerns for your customers. This article also aims to shed light on the many advantages of introducing water treatment into your day-to-day offering, arming you with the knowledge and motivation to grow your business.
Your customers want it… They just don’t know you have it
The average Canadian spends roughly $200 per year on singleuse plastic bottles and an additional $500 per year on the 18.9L (5 Gal) water cooler bottles for their home.
The main reasons cited for this purchasing behaviour is convenience, health and improved taste of bottled water relative to their tap water. The truth is, most homeowners are simply not aware that with one call to their trusted plumber, they can have an unlimited supply of highly filtered, bottled water quality water from every tap in their home, while also helping to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on the environment. Bringing up water quality on every call and listening to the concerns of your customers can go a long way toward growing your business, expanding your presence in the home and continuing to build on that basis of trust.
Once you’ve made the decision to incorporate or expand the water treatment segment of your business, the next step is to train yourself and your team on the different water treatment methods available. By partnering with reputable water treatment suppliers, attending industry association workshops and seminars, and staying informed about the latest technologies and best practices in the industry, you can enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence by delivering best-in-class water treatment solutions to your customers.
Just as no two plumbing jobs are ever the same, this maxim also applies to water quality, as no two water sources are the same. Each issue is an opportunity to present a unique solution
to the homeowner and to present options based on their preferences, priorities and of course, their budget.
The Big Three Water Quality Concerns
Though there are as many water quality concerns as there are solutions, there are three main issues that typically float to the top of every homeowner’s list:
Taste and Odour
The chief concern among homeowners today is the perceived poor taste and odour of the water coming into their home from their local treatment facility, as is evidenced by the multi-billion dollar bottled water industry that has sprung up over the past few decades.
Thankfully chlorination is one of the simplest and most lucrative issues to address. To combat the potential adverse health effects of biological contaminates, the Canadian water quality guidelines suggest a free Cl- range of 1-3ppm in a municipal water system, while swimming pool guidelines are around the same range. A simple test conducted on site by any plumber or apprentice will show to the homeowner that their water has a residual amount of chlorine to that of the average swimming pool!
A point-of-entry carbon backwashing system and an under-the-counter filtration or reverse osmosis system will easily take care of any taste or odour concerns your customers may have.
Hardness and Iron Staining
Hardness and Iron are typically found on well systems or in any groundwater source. As water passes through the ground it picks up these minerals along the way. Hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium can be easily removed by installing an ion exchange “softener” system. Most of the softeners in use today are highly efficient and will even handle trace amounts of iron and manganese. For
water with higher levels of iron and manganese, there are filtration options that address those minerals specifically. For water with a nuisance amount of hardness (i.e.: 15gpg or less), there are also some physical scale conditioning systems on the market that perform quite well in lieu of salt-based systems, provided that customer expectations are properly managed.
Bacteria and Other Biological Contaminates
Though chlorine is added by the municipalities to protect our drinking water, the public does not particularly enjoy drinking chlorinated water. By removing the chlorine at the point of entry and installing an ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system, you are getting rid of the aesthetic issue of objectionable taste while continuing to protect the drinking water from biological contamination. UV systems are a highly effective, chemical free method of inactivating bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that may be present in the water.
Emerging Concerns – Forever chemicals, and micro-plastics
In the past decade, there are two new water issues that are quickly rising to the top of the list in terms of consumer health concerns – PFOS/PFAS or “forever chemicals” and micro-plastics, both of which are cause for alarm even when found in trace amounts.
PFOS/PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in many products and industrial applications. In water, these chemicals can pose significant health concerns, including liver damage, immunodeficiencies, adverse birth affects, among others.
The trace amounts of micro-plastics found in bottled water and even in municipal water sources have been one of the leading causes in consumers seeking other options for their drinking water. In
fact, the average North American consumes enough micro-plastics in a year in weight as a credit card!
Thankfully the water treatment industry has been on top of developing technologies that can reduce these harmful contaminates and are now readily available through most water treatment system suppliers.
In Conclusion
In an increasingly competitive market, differentiation is the key to attracting and retaining customers. By adding water treatment to your business, you can distinguish yourself from the competition by offering a full range of solutions to address all aspects of water management. Choosing to incorporate water treatment into your business presents plumbers and mechanical contractors like you with a unique opportunity to expand your service, enhance profitability, and make a positive impact on the environment and public health.
It allows you to further build trust with your customers and secure long-term success in a competitive and everchanging market. With the right mindset, resources, and dedication, you can unlock the full potential of water treatment services and reap the rewards that come with it.
Paul Ethier is the National Sales Manager (Canada) with Halo Water Systems. Involved in the water treatment industry for over 15 years, Paul has worked for many manufacturers and is a past president of the Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA). Halo Water Systems was founded in 2021 by a master plumber and is a water quality system “for contractors, by a contractor”. The systems are not sold in box stores or online. For more information contact Paul at paul@ halowater.com / (226) 206-0041 or visit halowater.com.
MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS
MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS
BARDON ACQUIRES GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Bardon Supplies has acquired Golden Triangle Heating Supply of Smith Falls, Ont., a company that has been serving the HVAC/R industries throughout Eastern Ontario since 1966.
Operating from an 8,600 sq. ft. location in Smiths Falls, the company now operates as Bardon Supplies Smiths Falls. The existing team has joined Bardon, and the transition will include the introduction of plumbing supplies to the operation. The new location joins Bardon’s chain of 13 wholesale branches in Ontario along with five Bathworks retail showrooms across the province. Bardon Supplies is a subsidiary of the Deschênes Group. bardonsupplies.com
BELANGER REBRANDS AND EXPANDS FOCUS
Bélanger, the Quebec-based faucet company, has announced a rebranding which includes a new logo, online refresh and market expansion, all timed with the launch of new product collections under its Bélanger Pro and Bélanger Essential lines.
Along with the new visual identity,
MASTER GROUP OPENS NEW MONTREAL DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
On November 14th, the Master Group held the grand opening of its new 300,000 sq. ft. Eastern distribution centre in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, located on the South Shore of Montreal.
The new $12 million LEED Goldcertified facility, with an additional 75,000 sq. ft. of outdoor storage, offers almost twice the storage and expansion capacity of the previous Boucherville-based distribution centre.
The building’s environmental certification comes from the integration of energy and water conservation measures. A combination of heat pumps and efficient insulation design is set to cut annual heating consumption by over 75% and cooling needs by 30%, while a system for collecting, storing, and reusing rainwater supplies 50% of the water required for plumbing fixtures.
Grand opening of Master’s new LEED Goldcertified distribution centre: (l-r) Sandrine Van Eyck, vp, transformation projects and real estate, Master Group; Ludovic Grisé Farand, mayor of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville; John Kaul, president of Master Group; Nancy Cormier, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville city councillor; Jean-François Routhier, chairman of the board, Master Group; and Caitlin Warren, vp, distribution centre, operations and transportation, Master Group.
Additionally, Master has included solar panels, a green roof and greenhouse, LEED Gold-certified doors and locks and an ergonomic loading room with 5G technology.
“This state-of-the-art facility reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service,” said John Kaul, president of the Master Group. “By investing in advanced technologies and expanding our capacity, we are not only supporting the growth of our business but also ensuring we continue to deliver the highest standards of service across the Greater Montreal area and beyond.” master.ca
Belanger has redesigned its website with updated product imagery, detailed technical specifications, and more.
“We are embracing a fresh vision for the future,” says Lidia Pedicelli, the new general manager of Bélanger, in a company release. “The rebrand is not just about a new logo or website, it’s about realigning our identity to reflect our unwavering focus on quality and our desire to make every Bélanger faucet a trusted, lasting addition to any home or project.”
The company, historically strong in Quebec, announced intentions to expand its market presence across Canada.
Bélanger was founded by Gérald Bélanger in 1966 and introduced its first line of faucets in 1986. The company was purchased by Keeney Manufacturing of Connecticut in 1993, and subsequently acquired by Oatey in November, 2019. belangerfaucets.com
Shawn Taylor, VP/GM of Bardon Supplies (left, and Chris Mathieson, owner of Golden Triangle Heating Supply.
PHOTOS; MASTER GROUP
NIBCO OPENS PLUMBING MUSEUM
In conjunction with the celebration of its 120th anniversary, NIBCO held the grand opening of the Rex Martin NIBCO Interactive Museum, a 3,254 sq. ft. space in the company’s renovated headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana.
The museum features interactive manufacturing displays, educational kiosks and a theatre area featuring video programs on both the company and the plumbing industry it represents.
“By making it interactive, we aim to create an engaging, hands-on experience that appeals to all ages, especially students. We want to make learning about plumbing, its importance, and the career opportunities it offers, both fun and inspiring,” said NIBCO’s president and CEO Ashley Martin.
The welcoming area features a 14-inch water fountain made of copper fittings, along with an interactive hologram. Items from across the company’s history are featured throughout the museum, including NIBCO’s first fitting from 1927, early foundry tools, original product blueprints from the 1930s and items from the collections of the company’s early presidents.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by shareholders, customers and local leaders was held on November 12 to commemorate both the opening of the museum and NIBCO’s anniversary.
“Our decision to build the NIBCO Interactive Museum and name it after
DISTRIBUTION
>> Armstrong has named Kilmer Environmental as its new manufacturer’s representative for Northern Central Ontario. A family-owned business, the Northern Central Ontario office is located in Sudbury. kilmerenv.com armstrongfluidtechnology.com
>> NEXT Plumbing and Hydronics Supply’s has opened a branch in Whitby, Ont., its most eastern outlet, located at 1450 Victoria St. E. Building A, Unit 1; off of Highway 401 and Thickson Road. It’s the company’s fourth new branch opening this year. nextsupply.ca
>> Equipco is now the manufacturer representative for Reznor products in Quebec, making them the coast-tocoast representative across Canada. equipcoltd.com reznorhvac.com
my father is a tribute to his remarkable contributions to the plumbing industry and a continuation of a legacy that began with my great-great-grandfather in 1904,” said Martin. “This space honours NIBCO’s five generations of family-owned leadership dedicated to one of humanity’s most essential innovations –plumbing and the ingenuity, resilience, and creativity that has brought clean water and sanitation throughout the world.” nibco.com
MITSUBISHI CANADA LAUNCHING
A2L PRODUCTS IN 2025
Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada (MESCA) has announced that it will be launching a new line of light commercial and residential heating and air-conditioning products using a low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant in 2025.
The new residential and mini-VRF products feature R-454B – an A2L refrig -
erant with a GWP of just 466, which is nearly 78% lower than R-410A.
In addition to environmental and efficiency benefits, Mitsubishi Electric’s new systems are also equipped with additional and advanced safety features tailored to handle A2L refrigerants, such as built-in leak detection sensors, shut-off valves, alarms, push notifications, smart control logic and more, promoting safe operation and ease of installation and service. mitsubishielectric.ca
BITZER LOOKS BACK ON 90 YEARS BITZER is celebrating 90 years and has adopted the motto “Shaping the Future with You” during its anniversary year.
Founded by Martin Bitzer in 1934, the company’s first international success in the 1930s was from manufacturing reciprocating compressors with co-current flow design. Today Bitzer’s current initiatives include offseting all carbon emission at its German plants by 2030. “Together, we can pursue the vision of a better future for the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry as well as for the environment and society. That is our central aim, and we are working hand in hand with our customers and partners,” said BITZER’s chief sales and marketing officer Martin Büchsel in a company release. bitzer.de/gb/en
PHOTO:
Ribbon Cutting: (l-r) Rod Roberson, Mayor of Elkhart; Ashley Martin, president/CEO, NIBCO; Rex Martin, chairman emeritus, NIBCO; Alexis Martin-Klose, NIBCO board; and Steve Malm, executive chairman, NIBCO.
Martin Bitzer (pictured) with the company’s first reciprocating compressors.
EMCO has announced that Sean Kelly will become president effective January 1, 2025, succeeding Rick Fantham, who has been president for 25 years. Fantham will become chairman for EMCO. Currently vice president and general manager, Kelly has been with the company for nearly 30 years. He was also recently elected as the 2024-25 national chair of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH).
Viega has promoted Peter Paulozza to director of Canada, replacing Pragnesh Desai, general manager of Canada, who has been promoted to a larger position within the international organization. Both assume their new roles beginning January 1, 2025.
Joining Viega in 2022, Desai played a role in growing the company’s presence and market share across the country. Paulozza, currently the regional sales manager for Eastern Canada, brings over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry to the new position.
SFA Saniflo Canada has promoted Justin Cooper to commercial account manager for Western Canada and named Claudia St-Denis as commercial account manager for the East. In these new roles Cooper and St-Denis will manage day-to-day sales activities, including managing head office activities. Cooper was previously business development manager in the West, and St-Denis bring 25 years of sales management experience to the her new role.
Rheem Canada has appointed Carl Poirier as national sales manager for Rheem Air. Poirier brings 14 years of experience representing the Friedrich brand in Canada, and has played a key role integrating Friedrich into Rheem’s expanding portfolio. In his new role he will oversee national air residential sales across Canada.
A. O. Smith Canada welcomes Andres Castro as new chief operating officer. Castro is responsible for Canada’s business operations including sales, marketing, distribution and strategic projects. Most recently he was vp/general manager of North America and international for Transtar Industries and was previously vp of sales, marketing and product management for Glen Dimplex Americas.
NIBCO has promoted Ashley Martin to president/ CEO, taking over from Steve Malm who has been appointed executive chairman. Martin joined NIBCO in 2012 and most recently served as president/COO since late 2023. Before that, she held the position of executive vice president. Martin represents the fifth generation of family leadership since the company’s inception in 1904.
Watts Water Technologies (Canada) has named Heather Ferris Mayo as inside sales manager. Ferris Mayo comes to Watts with experience dealing with multiple channels of the plumbing industry as well as a number of Canadian sales agencies.
Martin Mayo
Kelly
Paulozza Desai
St. Denis
Poirier Castro Cooper
CELEBRATING HVAC IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
AHR Expo 2025 returns to Orlando highlighting the latest in HVAC/R trends and technology. BY
HPAC STAFF
Pack your short-sleeved shirts as the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Exposition (AHR Expo), the largest annual North American gathering of HVAC/R industry professionals, returns to Florida for three-days, February 10 to 12, 2025.
Like every edition of the Expo since 1930, manufacturers and suppliers from around the world will be on hand to showcase their new product line-ups, feature innovations and provide technical support for attendees.
The AHR Expo places an equal emphasis on educating contractors and engineers while also providing a market for manufacturers and distributors to
show off their latest products. The event is co-sponsored by ASHRAE (the global society of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning engineers) and the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute of America (AHRI).
SEMINARS AND PANELS
The full schedule for the 2025 AHR Expo Education Program contains more than 250 sessions, including over 100 free subject-specific seminars, a panel series featuring an annual ‘State of the Industry’ forum, vendor-hosted new product presentations in the New Product Theater and more.
“Educating our current and future
DATES AND TIMES
Monday, February 10, 2025
HOURS: 10 AM – 6 PM
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
HOURS: 10 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HOURS: 10 AM – 4 PM
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
AHREXPO.COM
workforce is an area of dedicated attention and effort across most industry conversations,” said show manager, Mark Stevens, in a pre-show release.
“Over the years, the AHR education program has grown into an important complementary asset to the show floor
experience, lending an opportunity for deeper understanding of what’s happening within the industry, how to apply skill and knowledge, and how to prepare for shifts.”
The AHR Expo website (ahrexpo.com) allows you to search through the long list of educational sessions using keywords (like heat pumps), or you can search by topic, session type, speaker or date.
As mentioned, this year’s series of free panel discussions includes the 2025 State of the Industry: Today’s Market, Challenges, Opportunities & What’s Ahead (Tuesday, 10 a.m.). This very well attended session puts leaders from industry associations including ASHRAE, AHRI, HARDI, and NCI on the hot seat to share their visions for the year ahead.
Other interesting panels this year include: AI and Plumbing (Monday, 11 a.m.); Cybersecurity in HVAC/R (Monday, 1 p.m.); Everything You Need to Know About the Refrigerant Transition and A2Ls (Monday, 3 p.m.); Navigating the
Workforce Rollover (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.); and The Wide World of HVAC/R (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m.).
Although there are many regional, code and legislative differences between the
Continued on p40
There are over 100 free seminars over the three days, just walk in and learn.
U.S. and Canada, the everyday concerns and trends affecting HVAC/R professionals are cross border.
Also, sifting through the over 230 seminars and product demos, you’ll find the latest updates on pilot projects using hydrogen in place of natural gas in commercial and industrial applications, and on Wednesday at 9 a.m. there is a session on ‘Thermal Storage and Heat Pumps, Lessons Learned from Hydro Quebec Deployment,’ which will share results from a program launched in 2022.
There will be plenty of AI-themed sessions taking on issues like building automation and small business optimization. On Monday at 10:30 a.m. is a seminar titled, The Digital Revolution in HVAC: AI, Automation, and the Future of Customer Service.
There will also be several sessions focused on the refrigerant transition, including Flammable Refrigerants (A2s and A3s) –What You Need to Know on Monday, 11:30 a.m., and A2L Safety and Mitigation Technology Overview, Tuesday, 2:30 p.m.
Canada’s own Trevor Matthews (Refrigeration Mentor) will be presenting an advanced session on Saving Retailers Money with CO² Refrigeration High Ambient Strategies, Tuesday, 10 a.m.
Another Canadian, Quebec-born Karine Leblanc, will be presenting Empowering our Workforce with Emotional Intelligence: Building a Sustainable Future. The author of How to Be Human in a Technical World, Leblanc will share lessons for HVAC professionals to improve managing client demands and team communication under pressure.
If your focus is on learning about new products, aside from walking the show floor, the New Product Theater will be hosting more than 145 presentations, each lasting approximately 20 minutes. These free sessions, all listed on the ahrexpo. com website, will provide brief overviews of product announcements from the technology experts.
PODCASTERS & AWARDS
Industry podcasters and many HVAC/R social media influencers are once again headed to AHR Expo for the fifth edition of the Podcast Pavilion. Witness in-person interviews with industry heavyweights. You’ll have a chance to network and ask questions. The Refrigeration Mentor (Trevor Matthews) will be among the personalities sharing knowledge at the Pavilion.
On the massive show floor attendees will also be able to visit the exhibitors who were named the winners of the 2025 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. In addition, during the show one of the winners will be announced as the Product of the Year.
And for those in the hydronics industry, everyone is invited to join the current Honourees of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence as they officially announce the latest member to join the group of honourees live at the Caleffi booth (#951) in the West Building on Monday, 3 p.m.
The Carlson-Holohan Award is presented every two years to a nominee with attributes including technical mastery and a
Continued on p42
The AHR Panel Series includes the popular State of the Industry session.
< The Podcast Pavilion features live interviews with industry experts.
Introducing the P-K EvoHP™
Patterson-Kelley’s first air to water heat pump. Engineered to seamlessly integrate with a traditional boiler system, enhancing comfort heat and domestic hot water.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Reliability in Commercial Heating
Introducing the next step in evolution for Patterson-Kelley in the commercial heating market, the P-K EvoHP™. This innovative design prioritizes sustainability by harnessing the efficiency of the heat pump. Leveraging both traditional boiler systems and heat pump systems in tandem, these technologies offer optimal performance and peace of mind, minimizing environmental impact without compromising on reliability or comfort. Scan the QR code to the right to learn more!
passion for hydronic technologies, demonstrated leadership as an educator and a mentor. The most recent honouree, awarded at AHR Expo 2023, was David Hughes of Edmonton.
In total there are expected to be over 1,800+ exhibitors at AHR Expo 2025, from the largest manufacturers to niche players and start-ups, and the show is anticipating over 50,000 HVAC/R attendees coming to learn and network.
Attendees who pre-register can skip the registration lines, and downloading the MyShowPlanner App for iOS and Android will allow visitors to map out and manage their show floor visits and education schedule in advance.
Aside from the over 250 educational sessions that are planned for the theatres and conference rooms throughout the convention centre, many exhibitors will be featuring live demonstrations and educational talks on their booths on the show floor.
Signing up for the MyShow Planner also helps setting up a logical plan for visiting different exhibitors at the show and even arranging meetings with exhibitors if you like. You can select exhibitors you're interested in seeing, then you can view their locations on the show floor map in order to determine the most efficient route.
Also, contact your suppliers to find out where the post-event parties will be on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights.
2025 AHR Expo Innovation Awards
In anticipation of the 2025 Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Exposition (AHR Expo), on October 24th the show announced the category winners of its annual Innovation Awards, a program that recognizes the latest advancements or improvements among products and technologies critical to the HVAC/R industry.
The Innovation Awards cover 10 industry categories, including: building automation, cooling, heating, indoor air quality, plumbing, refrigeration, software, sustainable solutions, tools/instruments, and ventilation.
The program attracts hundreds of manufacturers who will be exhibiting their latest solutions at the AHR Expo in February, where one of the 10 category winners will be named Product of the Year.
“The Innovation Awards aim to highlight these companies, professionals and their innovation trajectory and to celebrate those that are pushing the bar,” said AHR show manager, Mark Stevens.
All entries are reviewed by a panel of third-party judges made up of ASHRAE members. Evaluations are based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered, real-world application, as well as overall potential market impact.
Following are this year’s winners of the AHR Expo Innovations Awards:
Complete details and instructions for registration, along with potential accommodation recommendations along with downloading the AHR Expo App are all available at ahrexpo.com <>
BUILDING AUTOMATION
Eclypse Facilities from Distech Controls is a software solution embedded directly within the company’s Eclypse-connected controllers, providing management and control for a variety of equipment types within buildings. Previously known as Eclypse Building Intelligence, the software allows system integrators, equipment manufacturers and other partners access through the openness and interoperability within Eclypse controllers to deliver advanced digital services. Dashboards allow users to visualize indoor environments, equipment operation and energy consumption, viewable on computers and mobile devices. distech-controls.com
COOLING
The EnviroKIT from International Environmental Corp. (part of the Climate Control Group) is a ‘plug-nplay’ retrofit solution for vertical stack hydronic fan coil units. The pre-fab solution allows the swap-out replacement of aging components without drywall demolition. Suitable for the hotel/motel industry, this kitted retrofit solution improves the performance of fan coils with minimal downtime for replacement. iec-okc.com
HEATING
The CFR commercial boiler from AERCO (a Watts company) is the first stainless steel condensing boiler that can be installed in a Category I / Type B vent, making it suitable for the commercial retrofit market. Available in two models, 1,500 and 3,000 MBH, they offer up to 87.6% thermal efficiency and their 439 stainless steel fire-tube heat exchangers make them resilient to condensation. The compact footprint will fit through standard 36-in. doorways and they allow easy access for servicing. aerco.com
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Senva Inn., TotalSense Indoor Air Quality Sensor
The TotalSense IAQ sensors from Senva Inc. provide data for advanced ventilation control while reducing installation cost and time. The devices are available with combina tions of up to 10 sensors: carbon dioxide (CO ²), carbon monoxide (CO), occupancy detection, ozone (O ³), particu late matter (PM), relative humidity (RH), temperature, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), barometric pressure and ambient light. senvainc.com
The Grundfos ALPHA HWR is a digitally connected circulator for domestic hot water recirculation set-ups with a dedicated return line. The system includes the pump, timer and temperature sensor built into one solution that’s all digitally connected and set up can be done through a phone app. An efficient circulator, with an energy rating of 215 from the Hydraulic Institute, the fully digital solution provides both water and energy savings. grundfos.com
REFRIGERATION
The Danfoss BOCK HGX56 CO ² T is a transcritical semi-hermetic 6-cylinder CO² compressor with expanded range to enable larger refrigeration and heat pump applications with a smaller footprint, and strong energy efficient performance. Suitable for industrial refrigeration, cold storage, ice sports facilities and heat pumps, the compressor has a capacity of up to 135 kW for cooling and 360 kW for heating along with low noise and vibration characteristics. danfoss.com
SOFTWARE
The Hydronic Industry AllianceCommercial (HIA-C), which promotes the use of water-based hydronic systems in buildings and is a committee of the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA), released version 6.2 of its Building Efficiency System Tool (BEST), a free interactive commercial building HVAC system efficiency comparison application. This latest version focuses attention on energy use, including up to four selected systems in one life-cycle comparison report using historical design temperatures to determine peak energy demand and the energy utilization index (EUI) when comparing different styles of HVAC systems in buildings. hydronicsindustryalliance.org
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
The LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, designed specifically for cold regions, operates effectively (70% capacity) as low as -35C (-31F). It retains full heating capacity at -25C (-13F). Additionally, it incorporates a refrigerant cycle that prevents frost accumulation on the outdoor heat exchanger, and it uses twin rotary inverter compressors that use low global warming potential (GWP) R-32 refrigerant. lg.com
TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
The Sense Nano from PassiveLogic is a truly wireless sensor — communicating via Bluetooth mesh, while extracting its operating energy from the surrounding environment. Requiring no battery replacements, and installed in 15 seconds, the Sense Nano fits in the palm of your hand. And it packs a punch with seven sensors inside a 45mm diameter ring. passivelogic.com
VENTILATION
Rosenburg USA, Inc., I-Series Backward Curved Fans
Rosenberg has developed 23 models of I-Series fans, ranging from 355MM to 630MM. The highefficiency, high-volume I-impeller features five backward-curved, hollow-profiled, airfoil section aluminum blades, with efficiency-optimized circumferential diffusers. The new impeller can increase efficiencies up to 11%, while reducing noise levels by more than half compared to older impellers. rosenbergcanada.com
Required. No Tools
The EC-1U-DV brings the performance of our EC-1-DV Series of mini-split condensate pump to a slim undermount unit that installs easily and neatly underneath equipment. Built for reliable and quiet operation, the automatic condensate removal system works continuously to remove water from any ductless mini-split air conditioner evaporative coil when gravity-feed drainage is not possible or practical.
Scan to learn more and find a supplier near you. littlegiant.com
YOUR PLAYBOOK & SCOREBOARD
Be prepared to alter your gameplan based on the scores you’re achieving.
BY MATTHEW BIRCH
Sam Hunter owns Hunter Plumbing & Heating, a growing business with annual revenue between $400,000 and $500,000. His company focuses primarily on service work, but lately he’s been taking on more emergency calls hoping to boost revenue. At first glance, the emergency jobs seemed like a good opportunity— an extra source of income when the phone rings off-hours.
However, there was a problem. Sam’s rates for emergency jobs didn’t reflect the urgency and disruption they caused to his carefully planned service schedule. He’d heard other companies charge around $200 for emergency call-outs, but Sam, eager to keep customers happy, only charged $100—and he’d sometimes discount it further if a client complained.
The impact on his business was significant. Emergency jobs, often in the opposite direction of planned service work, led to longer travel times and fewer completed jobs per day. Sometimes, his team worked extra hours or left jobs unfinished to accommodate emergencies, only to return the next day to complete them. This disorganization meant delays in both regular service and emergency jobs, frustrated clients and stressed-out staff. Despite the extra work, Sam wasn’t seeing the revenue boost he’d expected.
“The key to success isn’t about working harder, it’s all about working smarter.”
What Sam didn’t realize was that the key to running his business smoothly wasn’t just doing more work—it was understanding the impact of the work he was doing, something he could only see clearly by looking at his financial and operational scoreboard.
THE SCOREBOARD
Just like in football, where the scoreboard guides decision-making on the field, a business needs a financial scoreboard to show how it’s performing. For Sam’s plumbing company, this scoreboard is
the Income Statement, but it’s more than just numbers. When combined with operational data—like the number of jobs completed each day and the revenue generated per job—this information gives Sam the insights he needs to make better business decisions (see sidebar).
From this scoreboard, Sam can see that while his total revenue for the month is $45,000, the number of jobs completed per tech is below his target of 2.9 jobs per day. The operational metrics reveal that emergency jobs, while adding $3,000 in revenue, are disrupting his team’s workflow, leading to fewer completed jobs overall.
With 30 emergency jobs at only $100 each, Sam is undercharging, and this is contributing to the productivity strain. The disruption caused by these urgent calls means his team is working more but completing fewer jobs, reducing efficiency and overall revenue.
The Scoreboard: Income Statement with Operational Insights
REVENUE CATEGORY AMOUNT
Service Labour ...............$30,000
Materials ..........................$12,000
Emergency Fees..................$3,000
Total Revenue ............... $45,000
OPERATIONAL METRICS
Total Jobs Completed: ...........165
Avg. Jobs/Day (per tech):...... 2.75
Emergency Jobs: ......................30
Avg. Revenue Per Job: .........$273
Sam might also consider setting a target maximum number of emergency jobs per month to avoid putting undue strain on his regular service operations. By managing the balance between emergency and scheduled work, he can ensure his business stays on track and his team isn’t overstretched.
THE PLAYBOOK
A football coach wouldn’t send a team onto the field without a playbook, and business owners like Sam shouldn’t be running their companies without a clear strategy. The playbook, in this case, is a set of strategic decisions designed to maximize efficiency and profitability.
For Sam, here’s what the playbook looks like:
1. Set an Emergency Call-Out Fee that Reflects True Costs
Emergency work isn’t just about showing up when others can’t—it’s about managing the operational impact it has on the rest of the business. Sam’s playbook should include a $200 emergency call-out fee, enough to cover the cost of disruptions, additional travel time, and the priority service customers expect
when they need immediate assistance. This change doesn’t just boost revenue—it creates a clear separation between planned service work and emergency calls, allowing Sam to better manage his team’s time.
2. Focus on Job Efficiency and Strategic Planning
Sam’s goal is to have his techs complete 2.9 jobs per day, but with the current disruptions, he’s averaging only 2.75 jobs. His playbook should include measures to improve efficiency: strategically scheduling emergency calls to avoid crisscrossing the city, ensuring trucks are fully stocked to minimize downtime, and managing travel routes to reduce wasted time. These operational changes can help Sam’s team hit their target number of jobs and increase daily revenue.
3. Leverage Data from the Scoreboard for Better Decision-Making
With a detailed Income Statement and operational metrics, Sam can regularly review his performance and adjust his strategies accordingly. Is the emergency call-out fee working? How is it affecting his regular service jobs? Are techs completing more jobs per day after optimizing their routes? By looking at his financial and operational scoreboard monthly, Sam can make informed decisions that help him grow his business without unnecessary stress.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
For plumbing business owners like Sam, the combination of a strong scoreboard and a clear playbook can make all the difference. Here are three things you can implement in your business right away:
1. Analyze Your Own Scoreboard
Break down your Income Statement into key revenue categories like labour, materials, and fees, and track important operational metrics like the num -
ber of jobs completed per day. Look for patterns: are emergency jobs disrupting your regular schedule? Are you charging enough to make up for that disruption? This will help you identify where adjustments are needed.
2. Set a Realistic Emergency Call-Out Fee
Take a close look at your pricing strategy. Are you undercharging for emergency work? Set a rate that reflects the true cost to your business, including the impact it has on your regular service jobs. Don’t be afraid to explain the reasoning behind your pricing to your customers—most will understand that urgent, high-priority work comes at a higher cost.
3. Use Your Playbook to Optimize Operations
Look for ways to streamline your operations. Can you group jobs by location to reduce travel time? Are your trucks always stocked with the necessary parts? Small changes can lead to big improvements in efficiency, allowing you to complete more jobs per day and boost revenue without increasing overhead.
SUCCESS DEMANDS STRATEGY
For Sam and many other plumbing business owners, the key to success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
By creating a financial scoreboard that tracks both revenue and operational performance, and building a playbook that guides strategic decisions, you can gain control over your business and achieve the growth you’re aiming for. <>
Matthew Birch is the founder of Legacy Profit Solutions, a company that helps connect businesses with professional bookkeeping firms that understand the unique needs of their industry. He can be reached at Matthew@LegacyProfit.ca.
TOOLS YOU COULD USE
KNIPEX Tools has released two additional TwinGrip pliers to the North American market. Joining the original 8-in. TwinGrip Pliers (released in 2021) the smaller 6-in. easily grips stripped screws and bolts with front and side gripping capacities of 1/8-in. to 5/8-in. while the larger 10-in. TwinGrip grips from 3/16-in. to 1-1/16-in. All models feature push-button adjustment, a slim head for confined spaces, reliable front gripping of flat workpieces due to the threepoint gripping system, and a pinch guard. knipex-tools.com
Milwaukee Tool has eight new PACKOUT tool box attachments for its modular storage system that lock onto the metal reinforced corners. Attachments include the M18 and M12 battery racks for battery access and storage (up to 3 batteries each). The 3-Hook attachment has a 30-lb. weight capacity to store power tools and more. The tool box caddy stores hand tools and accessories, while the tool box tray attachment stores bins, bit cases, and more. All attachments connect or swap out with quick release. milwaukeetool.ca
Streamlight’s Wedge EDC slim pocket flashlight is available in blue, purple and red as well as black. The lights are USB-C rechargeable with a thin compact design. Featuring a rotating thumb switch, the Wedge provides two modes: a 300-lumen “constant on” mode and a 1,000-lumen momentary THRO (temporarily heightened regulated output) mode delivering a 35-second burst over a 110-meter beam distance. Made from anodized aluminum, the Wedge measures just 5.46 in. long and 1-in. high, and weighs 3.3 ounces. streamlight.com
Helly Hansen’s new FW24 Workwear line is designed to keep workers warm, comfortable and safe. With Helly Tech Protection technology, the new Manchester 2.0 men’s and women’s winter pant is waterproof, windproof and breathable. The knee-high boot zipper with storm flap and fastener closure make them easy to put on while staying dry, and they feature adjustable bottom leg and elastic waist for easy fit. hhworkwear.com/en_ca_ww
The 20V MAX XR brushless cordless mid-size bandsaw and dual-trigger bandsaws can deliver up to 120 cuts per charge through 12 gauge strut and cut 12 gauge strut in as fast as 5.1 seconds. The tools are each equipped with a large 3-3/8-in. cut capacity suitable for a wide range of work. The bandsaws each feature an integrated blade guard, an LED light, and a Tool Connect Chip pocket. dewalt.ca
Fieldpiece Instruments’ valve core removal tools (VCRTs) improve system charging, recovery and evacuation tasks. VCRTs remove the valve core from service valves in air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration systems to replace defective cores. The Fieldpiece VCRTs include an integrated sight glass to verify the valve core is captured. The tool’s rubberized cap makes removing and inserting while under pressure easier, and all models come with a ¼-in. service port fitting that can be swapped with an optional 5/16-in. service port. fieldpiece.com
THE PROBLEM WITH MR. FROST (PART 1)
Manufacturers use various methods for evaporator defrost on refrigeration systems—it’s important to understand them all.
BY DAVE DEMMA
Refrigeration systems that operate with an evaporator refrigerant saturation temperature of 32F/0C (freezing or lower) will experience an accumulation of frost on the evaporator tubes and fins. This frost acts as an insulator between the heat load in the refrigerated space and the refrigerant flowing inside the evaporator tubing, decreasing the efficiency of the heat transfer process. This results in a reduction in evaporator capacity. The
greater the frost buildup, the greater the reduction in evaporator capacity. Eventually, a critical point will be reached where the reduced evaporator capacity will be insufficient to maintain the required temperature in the refrigerated space. There are two secondary problems caused by this reduced evaporator capacity:
As the evaporator capacity decreases with the increased frost buildup, the thermal expansion valve (TEV) will begin to throttle closed to maintain its superheat setpoint under the reduced load condition. There is a limit to how far the TEV can throttle closed and still control effectively. If the frost buildup continues, a critical point will be reached here too; that being where the evaporator capacity becomes so small that the TEV
becomes incapable of maintaining its superheat set point. The result is liquid floodback, which is always devastating for the compressor.
TEVs maintain their superheat set point during low load conditions by throttling closed, reducing refrigerant mass flow. Minimum suction vapour velocity is required for proper oil return to the compressor(s). Another critical point will be reached if/when the suction vapour velocity drops to a point which prevents the oil from returning to the compressor(s). The resulting oil logging in the evaporator occupies space in the evaporator which should be dedicated to the heat transfer medium (saturated liquid refrigerant), further impeding the heat transfer process.
Continued on p50
Continued from p49
This oil logging can result in low oil levels in the compressor’s crankcase. In addition, when the system is under a high load after a defrost cycle, with the resulting high suction vapour velocity, the accumulated logged oil can return in quantities that could be destructive to a compressor.
Therefore, equipment manufacturers must employ certain techniques to periodically remove this frost buildup from the evaporator surface.
Methods for defrost can include (but are not limited to): off cycle (air defrost), electric defrost and gas defrost. In larger multi-compressor applications, modifications to these basic defrost schemes can add another layer of complexity for field service personnel.
When properly setup, all methods will achieve the same desired result of melting frost. If the defrost cycle is not set up correctly, the resulting incomplete defrosts (and reduction in evaporator efficiency) can cause higher than normal space temperatures, refrigerant floodback or oil logging issues.
OFF CYCLE DEFROST
In applications where the temperature in the refrigerated space is above 35F/1.6C there will be sufficient temperature difference (between the air 24_011998_HPAC_DEC_CN Mod: October 22, 2024 4:57 PM Print: 11/06/24 page 1 v2.5
Figure1. Single system defrost time clock, and accompanying wiring diagram for off cycle defrost.
temperature and the melting point of ice) to melt normal amounts of frost buildup. In these applications, defrosting can be accomplished with an off cycle defrost, which consists of (a.) shutting off the refrigeration cycle, preventing refrigerant flow through the evaporator, and (b.) maintaining power to the evaporator fan motors.
With the refrigeration cycled off and the evaporator fan motors powered the air in the refrigerated space continues to circulate through the evaporator tube/ fins. This will raise the evaporator surface temperature, melting the frost buildup.
In addition, the normal air infiltration into the refrigerated space will cause the air temperature to rise, further assisting with the defrost cycle.
In applications where the air temperature in the refrigerated space is normally 35F or higher, off cycle defrost proves to be an effective means for melting the buildup of frost, and it is the most common method of defrost in these medium temperature applications.
When an off cycle defrost is initiated, the refrigerant flow is prevented from entering the evaporator coil using one of the following methods: Using a defrost time clock to (1) cycle the com -
pressor off (single compressor unit); (2) cycle off the system liquid line solenoid valve (single compressor unit or multiplex compressor rack); (3) cycle off the liquid solenoid valve and the suction line regulator in a multiplex rack.
As shown in the Figure 1 diagram, the normally closed switch between Terminal 2 to Terminal 4 will provide power to the liquid line solenoid valve coil when the refrigerated space temperature is above the thermostat set-point, energizing the liquid line solenoid valve coil.
When a defrost cycle is initiated, the normally closed switch opens, de-energizing the liquid line solenoid valve coil. The system then pumps down, the compressor cycles off on its low-pressure control, and this allows the defrost cycle to commence.
Note: In a single compressor application, the defrost time clock will cycle off power to the liquid line solenoid valve. The compressor will continue to operate, pumping refrigerant out of the system low side and into the liquid receiver. The compressor will cycle off when the suction pressure falls to the cut-out setpoint for the low-pressure control.
In a multiplex compressor rack, the time clock will typically cycle off power
to the liquid line solenoid valve and the suction regulator. This maintains a volume of refrigerant in the evaporator. As the evaporator temperature increases, the volume of refrigerant in the evaporator also experiences an increase in temperature, acting as a heat sink to assist with raising the surface temperature of the evaporator. It is not uncommon to see individual liquid and suction ball valves, so that an iced-up display case can be isolated for a manual defrost.
No other source of heat or energy is necessary for an off cycle defrost. The system will return to refrigeration mode only after a time or temperature threshold is reached.
The threshold for a medium temperature application will be approximately 60 minutes of off time. This process can be repeated up to four times per day, but it should be based upon the display case (or walk-in evaporator) manufacturer’s recommendations.
ELECTRIC DEFROST
On low temperature applications, defrosting will require an external source of heat to melt the frost/ice buildup on the evaporator. In addition, on medium temperature applications where the refrigerated space temperature is below 35F, an off cycle defrost is not practical because of the time it would take to raise the air in the refrigerated space sufficiently above 32F to facilitate a rapid defrost cycle.
For example, a typical meat display case maintaining a product temperature of 34F/1C may have discharge air temperatures of approximately 29F/-1.6C, and a saturated evaporator temperature of 21F/-6C. Even though this is a medium temperature application where the refrigerated space is above freezing, the evaporator tubes and fins will be at a temperature well below 32F/0C, thus creating an accumulation of frost.
Off cycle defrost is undesirable in this application due to the low temperature differential between the refrigerated Continued on p53
Figure 2. Evaporator with electric heaters and drain pan heater.
space temperature and the melting point of the frost. This would result in a lengthy and inefficient off cycle defrost. Meat display cases should not be without refrigeration for extended periods of time. As such, a defrost cycle using an external source of heat to melt the frost offers a quicker defrost cycle.
In addition to shutting off the refrigeration cycle, electric defrost employs an external source of heat to quickly raise the evaporator surface temperature. Electric defrost evaporators are equipped with one or more resistance heating rods inserted along the length of the evaporator. An additional heater element will be present in the drain pan, to keep it clear of ice (see Figure 2). When the defrost time clock initiates an electric defrost cycle, several things will happen concurrently:
• A normally closed switch in the defrost time clock which supplies power to the evaporator fan motors will open. This circuit can either directly power the evaporator fan motors, or the holding coils for the individual evaporator fan motor contactors. This will cycle the evaporator fan motors off, allowing the heat generated from the defrost heaters to be concentrated on the evaporator surface only, rather than being transferred to the air that would be circulated by the fans.
• Another normally closed switch in the defrost time clock which supplies power to the liquid line solenoid (and suction line regulator, if one is in use) will open. This will close the liquid line solenoid valve (and suction regulator if used), preventing the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator.
• A normally open switch in the defrost time clock will close. This will either directly supply power to the defrost heaters (smaller low amperage defrost heater applications), or supply power to the holding coil of the defrost heater contactor. Some time
clocks have built in contactors with higher amperage ratings capable of supplying power directly to the defrost heaters, eliminating the need for a separate defrost heater contactor. Defrost time clocks initiate defrost at specific times, and for specific durations. Again, these times and durations are normally specified by the equipment manufacturer, and they are designed to prevent excessive frost buildup under extreme conditions. As such, there might be times of minimal frost buildup that will not require the full defrost cycle duration.
To address this, defrost termination thermostats are installed in the evaporators which will “terminate” the defrost cycle earlier than the preset defrost duration (typically at approximately 55F/12C).
Electric defrost provides a more positive defrost than off cycle, with shorter durations. Once again, the defrost cycle will terminate on time or temperature.
Upon defrost termination there may be a drip down time—a short period of time that will allow the melted frost to drip off the evaporator surface and into the drain pan.
In addition, the evaporator fan motors will be delayed from restarting for a short amount of time after the refrigeration cycle commences. This is to ensure any moisture still present on the evaporator surface will not be blown into the
refrigerated space; it will freeze and remain on the evaporator surface.
The fan delay also minimizes the amount of warm air that is circulated into the refrigerated space after defrost terminates.
Fan delay can be accomplished by either a temperature control (thermostat or klixon), or a time delay. If the fan delay is accomplished by a temperature control, the setting to complete the fan circuit will be approximately 25F/-4C.
Electric defrost is a relatively simple method however it does have a few negative aspects: as a onetime expense, the added initial cost of heater rods, additional contactors, relays and delay switches, along with the extra labour and materials required for field wiring. Also, the ongoing expense of additional electricity.
So, that is it for off cycle air defrost and electric defrost methods. In the next issue I will review gas defrost systems in detail. <>
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.
Figure 3. Single system time clock for electric defrost.
CALENDAR
Visit event websites for the most current updates and registration details.
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
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
Heat Pump Symposium - Toronto
May 6
Produced by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) in partnership with the Ontario Geothermal Association (OGA), the Symposium is taking place at the International Centre. The conference, tradeshow and networking event brings together contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers, governments and more. heatpumpsymposium.ca
ASHRAE Annual Conference
June 21-25
The global Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers will be holding its five-day annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The technical program will cover how heat pumps, refrigerants, onsite energy storage, workforce development and other factors are affecting the industry. Both in-person and virtual registration options are available. ashrae.org
KBIS
February 25-27
The largest kitchen and bath industry show in North America showcasing thousands of products from over 600 brands in the residential design space returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Plumbing contractors will uncover the latest trends at this show. kbis.com
ACCA Conference
March 24-27
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America is the national trade association furthering the interests of HVAC/R contracting businesses and the broader HVAC/R industry. The ACCA Conference is taking place at the Kalahari Resort near Austin, Texas. accaconference.com
Supporting Equity in Trades Conference
May 24-26
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF), is producing the Supporting Equity in Trades Conference, being held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The event will attract industry leaders, advocates, and allies to promote equity and inclusion in Canada’s skilled trades. caf-fca.org
World Refrigeration Day
June 26
World refrigeration day is an international awareness campaign established by the World Refrigeration Day Secretariat to raise the profile of the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector and focus on the significant role the industry and technology play in modern life. worldrefrigerationday.org
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
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
Retrofit Canada Conference
June 9-10
The 5th Annual Retrofit Canada Conference takes place in Toronto at the Beanfield Center. The event attracts specialists in HVAC, passive buildings, building envelope, and smart/green buildings as well as government officials, multiunit residential and commercial real estate developers and more. retrofitcanadaconference. energyconferencenetwork.com
CIPH Annual Conference
June 29-July 1
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating annual business conference is taking place at the Fairmont Tremblant, in Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Senior executives from major manufacturers, distributors and agents will gather for networking and educational sessions. ciph.com
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