Mechanical Business January/February 2023

INTRODUCING THE NEXT GENERATION FLEXIBLE SHAFT MACHINE

Flexi-Rooter ®

General has rethought high-speed, exible shaft machines. The stronger, stiffer shaft lets you clean a wider range of drain lines, up to 75 feet long. It’s exible enough to negotiate 2" lines yet tough enough to clear roots in 4" lines.

General’s unique ClogChopper ® cutter in combination with the carbide tipped chain cutter makes a formidable combination, capable of clearing the toughest stoppage.

The built-in variable speed motor with foot pedal control makes the machine easier to operate. And the shaft is eld repairable. It’s everything a exible shaft machine should be.

To learn more, visit www.drainbrain.com/Flexi-Rooter, or call the Drain Brains ® at 800-245-6200

with Clog Chopper

General Pipe Cleaners

GPC

6HEAT PUMP HIGHLIGHTS

News on HPs in the Canadian marketplace

Federal government beefs up incentives, and test procedures set to change

41JOBSITE JARGON

Test your knowledge of terminology for a chance to win

46 ROAD WARRIOR: CHRIS MASSARO

Hooked on radiant Carolyn Cooper

59 EMBRACING THE PAST

Essential plumbing tool restored to its former glory

Pipe wrench from the J. J. Walworth tool factory discovered in boiler room

Kerry Turner

64BOOSTER PUMPS

20 HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

Mix and match … Contractor explains benefits of hybrid systems

Gord Cooke

Canada has long held a leadership role in the development of heating technology and it is time to embrace the cold weather heating options that exist today.

24 REFRIGERATION

Key safety protocols – Part I

Phil Boudreau

It is the responsibility of all technicians to ensure work is done in a safe manner to keep themselves and others out of harm’s way by following safety considerations.

34 HYDRONICS

A box of heat

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

Bottle the genie: Get as much energy contained in water into a well-insulated container.

72 PLUMBING

Understanding building plans

Fred Bretzke

Whether you are building a multi-storey building, or a house, they all involve plans or blueprints and it is critical that plumbers read them correctly.

80 MARKETING

The dos and don’ts of email marketing

Doug MacMillan

In a space where humans have adapted to skimming at best, how can you make sure your emails are effective?

Daikin

Bring on the winter with Daikin AURORA single and multi-zone heat pump systems.

Year-round comfort with Daikin AURORA even when temperatures drop well below freezing. Up to 100% heating capacity at -15°C (5°F) and continues to operate e ciently as low as -25°C (-13°F) with high heating e ciencies up to 9.7 HSPF2. Ultra-quiet indoor and outdoor units with several indoor unit style options for application creativity and preference.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Before purchasing this appliance, read important information about its estimated annual energy consumption, yearly operating cost, or energy e ciency rating that is available from your retailer.

Learn more at daikincomfort.com

Content Media Group Inc.

2 Campbell Dr., Suite 807

Uxbridge, ON L9P 0A3

Tel: 905.465.2919

www.mechanicalbusiness.com

January/February 2023 Issue

Published 6 times per year.

For All Subscription Inquiries

Shila Naik Circulation Director 905-272-4175

shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com

Editor: Kerry Turner, C 416-435-1193 kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com

National Sales Manager: Kyle Badder, C 416-735-1375 kyle.badder@mechanicalbusiness.com

Operations Manager: Caroline Bexfield, C 647-217-2076 caroline.bexfield@mechanicalbusiness.com

Contributing Editor Carolyn Cooper editorial@mechanicalbusiness.com

Art Direction: Fourteen Orange Graphic Design Inc. davem@fourteenorange.com

Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com

Publisher: Bruce Meacock, C 416-457-9563 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com

PM:41536047

ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print)

ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online)

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada.

Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication.

Notice: Mechanical Business is published for owners, managers and decision makers with mechanical contracting firms and the sector’s supply chain partners in Canada. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Mechanical Business, Content Media Group Inc., its staff, directors, officers and shareholders (‘The Publisher’) assume no liability, obligation or responsibility for advertised claims, for errors and/or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over published editorial. The publisher reserves the right to publish a printed correction in a subsequent issue for editorial errors, omissions and oversights. Subscriptions are available for $90 plus taxes in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canthe U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).

© Copyright 2023. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher.

Proud members of:

HEAT PUMP HIGHLIGHTS

Feds announce additional heat pump incentives

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has announced another incentive to help make the cost of moving from oil for home heating to cold-climate heat pumps more affordable. The government is investing $250 million in the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant (OHPA), which is in addition to the existing $2.6-billion Canada Greener Homes Initiative. The grant builds on the $250 million announced in September 2022 to help households move to heat pumps.

The grant is designed to reflect the fact that many Atlantic Canadians use oil as their primary source of heat, and focuses on low-to-median income households. The money will be delivered to eligible households before installation of the heat pump. Eligible homeowners can combine the grant with existing initiatives from federal, provincial and territorial governments and incentives from utility programs. The grant will provide up to $5,000, which would be applied to the purchase and installation of an eligible heat pump; any electrical upgrades needed; and removal of the oil tank. According to NRCan, heat pumps are one of the best ways for homeowners to save money on energy bills and fight climate change. Heat pumps are two to three times more efficient than other electric home heating sources, meaning lower energy bills for homeowners, and reduced energy intake for utilities and grids. The government estimates that switching from oil to coldclimate heat pumps could save households between $1,500 and $4,700 per year. The grant was expected to be available early in 2023 through the Canada Greener Homes Initiative Portal.

New residential heat pump test procedures in place

The federal government aligned heat pump test procedures for residential heat pump products with new U.S. regulations beginning January 1, 2023. As a result of the new procedures, ENERGY STAR/CEE and NEEP directories align with these new requirements. Canada aligns with the U.S. under Amendment #17 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations. This impacts all air-to-air heat pump products imported in to Canada or crossing provincial borders. In addition, products have to meet the new MEPS (minimum efficiency performance standards) test standard, and new metrics – HSPF2 and SEER2 – will be introduced. The Canada Greener Homes initiative will adjust heat pump eligibility criteria to reflect changes in new testing procedures.

nrcan.gc.ca

Nova Scotia launches program to boost skilled trades jobs

Nova Scotia has introduced the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) program, which includes an initiative to return provincial income tax paid on the first $50,000 of income earned by workers under the age of 30 in eligible skilled trades and occupations. Eligible workers are defined as those employed and registered as apprentices or certified journeypersons in eligible trades, including plumbers, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, gas fitters, and most construction and industrial jobs. The MOST program is in place for the 2022 income tax year, with workers qualifying for their refund in 2023, after they file their 2022 income tax return and receive a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. novascotia.ca

ASHRAE to develop IAQ pathogen mitigation standard

ASHRAE has announced its commitment to developing a national indoor air quality (IAQ) pathogen mitigation standard within the next six months. The organization will set up a team of experts to work on an accelerated timeline to develop the standard. The standard will include both design and operation; alternative paths to achieving clean air; and testing, verification, documentation, and re-commissioning.

ASHRAE’s new net-zero global headquarters in Peachtree Corners, GA, which held a grand opening event in November 2022, includes integrated building solutions and sustainable IAQ features. ashrae.org

BC implements Skilled Trades Certification program

As of December 1, 2022 Skilled Trades BC began implementation of the province’s new Skilled Trades Certificate program for seven trades. The trades include refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, gasfitter A & B, steamfitter/pipefitter, sheet metal worker, construction electrician, industrial electrician and powerline technician. The government announced the new Skilled Trades Certification in June 2021. BC was previously the only province without mandatory trades certification. skilledtradesbc.ca

CHAR Technologies receives $11.3 million investment

Toronto, ON-based CHAR Technologies Ltd. has received $11.3 million in funding from the federal and Ontario governments to help expand its Thorold, ON renewable energy production facility. The expansion will allow the Thorold plant to produce renewable natural gas and biocarbon, creating the largest facility of its kind in Canada and the only renewable natural gas facility in Canada to use exclusively woody biomass. The facility will use a high temperature pyrolysis (HTP) process to convert 75,000 tonnes of woody biomass to 500,000 gigajoules of renewable natural gas and 10,000 tonnes of biocarbon annually. Construction on the facility is set to begin early this year and is expected to be completed by 2025.

chartechnologies.com

ESP celebrates 40 years of innovation

Energy Saving

Products Ltd. (ESP), manufacturer of Hi-Velocity Systems, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023. The company's origins date back to 1983 when company founder Leon Prevost set up shop in his garage. Headquartered in Edmonton, AB, ESP has grown to become a supplier of specialty hydronic, forced air, energy efficiency and IAQ products in the North American and international markets.

hi-velocity.com

CHAR occupies the building on the right in the Thorold Multimodal Hub which houses approximately 18 companies.

ASHRAE’s new net-zero global headquarters.

Canadian firm partners in first of its kind project

Two 20-storey apartment buildings in the Bronx, New York, will soon have the first combined wastewater energy transfer (WET) and geothermal system in the world, according to Vancouver, BC-based SHARC Energy, maker of the WET system. The combined system will utilize thermal energy transfer from the ground and wastewater to provide 100 per cent of the heating, hot water and cooling load for 316 affordable housing units in the buildings. The buildings currently use steam heat from fossil fuels. The project is a partnership between SHARC and St. Petersburg, FL-based Egg Geo and is part of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Empire Building Challenge. The new system is forecasted to reduce energy use in the buildings from the equivalent of 2,741 carbon tons to zero.

egggeo.com sharcenergy.com

Enbridge Sustain to offer turnkey energy solutions in Ontario

Enbridge Inc. has launched an unregulated energy-asa-service business called Enbridge Sustain that it says will help Ontario customers reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy costs. The company manages end-to-end delivery of the service, including design, installation, maintenance, and energy reporting, and will offer technologies such as geothermal heating, solar photovoltaic, hybrid heating, and electric vehicle chargers. The service is available to homeowners, developers and commercial customers.

enbridgesustain.com

St. John’s, NL to host CIPH ABC and anniversary celebration

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) has announced that its 2023 annual business conference will take place June 18 to 20, 2023 in St. John’s, NL at the Delta St. John’s hotel. The annual event brings together business leaders from across Canada and the U.S., and will feature networking and learning opportunities. This year’s conference also celebrates CIPH’s 90th anniversary. Congratulations CIPH! ciph.com

● Testable. Includes Watco Innovator orange test membrane, testable to 22 P.S.I or five floors. No more test balls, caps or plugs.

● Includes heavy-duty snapon grid—20% thicker than competitive grids.

● Easy to install and tighten. Includes squared-off ribs on bottom receptor.

● Polycarbonate green cover protects grid finish during construction.

BC contractors now need to include licence number in advertising

Technical Safety BC is reminding licensed contractors that as of January 1, 2023, they must publish their company name and Technical Safety BC licence number on digital sales and marketing materials when advertising regulated services. The changes apply to licensed contractors in electrical, gas, boilers, pressure vessels, and refrigeration sectors. This is the first phase of Technical Safety BC’s three-phase approach for updating advertising materials.

technicalsafetybc.ca

ECCO Group receives HARDI award

ECCO Supply has received the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International’s (HARDI) Talent Pillar Champion Award for 2022. The award, which was presented at the annual HARDI conference in Houston, TX, recognizes companies that show continuous improvement in employee and customer development through training and sharing of best practices in the HVAC industry. eccosupply.ca

Greener homes grant to be delivered through Enbridge in Ontario

Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) agreement to co-deliver the Canada Greener Homes Grant in Ontario via a process offered through Enbridge Gas’s Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program, started in January 2023. Qualified homeowners in Ontario can receive up to $10,000 in rebates for retrofits, regardless of their heating type or if they are an Enbridge customer. Eligible rebates for retrofits include renewable energy systems designed to optimize energy savings. A rebate of up to $600 can offset the cost of the EnerGuide home assessment.

nrcan.gc.ca

Warrior Plumbing wins Business of the Year award

North Vancouver, BC-based Warrior Plumbing and owner Curt Thomas have won the Business of the Year award in the 11+ person enterprise category at BC Achievement Foundation’s 2022 Indigenous Business Gala and Award Dinner. Warrior Plumbing is a fully owned and operated Indigenous mechanical contractor specializing in the design and installation of plumbing, gas fitting and HVAC systems for multi-family residential construction projects in Metro Vancouver. bcachievement.com

warriorplumbing.ca

OSPE reports offer new guidance on COVID

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has published three reports containing new research on airborne COVID transmission and protective measures. The reports were authored by OSPE’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Advisory Group. The reports are: How COVID Spreads, which identifies the airborne spread of COVID-19 transmission; Core Recommendations for Safer Indoor Air, which outlines six steps to improving IAQ; and Face Coverings for COVID-19 Prevention, which offers up-to-date guidance on masking. ospe.on.ca

BC’s EPIC Network receives more than $3.3 million in funding

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), BC Hydro, New Relationship Trust and Fortis BC have invested more than $3.3 million in the B.C. Fraser Basin Council’s Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities (EPIC) Network, a capacitybuilding renewable energy program. The Network will provide BC Indigenous communities with capacity-building funds for renewable energy goals and electrification, as well as funds for eight communities to hire an energy champion and to build expertise related to small-scale (under 100 kW) renewable energy projects in Indigenous on-grid communities.

fraserbasin.bc.ca

Curt Thomas, owner of Warrior Plumbing

Technical Safety BC releases results of ammonia leak investigation

Technical Safety BC has released recommendations for ammonia safety following an investigation into a fatal ammonia leak which occurred at an ice making facility in Kamloops on May 26, 2022. The investigation found that the primary cause of the incident was failure to remove ammonia from the refrigeration system before being disassembled. Ammonia was released when a ball valve holding back pressurized ammonia for the entire system was opened. “Unfortunately, when this equipment was shut down in 2015, the ammonia was not removed. Then in 2022, a licensed refrigeration contractor was not engaged to prepare the equipment for final disassembly,” says Jeff Coleman, director of technical programs for Technical Safety BC.” Other findings show that organizational changes since the equipment was shut down, unclear communication, and incorrect assessments were all factors in the ammonia not being removed, and previous cut piping and disconnected gauges showed the system as being empty. Technical Safety BC has made recommendations based on the findings of the investigation, including when planning for and facilitating the final shut down and disassembly

of refrigeration equipment, owners and managers directly engage a licensed contractor to validate that ammonia and oil are removed, and that equipment is ready for safe disassembly and transportation. Technical Safety BC is also recommending that CSA adopt or develop requirements for the dismantling, disassembly and/or decommissioning of refrigeration systems and equipment.

technicalsafetybc.ca

Ontario offers free naloxone kits for a limited time

The Ontario government is offering employers an online tool to help them determine if they need a naloxone kit to prevent opioid overdoses in their workplace. For a limited time, the province is providing free naloxone training for up to two workers and a free nasal spray naloxone kit per workplace. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It can be injected or given as a nasal spray. Beginning on June 1, 2023, employers must provide naloxone in the workplace if certain circumstances described in the Occupational Health and Safety Act apply. ontario.ca

HygieneFirst

Hygienic Drainage

ACO knows the challenge to maintain maximum hygiene in industrial and hospital environments. That is why we developed our hygienic drainage product line uniting sophisticated design with the high tech in manufacturing technologies, maximizing the performance of cleaning and avoiding the spread of bacteria.

NSF certified for hygienic drainage design.

Learn more about this product line, visit: http://www.acobd.com

ACO Stainless

Building Drainage

Movers & Shakers

Senseware rebrands as Attune

Senseware, a provider of property technology, has rebranded as Attune. Attune produces IoT (Internet of Things) products across various PropTech disciplines, including energy efficiency, HVAC asset condition monitoring (ACM), indoor air quality, and remote facility management. attuneiot.com

Wolseley adds new branch in BC, plans for Toronto area DC

Burlington, ON-based Wolseley Canada is building a market distribution centre (DC) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with completion expected by the end of 2023. The DC will feature robot automation technology, and will include a showroom, store and counter service. It will offer 24-hour customer pick-up and 60-minute delivery across the GTA. Construction of the facility has already begun. The company also recently opened a 17,000-sq. ft. facility in West Kelowna, BC with Jarett Smith as manager. The branch offers Wolseley’s full range of plumbing and fire protection products, with HVAC products to be added over time. wolseleyinc.ca

Sales rep changes for Oatey

Oatey Canada has announced several changes to its sales representation for 2023. Kadin Sales will assume responsibility in southern Alberta. Kadin has a history representing the Oatey family of brands in other provinces. Westcan Mechanical Sales will cover Saskatchewan and Manitoba.. Westcan has been representing G. F. Thompson for over 20 years across the prairies. Nimatec will now be representing Oatey in the province of Quebec. oatey.ca

NEXT Supply to open warehouse in Southwestern Ontario

Vaughan, ON-based NEXT Plumbing and Hydronics Supply has announced it will open a warehouse and pick-up counter location early in 2023 to support businesses in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. The new location will have NEXT Supply’s full inventory of products. nextsupply.ca

IPEX continues expansion with new distribution centre

IPEX has made another investment in its warehousing and distribution facilities with the announcement of a new facility in Middletown, PA projected to open this spring. The 250,000+-sq. ft. distribution centre will feature state-of-the-art health and safety practices, and technology such as scanning and material handling equipment. The new centre will require an additional 20 full-time employees. The facility is part of IPEX’s multi-year expansion strategy in the U.S. Other plans this year include new distribution centres in southern and western U.S. IPEX, an Aliaxis Company, offers a range of thermoplastic piping systems.

ipexna.com

Blade Filters partners with Enviroair in Quebec

Toronto, ON-based Blade Filters Inc. has announced a distribution agreement with Montreal, QC’s Enviroair Industries. Under the agreement Enviroair will exclusively distribute Blade’s indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions, including portable HEPA air purifiers, UVC air sanitization and electrostatic polarized HVAC filters, in Quebec.

bladeair.com enviroair.ca

Metropolitan Pump adds Edmonton location

Cambridge, ON-based Metropolitan Pump Co. Ltd. (MPC) is opening an Edmonton, AB branch to meet industry demand in Western Canada. The branch, called MPC West, will become the primary ship point and warehouse for all Metropolitan Pump accounts west of Ontario. Metropolitan Pump distributes equipment for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

metropump.com

Movers & Shakers

Ironworks to distribute Castrads products in Canada

Ironworks Radiators Inc. has partnered with UK-based Castrads to distribute Castrads’ products across Canada. Castrads produces hydronic and steam products including cast iron radiators, steel radiators, rad valves and accessories. Toronto, ON-based Ironworks Radiators specializes in creating solutions for hydronic systems, and offers new and refurbished radiators, as well as services.

ironworksradiators.ca castrads.com

Kasa Supply opens Ontario location

Surrey, BC-based Kasa Supply Ltd. has opened a branch in Brampton, ON, the company’s first location outside of Western Canada. Kasa Supply has six locations in BC and Alberta, and offers plumbing, heating, irrigation, and other products.

kasasupply.com

DiversiTech establishes European branch through mergers

DiversiTech Corp. has formed DiversiTech Europe through a merger of its UK-based DiversiTech/Pump House business with Milan, Italy’s Artiplastic, Mouscron, Belgium’s Castel Engineering, and Padua, Italy’s Rodigas. Artiplastic, Castel, Rodigas and DiversiTech have been working together for more than 15 years. The combined company will have eight manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Europe. The move expands DiversiTech’s global product portfolio with mini-split systems and heat pumps in commercial and residential markets. diversitech.com

Daikin acquires Venstar

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin) has purchased Chatsworth, CA-based Venstar, Inc. The company will continue to operate as a whollyowned business unit of Daikin. “Venstar’s advanced smart thermostats, controls technology and outstanding energy management systems will help support Daikin’s leadership role in connected solutions, ensuring safe, environmentally-friendly, peak performance operations of HVAC systems through cloud-connected monitoring and control,” said Takayuki Inoue, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer for Daikin.

northamerica-daikin.com venstar.com

Centrotherm forms distribution agreement with Air Solutions

Centrotherm Eco Systems, LLC has announced a partnership with Cambridge, ON-based Air Solutions Inc. Under the agreement, Centrotherm’s InnoFlue ULCS636 PP vent systems and Air Excellent air management systems will be distributed by Air Solutions in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

centrotherm.us.com airsolutions.ca

Canadian Aqualine purchases Flow Sales

Canadian Aqualine Sales Inc. has acquired Toronto, ON-based Flow Sales Inc. Canadian Aqualine is a manufacturer’s representative with offices in Delta, BC and Calgary, AB. Flow Sales is a stocking manufacturer’s representative for the Ontario HVAC, plumbing and hot water heating market.

can-aqua.com flowsales.com

Merger expands DiversiTech’s global product portfolio with mini-split systems and heat pumps.

Navien NCB-H combi-boilers

Unmatched heating and DHW performance, all in one compact unit

• Heating up to 150,000 BTU/h and DHW up to 210,000 BTU/h

• Up to 80% smaller than floor standing boiler and tank water heater

• Optimized DHW priority with mixing valve and water adjustment valve to provide consistent DHW temperatures and industry leading flow rates

• Dual stainless steel heat exchangers for heating and separate SS heat exchanger for DHW

• Built-in controls for 3 zone pumps or 3 zone valves

• Heating TDR up to 11:1 and DHW TDR is 15:1

To learn more about the best-selling combi-boilers in North America, visit navieninc.com.

Tear out that wasteful tank and boiler mess...

...and hang up the breakthrough in high capacity combis

People in the news

Burlington, ON-based Wolseley Canada has hired Jasmina Costa (1) as client financial services representative, and named Michael Tizard (2) senior category sales specialist –ductless HVAC/R.

BLANCO has promoted Edyta Drutis to vice president, brand and marketing for North America.

Antti Valikangas has been appointed territory director (sales) for Belimo Aircontrols (CAN), Inc.

Braden Bourque has started a business development role for EMCO Corporation, spearheading the launch of two new Greater Toronto Area showrooms.

Kerissa MacDonald has joined the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) as program manager. MacDonald will be responsible for the Young Executive Society, the Women’s Network and charitable efforts, and will be working on the association’s Pipeline newsletter.

André Descôteaux has joined Terrebonne, QC-based Zitta Group as director of business development, Quebec.

Edmonton, AB-based Sinclair Supply Ltd. has hired Jeff Berg as lead technical advisor, based in Regina, SK.

Masco Canada has promoted Cheryl Williamson to senior manager distribution operations.

Rinnai Canada has hired Devan Moore as regional service manager for Western Canada.

Port Coquitlam, BC-based Barclay Sales Ltd. has hired Cam Giroux as a mechanical and hydronic specialist.

Gabriel Finn has been named hydronics specialist at Red Deer, AB-based Triangle Supply Ltd., a brand of Bartle & Gibson.

Gary Fabbro (1) is now national product management director, residential ducted at Boucherville, QC-based The Master Group, while Whitney Xie (2) has been promoted to advisor, product management, based in Vaughan, ON.

Doug Whillans has joined Mississauga, ON-based Mits Airconditioning Inc. as sales specialist. Welcome back to the industry from MB.

Refrigerative Supply Ltd. (RSL) has promoted Kelly Balint to branch manager –East Calgary, AB., and promoted Justin Flach sales support lead.

Viega LLC has promoted Carl Gorny to national distribution manager.

today.

Sustainability is not about off-grid or huge solar/wind fields that apply to the few. It’s about reducing the impact of every component used by the many.

Make Oxford Energy’s OLPP™ solar kit the next step in your customer’s corporate stewardship journey. With plug-and-play simplicity, it can be added to any system easily and efficiently. The solar option ties into the main power supply of each unit and automatically ‘sheds’ power as it harnesses free energy from the sun.

Equipco Ltd. has hired Andy Godfrey as inside sales representative at its Winnipeg, MB location.

Cambridge, ON-based Saniflo Canada has hired Trevor Reeve as account manager.

Oatey Co. has promoted Paul McKay to vice president, Canada. McKay has been with Oatey since 2016 when the company

OLPP solar is ready as an off-the-shelf option for any system, or to enhance the efficiency of any Oxford Refrigeration system already in the field.

Call us today to find out more.

Steph Bourque has joined Johnson Controls as service coordinator based in Mount Pearl, NL.

Melissa

General Pipe Cleaners has named Angela Grieb assistant national sales manager.

The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) has appointed Charles Pelletier to the CABA board of directors. Pelletier is a mechanical engineer and vice president of product management at

Stelpro has appointed Jérôme Potvin as sales director, electrical distribution – Quebec.

Barrett has joined Markham, ON-based Sluyter Company Ltd. as marketing manager.

Distech Controls.

Jo-Anne Parent has joined Great Lakes Copper Ltd. as territory sales manager for Quebec and the Maritime provinces.

Connie Lee has joined Fusion Sales as sales agency representative.

Wilson Ho is now BC accounts manager – HVAC for Rheem Canada Ltd.

YELLOW JACKET

Only Bradford White features exclusive Vitraglas® tank lining with Microban®:

• Vitraglas® provides unsurpassed protection from the corrosive effects of water.

• Microban® antimicrobial product protection helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the tank lining.

Vitraglas® and Microban® offer product protection and peace of mind around-the-clock.

Bradford White

MIX AND MATCH … CONTRACTOR EXPLAINS BENEFITS OF A HYBRID SYSTEM

Canadahas long held a leadership role in the development of heating technologies. The early adopters of high efficiency furnaces and combination heating systems were well represented by Canadian HVAC contractors. Now it is time for contractors to embrace new heating options for our long, cold winter weather that can simultaneously provide reliable, comfortable heat while significantly reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from their operation. In new construction, as net-zero energy ready homes move closer to being a reality, building codes offer many options for getting there. Within those options there are seven to eight mechanical opportunities to help builders meet the 2020 National Building Code requirements. These same options will be critical in existing homes as well. Perhaps the most compelling of those opportunities is finding ways to include heat pump-based technologies for space heating. I (GC) recently spoke with Jeff Daley (JD) of Bryan’s HVAC & Fuel Sales about system options and the efficiencies that can be achieved with a hybrid heat pump approach.

GC Tell me about your business.

JD Many of our customers think of Bryan’s HVAC & Fuel Sales as an oil and propane delivery business, but we see ourselves as a rural heating company. The majority of heating systems we install reduce or eliminate the amount of fossil fuel burned compared to customers’ original heating systems. We are in a unique position in that we have years’ of data on customers’ oil or propane consumption. As shown in Figure 1, we are able to see the impact of improved heating systems on their fossil fuel volume.

GC What was the typical or traditional solution to heating and cooling used up until now?

JD Up until about five years ago propane was

Gord Cooke

the status quo for rural builds with a handful of geothermal systems.

GC What has prompted the transition to heat pump solutions?

JD We did notice a difference in awareness of heat pumps after the GreenON program about five years ago. The increase in oil and propane prices have also motivated homeowners to look beyond the status quo.

GC Tell us about the heat pump solution(s) you employ and why you like that approach?

JD About three years ago we installed our first “carbon buster” system. That name was a placeholder until we came up with something better, but it has stuck. We use an all-electric style fan coil but instead of electric elements for auxiliary heat we use a hydronic coil heated

Gord is a professional engineer who has spent 35 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes. He has particular expertise in IAQ and airflow management in houses, and can be contacted at gordc@buildingknowledge.ca.

Figure 1 CO2 emissions before and after heat pump installation

Carbon buster air handler.

by a tankless water heater or boiler. This allows the air source heat pump to contribute heat well below the balance point and use the fossil fuel backup to supplement the output of the heat pump. In this case we have found the heat pump provides about two thirds of the annual heating energy and the fossil fuel backup provides about one third of the annual heating energy.

The traditional dual fuel approach of a heat pump connected to a fossil fuel furnace results in the heat pump turning off at the balance point and the furnace doing all the heating work below that temperature. With the furnace and heat pump approach the heat pump generally provides about one third of the annual heating energy and the furnace provides the remaining two thirds.

GC How do you assess or determine which approach to use?

JD With new builds the biggest variable is the mindset of the builder and whether they are willing to try something new. Now that we have installed many of these systems and have a few years of data, more builders are open to the carbon buster approach.

GC What has been the response from builders and homeowners?

JD There has been very little response from builders and we see this as a good thing. We want this system to work like the status quo system would so there is not a steep learning curve for the builder or end consumer.

GC What technical challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

JD A fan coil with a hydronic backup is more sensitive to the fine details both from the standpoint of system design and installation. It takes more time when designing a system to make sure all the components are going to work together to provide the desired result compared to specifying a furnace. We have had a few instances where our installation supervisor has had to double check the thermostat configuration as some thermostat settings are configured for an all-electric system and this was unnatural to the technicians initially.

Replacement of equipment in existing homes

GC In a retrofit situation, does the approach change at all from the new home solutions?

JD With a retrofit type installation we are always talking to the end user so we are explaining the benefits to the person who will benefit. From a technical perspective this is an excellent solution for a home with 100-amp service, which could otherwise not install an all-electric heat pump or geothermal system. It is important to take into consideration the mechanical room ceiling height in an existing home as the fan coil with a hydronic coil on top of it may be too tall to fit into the space.

GC What assessments/tests etc. are you doing to determine the feasibility of these approaches in existing homes?

JD We do a detailed heat loss calculation and carefully consider equipment specifications, particularly the hydronic coil and its ability to provide enough heat at a reasonable water temperature and airflow compatible with legacy duct systems. The flow capability of the circulator built into the tankless water heater has limitations whereas with a boiler we can specify a circulator to better match the needs of a high heat loss home.

Barriers to a heat pump solution

GC What are the most significant barriers to a heat pump solution in existing homes? Do you have suggestions as to how to overcome them?

JD Older homes that have a high heat loss and low-capacity duct system are a challenge. In some cases, it is practical to upgrade the ductwork. Discussing the impact of building

What has really enabled the carbon buster is tankless water heater models designed to provide hydronic heat as well as domestic hot water.

The carbon buster system is a solution for homes with 100-amp service

envelope improvements on the heating system requirements can be helpful. If the homeowner is planning to upgrade the windows or insulate an un-finished basement, these improvements may allow us to specify equipment that will work well after the envelope upgrades are complete.

GC Tell us about any feedback you have gotten from homeowners to the heat pump approach?

JD Customers who have lived in the same house for a few years before the heating system upgrade love the cost savings. In some cases, the heat pump provides air conditioning where there was no air conditioning previously. Interestingly, many homeowners are moving to rural areas for the first time and will upgrade the heating system before spending their first winter in the home. In this case they may not fully appreciate the cost savings; it is more of a cost avoidance strategy.

It is so encouraging that a rather historic and traditional fuel oil and HVAC contractor is an early adopter to embrace one of the technologies. This is going to be

so key to the dramatic reductions in carbon dioxide emissions in the millions of older homes across Canada in the next seven to 10 years. As Jeff noted, a hybrid system utilizing a hot water coil after the heat pump allows extended use of the heat pump through the winter. It also allows more flexibility in homes with limited electrical service, smaller duct work and higher heat losses. I really appreciate how Jeff and Bryan’s Fuels are so committed to getting the technical details correct – proper sizing, proper piping and set-up, and thorough commissioning of controls. All professional contractors will recognize the need for even more rigour in the early days of this burgeoning heat pump market opportunity so that there are no bad jobs.

Improvements to the building envelope may permit a hybrid solution.

Inverter technology means comfort.

Goodman’s® high-efficiency GSXV9 air conditioner and GSZV9 heat pump, with inverter technology, provide premium solutions with efficiencies of up to 22.5 SEER2 and 8.2 HSPF2. Goodman inverter systems provide an ideal solution for customers who demand more for less. Ask your Goodman sales professional about exclusive training and finance programs.

• High-efficiency, smart savings

• Consistent indoor comfort

• Enhanced indoor air quality

• Proven reliability

• Works with any 24V thermostat

For more information, see product details:

Additional Information:

Before purchasing this appliance, read important information about its estimated annual energy consumption, yearly operating cost, or energy efficiency rating that is available from your retailer.

Goodman

Workplace accidents are generally the result of taking shortcuts and/or using tools incorrectly and/ or bypassing safety controls. It is the responsibility of all technicians to ensure work is done in a safe manner to keep themselves and others out of harm’s way. The following are safety considerations when working in the field.

KEY SAFETY PROTOCOLS – PART I

Never isolate liquid sections of a system without provisions for a safety relief

With all refrigerants, attention must be given to the possibility of isolating liquid in one or more sections of the system without some form of relief device. For example, if a section of pipe is filled with a high fraction of liquid, there will be little room for expansion. If the pipe is 100 per cent filled with liquid, then there will be no room for expansion. If the pipe is exposed to heat, the liquid will start to expand. The pressure inside the pipe will expand rapidly, resulting in a hydrostatic condition. This rapid rise of pressure can quickly exceed the burst pressure of the piping, resulting in pipe rupture. Note that with R744 (CO2), the rate of pressure increase is higher than with other commonly-used refrigerants. For example, let’s consider the saturation pressures of R507, R717 and R744 at -40°F and +40°F. For R507, these pressures are 20.1 and 83.8 psia respectively. For R717, these pressures are 10.4 and 73.3 psia. For R744, these pressures are 145.7 and 567.6 psia. Between a range of -40°F and +40°F, the pressure of R507 increases 83.8 psi. For R717, the pressure increase is 62.9 psi. However, the rate of R744 is 421.9 psi.1 Referring to the gas laws, the pressure of a given amount of gas held at constant volume is directly proportional to the Kelvin temperature.

Ensure correct application and installation of pressure relief valves

correctly sizing the relief valve for the correct flow rate and pressure, relief devices must never be isolated, not even temporarily. The inlet connection must never be reduced as it will restrict flow. Additionally, relief devices must never be stacked as this will lead to a very dangerous situation in the event of component over-pressure.

Replace damaged or corroded pressurevessels and components

The integrity of vessels and components must always be ensured. It is essential that corrective action is taken whenever a vessel shows signs of considerable corrosion and/or damage, even though there is pressure relief protection. A compromised pressure vessel may fail at a pressure that is lower than the relief device.

must never be isolated, not even temporarily.

On the topic of high-pressures, one must ensure that relief devices are installed in accordance with the various codes and standards. The ASHRAE 15 Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, outlines various requirements for relief devices and their associated discharge piping. In addition to

Avoid inhalation of brazing/welding fumes

Fumes from welding and brazing are generally toxic.These toxic fumes can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat and can even result in damage to the lungs. When brazing with systems that have previously contained refrigerant, the decomposed refrigerant along with other byproducts can be very harmful. With TIG welding, ozone is created along with off-gassing of molten metal.2 Welding of any type should only be done in a well-ventilated area.

Pressure relief devices

It is also very important to wear the correct PPE. Longsleeved, fire-retardant clothing and safety glasses should be worn. For TIG welding, a full helmet, approved for the application, must be worn along with approved gloves and footwear. Note that many welders use a fire-retardant cotton bandana or skull cap to protect against airborne particles of very hot metal. Some welders use a balaclava sock hood that is made with fire-retardant materials.3

group, meaning that it is not toxic in the classic sense, and not considered to be flammable. However, R744 has a density that is approximately 150 per cent greater than air and displaces atmospheric oxygen. This means that R744 leaks will result in the workspace gradually filling from the ground up, similar to filling a container with water. In this case, R744 leak detectors must be installed in mechanical rooms at a low level, in accordance with national codes such as CSA B52, ASHRAE Standard 15, along with all relevant local codes that pertain to mechanical room ventilation and leak detection requirements. Wearing a personal refrigerant sensor badge or oxygendeprivation sensor on the body is an additional way to alert the technician that they are in a potentially dangerous situation.

Charging R744 into systems

R744 must initially be charged into the system as a vapour. The internal pressure of the system must reach a safe level above the triple point of the refrigerant before any liquid is charged into the system. This ensures that the R744 does not become dry ice in the charging hose and system. If liquid is accidentally charged into a system and dry ice has formed, never use a positive heat source in an attempt to melt the dry ice. System components can become brittle in the presence of dry ice and heating can cause rapid expansion and subsequent rupture of components.

Once the pressure of the system is at a level that is safely above the triple point, liquid can then be charged into the system. The liquid should never be charged into the suction, but into the high-side of the system, preferably into the receiver. Note that with R744 booster systems, the receiver or flash tank will be at a pressure that is above the suction, but below the gas cooler pressure of the high-stage circuit.

Never

pressure-test with oxygen

Ensure that an approved regulator is used when pressure testing.

Be aware of potential refrigerant dangers

Refrigerants exhibit different properties and are classified in terms of their relative toxicity and flammability to a predefined threshold as indicated in ASHRAE Standard 34. Using R744 as an example, it is listed in the A1 safety

Pressure-testing with oxygen is extremely dangerous. As the pressure of the oxygen increases in the system that contains oil, it may cause auto-ignition and result in a serious rupture in the system components. Use dry nitrogen for pressure testing and ensure that an approved regulator is used in order to prevent dangerous over-pressurization of the system. Never use a damaged pressure-regulator. Look for Part II of this article in the March/ April 2023 issue of Mechanical Business, where bypassing compressor safeties, starting compressors safely, and electrical test instruments will be discussed.

References:

1. Refrigerant pressures used for graph and discussion extracted from REFPROP ver. 9.1

2. Gaslab.com, “Is TIG Welding Stainless Steel Dangerous?”

3. ESAB.com, “What to Know About Welding PPE & Protecting Yourself”

R744 leaks will result in the workspace gradually filling from the ground up.

By Kerry Turner

Marion Thénault: Olympian aims for

carbon-neutral podium

Currently studying to become an aerospace engineer at Montreal’s Concordia University, Marion Thénault made her Olympic debut at Beijing in 2022 placing seventh in the individual competition and winning a bronze in the mixed team aerials. Unlike many of her teammates, Thénault’s early sport experience wasn’t skiing but as a gymnast. It was her air awareness, and acrobatic and trampoline skills that drew the attention of coaches at an RBC Training Ground event in her hometown of Sherbrooke, QC. After trying aerials at the water ramps, the 17-year-old fell in love with the sport she once thought people had to be crazy to do. Just four years later, at the beginning of her first season on the 2020/2021 World Cup tour, Thénault was

relatively unknown but that changed very quickly. “By the end I had two podiums and one win and people started to know who I was,” recalls Thénault. She has seized the opportunity to use her platform to promote awareness of climate change, and the aerospace industry. Referring to a recent partnership agreement she signed with the engineering firm WSP, Thénault says, “I’m building partnerships that are interesting as they connect both fields. I would not have the sponsorship with WSP if it wasn’t for my engineering background. I could not have that mix if I was only in school or only in sports.” But the demands of competing and training, along with her university courses, are challenging.

“I absolutely love my lifestyle and travelling for

Thénault is continuing her training in the hopes of competing in the individual and team aerial events in Milan in 2026.

Marion Thénault takes the leap at the 2022 Olympics. Differing from big air or slopestyle skiing, aerial skiers launch themselves off a kicker (vertical ramp) straight up in the air to do twice as many flips and twists.

competitions and training and pushing myself and all that comes with this sport. But I do know I am missing some of the university life because I do my classes, but I’m rarely on campus. I also know I don’t do as much science. At the same time, I am still involved in the program I want to do and that I am really passionate about. And I have a platform that allows me to add some visibility for what I do. I think I can also help the aerospace field.

“I love to accomplish things I’m not sure I can. It’s like in aerials. Let’s say I watch other athletes do jumps and I don’t feel I’m ever going to be able to do this, but I’m going to give myself a chance. I’m going to try and train towards it. I did every single jump that I wanted to do so far, and I’m working on bigger ones and there’s always the next challenge, and that’s something I really like. And this is the same thing at school with math classes, programming classes and classes in areas that are a challenge every time. But I love to do it.”

The sport and science mix comes naturally to Thénault. Her parents were elite athletes and pursued careers in science. “My mom has a degree in chemistry and a master’s in environment. My dad has a bachelor’s in kinesiology and he does biomechanical research. I lived with both fields and growing up I did a lot of science fairs − that was my thing,” says Thénault. Today, Thénault hopes young women will look at her experience and say, I can do this − I can be an aerospace engineer and possibly go flying off a jump. “Engineering is now dominantly male, it’s not a surprise. My sport is also male dominant. I feel like I’m always finding myself in situations where there’s really not a lot of girls. But it’s something that is not an issue for me. I just want more girls in the field. I want these fields to not be as intimidating. While they’re male dominant, once you’re in it doesn’t make a difference. You can inspire and be inspired by what the men do and they learn from it as well.”

Going for green

WSP’s partnership with Thénault is focused on supporting her dreams of returning to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, becoming an engineer, and being one of Canada’s first carbonneutral athletes. Thénault is working alongside members of the engineering firm’s Earth and Environment team to determine the carbon footprint of her freestyle skiing activities as she travels around the world to events on the World Cup circuit.

“I am excited to work with WSP to try and become one of Canada’s first carbon-neutral Olympians. It started because I was thinking I wanted to be carbon neutral. I feel it’s the next big challenge for everyone. After the games, I had the opportunity to do a presentation at WSP for its Earth and Environment team about my sport and how I train for the Olympics, and finally my vision of being a carbon neutral athlete. At the end they said yes, we can help you do that. We had never spoken before. We worked together to create the partnership we wanted,” says Thénault.

The firm’s climate change experts will quantify the emissions associated with her activities, look for ways to reduce this footprint, and find solutions to offset her actions. As part of this process, Thénault will develop a better understanding of the environmental cost of athletic competition and the financial cost of offsetting the emissions generated during her Olympic pursuit.

“Travelling around the world comes with an environmental impact, one that we need to reduce to minimize the impact of climate change. Hopefully the research we are doing will help athletes around the world take action to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Thénault.

Over the next four years, both WSP and Thénault will provide updates on the journey to carbon neutrality on their respective social media channels.

(left) won a bronze medal with Miha Fontaine (centre) and Lewis Irving in the inaugural Olympic mixed team aerials event. It was Canada’s first Olympic medal in any aerials event in 20 years.

Thénault

By Jonathon Harp

Climate change and the HVAC marketplace

Make the low carbon economy part of your business plan

Climate change is at the forefront of environmental concerns as climate effects from atmospheric carbon loading such as extreme weather, flooding, forest fires and ice cap melting occur more frequently. Canada and countries the world over are implementing measures to sustainably reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases and stem the tide of this potential environmental disaster.

Industries have a role to play with government in solving the climate change dilemma with the HVAC sector being a significant part of the carbon loading problem. Global heating of buildings is responsible for two thirds of building energy demand and approximately 20 per cent of energy consumption. Put the buildings and construction sectors together and the energy consumption number grows to 30 per cent and nearly 40 per cent of carbon emissions. In Canada, buildings represent 28 per cent of energy end use and 26 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.

On the cooling side, CFC, HCFC and HFC refrigerants containing ozone depleting substances and greenhouse gases are being phased out under the terms of the Montreal Protocol and replaced by substances with less or no environmental impact. The HVAC industry plays a leading role in providing energy efficient and environmentally-friendly systems. For the industry and particularly contractors, there is a huge opportunity to lead customers in the right environmental direction and to help home and business owners reduce their carbon footprint.

Your low carbon economy (LCE) plan should involve training of staff members to knowledgeably respond to customers. Nothing says “we really aren’t in that business” than uninformed staff unable to respond to customers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. You have to be viewed as an expert in this area by your customers. Training is the solution.

In Canada, buildings represent 28 per cent of energy end use and 26 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.

LOOKING AHEAD

Probably the biggest hurdle for the LCE is industry acceptance. For example, it is a huge step for consumers and the industry to contemplate a Canadian HVAC industry that does not include natural gas and instead moves into an electrified marketplace. An absolute move to electrification is not going to happen any time soon. Nor is the introduction of hydrogen into the natural gas grid in Canada.

There will be a gradual move to a LCE and the important part for contractors to acknowledge is that LCE options have to be a part of their business plan. Customers are increasingly requesting options to meet Canada’s environmental direction and contractors need to be ready to respond. The evolution of buildings in the future is going to be a significant opportunity for contractors and the industry; particularly in the commercial, ICI and residential retrofit market.

Train your people and sell the long-term aspect of the LCE. Look at opportunities to collaborate with other contractors to provide a broad suite of low carbon solutions to your customers. Most importantly, “get on the train because it’s leaving the station.” You want your business at the front of the line as the LCE takes hold in Canada.

WHAT HVAC OPTIONS SHOULD BE OFFERED AS A PART OF THE COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO THE LCE?

Here are some options to consider:

1. Smart technology

The concept of Smart technology is to use sensor devices in the building to provide data to a device that controls indoor comfort. The system is constantly made aware of the indoor environment throughout the building and efficiently determines what each zone needs including heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, etc. While they are most commonly used in commercial and industrial applications, Smart technologies are also used in zoned residential systems. Smart systems are viewed as crucial technology to control rising emissions associated with the increased need for cooling.

2. Remote monitoring and hand-held devices

Hand-held devices such as Smart phones and tablets can now easily control and manage building environments to improve efficiency and reduce energy usage. Particularly in the commercial and industrial sector, these devices are being used to remotely

Building the future begins with electric.

monitor systems and apply maintenance measures without having to travel to the customer’s location; another environmental benefit. Smart remote monitoring options available to customers include thermostats, apps and Smart heating and cooling equipment. This technology is evolving rapidly with easier systems for customers to use in both the residential and ICI sectors.

3. Performance efficiency

The HVAC industry continues to raise efficiencies on all energy-using products provided to the marketplace as well as making changes to the product mix to address environmental concerns. This includes cold weather heat pumps that work well in the Canadian climate as part of the electrification strategy. New refrigerants are being introduced to meet new federal and provincial regulations that come into force throughout the 2020s.

• Capacities from 6-2,500 gallons and inputs up to 918 kW.

• High recovery rates and large storage capacity options.

• Building Management System compatibility on select models.

• No venting or fuel lines required.

• No combustion eliminates greenhouse gas emissions.

An impressive range of electric hot water solutions for every commercial project.

AO SMITH

WHICH DO YOU NEED?

BEST FOR:

Cast Iron Or Condensing Floor Retrofits

BEST FOR: New Construction Or Condensing Wall Retrofits

PAIRS GREAT WITH OUR SMART TANKS

Triangle Tube

Introducing Taco’s

VENTING: SINGLE APPLIANCE APPROACH RESOLVES ISSUES AND PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES

Venting challenges open up the opportunity to provide customers with a better system using hydronics.

Cliff McNeill

HEAT PUMPS: BUFFER TANKS SOLVE THE ISSUE OF BACKUP HEAT

This add-on is always recommended and should be incorporated in any hydronic heat pump system, including geothermal and low temperature heat pumps.

Dan Jung

ROAD WARRIOR: CHRIS MASSARO

Hooked on radiant Aqua North Plumbing & Heating is busy with hydronic systems in new construction in the Thunder Bay, ON area.

Carolyn Cooper

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE: GIVE WATER QUALITY THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES

If you haven’t spent time thinking about the impact of water quality on hydronic heating system components it is time you do.

Antonia Aldridge

OTHER FEATURES

34HYDRONICS: A BOX OF HEAT

Bottle the genie: Get as much energy contained in water into a wellinsulated container. Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

48FITTINGS: NATIONAL PIPE THREAD VERSUS BRITISH STANDARD PIPE What are the differences?

Cody Wright

59EMBRACING THE PAST: ESSENTIAL PLUMBING TOOL RESTORED TO ITS FORMER GLORY

Pipe wrench from the J. J. Walworth tool factory discovered in boiler room.

Kerry

Turner

DEPARTMENTS

50,52-54PRODUCTS

A showcase of hydronic technology

41JOBSITE JARGON

Match the correct definition or meaning to the terminology you hear in the field and enter for your chance to win a $150 Visa gift card

Cover Photo: Patrick Chondon, Chondon Photography

THERMAL STORAGE

A box of heat

Our energy outlook continues to evolve with the rapidly changing times. With the talk of electrification, fuel shortages, and changes to rate structures, there is a lot that is currently up in the air. Since the beginning of time, people have looked for ways to create and store heat energy. The focus on energy storage seems to come and go. It may be driven by economic changes, incentive plans and/or consumer desire to be more energy independent.

One technology that relies heavily on thermal storage is solar thermal, used for heating applications. You have a solar window available every day the sun shines to grab that solar radiation. The motto in solar thermal has always been: use it or lose it. We have been chasing ways to harvest and hold this energy since caveman days.

I have been through three solar renaissance periods now. There tends to be a cycle of years around oil embargos, shortages, and global unrest. These energy scares drive consumers to look for options with solar thermal and thermal storage.

Luckily for those in the HVAC, plumbing and hydronic trades this presents some great opportunities. We know how to wrangle fluids such as water and refrigerants. In the hydronic discipline we use water or water mixtures to move and store energy. Water works nicely as a medium. It is affordable, readily available, safe and understood.

Once we combust a fossil fuel to change the state to hot water for example, we start losing a percentage of that energy. So, we would like to get as much of the energy, now contained in water, into a well-insulated container, to bottle the genie. Insulated tanks store heated water nicely. An almost unlimited selection of tank types, sizes, piping connections, insulation options are available. Custom tanks can be built for applications from many metals and composites. Collapsible non-pressurized tanks are also used for limited access applications.

By Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

Sizing a storage tank

The math involved in sizing a storage tank is fairly straight forward. Knowing the capacity of the tank, type of fluid and temperature delta, we can come up with a thermal storage plan and sizing information.

How much energy (h) could we store in a 100-gallon tank, heated from 70°F to 180°F?

Formula 1

h= 8.33v (∆T)°

h= 8.33 (100) (180-70)

h= 91,630 BTUs

Where: h is energy

v is volume

Large and heavy storage tanks can present installation challenges.

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30 years. A long-time columnist and trainer, he is manager of training and education with Caleffi North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

Thermal energy storage is considered to be the holy grail.

Superior Performance in a Compact Design

The new Vitocrossal 200, CI2

+ 6 sizes ranging from 399 MBH - 2000 MBH and water content up to 113 USG, for large residential and commercial applications

+ Industry Leading 98% Thermal Efficiency and 97% Combustion Efficiency

+ High modulation up to industry leading 30:1 turndown ratio

+ Industry’s most advanced active self-calibrating O2 trim technology for reduced maintenance, greater accuracy and combustion efficiency

+ Small footprint allows easy access through standard doors and side-by-side installation up to 16 cascaded boilers

smart heating solutions made easy

viessmann.ca

Download the ViGuide app today

More information

Wifi inside

Viessmann

THERMAL STORAGE Cont’d from pg. 34

If you also use the tank to buffer boiler cycling, two formulas can be used to calculate thermal storage/buffer tank size. Formula 2 is for a fixed output boiler, heat pump, etc. Formula 3 is for modulating type equipment. For modulating equipment, the formula considers the lowest turndown rate. Same for heat pumps with two stage capacity. The tank size of course decreases when the equipment can vary its output. So, consider the multi-functionality of a thermal storage tank.

Formula 2

THE FLIPSIDE

Of course, there are some cons to storing energy in heated or chilled water. It’s heavy, large insulated tanks can get expensive and you must have the space required to house the tanks.

Taken to perhaps an extreme is a company in Switzerland that builds multi-thousand-gallon thermal storage tanks. The tanks are so large they are sometimes partially buried in the ground below the building. One example is a system and tank that stores solar energy which supplies heat and hot water year round to an eight-unit housing project. There was some planning and cost involved in that undertaking. Check out www.jenni.ch for some large tank projects.

Certainly, a tank could accept energy input from multiple sources. Solar, waste heat from refrigeration equipment, biomass boiler, district energy systems, heat pump, and co-gen units, are some examples. So, if a time comes to have multiple energy options, storage can become a part of that.

Where:

V= minimum buffer tank volume (gallons)

T= minimum heat source on time (minutes)

Qhs= rated heat output of heat source (BTUH)

Qloadmin= minimum concurrent heating load when heat source is on (BTUH)

∆T= change in average tank temperature during heat source on time (°F)

Formula 3

Where:

V= minimum buffer tank volume (gallons)

T= minimum heat source on time (minutes)

Qhsmin= minimum stable heat output of heat source (BTUH)

Qloadmin= minimum concurrent heating load when heat source is on (BTUH)

∆T= change in average tank temperature during minimum heat source on time (°F)

Another readily available material for thermal storage is concrete. Concrete is the most consumed product in the world. We all recognize this heavy, rock aggregate product that surrounds us almost anywhere we travel. The obvious location for thermal concrete storage would be a radiant slab.

Maybe you have a basement with a slab, or concrete thin mass radiant on upper floors. All that you need to utilize that as thermal storage is some embedded tubing to transfer the energy in and out of that concrete mass.

Another option, seen in some upper Midwest construction, is a sand bed radiant system. Long-time solar guru Bob Ramlow has spent years tinkering with these installations in Wisconsin. Below a slab would be 12 to 24 inches of sand with PEX tubing loops. Energy is transferred from thermal collectors into the slab anytime the sun shines. The energy comes out passively, just radiating up to the concrete slab above. Heat output control can be a challenge in the fall season, before heat loads

Embedded tubing transfers energy in and out of the concrete mass.

kick in. Operable windows are commonly used to regulate excess output.

Another option would be to insulate between the storage bed and the slab, with a thermal battery to pull the energy out via circulation. Take it only when it is needed.

Here are some numbers to know for a typical concrete mix slab. 29.4 BTUs required to raise a cubic foot of concrete 1 degree. Consider a 4-in. thick, 5,000 sq. ft. slab, and about 61 yards of concrete. It would require 48,421 BTU for a 1 degree rise in temperature.

This works in both directions. The slab re-radiates at that same rate for warming a space. This is where over-heating happens. When that energy stored in a slab, which has a mind of its own, wants to it will transfer to any area around it that is at a lower temperature. Sometimes referred to as the flywheel effect, this happens whether you are ready or not for that heat output.

QUALITY, SATISFACTION, DELIVERY.

Precision Plumbing Products offers the quality and selection you need. Make us your OEM Partner for Manifolds.

PPP has been manufacturing in Portland, Oregon since the 1960s.

Now, let’s compare the two options, a tank of water to a concrete slab, to find it would take about 5,700 gallons to store that same amount. So, compare the cost of 61 yards of concrete to an insulated tank that size. Hopefully, you have a Swiss connection if you want to shop for a tank like that.

One more thing. Perhaps you may recall the rock bed thermal storage concept? It consisted of a crawlspace full of rocks. A blower or duct system would move air across the rocks to warm the home or building. In this Legionella-aware society, that may be a hard sell. A box of hot rocks below your living space? It reminds me of my Boy Scout days when we would warm rocks by the campfire to surround our sleeping bags when winter tent camping.

What other ideas do you have for thermal energy storage? Email Hot Rod at hotrodradiant@me.com

Our Manifolds are:

• Factory ISO 9001

• ISO 14001 certified-green

• Every Manifold Pressure Tested

• OEM Special Orders

• With a Multitude of Fitting Choices and Custom Sizes

SHOWN: PPP Manifolds

All parts are 100% tested. www.pppinc.net

Precision Plumbing Products

VENTING

By Cliff McNeill

Single appliance approach resolves issues and presents opportunities - Part I

Cliff McNeill is with Equipco in outside sales for Southern Alberta. He is also Equipco’s in-house technical specialist for hydronic heating and engineer-focused products. McNeill can be reached at cmcneill@equipcoltd.com.

Thereare thousands of single-family homes in every marketplace in Canada that still have a mid efficient furnace and a mid efficient water heater. The vast majority of these systems use a common or shared vent for both of these appliances.

It is becoming more and more challenging for homeowners with mid efficient equipment to do a simple replacement when one of these appliances fails. The market is dominated with high efficiency furnaces and high efficiency water heaters. As government and industry continue to move toward high efficiency appliances and discontinue mid efficient appliances, that simple “direct replacement” will one day no longer be an option.

When a homeowner makes a proactive decision to update one of their appliances or are forced to make a grudge purchase of a new appliance as an existing one has failed, they face a venting challenge. While this may seem like a small challenge, it does open up the opportunity to provide them with a better system using hydronics. That system can be a condensing boiler, air handler and indirect domestic hot water tank, or a combi boiler and an air handler.

By using hydronics, our industry can provide homeowners with a solution using a single appliance that provides home heating, as well as satisfying domestic hot water needs. In addition, this

single appliance approach can, in most cases, reuse their existing venting system as “chase” to install an appropriate venting system for the single condensing boiler or combi boiler. There are several rigid and flexible venting systems in the Canadian market that allow us to reuse this existing pathway to vent a single appliance.

Scenarios with mixed efficiencies

If a homeowner decides to replace their mid efficiency furnace with a high efficiency furnace and keep their mid efficient water heater because it was “new” or vice versa, they would face one of two scenarios due to venting.

Scenario one If the home happens to have an unfinished basement, where this equipment is typically located, this can be a relatively painless scenario. The installing contractor will need to find an appropriate exterior wall to vent the high efficiency appliance. This means a wall that does not exceed the maximum venting length of the appliance, does not vent near fresh air intakes, opening doors and windows, gas and electric meters, over a sidewalk, or too close to the property line or an adjacent building. So, maybe this option is not quite so painless. They would also need to make any repairs necessary to the exterior of the building after the vent installation.

Venting challenges open up the opportunity to provide customers with a better system using hydronics.

Photo Thermo 2000

Incredibly Stylish

Who says hot water can’t be stylish? Meet Radiant Red!

Radiant Hydronics is where hot water meets style. Whether you are looking for digitally accurate on-demand, large output hybrid tankless, or onboard hot water storage combined with central heating, look to us to inspire confidence with your customers. We deliver high-performance efficiencies, Ferrari Red cabinets and technology-forward designs that eliminate cluttered installs, hot water delivery delays and temperature fluctuations. At Radiant, hot water is always in style.

Performance. Passion. Style.

Radiant

Proud partner of

The new leader in efficiency and style

Endless heating & DHW: Onboard storage & on-demand

The ultimate hybrid condensing water heater

Dual-Tech® Aqua-Plus® Quattro®

Scenario two If the basement is finished and the mechanical equipment is not located close to an appropriate exterior wall, this can become a major renovation to the home. In addition to changing out their existing appliance with a new one, it may involve opening up ceilings and potentially walls to run the venting for the new high efficiency appliance to an appropriate exterior wall. Regarding an appropriate exterior wall, see Scenario one

At the end of the replacement, there is potentially a lot of patching and repair work inside and outside the home that needs to be done to bring the home back to its original appearance. Not to mention the time, energy and inconvenience to clear the finished space so the work can be completed.

The root of the problem

A single high efficiency appliance, boiler or combi boiler provides both heating and hot water and needs only a single vent. As mentioned previously we can utilize the existing venting system as a chase to install the new vent. From the homeowner’s perspective, all of the contractor’s work is confined to the mechanical room. The homeowner doesn’t need to worry about changes to the appearance of their home or the inconvenience and cost associated with repairs required due to the work done.

For years, the hydronic industry has struggled to help homeowners tackle this problem of moving from mid efficient equipment to high efficiency equipment and it has primarily been due to the price gap between the traditional hot water heater and forced air furnace combination and what we could provide with hydronics. Traditionally, the hydronic solution was to offer the homeowner the option of using a hydronic air handler in place of their furnace, an indirect water heater in place of their direct fired water heater and a high efficiency boiler in place of their current system. We could minimize the pain of this transition by repurposing their existing venting system as a chase to install a venting system suitable for the

high efficiency boiler, but the cost was still significantly higher to move to this type of system.

The selling feature of this system was that we could help them avoid the inconvenience of having to open up ceilings and walls and otherwise disrupt their lives outside of the mechanical room. We could also offer them the luxury of more hot water by installing an indirect water heater with a larger capacity and longer life span than their current direct fired water heater.

All of this sounds great to the homeowner, until they see the cost. The main reason for this cost is because we needed to offer three pieces of equipment to replace two. The increased cost of the hydronic system was typically more than the cost and inconvenience of repairs to ceilings, drywall and siding. However, the products in our industry have changed and evolved to allow us to be more competitive in today’s market. In recent years, many of the condensing boiler manufacturers have started to release combi-boilers and we have seen an increase in the availability, quality, and features of hydronic air handling units. Pricing and availability have also improved on these components as more and more manufacturers introduce new product offerings to the market.

Now, we can offer the homeowners options that include air handlers with high efficiency ECM motors and controls to allow them to integrate their existing or future air conditioning or heat pump systems. We have venting manufacturers offering flexible venting system designed for retrofits directly into existing masonry chimneys or B-vent systems and condensing combi-boilers offering the luxury of continuous

In recent years there has been an increase in the availability, quality, and features of hydronic air handling units.

These advantages, combined with a price point that is close enough to compete against the mass production of the forced air furnace industry, sounds like the magic bullet, but there is always a but. We need to understand what a combiboiler can and cannot do and set the expectations. Look for more on this in Part II in Mechanical Business March 2023.

Manufacturers now offer flexible venting system designed for retrofits.

Photo Thermo 2000

Photo Centrotherm

JOBSITE JARGON

Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by March 10, 2023 and enter for your chance to win a $150 Visa gift card. To make it a little more challenging there will be one answer left over. In the event of a tie, the first entry in will be given the win, so don’t delay! This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com.

EXAMPLE:

3) Zoning A) Dividing a hydronic distribution system into two or more independently controlled distribution circuits

 Answer 3,A

A) Dividing a hydronic distribution system into two or more independently controlled distribution circuits

B) Simultaneously measures the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature of air

JOBSITE JARGON

C) Fluid to air heat exchanger consisting of aluminum fins and copper tubing

D) How heat is transferred between a solid surface and a fluid such as air or water

E) Extracts heat from outside air and transfers it to a stream of water in heating mode and vice versa in cooling mode

F) The efficiency at which a circulator converts electrical energy input to head output

G) The portion of a steel panel radiator that contains fluid

H) A demand for boiler operation from a load that needs to be supplied with water at a specific temperature

I) The use of a forced water stream to entrain air in a piping system and drive it out of a purging valve

J) A tee that is designed to induce a differential pressure between its run and side ports when flow is passing through its run

K) A fan-coil that is usually mounted near the ceiling with a downward directed air flow

The winner of the Visa gift card in the November/December 2022 Jobsite Jargon contest issue is Frank Escobar of Reliance Home Comfort.

By Dan Jung

Buffer tanks solve the issue of backup heat

One of the most asked questions is “Do I need a buffer tank with a hydronic heat pump?” Despite trying to save some dollars by not purchasing a buffer tank, it is always recommended and should be included in any hydronic heat pump system including both geothermal and low temperature heat pumps. There are several reasons why a buffer tank is used.

1. Different flow rates

Hydronic heat pumps or geothermal have high flow rate requirements typically about three gallons per ton. This means a four-ton heat pump will need 12 gallons per minute flow. However, hydronic heating requires a much lower flow rate of typically .75 GPM per loop. In order to accommodate two different flow rates, you require a buffer tank or some other type of hydronic separator.

2. Reduce system short cycling

Depending on the size of the hydronic loop, the heat pump will quickly heat the volume of liquid and then shut down. This means frequent on/off starts on the compressor and heat pump. The frequent starting and stopping can cause early failure on the units, especially with single- and twostage compressors. The DC variable speed inverters are less prone to this problem, but it can still add more stress on the system.

3. Add energy battery to the system

The buffer tank stores BTUs of energy. Depending on the size of the buffer tank you can store more energy. 1 BTU is the amount of energy required to heat up 1 lb. of water. An 80-gallon storage tank can store 668 lbs. of water (1 gallon = 8.36 lbs.) So, if we heat a tank to 160°F and use the stored energy up to 90°F we have 70 degrees of energy we can use (160-90). Therefore, in an 80-gallon storage tank we can store 46,760 BTU based on our example (668 lbs. x 70°F). If we raise the water temperature, we can store more and if we increase the size we can store more. So, this storage battery can store 46,760 BTU or 13.7 Kw hrs. This is important especially with an air source heat pump as the demand and production is offset. What this means is normally during the day time it is warmer, so the tank can be loaded during optimal hours and during the night there is more of a demand that can be supplied in part by the stored energy in the buffer tank. By storing the energy, we can increase the efficiency of an air-to-water heat pump.

Dan Jung is president and co-owner of Arctic Heat Pumps. He can be reached at dan@arcticheatpumps.com.

Figure 1 Buffer Tanks for Heat Pumps

Low Temperature Distribution System

Heat Pump

TFT: Our Flagship Boiler

Introduces our state-of-the-art EZ Setup Wizard, controller with 7" color touchscreen, onboard WiFi so you can troubleshoot from anywhere & anytime, 3 zone pumps/ valves and many other features.

The Next Generation

4. Two mediums

Normally the fluid in a cold weather heat pump uses some antifreeze which is typically polypropylene glycol. In order to separate this from potable water for domestic heating we need to use a heat exchanger. To get the maximum exchange it is best to have a large coil heat exchanger. Without the larger storage capacity there would be much less of a heat transfer available, so the buffer tank aids in the transfer of the energy from one medium to another.

5. Back up

A cold weather heat pump has a paradox that the colder the temperature is the less energy it can produce. Proper sizing is important but ultimately a backup heating source should be included in a system design. Sizing a heat pump to the absolute coldest day is not recommended. Instead, it should be sized to the average temperature of the coldest month. This means that there will be short periods where the temperature drops below the average and a backup heating source is needed.

The best and most cost-effective means to supply extra heat is by using a heating element found in some buffer tanks. Until now most contractors and installers used a standard potable water tank that by code was limited to a 4.5 Kw heating element. Unfortunately, this is not sufficient heat back up for some houses. So, by using a buffer tank you can size the back up to suit the total house demand up to the limits of the tank.

This means should there be a complete failure you would still have a full heating solution. Some buffer tanks also have the ability to work in conjunction with the cold weather heat pump and supply only the amount of supplemental energy needed. As an example, if the total heating load is 15 Kw and the HP at the outdoor temp can only supply 12 Kw, the electric back up will only add 3 Kw to the system even though it may be sized for a total of 15 Kw.

In summary, a buffer tank is a key part to any hydronic heat pump system. If a customer has an existing hydronic system, the buffer tank can utilize this as a second source for the backup even if it is a gas heater. When looking at the size of a buffer tank we recommend a minimum of 15 gallons per ton of buffer, but more is better.

ECO-KING

ROAD WARRIOR

Chris Massaro

Name: Chris Massaro

Company: Aqua North Plumbing & Heating

Job title: Owner and lead technician

Lives in: Thunder Bay, ON

Age: 33

Spouse: Lana, 32 Daughter: Aria, 8

In the mechanical industry since: 2007

Hooked on Radiant Chris Massaro:

Chris Massaro knew from an early age that he wanted to work in the skilled trades, having worked for his father at the family business, Thunder Bay, ON’s Aqua North Plumbing & Heating, since he was a young teen.

He credits his high school’s cooperative education placement program for allowing him to get a taste for the industry, while working towards his apprenticeship. “That got me into it, and from there I just kept learning new things. It was mostly just residential and some commercial jobs here and there, and lots and lots of digging when I started out, it was all grunt work,” Massaro recalls. “But I stuck it out and applied myself. You always make mistakes when you’re learning, but you continually try to get better and more consistent, and it just kind of went from there.”

He bought the business from his father when he retired five years ago, and operates it with the help of his wife, Lana, who is the business’ bookkeeper and office manager.

Today, Aqua North Plumbing & Heating is busy with apartment and residential work, including working on hydronic systems in many of the large custom homes and camps being built in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area.

“There are tons of big houses, which are multi- zoned with lots of in-floor heating,” says Massaro, adding that most buildings in the area are heated by natural gas and propane. “In-floor heating is huge here. Garage floor, main floor, second floor, basement. People like to put it in their garages because you can pull the car in and then melt the snow off it, so people are putting drains in their garages as well. In some places the entire building will be heated with in-floor and then they’ll just have some ductwork for air conditioning. It makes for a much more comfortable home in the wintertime.”

Massaro says he enjoys planning the mechanical system, but admits there can be the occasional challenge when working on custom homes. “It’s fun to design and make

room. But a lot of times these houses get pretty big, so you think there’s going to be a big mechanical room, and then you look on the drawing and you don’t see one. They’ve forgotten about it, or they thought you could just fit it under the stairs! I’ve got miles and miles of pipe components in here − it’s not going to work.”

The company does some commercial work, and Massaro sees potential in the service side of the business. “There’s a lot of opportunity out there to get into different places and service equipment, both in commercial and residential,” he says. “And there’s a lot of opportunity in doing more boiler jobs, too, because there are a lot of old boilers in town so there’s retrofit work and upgrade work that could be done.”

Schools and programs: Trade school for plumbing at Fanshawe College, London, ON

Favourite teacher: A split between theory and shop class − both were awesome

Favourite class: Welding was fun, and something different to try out

Best advice you’ve ever received: Read the manual

Advice for young people considering entering the trades: See if your local high school offers a cooperative education program. You can pick from a list of employers they work with to offer an onsite education and introduction to the trades

The current work ride: Chevy cube van

Service area: Thunder Bay

Any area you like to get dispatched to, and why? Anything on Lake Superior is nice, especially in the summer – amazing views

Favourite part of the job? Boiler work is my favourite

The most useful tool in your toolbox: I can’t live without a good set of wrenches

Tool that you wish you had? A REMS flush cart

By Carolyn Cooper

Best concert you ever attended? Metallica Hardwired tour in Toronto

Favourite magazine: Revolver magazine

Favourite TV show: That ‘70s Show

Favourite movie: Kill Bill

Favourite sport: Hockey

One place in the world you would like to visit: Italy

Favourite season: Summer

Favourite outdoor activity: Mountain biking or trail riding

Favourite place to be: Camping

Hobbies: Music, golf, and hockey

Last movie you saw: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Three albums that you’d take with you to your desert island:

1. And Justice for All – Metallica

2. Abbey road – The Beatles

3. 1984 – Van Halen

Favourite car of all time: 1968 Chevy Camaro

Phrase that best describes you: Work hard, stay humble

If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be? Eddie Van Halen

By Cody Wright FITTINGS

NPT versus BSP

InNorth America, NPT (National Pipe Thread) is the standard thread used on nearly all plumbing fittings. NPT will be found on products sold in North America, whereas BSP (British Standard Pipe) is commonly used on UK and EU products. You will find BSP used in most other parts of the world.

There are two notable differences. NPT is flatter and sharper at the threads, where BSP is rounded, and the TPI will be the same on some of the smaller sizes, but will differ greatly on many sizes. The other issue that arises with either type of measurement is determining the size of the pipe. The nominal size refers to the internal diameter of the pipe, the actual functional area of the fitting or pipe where the medium (water, gas, etc.) would flow through it, as opposed to the overall size.

National Pipe Thread plumbing fittings are not interchangeable with British Standard Pipe fittings.

Most people would measure what they see, that is the outside diameter, which can cause confusion. Figure 1 compares the ID versus the OD, as well as the threads per inch (TPI) for each type of black iron pipe, which is a common way to connect to cast iron radiators. PEX and copper are good options to connect radiators as well, but they have their own ID/OD differences. Figure 1 is not an exhaustive chart, but the most common sizes used in radiator installation and service are shown.

AQUATECH™ offers innovative Lochinvar® commercial and residential building heating and hot water solutions that empower engineers, specifiers, builders and contractors to use solutions that dependably deliver. Turn to one of your best resources for heating and hot water solutions, value and people support.

Grow your business with AQUATECH.

Cody Wright is assistant manager of Ironworks Radiators Inc.

Figure 1 Fittings for common black iron pipe sizes

Noise reducer

The Hercules Sludgehammer system restorer and noise reducer provides system cleaning and reduced kittling, while restoring heating system efficiency. Suitable for all metals, the restorer pairs well with Hercules Sludgehammer Universal Corrosion Inhibitor as part of an annual maintenance program. The restorer and noise reducer helps restore system efficiency, and can be used in older boiler systems or when a new boiler is fitted into an existing system with sludge and scale build-up.

www.

oatey.ca

Combustion analyzer

Ritchie Engineering introduces the Yellow Jacket combusion analyzer CA502 and CA502P. The CA502 ensures safety, efficiency, and proper operation of residential and light commercial heating appliances with three key measurement functions in one unit: ambient CO monitor, manometer, and combustion analyzer. Compact and lightweight, the analyzer comes with a magnetic protective holster. The CA502P is available with a wireless printer option. www.

yellowjacket.com

Wall-mounted boiler

Viessmann's Vitotron 100, VLN2 wall-mounted electric boiler offers a compact design, fast and simple installation, and quiet operation, making it ideal for heating in low-temperature, space-restrictive residential applications. With a rated power of 13.6 to 49.1 MBH/4 to 14.4 kW, the unit features operational efficiencies up to 99.4 per cent, and can be installed without a gas connection, chimney, or boiler room. Automatic outdoor temperature sensor and warm weather shutdown can be used to keep remote locations warm without using excess energy.

www. viessmann.ca

Tech support app

Valves

iDROSET valves from Watts use patented flow measuring technology. The calibrated flow measurement and static balancing valve lets users set and read the flow without any additional tools or instrumentation. The valve features a large, easy-to-read gauge that continuously indicates flow, while a twist of the ergonomic hand wheel sets flow and can be locked when the desired flow rate is set. Each valve is factory calibrated to ensure a minimum of +/- 10 per cent flow rate accuracy. It is available in standard alloy with F-NPT connections for hydronic systems, and lead-free alloy with union connections for hot water recirculation systems.

www.

watts.ca

Air separators

The Taco 4900 Series Bronze air separators are designed for the elimination of air from closed loop heating and cooling systems up to a maximum temperature of 240°F and a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. The series is based on the PALL ring process. The ultimate micro-bubble separation of the process eliminates the damaging effects and irritating noise caused by unwanted system air.

www. tacocomfortsolutions.com

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS Digital Alert

Weil-McLain has updated its ProTools App with features designed to streamline support services for technicians. The app allows users to work virtually with Weil-McLain’s tech support team to resolve job issues during customer visits. The app also gives techs the opportunity to learn new methods for troubleshooting, maintenance, and boiler setup, as well as access to product manuals, parts, wiring diagrams, and more.

weil.mclain.ca

SPIROVENT COMBI SPIROVENT QUAD MAGNET

Spirovent

Air and Dirt Separators now also with Powerful Magnets

3

Industry-leading 3-year guarantee Protects pumps, valves, boilers and heat exchangers from air, dirt and debris

SPIROVENT COMBI

SPIROVENT QUAD

Connections and coalescing medium are engineered to allow for the ultimate in hydraulic balance

Eliminates 100% of the free air, 100% of the entrained air, and up to 99.6% of the dissolved air in the system

Combines the advantages of the Spirovent and Spirocombi with the functionality of a hydraulic separator

Separates dirt particles down to 5 micron and ferrous material using powerful magnets within the flowpath

Combines the advantages of the Spirovent and Spirocombi with the functionality of a hydraulic separator

For information and availability:

For information and availability:

12 Leswyn Road,Toronto, Ontario M6A 1K3 Tel: (416) 781-5286 Fax: (416) 781-7680

12 Leswyn Road,Toronto, Ontario M6A 1K3 Tel: (416) 781-5286 Fax: (416) 781-7680

E-mail: info@ontor.com

E-mail: info@ontor.com

Orders: orderdesk@ontor.com

Orders: orderdesk@ontor.com

Covering Canada Coast-to-Coast www.ontor.com

Covering Canada Coast-to-Coast www.ontor.com

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS

Buffer tank

The Flexcon Argosy pressurized composite buffer tank is made of high-strength plastics so it is lightweight, rust-proof, and works for hot or chilled potable and non-potable water. The unit improves system efficiency by reducing heat pump short cycling during low load periods, making it more cost effective. Threaded stainless steel water connections make leak-free installations fast and efficient.

www. flexconind.com

Air handler

The Rinnai hydronic air handler system offers models with and without an external circulator pump. Other features include independent heating and cooling blower control, simultaneous domestic hot water, programmable pump circulation timer, dynamic control to improve system efficiency, and an insulated steel cabinet with left, right, or bottom HVAC duct returns. The unit is suitable for low- or mid-velocity applications, with 50,000 BTU/(14.6 kW) and a compact footprint.

www.

rinnai.ca

From big to small, we’ve got it all!

With optimized and innovative energy-saving features, we deliver the future of pump technology to your doorstep.

WILO

EPI valves

Belimo has introduced ½- to two-in. electronic pressure independent valves (EPIV). With EPIV ultrasonic flow measurement technology and glycol monitoring, it is possible to measure true flow, total volume readings, and glycol concentration. The integrated temperature sensor allows accurate fluid temperature measurement, and Belimo pressure independent valve technology maximizes energy savings of variable flow pumping systems.

www.

belimo.ca

CARING FOR WATER. WITH PASSION.

Floor standing boiler

Triangle Tube’s floor standing Instinct solo (sizes are available in 110, 155, 199 MBH) and combi boilers (sizes are available in 155 and 199 MBH) offer Tsync wifi connectivity for troubleshooting, a stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger, and up to a five-plus GPM DHW output in the combi units. The floor standing boiler also includes a Caleffi 548 LLH with built-in air eliminator, and 120volt receptacle, and offers left- or right-side boiler, gas and condensate connection options.

www. triangletube.com

Drain strainer

Webstone's patentpending Pro-Pal Ball drain strainer is available in press or FIP connections, in ½- to 1 ¼-in. sizes. It features a multi-function high-flow hose drain with an integrated y-strainer for diverting fluid into the drain from either side of the ball and isolating the strainer from upstream flow for service. It has leadfree dezincification resistant forged brass construction, replaceable 20 mesh screens, and an O-ring sealed and plugged strainer port for easy removal of the filter and installation of the drain valve.

www.

webstonevalves.com

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS

Stainless steel manifold

Ontor introduces Legend Hydronic’s M-8330P stainless steel manifold. The manifold is available with two to 12 circuits, and comes preassembled. It features built-in visual flow gauges, thermometers and automatic air vent, and return headers. Legend manifolds include fill and purge assemblies on the supply and return headers. www. ontor.com legendvalve.com

SIMPLY GENIUS

The Lochinvar Crest with Hellcat Combustion Technology works in real time. It’s always self-adjusting to the conditions around it both inside and outside. This breakthrough innovation allows it to consistently run at optimal performance automatically—without manual adjustments— making it a truly intelligent boiler.

See why the only thing that can beat a Crest is the next Crest. www.lochinvar.com

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS

The PEX-Jr is a bracket and organizer from Axiom for ½-in. PEX tubing. Suitable for use in over-pour radiant installations, the PEX-Jr has multiple applications with flexible mounting arrangements while maintaining manufacturers’ minimum bend radius for plumbing and hydronic PEX tubing. The enclosed design requires no end plate and secures tubing in place. Units are designed with reversible mounting configurations and fit within interior two-in. x four-in. walls. The unit is constructed with up to 100 per cent recycled Co-Polymer Polypropylene (COPP) material.

axiomind.com

Air-to-water heat pump

The Solstice Inverter Extreme from SpacePak is an inverter-driven cold climate air-towater heat pump. It is available in a fourton model offering heating capacities over 63,000 BTU/hr and COP up to 5.41. Features include an inverter-driven compressor and fan motors, EC modulating fans, and EVI technology for high-performance heating in outdoor temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C), while delivering water temperatures as high as 130°F (54°). Advanced flexible controls offer intelligent operation and precise load matching.

www.

spacepak.com

Sweat and press kit

The Caleffi Gold Standard Kit is a single-box solution. The kit is available in sweat and press connections. It combines the DISCAL, a high-efficiency air separator dedicated to removing excessive oxygen resulting in the formation of corrosion; and the DIRTMAG PRO, a dirt separator with two magnetic fields and a collision mesh design that captures ferrous debris and separates non-ferrous debris such as copper shavings, pipe sealant and solder commonly found in hydronic systems.

www.

caleffi.com

Plastic vent

The ECCO polypropylene vent is listed to 230°F. Vent diameters from two- to eight-in. can handle heating equipment from 30 MBTU to 3,000 MBTU, with the flue temperatures and volumes needed to provide hot water to heat residential and commercial buildings.

www. eccosupply.ca

High-efficiency boiler

The XFIIRE boiler from Raypak offers 300 MBTU/hr to one million MBTU/hr, with 96 to 96.5 per cent efficiency, up to 7:1 turndown, and venting flexibility with multiple vent material options, including PVC, CPVC, polypropylene, and stainless steel. With VERSA IC touchscreen display, status light, and zero side clearance to minimize its footprint, the unit is suitable for hydronic heating and domestic hot water heating in commercial and institutional applications.

www. raypak.com

THE BEST IN FIRETUBE TECHNOLOGY

Avenger

Two pass fully condensing stainless steel boiler & water heater Models ranging from 1,000 MBH up to 4,000 MBH

Turndown of up to 25:1

• Up to 95% thermal efficiencies

Valiant-FT

Fully condensing stainless steel boiler (for floor or wall mount) Models ranging from 80 MBH up to 399 MBH

Turndown of up to 10:1

Up to 97% thermal efficiencies

Camus

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

By Antonia Aldridge

Give water quality the attention it deserves

Installation and maintenance of a new or existing system should never be done without considering how to maintain the water quality that keeps the system running. If you haven’t spent a good deal of time thinking about the impact of water quality on hydronic heating system components, such as ECM (electronically commutated motor) pumps and heat exchangers, it is time you do. Boiler manufacturers now understand the importance of water quality, and this isn’t just from an increase in awareness across the industry; it’s from experiencing failed boiler returns due to poor water and magnetite in the system water. As a result, some boiler manufacturers now have recommendations on cleaning and protecting systems, as well as clauses in their warranties if a boiler fails due to poorly maintained water.

So as a contractor or service technician, what should you do? Typically, any hydronic heating system water in residential or commercial applications should be tested. The ultimate way of extending the life of an existing system or protecting a new one is to clean and flush the water and then defend it with a magnetic filter and inhibitor.

A black sludge forms as air and water mix with system metals in an untreated hydronic heating system.

What is magnetite?

Magnetite, also known as iron oxide, is a black sludge that forms as air and water mix with system metals in an untreated hydronic heating system. The particles are as small as eight micrometers in diameter. To put this into perspective, the average diameter of a strand of human hair is 70, which is why these particles are often not visible to the naked eye.

As magnetite circulates and accumulates inside the system, it affects heat transfer and boiler efficiency, especially nowadays, because high-efficiency waterways are smaller. More importantly, iron oxide buildup can lead to equipment damage or failures, such as blocked heat emitters, ECM pumps, and heat exchangers. The latter can lead to costly repairs and even boiler failures.

In short, a high-efficiency system is only as efficient as the water circulating through it.

How do I test for poor water quality?

The best way to test for poor water quality is to find a water test kit that tests for crucial parameters, such as copper, chloride, pH, water hardness, and iron. A water test kit will explain how these factors can cause corrosion or scale buildup in the system and will also come with a colour chart and an analysis chart to identify and restore poor system water.

In addition, an inhibitor test will be included to determine whether enough inhibitor is in the system.

Heat exchanger corrosion due to water quality issues.

Antonia Aldridge is the North American marketing manager and Canadian sales manager for Adey. She can be reached at antonia.aldridge@adey.com.

Belimo Energy Valve™ and Thermal Energy Meter

Energy Management and Billing Made Easy

The integration of Belimo’s new Thermal Energy Meter with the Energy Valve allows for easy energy control and transparent tenant billing. Approved by Measurement Canada under AV2478C and CSA900/EN1434 standards ensures high accuracy and reliability, allowing for easy tenant billing. Belimo is stepping into a new era of integrated thermal energy management and bringing together what belongs together.

BELIMO

Why install a magnetic filter on top of using a water treatment cleaner and inhibitor?

The best way to explain it is to compare it to car care. You would still install an oil filter in a new car. You wouldn’t wait for the engine to get dirty before deciding to fit a filter onto it. That is the same theory behind installing a filter on a hydronic heating system, even if you’re using chemicals.

With an old heating system, even if you clean it and use an inhibitor, there’s nothing to prevent magnetite from building up again. So, the purpose of a magnetic filter is to provide ongoing protection.

A cleaner is designed to lift stubborn magnetite from surfaces, such as pipework and heat exchangers. The magnetic filter is designed to capture this, plus any future magnetite particles.

Also, keep in mind that an inhibitor is not a preventer. It slows the rate of corrosion, but it does not necessarily stop all of it. Magnetite uses up inhibitors, so both should be used together to stop ongoing scale and magnetite from forming.

An inhibitor’s purpose is to provide a protective layer on system components to prevent buildup, while the magnetic filter will capture any particles circulating through the system.

Can I use just an air and dirt separator, instead of a magnetic filter?

If you need to remove air from a system, you need to do it from the flow side of that system, where an air and dirt separator should be used.

If you need to remove magnetite, you need to do it from the return side, where a magnetic filter should be installed.

It’s important to note that magnetite is not dirt. Consequently, magnetite or finer magnetic particles may not be captured. Both filters are essential for the system, but a magnetic filter is needed to capture magnetite.

Magnetic filters are designed to capture stubborn magnetite that has been lifted from surfaces using a cleaner.

What are the benefits of installing a filter and treating with chemicals that a contractor can explain to the home or building owner?

The most obvious benefit to the owner is that the heating system works more efficiently, meaning it will use less energy and is less expensive to operate.

Also, the owner will get more even heat distribution throughout the structure, eliminating the need to constantly turn up the thermostat to increase the set-point temperature in different rooms.

Finally, the heating system is less likely to suffer breakdowns, because critical components such as the heat exchanger and the circulator are protected from iron oxide. Deposits of magnetite tend to accumulate anywhere there are low-flow areas in the heating system.

How do I sell this service to a home or building owner?

The easiest way to explain is to show them the water. Take a sample of the system water and test it in front of them. Show them the magnetite. Then explain what will happen to the system if it is not treated. If you can provide expert information the end-user is likely to understand and trust your advice.

It’s essential also to understand the end-user’s needs, so if they are unsure or can’t afford the complete solution to start with, provide a good/better/ best offering. That way, they can choose a level of protection that suits their situation and needs.

In addition, if it is an existing system and components have failed or leaks are present, show them to the end user, instead of just replacing or fixing them. Often owners have never seen their systems or don’t know what’s happening in them. If you can show the customer the evidence, they’re more likely to opt for a solution.

Some boiler manufacturers have clauses in their warranties if a boiler fails due to poorlymaintained water.

Another way to sell this service, whether it involves a new or existing boiler, is to show the owner the boiler warranty manual and explain that the service protects their boiler investment

E MB RACING the past

ESSENTIAL PLUMBING TOOL RESTORED TO ITS FORMER GLORY

While reclaiming original radiators from a 130-year-old house in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, a crew from Ironworks Radiators Inc. discovered a Walco 24-in. pipe wrench from the J. J. Walworth tool factory. The pipe was found in the boiler room of the 2.5-storey, Victorian semi-detached home. Ironworks has returned the wrench to its former glory in honour of those who made a living with it. It will be hung on the wall at Ironworks’ Etobicoke, ON location

A PIECE OF HISTORY

In the 1840s Walworth and Nason, which at the time was owned by J.J. Walworth and Joseph Nason, introduced the world to steam heating systems. Over the next few decades the company’s machinists had to create much of what it needed to build these systems, such as fittings, valves, radiators and tools, including the Stillson pipe wrench.

Today, the term “Stillson” refers to a wrench style, while the patent for the original adjustable wrench

designed for iron pipes was issued to Daniel Stillson in 1869. He was employed by Walworth and at that time intellectual property remained with the individual rather than the company they were working for.

The actual amount Stillson received in royalties over the course of his lifetime depends on who is reporting it, but the range is $80,000 ($2.6 million today) to $100,000 ($3.3 million today).

A.O. Brungardt, who also worked at Walworth, registered the patent shown on Ironworks’ restored “Stillson” type wrench in 1929.

Do you want to be part of the Hargassner success story? We are looking for D ISTRIBUTION PARTNERS all over Canada and USA!

Maximum flexibility with remote control

Maximum reduction of heating costs

Maximum comfort for customers

Photos Ironworks Radiators Inc.

Suspension system

The Harsh Environment (HE) Suspension System for HVAC fabric ducts feature a hot dipped galvanized (HDG) coating, making it strong enough to withstand hostile environments such as indoor pools. Designed for use with FabricAir’s anodized aluminium H-Rail suspension products, the unit includes HDG threaded M8 steel rods, nuts, washers, threaded rod couplings and rod/H-Rail connectors, and is applicable for an eight- to 90-in. diameter fabric duct. www. fabricair.com

Ceiling fans

The eight-blade Rio Vista and five-blade Pleasanton Series of ceiling fans from Delta Electronics offer smooth startup and quiet operation through a brushless DC motor for an even airflow. The units come with a hand-held remote to control six fan speeds and a 20-watt LED light module. Available in black or white with a 60 or 72-in. diameter, the fans can be installed in indoor and outdoor locations for residential or light commercial applications.

www. deltabreez.com

Unit heaters

Nortek Global HVAC introduces three new capacities for the Reznor UEZ condensing gasfired unit heater: 55, 85 and 110 MBH. The units feature a 93 per cent fuel efficiency, a status light, hinged access door, error code display on the control board for easy service and maintenance, and an appliance-grade finish. The unit heaters use outside air for combustion, and are certified for use in industrial/ commercial and residential non-living space applications. www. nortekhvac.com

Heat pumps

MEET RS-70.

RS Cool’s line-up of refrigerants are designed to eliminate guess work in earth-friendly replacements. Looking for a replacement for R-22? Look no further. RS-70 is your lowercost solution, offering true drop-in compatibility and the lowest GWP of any R-22 drop-in replacement on the market. Get to know RS-70.

The ProSeries from Allied Air Enterprises includes two new heat pumps and an air conditioner available exclusively through the Armstrong Air and AirEase brands. The 4SHP22LX and 4SHP18LX heat pumps offer up to 22 SEER (20.9 SEER2) and 20 SEER (19 SEER2) respectively, while the 4SCU23LX air conditioner features up to 23 SEER (21.5 SEER2) efficiency ratings. The ProSeries works with existing indoor components. www. alliedair.com

The Lowest GWP R-22 Drop-in Replacement on Earth.

TECHNOLOGY

By Carolyn Cooper

BUILDING A BETTER WEBSITE

How to effectively attract more customers and grow your business

When was the last time you revamped your website?

If it’s been a while since you’ve refreshed your online brand you may be missing opportunities to attract customers and expand your business.

Ivan Dancourt is founder and digital marketing expert at Solocube Creative, a web design and digital marketing company that works with service companies. Solocube recently helped Vancouver, BC-based M&T Air Conditioning rebrand its website.

“Our goal is to help businesses grow their online presence and reach their target audiences,” says Dancourt. “The internet has become increasingly essential for businesses in all industries in recent years, and the HVAC and plumbing industries are no exception. Potential customers are often looking for online information about services before making a purchase, and a well-designed website can be a powerful tool for drawing in new business.”

MB asked Dancourt what business owners need to know about creating a good website.

Q: What are some common challenges HVAC and plumbing companies have with their websites?

A: The most common mistake I see is that they don’t have an online marketing strategy regarding their websites, SEO, google rankings and social media presence. Most of the HVAC and plumbing sites we see have outdated branding without any consistency across platforms and websites that don’t serve their business in the way they should. Another common mistake is failing to include clear and concise information about their services. Prospective customers should be able to quickly and easily find out what kinds of services the company offers and what areas they serve.

Q: How can you tell if your website needs an update?

A: It’s important to remember that your website is often the first point of contact between you and potential customers. This makes it a critical part of your marketing efforts and something that should be given priority when it comes to updates and changes. Here are a few signs to look for: your website is not mobile-friendly; your content is out of date; or your website design is dated. A modern design will give customers the impression that you’re a cutting-edge company.

Q: What should businesses include on their websites, and what should they avoid?

A: The website should have a clean and professional design and be easy to navigate. The business’ contact information should be prominently displayed, and the site should include a form for customers to request quotes

Q: How much does a website rebrand cost?

or appointments. The site should showcase the business’ services and qualifications, and any customer testimonials. One of the most overlooked areas of a website is writing website content. It is vital for the site’s success since a site’s content connects directly to SEO and whether your site is found on Google or not. However, certain features should be avoided. The website should not include pop-ups or advertisements, and the content should be relevant to the business’ services. The site should not include technical jargon or industry terms that the average person would not understand.

Q: What are some best practices around maintaining your website?

A: A website is only as good as the effort put into it. For small business owners, that means ensuring the website is attractive and user-friendly, regularly updating the content and promoting the site through social media. Search engines favour websites that are updated regularly, so it’s essential to add new content regularly. This can be accomplished by blog posts, news articles, or photos and videos. Business owners should ensure they use social media to its full potential. Reach a wider audience and attract new customers by sharing branded content and links to websites on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other platforms.

Q: What are some best practices around maintaining your website?

A: Customers want a visually appealing site that is easy to navigate. Your website should also be optimized for search engines to ensure potential customers can find you online. One way to achieve these goals is to work with a professional website developer to create a modern, responsive website that accurately reflects your brand. Additionally, they can guide marketing and SEO best practices and ensure your site is built with conversion in mind. The upfront investment can pay off in the long run by helping you attract more customers and grow your business.

A: For a basic website redevelopment, which would include updating the design and content of an existing site, companies should expect to spend between $3,000 and $8,000. For a more comprehensive redevelopment project that would include adding new features or functionality to the site, companies should expect to spend between $8,000 and $15,000 with the final cost depending on the specific needs of each company.

Take Back Your Time

Flat Back

Mounts flush with the cross brace.

Multiple Connection Solutions

Fast and easy installation and reduced leak points. Flushes the hot and cold lines independently.

Flush Plug

American Standard's exclusive stub-out connection easily attaches press-connect fittings to the valve without needing to solder additional copper piping.

BOOSTER PUMPS

By Tom Stephan

MAINTAIN HEALTHY WATER PRESSURE FOR EFFECTIVE OPERATION

Demand

for

constant, reliable water flow and pressure in structures such as hotels, office complexes and other commercial applications requires pressure boosting equipment. Increasing the water pressure enables transportation of water throughout high-rise buildings. Pressure boosting systems are available in various system configurations, each offering different advantages and characteristics including comfort level, initial investment cost, running costs, flexibility and supply assurance.

Most modern constant water pressure systems come ready to install with the pump, motor and controller already assembled and fully programmed. Units are designed for easy installation (mounting either vertically or horizontally), enabling the system to work with existing plumbing configurations.

THE NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS

Despite the ease of installation, installing constant pressure systems is not a do-ityourself job. Because of the multitude of complex electronics in pressure booster systems, it is a job for professional installers who are typically licensed, certified, and educated on installation and the latest technologies. Some product manufacturers offer ongoing training to professional contractors.

ROUTINE SERVICE EXTENDS PUMP LIFE

Pressure booster systems, like most equipment, require periodic maintenance. Unfortunately, many facilities that rely on booster pumps forgo regular qualified

maintenance, leaving essential tasks to on-site maintenance and repair teams who may not have the skills, tools and expertise to properly maintain pumps or detect when something is wrong before it’s too late.

Regular service helps keep booster pump systems in good working order and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns. When caught early, repairs may be minor. In contrast, underperforming equipment that isn’t repaired in a timely manner may develop critical problems that require more time and money to resolve.

Ignoring the need for minor repair may damage a pump or require replacement before reaching the end of its expected service life. When booster pumps fail, the result can be extremely disruptive for building users, with water pressure falling and, in some cases, water supplies being cut off completely.

Dealers and water treatment professionals who become certified to install this equipment provide a valuable service to their clients.

MASTER IS EXPANDING IN NORTHERN ONTARIO!

SPRING 2023

Strategically located in Sudbury, this new location will provide Residential, Refrigeration, Commercial and Industrial products and solutions to our valued customers in the region. The 23,370 sq ft facility will combine a branch, sales office and dedicated training room, all under one roof.

THE GAGNON TEAM WILL ALSO BE RELOCATING TO SUDBURY AND CONTINUING TO OFFER THE SAME GREAT PRODUCTS, EXPERTISE AND MORE!

Unit B - 80 National Street

Sudbury (ON)

Master Group

SEE YOU IN SPRING 2023!

VISIT

Routine service and maintenance can add years to the lifespan of booster pump systems and minimize the risk of breakdown. Booster pump systems should be serviced by a professional service technician annually to reduce the risk of unexpected breakdown; increase efficiency of the pump; improve building user satisfaction; reduce noise and vibration from the pump; and finally, lower overall maintenance costs.

cause downtime. Condition monitoring devices are also useful support tools when commissioning a pump and troubleshooting.

With proper installation and regular preventive maintenance, the booster pump systems will have a longer life and ensure consistent water pressure for building occupants.

Low water pressure is an indication the booster pump system needs service.

SIGNS A BOOSTER PUMP NEEDS SERVICE

In addition to regular maintenance, professional service technicians should be called if these issues arise:

• Excessive vibration from the pump

• Excessive noise being created by the pump

• Low water pressure

• No water pressure

BOOSTER PUMP MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Before carrying out any pump maintenance or visual checks, consult the pump manufacturer’s supply manual. This checklist should be carried out on a monthly basis:

• Visual inspection of the shaft seal for any leakage

• Visual inspection of the pump’s pressure and discharge gauges, any abnormal readings should be assessed

• Check the pump’s foundation to ensure the frame is secure –tighten any loose bolts. If this is a reoccurring problem, it could be a sign of excessive vibration

• Check vital components of the pump for rust or other degradation

STAYING A STEP AHEAD

Most booster pump systems today are equipped with smart pump technology to continually monitor pump performance and alert facility managers to any potential issues.

Additionally, condition monitoring devices provide health guidance and predictive maintenance advice for rotating fixed assets such as pumps and motors. Using predictive analysis, the technology identifies potential problems with pumps or motors before they occur, enhancing system reliability.

Condition monitoring devices periodically monitor system vibration and temperature and allow users to access simple-to-use monitoring tools from iOS or Android mobile devices. This enables operators to understand the current health and historical trends of assets, create maintenance reminders and generate detailed reports. As a result, preventive maintenance can be scheduled before potential issues

• Leaking from piping or pump unit

• Sudden increase in energy bills

SERVICE TIPS:

• Regular service helps keep booster pump systems in good working order and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns.

• Those responsible for the care and ongoing maintenance of a booster pump system should aim for annual service.

• Professional service technicians help ensure a long life for booster pump systems.

• Before carrying out any pump maintenance or visual checks, consult the pump manufacturer’s supply manual.

• Booster pump systems equipped with smart pump technology continually monitor pump performance and alert facility managers to any potential issues.

• Condition monitoring devices provide health guidance and predictive maintenance advice for rotating fixed assets such as pumps and motors.

Visual inspections should be done on a monthly basis.

Tom Stephan is the training manager for Goulds Water Technology.

WHENEVER PIPING IS INVOLVED

STUFF YOU NEED

Bluetooth padlock

Master Lock’s 6400LJENT Bluetooth

ProSeries extended shackle padlock is made for business applications that have many different locks and users. The lock can be opened with a smartphone and the Master Lock Vault Enterprise app, or with a backup numeric code on the lock keypad, meaning there are no keys or combinations to forget. Other features include web interface, low battery notification on the padlock and the app, and a CR123A battery.

www.

masterlock.com

Warning barrier

The Kee Mark Warning Line from Kee Safety is a freestanding demarcation system for marking perimeters indoors and outside. The modular design includes galvanized Kee Klamp components and galvanized uprights with rubber bases that stay in place with a hidden screw set. Weighing 55 lbs, the non-fall arrest system is quick and easy to set up, and meets OH&S requirements for designated work areas.

www.

keesafety.ca

Umbrella kit

The Supco TradeFox Magnetic Umbrella Kit for HVAC is designed to keep technicians protected while working on rooftops in rainy or hot weather. The 60-in. wide umbrella can be secured to a work area with the included lanyard over hex nut assembly, and is waterproof, UV coated, and made with durable and flexible fibreglass ribs

www.

supco.com

Attachment systems

Dewalt Impact Connect attachments convert select impact drivers into cutting tools in seconds through a quick-change brace system. The first two attachments in the line are a copper pipe cutter attachment and a PVC/PEX pipe cutter attachment, which connect to DEWALT 20V Max and other pro-grade 18V impact drivers.

www. dewalt.ca

Safety glasses

Safety glasses from Hacksmith Tools are made with two-mm thick, impact and scratch resistant polycarbonate, and double-coated with anti-fog coatings for durability and easier use. The glasses feature ultra-wide lenses and the arms are lined with rubber for greater comfort and flexibility. The white label on the right arm allows users to add their name.

www.

hacksmith.store

Marquee tent

The Tech Saver Marquee is a lightweight and compact solution for technicians working outdoors during inclement weather, offering shelter from snow, cold temperatures, wind, rain and sun. The marquee weighs less than three pounds, and is easy to carry and assemble around HVAC units. The roof of the tent can be used separately as a sunshade by snapping off the side panels.

www. techsavermarquee.ca

THE WOODFORD MODEL 22 HOT/COLD ANTI-BURST FAUCET:

PREFERRED BY DIRTY DOGS.

Rover doesn’t enjoy an ice-cold bath any more than his owners do. The Woodford Model 22 provides year-round hot and cold water outside… and it won’t burst in the coldest weather, even if a homeowner leaves a hose attached.*

Excellence. Always.

Hot and cold water outside is one of the most requested upgrades by homeowners!

Model V22 Vertical configuration

* If installed correctly

Model 22 Horizontal configuration

PLUMBING Products

Garburators

The Quiet Series Garburators from InSinkErator feature SoundSeal technology with advanced-level insulation, vibration-reducing connections, and a Quiet Collar Sink Baffle to block noise from coming through the sink opening while in use. The technology allows the units to deliver up to three levels of noise reduction, combined with a two-stage MultiGrind process. ww w. insinkerator.emerson.com

Two in one configuration

The Total 1 is a two-in-one offset and direct bath waste configuration in one kit, available in either ABS and PVC models, with multiple kit types and closure mechanisms. The unit makes it easier for contractors who now no longer need to carry both offset and direct drain bath waste kits, while reducing inventory costs for wholesalers.

www.

osb.ca

HYDROSTATIC TEST PUMPS

• Pressure test water systems, both residential and commercial

Thawing machines

The Hot-Shot 320 and Hot-Shot 400 thawing machines from General Pipe Cleaners safely thaw pipes in minutes without having to remove walls or floors, or use a blow torch. The HotShot 320 generates 320 amps to thaw up to 100 ft. of 1 ½-in. pipe and weighs just 30 lbs. The Hot-Shot 400 generates 400 amps to thaw frozen lines up to 175 ft. long and 1 ½ in. in diameter. The 400 also allows users to switch to 320 amps and pull just 14 amps. The compact unit plugs into any 115-volt outlet.

www.

drainbrain.com

Self-cleaning toilet

American Standard’s ActiClean selfcleaning toilet removes stains with a press of a button, without scrubbing and scouring. The bowl has two cleaning cycles, a quick clean for regular upkeep, and deep clean for a 10-minute thorough cleaning. Other features include CleanCurve Rim to eliminate dirt from being trapped in the rim cavity, and EverClean Surface to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew on the surface.

www.

americanstandard.ca

By Fred Bretzke

UNDERSTANDING BUILDING PLANS

Whetheryou are building a multi-storey building, or a house, they all involve plans or blueprints. The bigger the building, the more details in the blueprint, however they are basically all the same when it comes to plumbing.

Plumbers start at the bottom and work their way up, which means the plumber is one of the first trades in. If your company is going to spend millions of dollars on supplying and installing the mechanical system for a multi-storey high rise you better send your best to set it up.

In order to core the holes in the right spot and/ or rough-in your stacks in the ground in the right area, you have to be within millimeters on some jobs. If this is done incorrectly, it could cost your company thousands of dollars. This can be quite stressful unless your guy paid attention in blueprint classes in school.

Let’s take a look at some generic blueprints. Figure 1 architectural blueprint is for a senior citizen complex. We will look at a typical Suite Type A 1:50 scale, paying attention to the GL (grid lines) and the wall construction assembly’s PW2 purple arrow and PW3 red arrows.

Your benchmarks are the horizontal and vertical grid lines (GL) marked in red short dashes. As you can see the cen-cen measurement of the horizontal grid line is 4,500 mm. The vertical grid line is 7,300 mm.

In order to rough-in the toilet you must place the WC flange 300 mm from the finished wall and space it out correctly from the lavatory on the right. The first measurement looked at is the 4,500 mm vertical measurement from the top horizontal grid line. You must be 300 mm plus the full width of the wall to centre of toilet flange. Hence you need to locate the full wall measurement. In order to do this, you cross reference to the construction assemblies legend as shown in Figure 2.

PW3–Plumbing Wall Construction in Figure 2 illustrates that you add 13 mm for water resistant gypsum wallboard (GWB), 140 mm sound blanket insulation and 13 mm GWB for a total of 166 mm

plus the 300 mm centre of the water closet, which equals 466 mm plus 4,500 mm which equals 4,966 mm of the top red dashed horizontal grid line. This will get you the correct toilet flange measurement off the wall. Then all you have

Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary. He can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.

Figure 1 Senior citizen complex architectural blueprint

Figure 2 Construction assemblies legend

to do is centre the toilet tank off the left wall PW2 (purple arrow) and the vanity.

The next part of this senior citizen home is more fun to rough-in. It involves knowing your commercial kitchen equipment list (see Figure 4) and how to rough it in. We are going to look at just two things for now: #38 & #39 Tilting Kettle SS Floor Pan, and #37 Convection Oven but it should say Combi Oven.

Pay attention to the two red arrows in Figure 5 indicating the waste size (75 mm or 3 in.) for the floor pan and 50 mm or 2 in. waste for the oven. Kitchen equipment is roughed in uniquely. The oven or combi oven is indirectly connected while the Tilting Kettle floor pan has a waste basket in the ground to collect organic matter from soups or chilies.

3-D pictures in Figures 6 and 7 illustrate how each of these two pieces of equipment are actually roughed in.

We can now actually augment blueprints and plans into reality using mixed reality technology, which will make it easier to read plans and blueprints. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be able to read a blueprint correctly. Doing it incorrectly is one of the most common and costly mistakes in the field.

Figure 3 Commercial kitchen floor plan

Figure 4 Equipment list showing correct water supplies, gas lines and waste lines from each piece of kitchen equipment

Figure 5 Detailed mechanical service plan of waste sizes

Figure 6 Oven or combi oven #37 requires 2 in. or 50 mm copper indirect waste

POOR PLANNING AND THE FIX

My first example of a poorly-planned job was a company I worked for in Edmonton that was involved with the mechanical installation

for a group of townhouses in the early ’80s. My job as the allbrawn, no-brains apprentice was to fix 60 incorrectly measured toilet flanges in the basement concrete floors. As it said in our rough-in books at the time, WCs needed to be roughed in 12 in. from the finished wall. The finish wall is the benchmark as walls may have different thicknesses. Most plumbers just guess the thickness of drywall and tile and usually rough in the toilet flange ¾ in. off the rough two-by-four wall. In most residential cases it works, however on a commercial building you should always check the architectural drawings first or you may end up roughing in toilets too close or too far away from the wall.

Always check the architectural drawings first

In this case, I had to break out the concrete floor in 60 basements to adjust the toilets mostly with offset flanges or completely replace the flange and pipe.

Figure 7 Tilting kettle with stainless steel floor pan #38 and #39 requires a 3-in. waste basket and P-Trap

The dos and don’ts of email marketing

In the early days of email, a new message in your inbox was exhilarating. It was similar to getting a letter in the mail as a kid. The idea of receiving a communication in this new and exciting medium was a thrill. Fast forward 30 years and it seems inboxes are a minefield.

We’re inundated with email marketing campaigns and while some of it still feels spammy, there’s no denying the impact a well-crafted message can have on your customers, not to mention client relationship management (CRM) and lead development. By 2025, research suggests there will be 4.6 billion global email users.

Odds are your core demographic is receiving and checking their emails. But in a space where

best, how can you make sure your emails are effective? Here are a few ways to up your email

Get to the point

The subject line should be clear and consistent with the content of the email. Avoid clickbait or vagueness about what the email actually contains. Studies show those clickbait style subject lines actually discourage consumers from opening emails.

Offering a discount or promotion? Good call – that’s something consumers want. Don’t use vague headlines such as “This is not a drill …” or “Run, don’t walk ...” Yes, it’s catchy and fun and it speaks to the exciting nature of a promotion, but you have to assume the average recipient of your emails has zero background knowledge regarding the subject matter.

Try something fun that’s also straightforward and relevant: “Free maintenance for life when you sign up before February!”; “Leave a review about your service and get the next one 50% off.” This way, consumers know exactly what the email contains, and it incites action. Don’t count on consumers reading between the lines; you could be costing yourself a contract

Guaranteed delivery: 30 seconds or bust

Email deliverability means the rate at which emails actually make it to subscriber inboxes. Email deliverability failure usually occurs when an email went to the spam folder or was blocked by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). With the evolution of spam catchers, even if the recipient has subscribed to your content, 15 per cent of opt-in emails never make it to the inbox.

ISPs are excellent at managing the never-ending onslaught of spam. They make sure spam doesn’t even make it to the spam folder, let alone the inbox but to do their task they need to be a bit ruthless. They need to punish bad sending habits. If you want emails to be delivered, try to think like an ISP. Remember, ISPs know the history of your mailing list. They know which emails have been clicked and which haven’t. They know the last time someone opened one of your emails. And if no one is clicking on your emails, you can bet they’ll wind up in the spam folder or not delivered at all.

Doug MacMillan is president of The Letter M Marketing in Guelph, ON. To reach him, email doug@letterm.ca.

humans have adapted to skimming at

marketing game and hopefully increase conversions.

Quick tips: AVOID

• Emailing from Outlook. Use an email marketing platform such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact. Not only can you easily organize your contacts, but they also offer essential engagement data to help you optimize your efforts.

• Buying email addresses. You absolutely need to know the quality of your mailing list. Plus, this can be a violation of guidelines such as Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).

• Sending emails to people who don’t want them. This can put you in violation of CASL and it’s likely to get you more spam complaints.

• Sending to group email addresses (e.g. info@, sales@). ISPs want emails to be sent at an individual level and don’t look kindly upon this.

• Sending emails to old or inactive email addresses. These accounts aren’t adding any revenue to your business and they’re hurting your metrics. It’s a good idea to cut off any email addresses with no engagement within the last 180 days.

• Sending emails with spammy language. USING ALL CAPS, ending sentences with lots of punctuation (!!!), using too much “super-hot exclusive sale!” terminology … the ISPs don’t like any of it and neither do your customers.

Quick tips: DO IT

• Sign up to Google Postmaster, Yahoo Feedback, or Microsoft SDNS to get insights into your reputation with these ISPs.

• Have a memorable email sign-up process. If people remember signing up for your emails, they’re less likely to mark you as spam.

• Use email engagement to manage email frequency. Only the most engaged audiences should receive the most emails.

• Score content with spam checking tools. You can find free tools online to help you out.

• Check that your emails render properly. Some email platforms show you how your email will render across devices. Emails that render correctly increase your trustworthiness in the eyes of the ISPs.

• Make it easy to unsubscribe from your emails. It might seem counterintuitive, but the alternative is for users to report you as spam. Respect the desires of your audience.

SUBSCRIB E

• Go beyond just using first names. Incorporate personalization such as behavioural data, previous purchase information and user preferences. Bottom line: your email marketing is only as strong as its weakest link (no pun intended). While the steps to improve it may seem tedious and time consuming at first read, the benefits greatly outweigh the obstacles, and your bottom line will benefit.

Nexstar

WINTER WONDERLAND

2,300

Number of blocks of ice, combined with 15,000 tons of snow, it takes to build the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec City, QC each year. It is the only ice hotel in North America.

-5

Average temperature in Celsius in the ice hotel’s 30 rooms and themed suites.

70,000

Approximate number of overnight stays the hotel has had in the past 22 years, as well as more than two million visitors.

ENGINEERING IN TRANSITION

29

Percentage of Ontario’s working engineers who are between 50 and 64, according to the OSPE’s Benchmarking Report 2022.

62

Percentage of engineers and engineering graduates polled by OSPE who believe an engineering education is too expensive.

48

Percentage of female engineering graduates who say they are currently working as professional engineers, while 36 per cent are employed in a related field. That compares to 59 per cent of male graduates who are working as engineers, while 27 per cent work in a related field.

43

Percentage of internationally-trained engineering graduates employed as professional engineers. Sixty-one per cent of domestically trained engineers surveyed say they are currently working as professional engineers.

COMING TO A ROAD NEAR YOU

5

Percentage of cars sold in Canada and the U.S. in 2022 that were electric, according to a Bloomberg report, a number it says represents a tipping point.

99

Percentage of buildings in Canada that currently would not have the electrical capacity to support a full network of electric vehicle charging stations, based on assessments by EnerSavings.

40

C02 EMISSIONS

16

Percentage that global investments in building energy efficiency increased by in 2021, according to the UN’s 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction.

37

Percentage of C02 emissions that came from buildings and construction in 2021.

10

Gigatonnes of operational energy-related C02 emissions from buildings in 2021, a five-per cent increase over 2020, and a record high.

Percentage of Canadian women whose jobs require personal protective equipment (PPE) who say badly-fitting PPE has been the cause of injury or incidents on the job, according to a survey by the CSA Group.