Mechanical Business May/June 2024

X-POD

Now you can inspect drain lines far from a power source. The Gen-Pack battery adapter allows up to 12 hours of remote operation with limited access to power. The Gen-Pack is also sold separately.

But wait, there’s more. You can now record onto a ash drive or send the recording to your customers with the built-in Wi-Fi transmitter. Also, you can track just how far the camera has traveled down the line with the on-screen distance counter.

For more information, visit www.drainbrain.com/XPodPlus, or call the Drain Brains ® at 800-245-6200

HEAT PUMP

COVER STORY

THE TRADES co-star hopes messaging in the comedy series will resonate with women considering the trades as a career.

Kerry Turner

29HEAT PUMP JOURNAL

Check out the premier issue of the semi-annual Heat Pump Journal. This supplement delivers the information you need to know for residential and commercial applications, along with the latest product offerings.

24

HYDRONICS

The expansion tank talk

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

Learn about proper selection, installation, and maintenance of this interesting and important component in hydronic systems.

66

PLUMBING

How to diagnose residential high or low water pressure

Fred Bretzke

Pointers on detecting and resolving issues.

72

REFRIGERATION

Valves are scapegoated for a multitude of problems

Mike Squires

When a part or component is misunderstood, it can lead to misdiagnosing the source of trouble.

84 MARKETING

Content marketing: Strategies for excellence

Paul Bies

Elevate your brand, engage both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) audiences.

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Content Media Group Inc.

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May/June 2024 Issue

Published 6 times per year.

For All Subscription Inquiries

Circulation Director: Shila Naik, C 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

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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)

Canada.

GUEST EDITORIAL

By John R. Williams

Start your emissions reporting work now

Sustainability, ESG (environmental, social, governance), decarbonization, embedded/embodied and operational carbon, materiality and electrification are terms being used frequently in the current mechanical industry’s business environment. One needs to understand them and the effect they can have on your business. How do you integrate these into customer service, answer customers’ questions, and carry on business while considering these new perspectives?

It is important to note that customers, business partners and governments are moving quickly, driving requests for this information and specifications now, not waiting for mandates and codes, to utilize in buying decisions and processes.

Financial institutions are proactively including sustainability in lending decisions. Their inquiries regarding customers’ climate responses and actions are to provide confidence on repayment. Borrowers’ lack of or unacceptable responses can impact financing arrangements. Similarly, the insurance industry is evaluating climaterelated data and making coverage and cost changes. This can affect the provision of financing when insurance is a requirement.

A number of sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions converge into the term “carbon” and the associated “decarbonization” term. The significant percentage of all GHG emissions buildings account for are typically in the mechanical area and in the construction process.

The public and governments’ expectations are that the mechanical industry can identify actions to mitigate some of these GHG emissions. To meet this expectation, mechanical businesses need to understand the issues and business requirements to facilitate profitable delivery of the solutions.

The recommended starting point is the emissions reporting for your business. The recommended timing to start on this work is now.

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 Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).

© Copyright 2024. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher. Proud members of: We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada.

Proposed requirements mean that all businesses will need to report their GHG emissions periodically, typically as part of annual financial reporting. Feedback from companies which had already began the process identified the need for more time, therefore the compliance date in Canada has been extended from starting in 2026 to 2027, with the extra time given to allow for companies to properly complete emissions reports.

Do not squander this extra time. Instead use it as intended to get business data and reporting correct in order to respond to and meet the markets’ demands.

Look for more details in upcoming issues.

John R. Williams is president of Williams Professional Advisors. He can be reached at 416-705-0727.

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Mechanical Business columnist wins Cadmus Teaching Chair at SAIT

Fred Bretzke, an instructor at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and a longtime plumbing columnist for Mechanical Business, has won the 2024 Cadmus Teaching Chair. Bretzke has been an instructor at SAIT since 1990. He has written for Mechanical Business for more than a decade. The Cadmus Trades Teaching Chair award is designed to foster faculty excellence in skilled trades teaching and allows instructors to develop a project, idea or concept to enhance trades education. Bretzke’s project will be a SAIT Supplement that will redefine the 2020 National Plumbing Code Appendix into a 3D QR Appendix. This supplement will include sections 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of the existing Code. This is the first edition hard copy, to be published and eventually sold at the SAIT bookstore. There will also be a digital copy available. The March/April 2024 issue of Mechanical Business features Bretzke’s outline of the above project.

sait.ca

CMPX hits new attendance record

Attendee registration open for the

2024 Canadian Hydronics Conference

The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) has hold the 2024 Canadian Hydronics Conference in Edmonton, AB at the River Cree Casino & Resort on September 25 and 26. The theme for the conference is “Igniting a sustainable future by thriving and growing in a changing market.” The conference will provide two full days of learning opportunities plus an increased chance to form industry connections among participants.

ciph.com

CMPX 2024 attracted record-breaking crowds to the South Building of The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), from March 20 to 22, 2024. Delivering three days of innovation, exploration, connection and learning, the event welcomed 13,400 participants, representing a 54 per cent increase over 2022. The event kicked-off with a ribbon cutting ceremony and opening remarks from Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Inside the exhibit hall, attendees discovered an expanded show floor, featuring over 500 exhibitors. CMPX 2024 also featured a comprehensive education lineup, with over 60 sessions delivered by thoughtleaders, product experts and industry trailblazers. Rounding out the feature mix at CMPX 2024 was the popular HVACR Skills Competition, featuring the next generation of contractors competing live from the show floor for the coveted title of champion. The next edition of the show is scheduled from March 25 to 27, 2026 in the South Building of MTCC. Check out page 78 for a snapshot of Mechanical Business’s Photo Booth cover personalities. cmpxshow.com

Green project looks at northern heating systems

A green project in Quebec, led by Natural Resources Canada and National Defence, will address barriers to the adoption of lower carbon heating options in northern areas. The goal is to have a better understanding of system design and costs for these heating systems, while increasing uptake of ground source heat pumps and sea water heat pumps in the North. Issues covered will include sizing, installation, seasonal performance, and building maintenance. The funding comes through the Greening Government Fund. canada.ca

Fred Bretzke

Conestoga College student Spencer Davidson competes in the postsecondary HVACR Skills Competition Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Showdown. He would later stand on the podium in first place.

2024 BC Codes feature changes for adaptable dwellings and more

As of March 8, 2024 the new BC Building Code is officially in effect, applying to building permits applied for on or after that date. New regulations for adaptable dwellings and earthquake provisions will come into effect on March 10, 2025. The BC Codes are based on the National Building Code of Canada 2020 but with some BC-specific variations. Book I (General) and Book II (Plumbing Systems) together form the BC Building Code 2024. To help professionals better understand Code changes, the Building Officials Association of BC (BOABC) offers a 2024 Code Update Handout of Changes on its website.

boabc.org www2.gov.bc.ca

New housing report outlines plan for affordable low-carbon homes

The Task Force for Housing & Climate has released its Blueprint for More and Better Housing, detailing how Canada can build 5.8 million homes by 2030 that are low-carbon, affordable and resilient to climate change. The Blueprint includes 10 recommendations and 140 individual policy actions, and focuses on the roles of federal, provincial and municipal governments. Some of the suggestions include focusing on new housing in communities where there is existing infrastructure to cut costs and speed up construction times; adopting climate resistance features in home design and construction; and accelerating innovations in better building materials such as mass timber and low-carbon concrete. The Task Force also calls on a Pan-Canadian Framework For Housing Growth to help achieve national housing goals. The Task Force is made up of 15 housing experts from across Canada, including former elected officials, mayors and chief planners, Indigenous leaders, builders, and other stakeholders.

housingandclimate.ca

Study links radon in rural homes and groundwater wells

A recently released study from the University of Calgary shows a link between radon in rural homes and their proximity to a drilled groundwater well. Researchers at the university’s Cumming School of Medicine said the study of 42,051 homes across Canada revealed that deep underground radon can reach the surface more quickly through wells, which act as radon gas migration conduits. It also found that on average residents of homes in rural, lower population density communities were exposed to 31.2 per cent higher residential radon levels than homes in urban centres. The research shows the importance of regular radon testing, and the need for targeted radon reduction strategies in rural communities. nature.com

AI on the radar at CIPH ON Region business meeting

CIPH Ontario region members gathered for the AGM and an enlightening look at artificial intelligence (AI) on April 11, 2024 at the Mississauga Convention Centre.

Guest speaker Nicole Verkindt, tech entrepreneur and founder, OMX, equated the rise of AI to the move from “the horse to the car.” Verkindt noted that at the moment “most of the AI you don’t even see – it’s under the hood.” In terms of the plumbing and mechanical industry, AI is currently too broad in her opinion. “You would have to train a very specific large language model, what’s being fed in,” said Verkindt. She suggested that one advantage in solving the language issue is technicians being able to instantly draw on information such as technical manuals simply by asking questions. The next Ontario Region meeting is October 24, 2024 at the same location.

ciph.com

Strengthened heat pump program launched in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has announced it will co-deliver the strengthened Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program in partnership with the federal government. The program will allow low- to median-income households in the province to receive up to $30,000 in funding to help them switch from oil to a heat pump. EfficiencyOne is the co-delivery partner. The program expects to serve an estimated 10,186 qualifying low-income homeowners in Nova Scotia. OHPA applicants will also receive a one-time payment of $250 from the federal government. According to Natural Resources Canada, homeowners who switch from an oil furnace to a cold-climate heat pump can save between $1,500 and $4,500 annually on home energy bills. natural-resources.canada.ca

Incoming Ontario region president David Walker (R), head of data at Independent Mechanical Supply, presents the gavel plaque to 2023/2024 president Michael Saragosa, procurement director at Noble Corporation.

Milwaukee Tool celebrates 100th anniversary with tree planting event

Toronto, ON-based Milwaukee Tool Canada, a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd., commemorated its centennial on May 10, 2024 with a tree planting event at Cedar Grove Park in Markham, ON. The company’s leadership team, including group president of TTI Canada Craig Baxter, and employees joined in to begin the planting of 100 trees in partnership with Tree Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to growing Canada’s tree canopy. The trees are native, non-invasive species, and the area will be left to naturalize, which then helps to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The event reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability in manufacturing and the environment.

milwaukeetool.ca

CAF-FCA moves offices

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) has moved its offices to 601-1420 Blair Towers Pl., Gloucester, ON. Contact information remains the same. CAF-FCA is a non-profit organization that connects the apprenticeship community in Canada.

caf-fca.org

New Alberta code editions now available online

Alberta has released new Building STANDATA on its website, including the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition, National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020. All of the codes came into force on May 1, 2024.

alberta.ca

Craig Baxter (centre front row), group president of TTI Canada, with the Milwaukee Tool Canada team during a tree planting event commemorating the company’s 100th anniversary.

New Brunswick sports centre receives funding for upgrades

The J. Docithe Nadeau Sports Centre in HautMadawaska, NB has received $3 million in federal funding for renovations to increase accessibility and energy efficiency. The upgrades will improve existing heating and lighting systems at the facility, and add energy-efficient components to make the centre more climate resilient. The enhancements are expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 34.5 per cent, and greenhouse gas emissions by 70.4 tonnes per year. The Rural Community of Haut-Madawaska is contributing over $1.1 million to the project.

infrastructure.gc.ca

Pilot project will create first Canadian community powered by geothermal renewable energy

Calgary, AB-based E2E Energy Solutions and the municipality of Rainbow Lake, AB have launched a pilot project to power and heat the community using entirely geothermal renewable energy sources by 2028. The project will introduce the company’s Enhanced Geothermal Reservoir Recovery System (EGRRS) which E2E says “allows for large-scale geothermal development by upgrading the temperature of saline aquifers to be commercially viable where conventional exploitation methods do not work.” The three-phase Rainbow Lake project will include the EGRRS pilot; construction of a surface geothermal facility; and design and installation of energy infrastructure throughout the town. It will have technical support from the University of Calgary’s Energi Simulation Centre for Geothermal Systems Research. The project is expected to significantly reduce power distribution costs and greenhouse gas emissions. e2eenergysolutions.com

Failed at 5.8 simulated years and 136,000 gallons.

AO Smith/A. O. Smith

Still running after 19.7 simulated years and 460,000 gallons.

The J. Docithe Nadeau Sports Centre in Haut-Madawaska, NB will receive upgrades to heating and lighting systems, as well as new energy-efficiency equipment.

More funding for Newfoundlanders making the switch to electric heating

The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are offering residents even more incentives to move from oil to an electric heat pump, with a $24-million agreement that boosts the province’s Oil to Electric Incentive Program. The federal government recently strengthened its Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program to help low- to median-income Newfoundland and Labrador residents switch to heat pumps. The new agreement will cover the average cost of transitioning an additional 3,000 homes to heat pumps in the coming year. So far 2,065 Newfoundland and Labrador households have applied to the Oil to Electric Incentive Program. Since the Greener Homes Grant was first announced 4,481 heat pumps have been installed in homes across the province.

takechargenl.ca

Women Building Futures expands training in Ontario and Saskatchewan

Alberta-based Women Building Futures will provide more skilled trades training opportunities for women in Ontario and Saskatchewan through a $2.6-million federally funded project. Funding for the Journey to Trades – Attracting and Retaining Women in the Red Seal Trades project comes from the federal Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy under the Women in Skilled Trades Initiative. Women Building Futures is a non-profit organization currently offering training programs and support services for unemployed and underemployed women and gender-diverse individuals in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Women Building Futures is also partnering with employers who will be instrumental in creating more inclusive workplaces.

womenbuildingfutures.ca

BC’s Douglas College begins work on $292.5-million student housing project

Construction has begun on the first student residence building at Douglas College’s New Westminster, BC campus in the largest ever provincial capital investment that includes student housing. The 20-storey building, known as 808 Royal, will feature nine storeys of student housing with one-, two- or four-bed units for a total of 368 student beds, as well as more than 30 classrooms, six computer labs, collaboration spaces, offices, and foodservices. It will meet Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code, LEED gold certification, and Rick Hansen accessibility certification, and will include wood throughout the building as design elements. The building will also include non-fossil fuel heating and cooling systems, and innovative construction methods to reduce its carbon footprint. The building is scheduled to be complete by summer 2026. douglascollege.ca

PEI’s Confederation Centre receives funding for energy efficient upgrades

The Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, PE will undergo renovations to boost energy efficiency and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, with the help of a $47-million investment from donations, and funding from the federal and provincial governments. Renovations to the 60-year-old building will include upgrades to the HVAC system, and the installation of solar panels, meter and control equipment, windows, insulation, and new lighting. In addition, the building interior will be reconfigured using mass timber. The changes are designed to reduce greenhouse emissions by 286 tonnes annually, and energy consumption by approximately 68.8 per cent.

confederationcentre.com

An artist rendering of 808 Royal.

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Movers & Shakers

FLS acquires TD3 to add Gerber Plumbing brand

Newmarket, ON-based Front Line Sales Inc. (FLS) has purchased TD3 Associates Inc., which adds the Gerber Plumbing Fixtures brand of vitreous china and faucets to its portfolio of products. The Gerber brand features bathroom, kitchen and commercial plumbing fixtures. The acquisition also includes the Neptune brand of acrylic products in areas of Ontario represented by TD3. FLS is a manufacturer’s representative serving customers in residential new construction and showroom segments in Ontario. frontlinesales.ca

Building Controls & Solutions acquires Yorkland Controls

Dallas, TX-based Building Controls & Solutions (BCS) has acquired and merged with Toronto, ON-based Yorkland Controls Ltd., a distributor of building controls, combustion controls and parts. BCS, a wholesale distributor of building automation and control solutions and parts, now has 26 branches across Canada and the U.S. Gavin Barrett, president of Yorkland Controls, and Gerry Cellucci, vice president of Yorkland Controls, will lead BCS’s Canadian Building Controls & Solutions region.

building-controls.com yorkland.net

Nexstar Network moves to new corporate location

Nexstar Networks has relocated its corporate headquarters from St. Paul, MN to Bloomington, MN. The company recently held a grand opening celebration for the new facility, which includes the Frank J. Blau, Jr. Training Center. Nexstar is a member-owned company with more than 1,000 home service business members.

nexstarnetwork.com

Soler & Palau purchases operating companies of United Enertech Holdings

Soler & Palau USA Ventilation Systems, (S&P) a provider of ventilation solutions based in Jacksonville, FL, has acquired certain operating companies from United Enertech Holdings (UEH), including Air Conditioning Products, Air Performance, Metal Form Manufacturing and United Enertech Corp. Chattanooga, TN-based UEH manufactures air distribution and ventilation products, with expertise in solutions that enhance airflow control, energy efficiency and building aesthetics in commercial and industrial buildings. S&P is part of the Barcelona, Spain-based Soler & Palau Ventilation Group.

solerpalau-usa.com unitedenertech.com

Viega breaks ground on new U.S. facility, invests in technology

Viega has begun work on its 180,000 sq. ft. production facility in Mantua, OH. The $200-million facility will manufacture ProPress, with production expected to begin in early 2025. Production of the MegaPress is scheduled to be added in 2027. The company has also invested $4.1-million in its McPherson, KS facility with the installation of MegaPress Laser Welding and Smart Connect machining, a first in North America. Viega will also invest another $12.5 million in the facility, which will be manufacturing MegaPress fittings sized 1 1/2 to 4-in. starting on July 1, 2024. The plant received a $14 million investment in Viega’s ProPress equipment in 2023. viega.ca

InSinkErator Canada works with Fusion Sales in Ontario

Mississauga, ON-based InSinkErator Canada Co. has announced an agreement with Uxbridge, ON-based Fusion Sales to represent InSinkErator in Ontario. InSinkErator manufactures food waste disposers and instant hot water dispensers. fusionsales.ca insinkerator.ca

Viega’s new Mantua, OH facility will manufacture ProPress products.

Lennox teams with ServiceTitan for field service management partnership

Lennox International Inc. has partnered with software company ServiceTitan.

ServiceTitan is now Lennox

Residential HVAC’s exclusive Field Service Management (FSM) provider. The agreement means that Lennox dealers who use ServiceTitan can access Lennox content, real-time pricing and availability, and purchase online through the software. The companies will also launch a Lennox Package with customizable sales proposals, job checklists, marketing campaigns, and more. lennox.com servicetitan.com

Lowe Agencies partners with UNILUX

Lowe Agencies Sales & Marketing Inc. has announced a partnership agreement with UNILUX commercial and industrial steam, and hot water bent tube boilers to distribute their full line of boilers in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Calgary, AB-based Lowe Agencies is a manufacturers’ technical sales representative for residential, industrial and commercial HVAC, plumbing and hydronic equipment covering Western Canada and Ontario.

loweagencies.ca uniluxam.com

Oatey purchases Swedish manufacturer Durgo

Oatey Co. has acquired Stockholm, Sweden-based Aktiebolaget Durgo (Durgo), a specialty developer and manufacturer of air admittance valves and other pressure regulating valves for the heating, water and sanitation industries. The acquisition expands Oatey’s presence in European and Asian plumbing markets, where Durgo is a well-established brand.

durgo.se oatey.com

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Movers & Shakers

Taco invests in $20-million facility expansion

Cranston, RI-based Taco Comfort Solutions is expanding its Fall River, MA plant. The $20-million project will add another 52,000 sq. ft. to the 60,000-sq.-ft. facility, which builds ASME Section VIII pressure vessels used in commercial and industrial applications. The expansion will increase Taco’s ability to build larger tanks, heat exchangers and other products up to 40,000 gallons, while adding capacity and reducing lead times. It will also allow Taco to add a crane system able to lift 60 tons. Groundbreaking for the facility began in September 2023. The project is expected to take roughly 18 months to complete.

tacocomfort.com

Saniflo partners with Prospect Manufacturing Agent

SFA Saniflo Canada has named Montreal, QC-based Prospect Manufacturing Agent/ Prospect Agent Manufacturier as its service area agent representative for the trade channel in Montreal and Eastern Quebec. Based in Cambridge, ON, SFA Saniflo Canada is a division of Group SFA, a manufacturer of macerating and grinder pump systems, drain water and condensing pumps, and heavy-duty lifting stations. prospect-agent.com saniflo.ca

EMCO distributes, supports Daikin in Ontario

EMCO Corporation is now a distributor of Daikin unitary equipment in Ontario. EMCO will also support the existing Daikin Comfort Pro programs, which serve the network of Daikin Comfort Pro contractors in the province. In other company news EMCO HVAC has moved its Moncton, NB branch to 1205 Aviation Avenue. The new location offers more space for products, as well as dedicated training rooms, a tech coffee counter and more.

emco.ca

ProKontrol acquires Contrôles Carostan

Laval, QC-based ProKontrol has announced the purchase of Contrôles Carostan, a manufacturer of control panels and automated systems located in Boisbriand, QC. The acquisition allows ProKontrol to increase its capacity for electrical panel production, and offer a wider range of services to customers. ProKontrol is a wholesale distributor of HVAC/R control equipment and value-added solutions for commercial buildings carostan.ca prokontrol.com

RLS launches new training facility in St. Louis, MO

Rapid Locking System (RLS) recently held a grand opening celebration for its new St. Louis, MO training facility and mobile showroom. The training centre is the latest addition to RLS’s headquarters, and will be a one-stop-shop for learning how to install and implement press fittings. Visitors can participate in press fitting demonstrations, receive a training certificate, and tour the RLS facility. Interested contractors, engineers, wholesalers and others can schedule a visit to the training centre through the RLS website. rapidlockingsystem.com

A rendering of Taco’s planned Fall River, MA facility expansion.

RLS celebrates the grand opening of its new training centre and mobile showroom.

Cintas

People in the news

BITZER Canada has promoted Phil Boudreau to president/ managing director. He replaces Andrew Tosh, who has retired. Boudreau, a long-time columnist for Mechanical Business, has been sales manager, training and technical support, for BITZER since 2008. In his new role Boudreau will be responsible for the company’s Canadian operations.

Angela Grieb has been promoted to national sales manager at General Pipe Cleaners. Grieb has been with General Pipe Cleaners for 19 years, and was most recently assistant national sales manager. Milwaukee, WI-based A. O. Smith Corporation has appointed Stephen Shafer president and COO. Shafer will lead the company’s global business units, including operations, engineering and IT.

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America welcomed Syed Samih (1) as territory sales manager for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) west, and named Jason Smith (2) as branch manager for its Pickering, ON location.

Drew Cameron has joined Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. as Academy technical specialist and trainer for heating and refrigeration equipment.

Andrew Stride is now director of operations for Stoney Creek, ON-based A-Gas Canada. Stride has been with A-Gas since November 2021 as engineering manager.

Boucherville, QC-based The Master Group has hired Bryan Allen (1) as BC regional sales manager for residential HVAC. Allen was previously with Master as outside sales for HVAC on Vancouver Island. Perrin Dixon (2) is now inside sales specialist – HVAC at The Master Group. Dixon has been with Master since 2019, most recently as branch director based in Burnaby, BC. The company has also hired Jason Nagra (3) as branch director, based in the Greater Vancouver Area.

Enviroair Industries Inc. has made a number of employee announcements: Neil Black (1) has joined Enviroair in charge of the company’s new Moncton, NB office and is spearheading its operations in New Brunswick and PEI; Tyler James (2) is now a partner; Ali Chreim (3) has been hired as sales representative – distribution; and Fadwa Ignou (4) has joined the company as warranty coordinator with the after-sales service.

Oakville, ON-based OS&B has hired Mariah Taylor as a marketing coordinator.

Dan Mahoney has joined Redmond Distributing Inc. as sales specialist for HVAC dealers in North Central Ontario.

Jason Hunter (1), Joe Quelle (2) and Greg Smith (3) have joined the partners group at DCS Agency Ltd. Hunter joined DCS Agency in September 2019 as an outside sales representative, based in Calgary. Quelle was formerly branch manager of DCS Agency’s Edmonton location. Smith has been with DCS as a manufacturer’s agent since 2010.

REHAU has appointed Michael Nicholson director of floor heating, North America, responsible for leading the heating and cooling business unit, part of REHAU’s building solutions division.

Jacob Wolfe has joined Armstrong Fluid Technology as regional manager, data centre sales and business development – Americas. Wolfe will be responsible for sales strategy and business development to further Armstrong’s presence in the data centre marketplace.

NEXT Plumbing and Hydronics Supply has hired Julian Hartman (1) and Jinesh Mehta (2) as senior directors of purchasing. Brahm Swirsky, vice president of procurement and a director at NEXT Supply, has transferred some of his responsibilities to Hartman and Mehta.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) has hired Samantha Mowlah-Baksh as chapter relations coordinator.

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dahl Valve Ltd. has named Peter Patrk regional sales manager – OEM North America.

Surrey, BC-based CB Supplies Ltd. has hired Zanaib Javaid as marketing specialist.

Systemair North America welcomes Robert Ferris as product manager – air handling units, based in Tillsonburg, ON.

Wolseley Canada Inc. has announced three employee promotions: Steven Beggs (1) is now vice president, human resources; Jeffrey Gallanty (2) is vice president, supply chain; and Clinton Rempel (3) is now category sales specialist, hydronics and plumbing.

Equipco Ltd. has hired three new employees: Johnny Coopman (1) as outside sales, Vancouver Island; Marilena Moldovan (2) as intermediate accountant; and Nigel Webb (3) as outside sales representative for the BC Interior Region.

HYDRONICS

The expansion tank talk

This article will get you going on proper expansion tank selection, installation, and maintenance. Expansion tanks are such interesting and important components in hydronic systems.

In the hydronic world there are two types of expansion systems you are likely to encounter. The first is considered an air management type expansion tank system. These are generally found in older homes and buildings. They are not so commonly installed these days. This type of tank is often called a compression tank, or plain steel tank.

The tell-tale sign that you have a compression tank is a horizontal steel tank supported above the boiler, often squeezed into a joist bay, or just below it. The proper installation involves the tank, and a fitting into the tank, and in some cases an air purger installed into the boiler itself.

By Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 35+ years. A long-time columnist, Bob is involved with training and education with Caleffi North America. You can reach him at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

Components for installing plain steel compression tanks. Fittings help maintain proper system pressurization by directing released air to the compression tank during system operation and permit cooler liquid flow to the boiler during the off cycle as system liquid cools.

With this system, any air that is captured and eliminated from the boiler or piping is directed up into the top of the expansion tank, sometimes called compression tank. The air space needs to be maintained in the tank for the expansion of the water as it is heated. In these horizontal tanks there is a diaphragm or separation between the fluid and the air bubble.

You cannot install an auto air purger or separator on this system without directing the expelled air up into the tank. This is where the term air management comes in. When these tanks are improperly installed, with a separate air purger for example, the air space in the tank can be vented out, fill water enters and the tank becomes waterlogged. This may cause the relief valve on the boiler to seep or discharge as you do not have expansion “room” in the tank any more.

Often these tanks have a sight glass on one end to monitor the water level in the tank. These tanks are commonly 12- or 15-gallon capacity. So, when waterlogged, they can be very heavy and weigh well over 100 lbs. Be sure they are adequately supported.

The second system is known as an air elimination system. This system will have a tank that physically separates the water and air. Diaphragm tanks are most common, and you will know this tank by the crimp indent around the tank where the butyl rubber diaphragm is locked into place. Other versions have a bag or bladder inside that contains the water in lieu of the diaphragm. With this type of expansion vessel, you will want to have a properly installed quality air separator to remove all air from the boiler and piping. A central air purger at the boiler and possibly some high point auto vents should be used. These tanks will be about one-third the size of a plain steel compression tank since the air bubble is now captive in the tank.

Some expansion tanks have an automatic fill valve to control system pressure. This eliminates the need for a separate, automatic fill valve.

POINTERS FOR INSTALLATION

Here are some tips for installing the air elimination diaphragm or bladder tanks.

• Always check the pre-charge pressure before the tank is installed into a system. It is common to pre-charge the tank to the fill pressure you intend to set the system at. This is called static fill pressure.

• A number of manufacturers offer expansion tank isolation/ service valves. These valves allow the tank to be serviced or removed for replacement. Some versions have a hose connection drain port valve allowing you to drain a damaged, waterlogged tank for quick and easy replacement. These are well worth the money. All tanks will fail at some point − make it easy for you, or the next technician, to service or replace a tank. Air pressure should be checked every three to five years, so these iso-valves also facilitate that service step.

• There is no harm in over-sizing an expansion tank if you fall on the line between too small and over-sized.

• Be sure to properly support the tank. There are various brackets and arms available to solidly mount the tank.

• Remotely mount the tank, never over the top of the boiler or electronics as they may leak at some point.

• Do not locate the tank directly under a separator, air or dirt, as this forces debris down onto the diaphragm, possibly shortening the tank’s life expectancy.

• If you work on radiant systems that have non barrier tube, there are lined and stainless-steel tanks available now. Spend the money to use a radiant specific tank.

• Use the online sizers available from most every tank manufacturer to ensure you have adequate capacity in the tank.

• Multiple tanks can be connected together; just be sure the pre-charge pressure in the tank is set correctly on all the tanks.

•When installing, where you locate the tank connection into the system establishes the point of no pressure change (PONPC). It is best to locate the circulator pump downstream of the expansion tank, referred to as “Pumping Away.” Be sure to read Dan Holohan’s book by the same name for more on the topic.

• If you use glycol in your systems, always use the multiplier to increase the tank size.

• With solar thermal and chilled water expansion tank installation we often over-charge the tanks. So set the tank pressure a psi or two below the fill pressure to allow a small amount of fluid to enter the tank. This ensures you maintain pressure in the tank and system as water cools and contracts. On a solar thermal system, you can experience a very wide temperature swing. Temperature will be at the ambient air temperature, and can reach well over 300°F under stagnation conditions, so be sure to use the solar expansion tank formula to assure you have adequate capacity (see Appendix 2 in Idronics 3 January 2008, Idronics.caleffi.com). Note that only the collector and outdoor piping will experience the wide temperature swing. The formula splits out the capacity of exposed piping. If not, the tank size gets incredibly large if you assumed the entire fluid content would swing 300° or more.

• With chilled water systems we need to assure the circulator always has positive pressure on the inlet side to avoid potential cavitation. The tank over-charge assures you always have this pressure as water contracts when temperature is lowered. This is important if you embrace A2WHP, which can be used to heat and chill the system fluid.

Expansion tank isolation/service valves allow the tank to be serviced or removed for replacement.

Expansion tank in a heating system.

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GEOTHERMAL

A PRIMER ON RESIDENTIAL GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP

SYSTEM DESIGN

Basic, yet critical elements create a finished product that isn’t a burden on technicians providing service and maintenance.

Jeff Hunter

ROAD WARRIOR:

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Ryan Waudby of Tom’s Heating and Cooling says realistically there’s no harm in every home having a heat pump.

Carolyn Cooper

DECARBONIZATION

HEAT PUMPS IN DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEMS: A WINNING MIX

Heat pumps with much larger capacities also have a significant role to play in the decarbonization of new and existing district energy (DE) systems.

Keith Bate

PILOT PROJECT

GAS ENGINE HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY TESTED IN REAL-WORLD SETTINGS

The pilot project will test the technology in buildings, while measuring energy savings and emission reductions, and gathering participant feedback. Carolyn Cooper

OTHER FEATURES

32TECHNOLOGY

Heat pump innovations enter field testing and deployment phases

Carolyn Cooper

39AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

System pros and cons

Kerry Turner

40CONTROLS

Enhance performance and sustainability: Select the best thermostat for the job

David McMichael and Gary Fabbro

DEPARTMENTS

46,48,50PRODUCTS

A showcase of heat pump technology.

58JOBSITE JARGON

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

Cover Photo: Bryan Reid Photography

By Carolyn Cooper

Heat pump innovations enter field testing and deployment phases

What to know about the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge

As of April 2024, eight HVAC equipment manufacturers have developed successful cold-climate heat pump prototypes as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge, which now moves into its final phase.

Manufacturers participating in the final phase are: Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox International, Midea, Trane Technologies and Rheem.

The challenge launched in 2021 with partners Natural Resources Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and is currently focused only on residential, centrally ducted, electric only heat pumps. The initiative challenges manufacturers to develop next-generation cold-climate heat pump (CCHP) technology, and is designed to boost heat pump deployment and adoption. It involves both private and public stakeholders working together to accelerate commercialization of efficient cold-climate electric heat pumps. Under the guidelines of the challenge, prototypes must “deliver 100 per cent heating capacity without the use of auxiliary heat and with significantly higher efficiencies at 5⁰F.” Manufacturers could participate in one or both of two segments of the challenge: one for a CCHP optimized for 5°F (-15°C) operation and one for a CCHP optimized for -15°F (-26°C) operation.

The prototype models were put to the test in a laboratory setting during the second phase of the challenge. Over the next year, more than 23 prototypes will be installed and monitored in cold-climate locations across Canada and the U.S. Meanwhile, almost 30 utilities, cooperatives and state agencies have committed to encouraging their customers to adopt heat pumps. The DOE says it will continue to work with these industry partners to “develop programs, incentives, education and outreach campaigns that help consumers better understand the benefits of these new designs.”

Manufacturers involved in the challenge have also committed to sharing quarterly updates on the preliminary results, any challenges they have experienced, and expected timelines to reach milestones.

Visit the DOE for updates on the challenge.

https://bit.ly/49qhgVK

Manufacturers involved in the challenge have committed to providing expected timelines to reach milestones.

Under the guidelines of the challenge, prototypes must “deliver 100 per cent heating capacity without the use of auxiliary heat and with significantly higher efficiencies at 5°F.” Manufacturers could participate in one or both of two segments of the challenge: one for a CCHP optimized for 5°F (-15°C) operation and one for a CCHP optimized for -15°F (-26°C) operation.

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By Jeff Hunter

A primer on residential geothermal heat pump system design

Asuccessful ground source heat pump (GSHP) project starts with a well-planned system design. There are basic, yet critical elements to building out a practical design. These will ultimately lead to a finished product that meets end-user requirements; observes any site-specific installation considerations; ensures long-term reliability and performance of the equipment; and isn’t a burden on technicians providing service and maintenance.

The following steps can apply to both residential retrofits and new construction projects. An important note: this is a highlevel perspective on the design process. For more detail, refer to a current copy of the CSA-448 standard for the Design & Installation of Ground Source Heat Pump systems, along with IGSHPA (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association) training courses/certifications, which in Canada are delivered through HRAI. Geothermal heat pump distributors will also provide equipmentspecific manufacturer training to support your design efforts.

Site assessment for ground heat exchanger

The first and most obvious difference between a GSHP project and any other type of system is the ground loop as the energy source/ sink. Perhaps sooner than you think, gone will be the days where we assume an infinite energy source is piped (by others) to our buildings for our endless consumption. With that luxury, we don’t have to think too deeply about the energy source. How often have you thought about what’s going on at the wellhead?

Closed-loop surface water heat pumps consist of piping coils submerged in a lake and heat pumps linked to the coils.

A good system design considers the service and maintenance over the GSHP’s lifetime.

As HVAC designers/installers, we’ve only had to consider that energy source as it pertains to sizing the gas piping into the building and the equipment. With geothermal, we’ll have to consider how the balance (or imbalance) of the building loads, the variation in equipment selection, the ground conditions, and local weather conditions will among other things all impact our onsite energy source. While finite, the ground heat exchanger is a generational thermal energy infrastructure asset if managed properly. Whether we are assessing this for a new build project or looking to retrofit an existing home, these critical considerations can make or break a project, so do your homework.

Jeff Hunter is co-founder and president of Evolved Thermal Energy Inc. and is president of the Ontario Geothermal Association.

EDEN ENERGY

Understanding the available land area upfront will help guide the first steps of your system design. Generally speaking, it will be reasonably clear what type of ground heat exchanger the project will use with a quick look at the site plan. Ultimately, the ground heat exchanger chosen for the project will be the most cost-effective of the options available to meet the project’s needs. However, there are nuances to the choice between each system type, be it horizontal trenched, horizontal drilled, vertical, or surface water (closed loop). Careful examination will determine the best ground heat exchanger type and placement. Dimensions of the field (circuit design and overall length) and length of lateral supply/return runouts are not static; every project is different. Each closed-loop system type can be manipulated based on site conditions. Designers may follow Annex D of CSA-448 for a multiple-measure method of ground heat exchanger sizing, which references minimum lengths as specified in table D.4. Or, more commonly, by using a manufacturer or third-party software with approved modelling algorithms. Watch out for making assumptions with the ground loop. Ground conditions can change dramatically from site to site (even in the same region). Researching subsurface conditions is an essential part of ground heat exchanger selection and design. Work with your resources, such as water well records and geological maps. The homeowner, local contractors, and geothermal drillers in the industry are a wealth of knowledge and are usually willing to help you. Open loop systems may also be an option depending on local regulations, available water quantity, and water quality.

Load calculation and energy analysis

We know how to calculate loads with HRAI/CSA F-280 or Manual J. It is imperative, whether it is new construction or a retrofit project, to have an accurate room-by-room load calculation to support a proper system design. Quick block load calculations may only be used to help get the ball rolling on a preliminary basis for a project. Still, I always want a full F-280 to confirm any assumptions we’ve made before committing to a final system design.

One thing to highlight here as something I’ve seen missed quite frequently by designers and contractors is the use of typical/textbook R-values/UValues/SHGC for envelope components and assemblies. This could be particularly impactful with higher-performance new builds where heating and cooling loads may be more balanced or, in some cases, cooling dominant. For example, glazing can be critical to the ultimate design and must be correctly accounted for. If the designer just used standardized U/SHGC values in their load calculation, this could influence ground heat exchanger length so be sure to get the values based on the manufacturer’s specifications for the actual window assembly used on the project. Errors here can have significant downstream impacts.

With a GSHP system, we are not stopping at the load calculation. We are feeding that data into energy analysis software to model the system’s long-term performance as we’ve specified (ground loop + building load + equipment selection). Residential-focused geothermal design software will typically use the “bin method” to estimate the amount of energy a system will use over a year and multiple years, considering outside temperatures throughout the year and incorporating those part-load conditions. This modelling is where the load calculation and the ground heat exchanger construction collide with the equipment selection to verify our design, plotted over the lifecycle of the system.

Glazing can be critical to the ultimate design and must be correctly accounted for.

Photo Pella

GEOTHERMAL

Equipment

selection

A conversation with the end user usually drives the equipment selection. What are we trying to achieve in the house? What are the homeowners’ goals and constraints? Is it a straightforward forced-air retrofit or a new construction design combining hydronics, forced air and DHW?

Knowing what the client is looking for and where they sit with their budget will ultimately lead us to our equipment selection, together with any building specific or technical constraints that may impact our selections such as they don’t want ductwork but want to cool in certain spaces. Or, the client wants the highest efficiency mechanical and DHW system on the planet but wants it to fit into a broom closet. There is equipment to meet any need, but there is no magic here – there is the “ideal” application that nets the optimal results, and there are trade-offs for every degree off the ideal application we venture.

An example of this is “triple-function/combo” GSHPs. They are designed for tight spaces, combining the functionality of a water-to-air and water-to-water in one box. In new construction, where we often see radiant in-floor and forced air together, designers may default

Knowing what the client is looking for and where they sit with their budget will ultimately lead us to our equipment selection, together with any building specific or technical constraints that may impact our selections such as they don’t want ductwork but want to cool in certain spaces

to these “triple function/combo” units. This can be a mistake as there are generally better ways, especially if mechanical space allows. Our goals should be to reduce the complexity of the mechanical system, allow for redundancy/emergency backup, and ultimately configure the system for the highest performance/greatest ROI potential within the customer’s budget.

There is much more to discuss beyond this overview of key aspects of the residential geothermal design process. Incorporating geothermal system design into your portfolio is not a giant leap for those already involved with HVAC design. A background in hydronic/ radiant design, load calculations, duct design, and energy modelling will significantly benefit the learning process. Find a local geothermal distributor to support your design efforts as they have a wealth of knowledge on the products they supply.

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS HPJ

Heat pump system comparison

The following is an overview of the pros and cons of different types of air source heat pump (ASHP) systems. In addition, the ideal scenarios for each type of system are highlighted.

Table 1 Pros and cons of different ASHP systems

PROS

• Effective solution for homes with central ducting

• Indoor units can be smaller than many conventional furnaces

• More energy-efficient and cost-effective than oil or electric resistance heat

CONS IDEAL FOR

• Upgrading of electrical connection may be required to accommodate new system

• Existing ducting in older homes may need to be improved/upgraded

• Larger homes with central heating and cooling (forced air system) having existing ductwork in good condition*

• Easy and quick installation by qualified professionals

• Require no ductwork

• Cost-effective method to heat individual rooms or zones that are routinely occupied

• Using multiple ductless systems improves HVAC system reliability

• Each indoor unit serves a single zone or room rather than the entire home

• Indoor wall units take more space and may look bulky to some

• Small or large homes with baseboard heating and no ductwork

• Concealed equipment improves visual appeal

• Quieter operation than other ASHP systems

• Can be a cheaper alternative to multi-head ductless ASHPs

• Effective solution for rooms with smaller heat loads

• Lower efficiency than ductless ASHPs

• Installation of ducting is challenging in some existing homes

• Small or large homes with baseboard heating, no ductwork and easy access to install ducting

*Assessments of existing ducting should always be completed to determine condition, identify any issues, and ensure that it is well-suited to accommodate a new ducted ASHP system.

Courtesy Home Performance Stakeholder Council (HPSC)

Enhance performance and sustainability:

Select the best thermostat for the job

In the evolving HVAC system landscape, heat pumps have emerged as a standout technology because it offers both heating and cooling capability with remarkable efficiency. As HVAC mechanical contractors, architects, engineers, and residential contractors strive to optimize these systems, the selection of appropriate controls, particularly thermostats, is pivotal.

Every installer or industry professional should consider heat pump control dynamics and control types when specifying controls for these systems. The goal with specifying controls should always be to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and satisfaction for the end user.

David McMichael and Gary Fabbro are with The Master Group. McMichael is a digital marketing specialist and Fabbro is director of business development residential.

The controls for heat pumps must be capable of managing reversible cycles, catering to both heating and cooling demands.

Understand the dynamics

Heat pump systems differ from traditional HVAC systems in their operation and efficiency. The controls for these systems must be capable of managing reversible cycles, catering to both heating and cooling demands. The thermostat, as the primary interface, plays a critical role in ensuring the system operates effectively, adapting to the unique requirements of heat pump technology.

Thermostat control types

As heat pump systems continue to gain traction for their efficiency and versatility, the selection of appropriate controls will become increasingly important. By focusing on compatibility, intelligent temperature management, energy efficiency, and user convenience, HVAC professionals will find confidence in thermostats that enhance the performance and sustainability of heat pump systems.

In specifying controls for heat pump systems, it is important to consider not only the immediate functional requirements but also the long-term operational efficiency and user satisfaction. Prioritizing the key features below will help HVAC professionals maximize the potential of heat pump technology. Continuing to use new thermostat technology and features will not only improve the experience for homeowners but also help to reinforce broader energy conservation efforts, aligning with the industry’s move towards more sustainable solutions.

Traditional 24V controller: 24V controllers are popular for consumers and installed primarily on single or two stage heat pump systems. They are capable of oneway communication, simple on-off switching. In recent years, many inverter heat pump manufacturers have added the capability of using 24V controls with these systems but lack some of the additional features of manufacturer proprietary communicating controls for inverter-based systems. Most professional heat pump thermostats today include a range of additional usability features that give the installer maximum customizability to meet their customer’s needs.

Manufacturers of modern inverter heat pumps offer communicating controllers.

HPJ

Matched communicating controller: Manufacturers of modern inverter heat pumps offer controls that communicate constantly with indoor and outdoor equipment and the environment. Communicating controllers are capable of two-way communication to both send and receive information continously. Because they are constantly communicating, these controls process much more data and have enhanced features, settings and functionality compared to traditional 24V “on/off” controls. These enhanced features provide more accurate temperature control, increased comfort, have advanced diagnostic information and utilize algorithms designed to maximize efficiency.

Key features

Compatibility and integration: Ensure the thermostat is fully compatible with the heat pump model and its various modes of operation, including emergency heat, auxiliary heat, and multistage functionalities. Integration with existing home automation systems and compatibility with smart devices enhances user control and system adaptability.

By David McMichael and Gary Fabbro

insights into their usage patterns, promoting more sustainable practices.

Remote access and control: With the rise of smart home technology, thermostats that offer remote access through smartphones or web interfaces are increasingly preferred. This allows users to adjust settings on-the-go, ensuring comfort while maximizing energy savings.

A clear and intuitive interface is essential for user satisfaction.

Intelligent temperature management: Advanced thermostats offer features such as adaptive learning and predictive start, which adjust the start time of the heating or cooling cycle to reach the desired temperature precisely when needed. This results in improved comfort and energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency optimization: Look for thermostats with energy-saving features, such as programmable settings, eco-modes, and usage analytics. These features not only reduce energy consumption but also provide users with

Geofencing technology: Some advanced thermostats utilize geofencing to automatically adjust settings based on the user’s location, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency without manual intervention.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring: Thermostats that monitor and report on IAQ can trigger the heat pump system to ventilate the home when necessary, ensuring a healthy indoor environment.

User-friendly interface: Large displays, touch-screen capabilities, and easy-to-navigate menus make it simpler for users to adjust settings and understand their system’s performance. Traditional 24V thermostats are popular due to their more user-friendly menu and interface but manufacturer branded controllers are closing the gap on design and functionality.

Durability and reliability: Given the critical role of thermostats in the overall performance of heat pump systems, selecting units known for their durability and reliability is crucial. This ensures long-term performance and reduces the likelihood of system downtime.

Technical support and warranty: Select thermostats backed by comprehensive technical support and solid warranties. This not only provides peace of mind but also ensures any issues can be promptly addressed, minimizing impact on system performance.

ROAD WARRIOR

Name: Ryan Waudby

Nickname: Waudby

Company: Tom’s Heating and Cooling

Job title: President

Born and live in: Peterborough, ON

Age: 39

Ryan Waudby: Focus on business

Ryan Waudby didn’t initially plan on staying in the skilled trades after working at his father’s company while in high school, but once he returned to Tom’s Heating and Cooling his experience in the retail world proved to be a significant advantage for the family business.

After completing a business degree and working as a retail business analyst and a store general manager, Waudby returned to the Peterborough, ON company in 2011, eventually buying it from his father in 2019. “It was a very interesting time for taking over a company, with some pretty good challenges right out of the gate,” he laughs. “But COVID forced us to work on the business side of things.” As a result, says Waudby, “from May 2020 to right now we’ve grown 350 per cent.”

During COVID Waudby focused on boosting efficiency, which included transitioning the company to online accounting software, signing up with a cloud-based field service management app, organizing and revamping the inventory system and office, and introducing customer service plans. “I also looked at

different tools and innovations that we could use in the business, and we made sure we got more training completed. And I made sure to set things up to highlight our business on a digital platform. So when everybody else was kind of bowing out of advertising I doubled down. I knew that we were going to bounce back.”

Today the company is busy with residential and light commercial installations, service and maintenance work, and has four technicians on the road. Heat pump installations have been a big part of the company’s work, thanks in part to the federal Greener Homes Grant. “I think it was a big push for people, but the difference in cost [for heat pumps] now is not as far as it used to be between AC and a heat pump. The industry is leading us this way, which is incredible, because realistically there’s no harm in every home having a heat pump. Everyone can benefit from knowing they’re doing better overall for our environment by cutting as much carbon emissions as possible. “We’re seeing a lot more electric, which is a different shift for us” he adds. “On heat pumps, we

have been focusing on the side discharge units because new construction houses are getting closer and closer together. We don’t have a lot of space to work anymore.”

Waudby admits that educating customers about heat pumps can be a challenge, either due to lack of understanding how the technology works, or because they are not familiar with newer, more efficient models. “The way the technology is built, it’s able to work at a more efficient rate than it ever has in the past,” he says. Not surprisingly, Waudby says he always has plans for the business, and is currently working to grow Tom’s Heating and Cooling in the Lindsay, ON area. “We’d like to expand further, but we need to make sure that it’s managed growth.” Building brand awareness remains a priority, and Waudby notes that the company is heavily involved in local charities, events and the surrounding community. “Small steps of working on the business have made huge steps forward in our community in what we were able to do,” he says. “Most people forget to work on the company, not for it. Especially as a business owner, that’s your job. You’re not just an employee, you are the business. So if you’re working on it, everything else will follow.”

By Carolyn Cooper

Your favourite tool in your toolbox: HouseCall Pro Software

Favourite band: The Tragically Hip

Favourite magazine: Ontario Out of Doors

Favourite book: The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

Band of Brothers Superbad is always good for a laugh

Favourite sport: Hockey

Favourite video game and preferred gaming system: Any Strategic Games on PC

Favourite season: Fall

Favourite outdoor activity: Hunting/fishing

Favourite place to be: Out with nature

Hobbies: Camping, fishing, hunting, and gaming with friends

In the mechanical industry since: 2011

Schools and programs: Algonquin College, Business; Durham College, Gas Tech 3

Favourite teacher: Warren Chambers

Favourite class: Public speaking

Best advice you’ve ever received: Don’t sweat the small stuff

Advice for young people considering entering the trades: Work hard and take in everything you can. Stay focused on your goals and continually seek out further training.

The current work ride: 2022 Dodge Ram 1500

Service area: Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Favourite part of the job? Building relationships and being able to help the local community

Biggest pet peeves: People who make excuses instead of taking ownership for their actions

One place in the world you would like to visit: Mediterranean region

One word or phrase that describes you: Adventurous

If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be? Gord Downey

Finish these sentences:

My rule of thumb is ... you are the company you keep.

If I had a million dollars ... I would invest it into a trust for my daughter so she would get a head start on life.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a ... stockbroker.

If I had a super power, it would be ... the ability to travel incredibly fast and speak any language that was presented to me.

TIGHT SPACES. QUIET PLACES.

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HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS

Inverter AC and heat pump

Energy tracking

Ecopilot integrates with a building’s automation system and uses AI to balance temperatures throughout the building. The unit uses real-time indoor data, weather forecasts and the building’s capacity for thermal mass to continuously calculate the energy balance and adjust heating, cooling and ventilation every two minutes. An analysis tool also tracks energy consumption savings, building conditions, and indoor climate consistency.

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Air to water system

Goodman introduces the Goodman SD, a line of split system, sidedischarge air conditioners and heat pumps designed to optimize space and performance. The inverter-driven, variable-speed units are a compact, high-efficiency solution for small spaces in backyards, rooftops or patios. With performance as low as 56 dBA and 45 dBA in quiet mode, Goodman SD air conditioners deliver up to 17.2 SEER2, with cooling up to 115⁰F, while heat pumps reach up to 17.5 SEER2 and 8.5 HSPF2, with heating down to 10⁰F. www. goodmanmfg.com

Sustainable units

The Lennox Enlight heat pump is powered by the Lennox CORE control system of connected service. The line offers customers the flexibility to customize configurations to suit the application. Units include gas-electric and electricelectric models, and heat pump and dual fuel heat pump models. Units offer up to 18 SEER, and feature a coil system that contains up to 52 per cent less refrigerant and is up to 59 per cent lighter than traditional coil systems. www. lennoxcommercial.com

The Vitocal 100-AW residential air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) system from Viessmann is a total solution for heating, cooling and domestic hot water in new construction and retrofit projects. The system pairs with Vitocell 100-V indirectfired domestic hot water tanks, and is available in three sizes – 1.5, 3, and 4.3 tons for cooling, and 20.5, 34 and 58 MBH for heating – and features an outdoor unit, an indoor unit with integrated system pump and digital controller, and a 20-gallon steel buffer tank. The AWHP is fully electric, and future-ready with R-32 low GWP refrigerant.

www. viessmann.ca

Quiet and compact

KeepRite’s QuietComfort compact heat pump is designed to fit a narrow lot. The unit has a cooling capacity of 1.5 to 5 tons, gets up to an 18 SEER2 cooling rating, and operates as quiet as 54 decibels. The heat pump uses R-410A refrigerant, and is durable and corrosion resistant. Featuring built-in 24V interface, the unit is compatible with KeepRite gas furnaces, coils and fan coils.

www.

keeprite.com

Amana brand AHVE

115V Air Handling Unit

The new Amana brand 115V indoor air handler, specifically engineered for the Amana S-series system, is an all-electric solution that can replace an existing gas furnace without upgrading the electrical breaker to a 230V circuit. This electrical upgrade is typically required and costly when retrofitting an existing gas furnace to an all-electric heat pump system, but fortunately, it’s not necessary with the new Amana 115V Air Handler.

No wonder the Amana brand is known as America’s brand for comfort. Learn more at www.amana-hac.com

Combined with the Amana brand S-series heat pump, the new 115V air handler system o ers optimal flexibility and comfort for most applications.

Select Amana brand S-series models meet the requirements for Canada Greener Homes. Ask your local Daikin contractor for more information.

Amana

HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS

Air to water unit

The Quantech QTH1 AWHP features inverter scroll design for a broad operating range, delivering up to 60°C water in heating capacities up to 443 MBH (heating only mode) and 546 MBH (in simultaneous heating and cooling mode). The units feature two-pipe or four-pipe design, with a COP up to 8.1 in simultaneous heating and cooling. The 35-ton modules use low GWP R-454B refrigerant, and are scalable up to 140 tons. The units offer partload performance year-round and have a cooling EER of 10.2. www. master.ca

Mini-split ductless unit

The Conforto Maximum mini-split ductless heat pump series from Granby Industries offers a flexible heating and cooling solution for residential and commercial multi-zone applications. The zero-emissions units’ compact, indoor/outdoor design make them suitable where a ducted solution is not practical. The indoor unit monitors air temperature and self-adjusts system performance for optimal energy efficiency. www. confortohvac.com

Hybrid water heat pump

Rheem ProTerra hybrid

AWHPs feature zero clearance requirements, up to 4 UEF ratings for reduced water heating costs, built-in LED control screen, demand response scheduling, and integrated Wi-Fi to connect to the EcoNet app to monitor hot water usage and system status. The units are ENERGY STAR-certified, and come with integrated LeakGuard and LeakSense technology to automatically turn off water flow when leaks are detected. www. rheem.ca

Remote controller

Sinopé Technologies introduces a smart ductless interface to remotely control ductless heat pumps and heating systems such as electric baseboards and heated floors. The interface plugs directly into the port of compatible ductless heat pumps to offer smart control features. It is compatible with the Éco Sinopé feature to align smart devices with power utilities’ peak events and time-of-use rates. Time, geofencing, device automation and voice control are also available using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. www.

sinopetech.com

Muti-zone unit

The AURORA heat pump from Daikin Comfort Technologies is engineered for use in extreme weather, with up to 100 per cent heating capacity at -15°C, and efficiency to -25°C. The inverter- driven, multi-zone unit has up to 9.7 HSPF2 (heating), 20 SEER2 and 12 SEER2 (cooling) efficiencies. Featuring a compact design for simple installation and service, the unit runs as low as 19dB(A) indoors and 49 dB(A) outdoors. The heat exchanger anticorrosion treatment adds performance. www. daikincomfort.com

-30°C

UNIX SERIES

HIGH-EFFICIENCY CENTRAL HEAT PUMPS WITH CASED COILS

Heat pump combination AHRI Certified for installation with ANY 3rd party furnace.

ROOFTOP

COLD CLIMATE DC INVERTER HEAT PUMP

Two-stage, two-cylinder compression and hot gas injection for unparalleled heating efficiency.

Eligible to financial incentives in certain provinces, contact us for more detail.

SPARE PARTS

TO FULLY SUPPORT OUR DEALER NETWORK

OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR IN CANADA

*GREE Canada is not responsible for warranty on units sold outside GREE Canada’s sales channel. For more detail, contact our team at proservice@gree.ca

HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS

Split systems

The Amana S-series split systems are engineered for traditional ducted applications, offering connectivity with heat pumps, gas furnace or dual fuel systems. With just 4 in. of clearance needed, the units are suited to zero-lot-line yards. Easy to transport and install, the systems use existing line sets, connecting up to 100 ft. of pipe. Inverter compressors deliver up to 8.6 HSPF2, and 17.5 SEER2.

www.

amana-hac.com

CONFORTO

MAXIMUM HEAT PUMP

The perfect blend of comfort & convenience with heat pump inverting technology.

Three-mode operation

The YVWH-200 water-to-water variable speed dual screw heat pump from York provides 4,050 MBH (1,186 kW) heating and 200 tons (703 kW) cooling. The unit uses ultra-low GWP R-1234ze refrigerant. Featuring three-mode operation – heating only, cooling only or simultaneous heating and cooling – the units deliver water temperatures up to 176⁰F (80⁰C), lower annual energy costs, and up to 30 per cent less water consumption compared to a conventional chiller and boiler system.

www. york.com

• Ductless systems use our sleek wall or ceiling mounted indoor air handlers, with a single or multi-zone outdoor condenser to deliver precise temperature control of one or more rooms.

• Advanced heat pump variable speed technology provides year-round cooling and heating solutions in extreme weather conditions.

• Maximum energy efficiency ratings qualify for utility rebates. ENERGY STAR® Certified.

• Auto Restart - if system shuts down due to power failure, system will restart with previous function settings when power is restored.

Conforto/Granby

Low ambient system

Islandaire’s EZ Series LA − low ambient heat pump/variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is a variable speed compressor that operates as a heat pump down to -5⁰F. The system has an Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class rating of 28, and a Sound Transmission Class rating of 37. Back-up dual stage electric heat is also available.

www. islandaire.com

The Cleaner Way to Heat

Global Warming Potential of 1.0

Aegis commercial heat pump water heaters use electricity and natural, non-toxic CO2 (R744) refrigerant to produce domestic hot water up to 170°F all year round with no need for supplemental heat.

Available in air and water sources, as well as a unique hybrid air source with cool recovery, The Aegis is one of the cleanest, most efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat domestic water. Learn more at lyncbywatts.com.

817.335.9531 | lyncbywatts.com/aegis

By Keith Bate

Heat pumps in district energy systems: A winning mix

The North American heat pump market is experiencing unprecedented growth. The majority of these are air source heat pumps for single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings. Growth is being driven by increasing awareness of carbon emissions, government policy and incentives, and the increasing need for cooling in our homes.

Heat pumps with much larger capacities also have a significant role to play in the decarbonization of new and existing district energy (DE) systems. Integrating heat pumps with district energy can offer many benefits when compared to individual building systems.

CENTRALIZED ENERGY CENTRE

What is a heat pump?

At the most basic level, a heat pump moves heat, or thermal energy, from one place to another using a refrigeration cycle. The residential heat pumps mentioned have an indoor unit connected with refrigerant piping to an outdoor unit. The compressor is generally located in the outdoor unit. The heat pump is reversible, moving heat from inside to outside in cooling mode and moving heat from outside to inside in heating mode.

DE systems use a network of water piping, usually but not always buried, to transfer heating and/or cooling from a centralized location, usually referred to as an energy centre, to individual buildings. Heat pumps for DE applications all therefore transfer thermal energy to or from a water loop and fall into three categories:

Air Source Heat Pumps

Most air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have two pipe connections and can produce either chilled water or heating water, rejecting heat to the outside air or extracting heat from the outside air respectively. Think

THE DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEM DIRECTLY PROVIDES HEATING AND COOLING TO BUILDINGS BUILDINGS ONLY RECEIVE THERMAL ENERGY

HEATING WATER DISTRIBUTION CHILLED WATER DISTRIBUTION

ALL HEATING AND/OR CHILLED WATER GENERATION IS IN THE ENERGY CENTRE

of a two-pipe ASHP as a reversible air-cooled chiller. Four-pipe ASHPs are also available and can produce both at the same time and recover heat between the systems.

Water To Water Heat Pumps

Water to water heat pumps (W2WHPs) cool one water loop and use that thermal energy to heat another water loop. A W2WHP is very similar to a watercooled chiller but operates with a larger supply temperature difference between the two loops, referred to as the lift.

Water Source Heat Pumps

Water source heat pumps (WSHPs) heat or cool air, extracting heat from or rejecting heat to a water loop respectively. Small WSHPs are a widely used solution for heating and cooling of commercial and residential buildings where the piping system is usually referred to as a condenser loop.

The efficiency of a heat pump is quantified by the coefficient of performance (CoP). The CoP is the ratio Keith Bate is director of engineering at CREATIVENERGY in Vancouver, BC.

FRIEDRICH® BREEZE™ DUCTED MINI SPLIT

The Friedrich Breeze offers the easiest way to upgrade from traditional heating and cooling equipment to an efficient inverter heat pump system for precise comfort, month-after-month. Plus, it’s universal, so whether you’re looking for a new system and pairing it with a Friedrich Breeze Air Handler, or integrating it into nearly any existing HVAC system, you can kick back and relax in total comfort.

FRIEDRICH BREEZE FAST FEATURES

To learn more, visit Friedrich.com/Breeze

Rheem/Friedrich

Universal compatibility - Compatible with most 24V thermostats or BMS

Space saving, slim design - 40% smaller compared to traditional models

ENERGY STAR® certified for cold climate models. Operates in temperatures as cold as -25˚C

DECARBONIZATION

of the heating or cooling energy produced to the electrical energy used. CoPs are generally in the range of 2 to 6, and if a heat pump is producing both useful heating and cooling CoPs can start to approach 10. A larger difference in temperature between the two sides of the heat pump generally results in lower CoP as the heat pump works harder to move the energy. Each heat pump has a maximum lift, as well as limits on operating temperature on both sides.

Generations described

The evolution of district heating (DH) has gone through three generations since its introduction. It is characterized by the type of transport media and the network temperature levels: the 1st generation DH system is a steam-based system; the 2nd generation DH uses high network supply temperature above 100°C; and the 3rd generation DH represents the current DH system with medium network supply temperature between 80°C to 100°C. Up until now, the 4th generation DH as the low temperature district heating (LTDH) is emerging as a new system, which is going to replace the existing 3rd generation DH system.

From IEA DHC Annex X Report: Toward 4th Generation District Heating

DE system generations

DE systems are often categorized by generations. While heat pumps can be integrated with 3rd generation DE systems, they are most widely used for 4th generation systems.

There are two types of 4th generation DE systems that use heat pumps. The first has the heat pumps located in a centralized energy centre from where heating water and, if cooling is provided, chilled water is distributed to customer buildings. The second is what is referred to by the International Energy Agency (IEA) document as a thermal source network (TSN), also known as an ambient network system.

DE systems with centralized heat pumps

As defined in the IEA document, 4th generation systems operate below 70°C. This is hot enough to heat domestic water to the 60°C temperature needed to prevent legionella growth, yet low enough that heat pumps can be used to produce heat. Many new DE systems in North America provide both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are a perfect fit for this type of system. W2WHPs can be used to simultaneously produce both heating and chilled water and

recover energy between the two systems.

W2WHPs can also be used to capture low grade sources of heat to produce useful heating water. Sewer heat recovery is an example of this, which is seeing increasing adoption for DE applications. Sewer temperatures are generally in the range of 15°C to 25°C all year, allowing for W2WHP CoPs of three to four when providing heating water at 60°C to 70°C.

Large bodies of water, including rivers, lakes and the sea, can also be a source of thermal energy for a W2WHP. These same heat sources can be used as a heat sink for cooling, resulting in very high heat pump CoPs in cooling mode. Most commercially available air source heat pumps cannot provide heating water above 60°C, at lower outdoor air temperatures heating water temperatures are generally limited to around 40°C. This is a result of the maximum lift described above. For centralized heat pump DE systems, ASHPs can be used to produce low temperature water at around 30°C as the heat source for a W2WHP, which would then produce the higher temperature water needed by the DE system.

Refrigerants

From 2025, under the Montreal Protocol, only heat pumps using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) below 750 will be available in North America. Most equipment suppliers are currently using HFO refrigerants but as regulations are further tightened in the future, we can expect to see equipment using natural refrigerants such as CO2, propane and ammonia, which are currently mainly used for industrial and process applications.

Source low-grade heat

There are many benefits to integrating heat pumps with district energy systems rather than having individual heat pumps for each building.

Heat pumps integrated with DE systems:

• Can access and negotiate agreements with sources of low-grade heat, which are not generally viable for individual buildings, such as municipal sewers or data centres.

• Are able to share energy between buildings, so that heat rejected from cooling in one building can be a heat source for another.

• Can achieve economies of scale, both by using less but larger equipment, and by reducing total plant capacity by accounting for diversity between individual building peak demands.

• Have a lower risk of refrigerant leaks, which are a source of chemical pollution and GHG emissions.

• Will be professionally maintained and operated, which is critical to achieve effective and efficient long-term operation.

Thermal Source Network

A TSN has a single set of distribution piping operating with a wide temperature range which is generally close to the external air temperature, hence the term ambient. Each building connected to a TSN utilizes heat pumps, which either extract heat from the loop to provide heating or reject heat to the loop to provide cooling. Heat pumps can be

either W2WHPs, providing heating and chilled water to serve terminal units such as fan coils, or WSHPs, providing conditioned air directly to occupied spaces.

One of the benefits of a TSN is that several different solutions can be used to maintain the temperature of the network within the design range. Low-grade heat sources, such as geo-exchange, sewer heat recovery, and waste heat from industrial processes or data centres, are all viable options.

LOW-GRADE ENERGY SOURCE

LOW-GRADE ENERGY SOURCE

HEAT PUMPS IN BUILDINGS TO CONVERT LOW-GRADE ENERGY TO HEATING AND COOLING BUILDINGS CAN EXTRACT AND EXPORT ENERGY

SOURCE NETWORK

MULTIPLE LOW-GRADE ENERGY SOURCES CAN BE CONNECTED TO THE NETWORK

96 Variable-Speed Gas Furnace with Two-Stage Operation (G96VTN)

• Up to 96.7% AFUE

• 60,000 – 120,000 BTUh

• Lifetime Heat Exchanger Limited Warranty+ • 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty*

Compact Heat Pump (DLCURA) • Up to 18 SEER2 / Up to 12.4 EER2 Cooling • Built-In 24V Interface

Traditional Line Sets

10-Year Parts Limited Warranty*

Gas engine heat pump technology tested in real-world settings

This winter FortisBC Energy Inc. installed equipment at three BC seniors residences as part of a new gas engine heat pump (GEHP) pilot project using natural gas or renewable natural gas.

“Before FortisBC recommends or provides rebates on new technologies and programs, our innovative technologies team performs pilots in real homes and businesses to evaluate the energysaving potential, reliability and customer acceptance,” says Lauren Beckett, corporation communications advisor at FortisBC. “One of FortisBC’s current pilot programs is to test gas engine heat pumps in buildings.”

The three seniors residences included the Hawthorne Seniors Care Community in Port Coquitlam, which received almost $195,000 in FortisBC rebates and where four GEHPs were installed; and two Baptist Housing locations in White Rock and Victoria, which received a total of nine units and approximately $450,000 in rebates. Yanmar Energy Systems’ GEHP provides high-efficiency heating and cooling, as well as domestic hot water and ventilation services.

Installation began at the three sites in December 2023, and commissioning was completed by April 2024. Because the units were installed on the roof using existing piping and ducting systems, Beckett says there was minimal interference with the daily operations of the residences. “The existing heating systems at all the buildings are still in place to be used only for peak demand,” she adds.

The pilot project will test the technology in the buildings, while measuring energy savings and emission reductions, and gathering participant feedback.

“For senior living and care homes, it’s important to have comfortable and safe living spaces and this includes regulating the temperature inside the building,” says Beckett. “Manufacturers of gas heat pumps claim that they can achieve efficiencies greater than 100 per cent for heating and can also be used for supplemental cooling. This means buildings with an existing electric cooling system can help meet additional cooling load with a gas heat pump. In addition, these pilot projects intend to verify that installing highefficiency gas equipment helps reduce energy use, monthly energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Beckett adds that “Hawthorne also wanted additional heating and cooling for their residents. The GEHP was the perfect solution as they felt the need for supplementary cooling was required, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Building participants are expected to save roughly 840 GJ of energy over a heating season, says Beckett, something the pilot project should confirm. “As part of the urgent need to lower emissions, FortisBC’s goal is to identify gas systems that are more than 100 per cent efficient to ensure our customers have a choice in how they can heat their homes and buildings while lowering emissions. In some cases, a gas heating system may be the most cost-effective

and least complex option. FortisBC expects to see that this will help provide better temperature control in seniors living and care settings. In addition, we anticipate that gas heat pumps will provide a viable alternative option to electrification for organizations with existing gas equipment.”

The mechanical teams

Building Energy Solutions Ltd.

Engineering consultant

Slopeside Mechanical Systems

Contractor and installer at Baptist Housing in White Rock, BC.

SMR Plumbing & Heating

Contractor and installer at Baptist Housing in Victoria, BC

Hardy Mechanical Services Limited

Contractor and installer at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community in Port Coquitlam, BC.

The gas engine heat pump installation at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community in Port Coquitlam, BC.

The gas engine heat pump system at Baptist Housing at Evergreen Terrace in White Rock, BC.

WHEN YOU’RE UP HERE, RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE MATTER MOST.

Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by June 21, 2024 and enter for your chance to win a $150 Visa gift card. This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers in Canada. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com.

JOBSITE JARGON

EXAMPLE: 5) Carbon footprint I) Total amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by an individual, organization, event, service, or product expressed by carbon dioxide equivalent

 Answer 5,I

Thank you for participating!

A) Receives refrigerant in the form of hot gas from the compressor and cools it into a warm liquid, which is then moved to the evaporator coil where it expands and cools

B) Amount of thermal energy a heat pump releases to warm a space, measured in BTUs

C) Allows increased refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil

D) Ground-source heat pump in which refrigerant circulates through a pipe buried in the ground to collect thermal energy

E) Heat pump that collects thermal energy from water and transfers it to indoor air or to water that is used to provide warmth through a radiant heating system

F) Pair of copper tubes that connect a condenser to an evaporator so refrigerant can move between the two

G) Controls the flow of refrigerant into a direct expansion evaporator based on signals it receives from an electronic controller using a thermistor

H) A type of heat pump that extracts heat from the air and transfers it elsewhere to raise or lower the temperature of a space

I) Total amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by an individual, organization, event, service, or product expressed by carbon dioxide equivalent

J) Component of the air handler that works together with the outdoor unit’s condenser coil to complete the heat transfer cycle

K) Uses an inverter, or variable speed drive

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.

Select Goodman inverter models meet the requirements for Canada Greener Homes. Ask your local Daikin contractor for more information.

Goodman

Daikin 115V DFVE Air Handling Unit

When converting existing gas heating systems to allelectric heat pump systems, upgrading the electrical system to 230V is often necessary and costly. However, the new Daikin 115V indoor air handler, engineered specifically for the Daikin FIT system, is an all-electric solution that can replace a gas furnace without upgrading the electrical breaker to a 230V circuit.

The inverter-tuned variable-speed motor delivers quality, comfort, and energy-saving performance. When paired with the Daikin FIT heat pump or air conditioner, the new 115V air handler o ers more flexibility and convenience than traditional non-inverter cube-style units.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ENGINEERED FOR COMPATIBILITY WITH DAIKIN FIT.

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.

Select Daikin FIT models meet the requirements for Canada Greener Homes. Ask your local Daikin contractor for more information.

Daikin

Hydronic Products

Flat condensate pump

The Sanicondens Best Flat removes and neutralizes condensate. With a low-profile design and a 0.9-gallon tank, the pump is powerful yet compact. A built-in neutralizer prevents corrosion by boosting the pH of condensate before it reaches the plumbing system. The pump features three inlets for versatile application, while its streamlined design incorporates two 1-in. side inlets and one near the neutralizer tray for easy access. All necessary hardware is included, including 20 ft. of vinyl tubing, inlet and discharge adapters, and neutralizing granules.

www. saniflo.ca

Hydraulic separator

Calefactio introduces Calbalance

4-in-1 hydraulic separators. The units prevent variations in flow rates and temperature for heating and snow melting applications, while separating water, air, dirt and ferrous debris. Air and micro-bubbles are vented through the automatic air vent, while dirt particles can be removed through the drain during service. Maximum operating pressure is 150 psi, while maximum temperature without insulation is 132°C. The separator is offered with 1- and 2-in. NPT connections, including a wall support.

www.

calefactio.com

Electric boiler

Lochinvar’s LECTRUS commercial electric boiler is available through Aquatech. It has 10 input options from 15 to 150 kw, with 160 psi working pressure, and offers the Smart System control platform and SCR for 100 per cent modulation control. Providing a maximum operating temperature of 250⁰F, the boiler features ASME-rated pressure construction. www.

aquatech-canada.com lochinvar.com

Hydronic Products

Tankless water heater

The LT Series tankless water heater from Laars is designed for use in residential or light commercial applications. With a temperature output setting of up to 185⁰F, the high-efficiency series also has the ability to cascade up to 16 units. Other features are 0.95 AFUE, a stainless steel heat exchanger design with 15-year warranty, low NOx system, and bottom water connections. The water heater is available in natural gas or propane models with multiple venting options. www.

laars.com

Pre-assembled coil kit

The FLOWMATIC Express pre-assembled terminal unit coil kit from Caleffi is a multi-functional device designed to simplify tasks. Assembled from individual components, the kit only requires four pipe connections, replacing up to 20 field connections. The unit includes a pressure independent control valve, three-way shut-off valves, integrated by-pass, Venturi device with pressure test ports, filtering cartridge and pre-formed insulation shell. www.

caleffi.com

Pressure monitoring system

COMFORT DONE RIGHT

Lochinvar has long been an industry leader in commercial boilers—and now we’re bringing that engineering excellence to residential boilers.

The wall mount EPIC® boiler you know and trust is now available in floor standing models.

·Delivers Hot Water Faster

·Display Screen Uses Text, Not Codes

·Better Technical Support and Training

·10:1 Turndown Ratio

·Floor and Wall mount available

·Advanced Electronic Control

Bell & Gossett has enhanced its optimyze modular condition monitoring system to include a pressure monitoring feature to measure differential pressure, which complements existing vibration and temperature monitors. The optimyze package, which can be added to its pumps, also has smart features that use predictive analysis to identify potential equipment problems, and send automatic alerts to building owners. Bluetooth-enabled pressure sensors are installed in the piping and come in three versions for pressure ranges from zero to 100 psi, zero to 250 psi, and zero to 500 psi. www.

xylem.com

WHENEVER PIPING IS INVOLVED

By Kerry Turner

Trusting the ride Anastasia Phillips

After landing the role of Audrey, an apprentice carpenter at an oil refinery, THE TRADES co-star Anastasia Phillips headed straight to Sarnia, ON. Show creator Ryan Lindsay had compiled 180 hours of interviews but it was important to Phillips to get an in-person grasp of the living and working conditions of people in the industry. The eight-part, 30-minute comedy is set in a working-class community, where the stress and high risks of working in a refinery are balanced by the comedic, high-wire antics of the plant workers.

“Brothers and friends and family, extended family members and I met and spoke to a bunch of, well, not a bunch because there aren’t that many, but a handful of trades women. The most important thing was for me to catch the frequency of the town and the people, and I’m happy I did because, gosh, what a hilarious, wild group of good and colourful people. There were people from all walks of life like veterans, becoming trades guys that are apprenticing after life in the service, and just the patience locals have with people while they figure out new opportunities for themselves,” says Phillips.

Navigating new opportunities is something Phillips can relate to. She moved back to Canada from Los Angeles after a successful and diverse acting career there to create a different lifestyle for herself. The purchase of a rural property in 2019 proved to be life changing personally and professionally.

There weren’t a lot of people making wine in the style that Phillips and her husband loved in Ontario, which meant

THE TRADES is currently streaming on Crave.

“It was not a choice that I made for my career obviously. It was a personal choice. I just had a vision that having a homestead would be the thing that most satisfied me. But interestingly, and this is, again, like the wonder of how life works when you can tune into what you really want and what will really make you happy, it ultimately leads you where you were hoping to go anyway. As soon as I moved to the country, I started to get these roles to play these capable, competent and handy women.

“I’d be renovating my kitchen or in my sunroom, writing, mowing the lawn and tending to the garden and doing all these things that in L.A. didn’t seem like the things to be doing. You kind of have to live like this bird in a gilded cage and preserve yourself. But I also wanted to get my hands in the dirt and to live my life. It was just so wonderful that all the roles I got subsequent to the move were asking me to be exactly that woman, a handy, competent, practical woman. I just love that,” says Phillips.

“If I was still living in Los Angeles in the culture I was in there, I might not have the same sort of heart connection to people, trades people, workers, labourers, and farmers. That’s who I live around now and I understand the value of hard work and the human relationships that come as a result of having to work hard with others when a lot of things are out of your control.”

FINDING THE VALUE IN ROLES

Phillips graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in philosophy and her approach to life and acting has been influenced in part by her education. Only now does she have a grasp of in what way. “As a younger woman, there’s so much to absorb about how the industry works and the hamster wheel of time for your next job. But I’ve just come back from France where I did a course at the Jacques Lecoq school, which is a very famous theatre school using a lot of physical theatre. I realized that when I was studying acting, I was constantly looking for books on the philosophy of acting to validate and legitimize my choice. I realized acting and the theatre is the one place where we get to be fully human and then also fully transcend ourselves at the same time. I also realized that acting is a sacred activity for me. It’s also fun and I love it. Obviously, this is a silly comedy that I do but I find the meaning in the silly comedies and the value of doing those roles.”

She hopes the messaging in THE TRADES with several strong female leads will resonate with women considering the trades as a career. “It’s sort of the female point of view of the trades, because we know it’s such a male dominated industry for now. I think that’s going to change. It’s so important when you make a show that doesn’t alienate half the demographic.”

The show doesn’t gloss over the fact there are some workplace culture issues with women entering the trades. “I would like to tell the story of how one starts

to change things so you’re not trying to find your place in the male culture; where you can actually start to build your own culture that reflects what you value, what you believe and how you operate.”

THINKING AHEAD

Despite having a busy acting career, the farmhouse and Therianthropy − a natural winery she and her husband own, Phillips still feels she has too much time. “I think we waste a lot of time in our lives and we have a lot more time than we think we do. I started thinking of time as something that was elastic and that I had control over and that I wasn’t a victim of,” says Phillips.

She has also had some profound life experiences that make her believe it’s important we find our own way of belonging in the world. “I think the piece that’s missing right now is how disconnected people are, particularly kids. There’s a theatre hall here, a community theatre hall I really want to turn into a creative, theatre space and just teach kids, especially about how to connect deeply with each other and the world and themselves and to feel a sense of wonder and magic in their own lives. That’s my long, long-term goal.

“If you have a deep longing to achieve some longer-term goal you can trust that the universe isn’t going to forget that. It has a way of getting you there, if you surrender to it and trust the ride.”

Anastasia Phillips, Ryan Lindsay (centre) show creator, and actor and producer Robb Wells.

there was a point of entry. She wanted to be close to family and to be in the social system we have in Canada.

By Fred Bretzke

HOW TO DIAGNOSE RESIDENTIAL HIGH OR LOW WATER PRESSURE PLUMBING

We regulate the water pressure in single-family residences to a maximum of 80 PSI or 550 kpa, according to (2.6.3.3. 1) of the NPC Static Pressure 1. Where the static pressure at any fixture may exceed 550 kPa, a pressure-reducing valve shall be installed to limit the maximum static pressure at the fixture to 550 kPa. Most homes have approximately 60 to 65 psi, the reason being is that if it is more than 80 psi, some plumbing fixtures may fail from excessive water pressure or water hammer. To prevent water hammer in homes we used to install 1/2-in. air chambers extended on top of the bath tub water feeds in the wall. This is no longer recommended with the availability of water hammer arrestors.

Pre-manufactured

A-2.6.1.9.(1) Water Hammer Prevention. Water hammer is a buildup of pressure in a length of horizontal or vertical pipe that occurs when a valve or faucet is closed suddenly. The longer the pipe and the greater the water velocity, the greater the pressure exerted on the pipe, which can be many times the normal static water pressure and be sufficient to damage the piping system. Since air chambers made from a piece of vertical pipe do not provide acceptable protection, pre-manufactured water hammer arrestors are required to address this potential problem. Water hammer arresters need not be installed at every valve or faucet, nor in every piping system. How do we diagnose pressure problems with fixtures? These will fail first if pressure is too high:

1 2 3 4 5

The ballcock in the toilet tank will start vibrating and bang when is shuts off.

The dishwasher, which has a solenoid valve in it to shut the water off suddenly, will begin to water hammer or bang when shutting off.

The clothes washing machine, which also has a solenoid valve in it to shut the water off suddenly, will begin to water hammer or bang when shutting off.

Some taps will start to need maintenance.

Vibration in copper waterlines may also happen, usually PEX plastic lines don’t vibrate, but their joint rings could blow.

HOW DO YOU SOLVE IT?

Check the pressure at the outside hose bib by attaching a 0-100 psi pressure gauge. If indeed the pressure exceeds 80 psi, install a pressure reducing valve on the main supply just after the water meter, which should include a pressure gauge to monitor if your pressure is too high or if you have an internal leak.

THE FLIPSIDE: LOW PRESSURE

As per code 2.6.3.4. 5) b) the minimum water pressure at the entry to the building is 200 kPa, or 28 psi.

It states in the code that 28 psi is the lowest pressure allowed. This is because they now manufacture toilets that require a minimum of 22 to 25 psi.

If the homeowner only has 28 psi pressure in their urban or rural house they will be an unhappy camper; 28 psi is not adequate, your client will want more.

What is wrong when the pressure is too low? Let’s talk about houses with wells first.

water hammer arrestors.

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PLUMBING

SHALLOW WELL PUMPS (25 FT)

There are basically two types of pumps for water wells now. Back in the day, people use to hand dig wells up to 25 ft. deep. This is because hand pumps could overcome atmospheric pressure to suck water out of the well. Practical lift for pumps is the equivalent of 25 ft., while theoretical lift is about 34 ft. without pipe loss.

I remember when I was a kid in 1965, my dad and his brother hand digging a 25 ft.-well on a hot summer day near Ottawa. I remember it was extremely humid, as my uncle cursed in English and German and they smoked cigars and drank their Labatts stubby cold beers.

CITY WATER PRESSURE TOO LOW

If the toilet pressure is too low, it might just need the rim holes around the bowl to be cleaned of calcium build up (a coat hanger works great). The ballcock may be plugged and may need replacing. Aerators or faucet screens may need replacing or cleaning. The hot water tank may have too much calcium build up on the bottom of the tank. You may have to drain it and try and reverse flow through the hose bib drain valve on the bottom. If this isn’t done every year, it’s usually a waste of time.

After they completed the well, we rejoiced with cold water from the hand pump and carried it into the farm house. It was a simple system but about 10 years later they installed a single pipe jet pump, which was then a luxury of 30 to 40 psi pressure in the freshly plumbed house.

Single pipe jet pumps are easy to fix but a little noisy in the house. The main problem if the pressure is low, is a plugged foot valve (vertical screened check valve) at the bottom of the well. You need to pull it, clean it or replace it.

DEEP WELL PUMPS (OVER 25 FT)

Two pipe jet pumps allow you to go a bit deeper underground, 60 to 90 ft. depending on the design. They still have foot valves, which could plug with mud as the aquifer may run dry.

The most common deep well pump is a submersible pump. These pumps can go several hundred feet deep. They do not have a foot valve on the bottom of the deep drop pipe. They have only one drop pipe, which is lowered down in a well casing until it hits a deep aquifer of clean underground water. This water is the best as it has been filtered through several hundred feet of the ground minerals. The stainless steel screened pump is tied to the bottom of PPE series 160 pipe and lowered into the aquifer of water. They usually last 15 to 20 years and you never hear them as they are underground.

Water pressure is usually regulated with a pressure switch, which has a differential of 20 psi. For example, a 30 to 50 psi or 40 to 60 psi cut in and cut out switch. If you run low on water pressure it could be undersized, the diaphragm pressure tank could have a integral split diaphragm, or there could be a hole in the drop pipe.

If the house is really old with galvanized water lines, those lines are likely plugged with rust and will need replacing. Rarely but sometimes the main shutoff may not be fully open. Sometimes there is actually a leak under the house, inside or outside, then you need to leak detect it. Let’s hope it’s not an underground outside leak as most insurance companies will only cover it if it’s under the house.

Finally, people don’t realize how much they rely on water until they are out of it. Remind your customers of preventive approaches.

Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with Calgary’s SAIT Polytechnic and the recipient of the 2024 Cadmus Teaching Chair. Fred also received the 2020-2021 Innovation of The Year Award: SAIT for digitizing the project-based learning approach apprenticeship training is known for. He can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.

Galvanized water lines plugged with rust.

PLUMBING Products

Heat pump water heater

Bradford White AeroTherm series heat pump water heaters are available in 50-, 65- and 80-gallon capacity. The water heaters feature the AeroTherm integrated smart control panel, and five operating modes: heat pump, hybrid, hybrid plus, electric and vacation mode. The series is ENERGY STAR certified, uses less energy and has zero emissions, and comes with Microban antimicrobial product protection to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew on the surface of the tank lining. www.

bradfordwhite.com

Water service system

The ServiceBox accessible water service system from Sioux Chief provides code-approved, pre-packaged accessible valves with everything the installer needs in one box. Standardized rough-ins provide a repeatable installation for consistent results. Single valve, PRV, valved outlet, dualvalve, water heater flow-through or termination and water softener systems are available. www.

siouxchief.com

Flood prevention

Flood-Guard from General Pipe Cleaners helps protect property from flooding and water damage during heavy rain and snow melt. The unit is suitable for 2-, 3- and 4-in. floor drains, and operates like a check valve to seal off water backup caused by overloaded sewers. When the sewer starts to back up the Flood-Guard float rises to seal off the drain opening until the water recedes. Fast and easy to install, the Flood-Guard is also available in a stand pipe model for handling extreme or extended pressure. www.

drainbrain.com

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BUDGET

2024

| Carolyn Cooper

Money promised for green housing retrofits, new builds and apprenticeships

The federal government has introduced plans for a new home retrofit program, as well as plans for more than 3.9 million new homes by 2031. The federal government also says it will provide $903.5 million over six years starting in 2024/25 to NRCan for efforts to reduce building emissions and lower home energy costs. That includes $800 million over five years starting in 2025/26 to launch the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program to support energy efficient retrofits for households with low to median incomes. The program will be co-delivered with provincial and territorial partners, and complemented by the CMHC Greener Homes Loan program, which offers interest-free loans of up to $40,000 for energy efficient home retrofits.

Another $73.5 million over five years starting in 2024/25 will go towards renewing and modernizing energy efficiency programs for building owners, such as the ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard and the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. And $30 million over five years starting in 2024/25 will go towards a national approach to home energy labelling, to give home buyers information about the energy efficiency of their home, with the support of energy auditors.

In addition, the government plans to spend $8.5 billion on new

HygieneFirst

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.

housing, and introduced Canada’s Housing Plan, a strategy to add nearly 3.9 million homes across the country by 2031. That includes $1.1 billion over 10 years to convert 50 per cent of the federal office portfolio into homes; building homes on 1,700 plus Canada Post properties while maintaining postal services; looking at redeveloping property on National Defence land for military and civilian use; and putting $15 billion into the Apartment Construction Loan Program to build 30,000 new homes across Canada.

Budget 2024 also included more money for apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades. Under the new budget, $100 million is earmarked over two years beginning in 2024/25 for Employment and Social Development Canada, with $90 million going to the Apprenticeship Service to help create placements with small and medium-sized enterprises for apprentices, and $10 million going to the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program. In addition to offering interest-free Canada Apprentice Loan and Employment Insurance Regular Benefits for apprentices on full-time technical training, the government says it will continue to explore ways to make apprenticeships more affordable.

VALVES SCAPEGOATED

FOR A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS

When a part or component is misunderstood it can lead to misdiagnosing system problems

Hashtag

“Bad TXV” is a common phrase in the online refrigeration community where it has morphed into quite the joke. The TXV, also known as a thermostatic expansion valve, is sometimes accused of being the root of all evil in terms of refrigeration problems. I find it funny when someone posts a photo of a refrigeration problem and people blame the valve as a joke, even when the issue obviously has nothing to with a TXV.

WHAT IT DOES

The main purpose of this valve is to meter the refrigerant into the evaporator of the refrigeration system where the work is done to transfer heat from the substance being cooled. The valve rated capacity is directly related to the size of the port or pathway in which the refrigerant will flow through the valve from the high side high pressure liquid refrigerant line to the low-pressure evaporator section of the refrigeration system. A basic needle and seat type of valve is what is in many TXVs.

The flow of the refrigerant through the valve is maintained by opposing forces –closing forces, and opening forces. The closing forces are the evaporator pressure via the internal or external equalizer (depending on the valve type) and the spring pressure. The spring is typically connected to an adjustment screw, which allows a technician to increase or decrease the spring pressure. If spring pressure is higher, the valve will close and take more force to open.

It also has one opening force: the bulb/ powerhead pressure. The thermostatic bulb, which is connected to the top diaphragm of the power element via a capillary line, contains a special type of refrigerant engineered to match the type of system in which it is installed. This is why you would have different TXV power

Mike Squires

elements for R-22, R-410A, R-134A, R-448A, and so on. The refrigerant mixture in the bulb would have similar acting properties as the refrigerant in the system.

The power element bulb senses the temperature of the suction line pipe on the outlet of the evaporator. As the temperature rises in the suction line, the

Power Element Diaphragm

Parts of a TXV, a thermostatic expansion valve.

Mike Squires, RSE, is manager service accounts and technical training at Neelands Group Limited in Burlington, ON, where he works with customers and in-house staff on all matters relating to refrigeration. He can be reached at mike.squires@neelands.com.

CONNECT with CONFIDENCE

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pipe warms up the sensing bulb and the refrigerant in the sensing bulb expands and creates a higher pressure in the element. This increases internal pressure and pushes down the powerhead diaphragm for the opening force on the pushrod. The expansion valve then opens.

As the suction line cools and the power element bulb cools, the valve closes. When the evaporator suction line outlet temperature drops the power element pressure drops and the evaporator pressure, along with the spring valve, close the valve. The spring pressure is used to maintain a specific closing force. This is measured by the technician to maintain a proper evaporator superheat, which is required for proper operation and protection of other system components − namely the refrigeration compressor.

SYSTEM PROBLEMS

Why is the TXV blamed for system problems? It’s tough to know why but unfortunately the little fella is often falsely accused. Other system problems would have quite an influence on the operation of the TXV. If you see a TXV and the powerhead of the valve is very rusty or in poor condition it is a good sign you really have a TXV problem because the power element charge could have leaked out rendering the power head nonfunctional. If you have a nonfunctional valve and you replace it, take apart that valve and look at the inside components. Do all the parts move freely? If not have a look for contaminants. If particulates are moving along with the refrigerant many of those contaminants could separate from the refrigerant and build up in the TXV.

When it comes to working with a TXV be careful on adjusting the screw as a first means of service. It is a good idea to look at the full system operation. If possible it is also good to know a bit of the valve’s history. Is this an old system that has been operating for years? Is it a newer system with a history of problems? Has the system been recently serviced? If there is any doubt check all the pressures and temperatures at each part of the system.

PRESSURE DIFFERENCE

The refrigerant pressure difference across the valve, meaning the different condenser and evaporator pressure, can really influence the operation of the valve. Assuming temperatures are not changing too much, if the pressure differential increases the volume of refrigerant flow will increase and if the pressure differential is lowered the flow volume is reduced. If you have a 10-ton valve, when the pressure drop across the valve is 100 psi, the valve is at its design pressure drop. The valve is operating at its rated capacity. If you increase the pressure drop across the valve it is now capable of a capacity higher than 10 ton. Conversely, if the pressure drop is reduced the valve capacity would no longer be 10 tons.

Take apart a nonfunctional valve and look at the inside components.

Variable load systems can struggle with maintaining proper superheat flow due to the changes in pressure drop. A wide range of operating pressures is reason for the application of a balanced port TXV. When a balanced port valve is used pressure drop differences have little to no influence on the valve capacity.

With pressure drop on the valve the temperature of the refrigerant entering the TXV can have influence on the capacity of the valve. As the temperature or sub cooling of the liquid refrigerant increases the capacity of the valve increases. This is because as the liquid changes from high to low pressure through the valve there is less refrigerant that immediately evaporates. This rapid expansion of the liquid refrigerant is called “flash gas.” The more subcooled the refrigerant the less flash gas you have and the more low-pressure liquid refrigerant remains in the evaporator to perform more beneficial work.

WHAT IS FLASH GAS?

Flash gas is refrigerant in gas form produced spontaneously when the condensed liquid is subjected to boiling. The presence of flash gas in the liquid lines reduces the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. It can also lead to several expansion systems working improperly, and increase superheating at the evaporator.

Danfoss TXV

NEW TECHNOLOGIES SIMPLIFY THE MAINTENANCE OF REFRIGERATION PARTS

Innovative technologies are assisting in system diagnostics and preventive maintenance. Smart sensors monitor the performance and health of refrigeration components, including the TXV. Real-time data ensures the system is running smoothly.

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices, including refrigeration systems, to a single network where you can remotely manage and monitor devices. If the TXV isn’t performing as it should you’ll know about it.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also made its way to refrigeration maintenance. AI-based predictive analytics can forecast potential issues before they become serious. It could be thought of as a crystal ball for your expansion valve.

Finally, there is Augmented Reality (AR), which can overlay information onto real-world objects – a great boost for maintenance. A technician can point their device at an expansion valve, and instantly see specs, history, and even step-by-step repair instructions.

GET TO KNOW YOUR TXV

These technologies are transforming refrigeration maintenance, making it more efficient, less prone to costly mistakes and less likely to malign the TXV. For more information call 1-800-567-5726 or visit us on the web at forane.arkema.com

If you struggle with understanding the operations of the TXV you would greatly benefit from teaching yourself and familiarizing yourself with the components and the theory of operations. Take an old valve apart and have a look at the internal components to visualize its operation. You can always find manufacturers’ educational material online. One that personally helped me is the Parker/Sporlan Bulletin #10-9.

HVAC/R Products

System controller

The Aidoo Z-Wave from Airzone Control is an integrator-friendly system add-on to bridge the gap between an inverter/VRF or mini-split HVAC system and any Z-Wave-enabled smart home platform. It gives users control over temperature and monitors humidity levels and ensures reliable communication between devices to maintain consistency in all areas of the home and eliminate dead spots. Users can adjust settings through a smartphone or tablet, or through the Z-Wave-enabled smart home platform. www. airzonecontrol.com

Building management

Heat exchanger

Systemair has added the ECO heat exchanger as an option for its Geniox line of air handlers. The addition allows installers to choose an upsized heat recovery module without increasing the unit size, expanding fresh air exchange capacity in the same square footage, with a lower pressure drop. Versatile enough to integrate into different building configurations, the heat exchanger has the same core features of the Geniox air handing unit, including a modular platform customizable for heat and energy recovery, cooling, filtration and mixing.

The Airstage Cloud is a cloud platform from Fujitsu General America providing building management. The software-asa-service (SaaS) platform allows users to monitor, manage and maintain both Fujitsu’s VRF and mini-split systems and third-party HVAC systems in a plug-and-play format. It now includes Site Manager and Refrigerant Cycle Monitor apps, allowing users to monitor and control a portfolio of sites, and to monitor and diagnose issues with the VRF systems.

www.

fujitsugeneral.com

Ventilation fans

Delta’s BreezRadiance RAD80-DGL and RAD80ELED bathroom fans for residential and commercial markets include a heating function. Both models feature brushless DC motor technology, offering continuous operation over a minimum of 70,000 hours with quiet performance of 1.5 sones, a 1,300-watt heater with built-in thermal cut-off fuse for safety, and a hidden air inlet to prevent dust build up. The LED model also includes a dimmable 13-watt integrated edge-lit LED light with a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. www. deltabreez.com

www.

systemair.net

Isolation damper

The New Flat Rate has launched the HVAC Lite price book, a pricing menu designed to allow technicians to confidently present pricing options to customers. Like the company’s original menu pricing system, HVAC Lite helps techs bundle and upsell service, repair and equipment, but offers easier readability, with tasks written in everyday conversational language for increased service sales, a higher average service ticket price, and reduced customer resistance.

The BTD830 bubble tight isolation damper from Ruskin is a rectangular damper suited to applications where extremely low leakage is required. The shape offers more free area, lower pressure drops, and improved airflow, and is a low-cost alternative. The damper is bubble tight according to the AMCA 500-D standard with a maximum velocity of 4,000 FPM, a static pressure of 10-in. w.g. (2.5 kPa) and a temperature range of -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C). The damper is available in sizes ranging from 6 x 6 in. to 36 x 16 in., and can be mounted for horizontal or vertical airflow.

www. ruskin.com

Cordless expanding tool

DEWALT’s 20V MAX XR 1-1/2 IN. PEX Expander (DCE410) is used to expand 1 1/4-in. and 1 1/2-in. PEX pipe, and is capable of expanding 3/8in. to 1 1/2-in. expansion-type PEX. Features include an auto-rotating head mechanism for even expansion surfaces, a long trigger design, LED light, side-mounted hang hook, as well as CHIP-READY pocket to pair with the Tool Connect Chip for seamless inventory management (sold separately). www. dewalt.ca

Wireless anemometer

The Yellow Jacket brand YJACK FLOW wireless anemometer from Ritchie Engineering Company measures the air speed in ducts and ventilation systems, allowing technicians to view air velocity readings instantly on the integrated screen. Technicians can also use the anemometer app to calculate volumetric readings (cfm) for rectangular and circular ducts. The lightweight and compact instrument features a magnetic mount, carrying case, and an interchangeable 18-in. telescopic probe for residential and light commercial systems. A 36-in. probe for larger systems is sold separately. www. yellowjacket.com

STUFF YOU NEED

Sun protection

Studson introduces safety accessories for employees working in hot weather. Cooling accessories include the Cooling Helmet Liner with Nape, with UPF-50 sun protection, and the Cooling Towel, which features chemical-free cooling technology that instantly cools when covered in water and stays cool for up to two hours. New sun and UV-shielding accessories include the SHK-1 Neck Shade that attaches to a SHK-1 helmet; the SHK-1 Sun Brim offering 50+ protection from UV rays; and Sentinel Safety Glasses, which provide 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection. The safety glasses feature polycarbonate lenses for impact protection, with a hydrophobic coating to repel water, sweat and debris. www.

studson.com

• Lightweight aluminum legs for weight-critical field use and overlapping tray hinges for strength.

• Reversible jaws give extra life and value.

• Protect plastic pipe with neoprene jaws or reverse for steel jaws.

PLUMBING

Water solutions company makes stewardship a priority

From the time Joseph E. Watts achieved fame in the manufacturing world as the patentee and maker of steam and water pressure regulators in the 1870s to the present day, Watts has been in the water business. Whether it be regulating flow, or water safety or conservation, the Watts legacy is clear.

To mark Watts’s150th anniversary, Mechanical Business sat down with COO Andre Dhawan to discuss the company’s priorities and challenges.

“Watts operates under the premise that safeguarding water is really an obligation. I see that for myself too − I’ve been in the water business for a long time. It’s a segment that is a great opportunity for people to do better that transcends business objectives,” notes Dhawan.

“We align across several different needs in terms of where we spend our time. One is safety and regulation surrounding water, another is energy efficiency. The more we can do to reduce what we consume, the better it is for the environment. Lastly is water conservation. We try to check all three boxes when we look at the products we bring to market.”

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

To achieve its goals Watts has also invested heavily in its workforce.

“We have a program called Watts Cares that encourages employee engagement with community partners or projects where we look at things such as area and water clean up, scholastic support, donations and other programs.”

In 2017, the company established its inventor recognition and award program, which recognizes any invention that advances the business and/or research and development efforts at Watts. “Obviously, if you look at the cumulative gains there are a lot more. All of that resonates with our current team and people see us as a prospective team they want to join,” explains Dhawan.

In terms of philanthropy and community engagement the company’s initiatives are diverse, according to Dhawan. “We partner with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and sponsor local robotics teams and low-income students, to name a few. We also founded the National Backflow Prevention Day, held every August 16, where we focus on the importance of backflow preventers.”

The Clean River Project is a non-profit organization founded with a mission of cleaning and preserving a 45-mile stretch of the Merrimack River in northeastern Massachusetts. Since partnering with the organization, Watts has hosted river clean up days and sponsored larger trash pulls.

Andre Dhawan, chief operating officer, joined Watts in August 2022.

INDUSTRY WORKER SHORTAGES

As the industry grapples with skilled worker shortages, Watts is undertaking initiatives to ensure it can move forward with its business goals. “We’re trying to automate so we can offer more meaningful work and create engagement through jobs that folks would want to take on. We’ve also invested significantly in training programs by building training centres across the globe. Watts also has an enhanced e-learning platform and content.”

Watts investment in hands-on training across the globe has made an impression. “That’s a real investment for us − it means a lot of engagement and resonates with the communities we serve and the customers we work with. To make it easier for customers to install and use our products we want solutions to be plug and play. It takes the complexity out of the process, but as more unskilled labour enters the workforce, I think there’s more we can do in that area,” says Dhawan.

LOOKING AHEAD

Moving forward Watts will be working on innovative solutions that look at the whole lifecycle of how its products are used, and anticipating that, in terms of water safety, there’s likely more stringent legislation coming in the future. “We want to try and get there first to take out an even greater level of some of these harmful contaminants. As we look at some of the unresolved issues when it comes to water safety, we have a real focus on deploying technology that doesn’t create other problems,” says Dhawan.

“Watts is starting to look at AI, for example, to see how things can be available at your fingertips for folks in the field. That’s a work in progress. When that starts to happen, it will be really exciting for us.”

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

As part of a continued commitment to sustainability, Watts joined the UN Global Compact Initiative in 2022, committing to action in six areas of water stewardship and to contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Watts later achieved verification under The Water Council’s WAVE: Water Stewardship Verified program, signifying the company’s comprehensive efforts to reduce water consumption, enhance water quality, and contribute to watershed health.

Watts focus since 2014 has been internal. Today the company is also examining the impact of its products after they leave the building. “Now we are starting to look into the handprint, which is the social and environmental impacts of our products. We are conducting lifecycle assessments on our products to understand the total impact on the environment from manufacturing to use,” explains Dhawan.

The initiatives are being noticed. Watts was in the top 50 of Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024 and was also named one of America’s Greenest Companies in 2024 by the publication.

“It’s a continuous journey for us but as we keep trying to expand, getting that recognition is a validation that you’re on the right track. We’re very proud of that,” says Dhawan.

The company is also examining where its products operate. “What we’re looking to do is take a more systems-based approach to say not only are we going to install equipment, we’re also going to be able to bring in remote diagnostics. Sensors we’re developing today, together with cohesive monitoring programs and our water treatment technology, will make our devices last longer, which is good for the environment as well.”

EXPANDING ACCESS TO CLEAN, SAFE WATER

Since 2016 Watts has partnered with Planet Water Foundation with a mutual goal of expanding access to clean, safe water for vulnerable communities. Planet Water’s AquaTower is a gravity-based filtration system that can operate without the need for external power.

“Our Total Impact report, to date, shows we have supported 37 AquaTowers for clean, safe, drinking water and an estimate of more than 76,600 children and community members using them. One of our latest acquisitions, Bradley, is now sponsoring Planet Water’s handwashing educational outreach programs this year,” says Dhawan.

AquaTowers provide six safe drinking water access points and can produce 1,000 L of water per hour, supporting daily drinking water requirements for up to 1,800 people.

Remote diagnostics and sensors will become increasingly important.

www.rscool.com

Retrofit Canada Conference

June 12 – 13 Vancouver, BC retrofitcanadaconference.com

CIPH Annual Business Conference

June 16 – 18 Kelowna, BC ciph.com

Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer (FFHMT) 2024

June 16 – 18 Toronto, ON ffhmt.com

2024 Green Building Festival

June 18

Toronto, ON sbcanada.org

ASHRAE 2024 Annual Conference

June 22 – 26

Indianapolis, IN ashrae.org

World Refrigeration Day

June 26

Around the world worldrefrigerationday.org

RE+ 2024 September 9 - 12 Anaheim, CA re-plus.com

HRAI 2024 Conference and AGM September 22 – 24 Vancouver, BC hrai.ca

Canadian Hydronics Conference September 25 – 26 Enoch, AB ciph.com

NEBB 2024 Annual Conference October 31 – November 2 Phoenix, AZ nebb.org

CGA Energy Nexus & Annual Technical Conference 2024 October 8 – 10 Toronto, ON cga.ca

ASHRAE 2025 Winter Conference February 8 – 12 Orlando, FL ashrae.org

AHR 2025 EXPO February 10 – 12 Orlando, FL ahrexpo.com

MCEE

April 24 – 25, 2025 Montreal, QC mcee.ca

2025 CIPHEX + Electrical Learning Expo West November 5 – 6 Vancouver, BC ciph.com

Picture perfect opportunity

The Mechanical Business team was at the heart of the dynamic Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX) with our popular photo booth at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Attendees took advantage of the opportunity to check out more than 500 exhibiting brands and an expansive education lineup, with more than 60 sessions over three days (March 20 to 22). An added highlight of CMPX 2024 was the HVACR Skills Competition in the main hall, the Refrigeration/ Air Conditioning Showdown (Post-Secondary), and the Heating Systems & Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Challenge (Secondary). cmpxshow.com

CONTENT MARKETING:

. Establishing your business as a thought leader and a go-to resource is paramount in the mechanical industry, where the competition is fierce and the audience is savvy. When executed with precision and creativity, content marketing can elevate your brand, engaging both business-to-business (B2B) and businessto-consumer (B2C) audiences. In a landscape where digital presence is as crucial as the quality of service provided, content marketing stands out as the bridge connecting your business with its target audience. It offers a platform to showcase your expertise, and highlight services.

Paul Bies

STRATEGIES FOR EXCELLENCE

The benefits are clear:

• Enhanced visibility: By consistently creating and sharing valuable content, you increase the chances of being discovered by potential clients.

• Established authority: Quality content demonstrates your knowledge and expertise, building trust with your audience.

• Increased engagement: Engaging content encourages interaction, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among your clients.

• Growth opportunities: As your brand’s credibility grows, so does your business, attracting new customers and opportunities for expansion.

Your strategic playbook

1

2

Identify

your target audience

Understanding who you are speaking to is crucial. Tailor your content to meet the specific needs and interests of your B2B and B2C audiences, addressing their unique challenges and offering viable solutions.

Utilize a variety of content formats

• Blog posts: Utilize blogs to share industry insights, how-to guides, and business successes. Blogs are excellent for SEO, driving traffic and establishing authority.

• Videos: Embrace the power of video for tutorials, project showcases, and customer testimonials. Videos are highly engaging and can be shared across various platforms, including social media.

• Case studies: Through case studies, demonstrate how your services have effectively addressed client needs, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and success stories.

Paul Bies, co-founder and president of Mystique Brand Communications (mystique.ca) in Toronto, ON, brings a wealth of marketing expertise to his role as Mechanical Business marketing columnist. His mission is to empower businesses and to share insights that provide valuable perspectives for their success. As the son of an HVAC entrepreneur, he understands the business landscape and is committed to helping MB readers thrive.

HOW A HEAT PUMP WORKS IN COLD WEATHER

During winter, heat pumps work by reversing the flow of refrigerant to extract thermal energy from the outdoor air. Modern heat pumps use refrigerants with a lower boiling point to continue working in colder temperatures. In extreme cold (below -20⁰C), a supplemental heating system may be required to warm your home properly.

Infographics are perfect for sharing on social media and websites.

• Infographics: Deploy infographics to break down complex information into visually appealing, easily understandable content.

• Social media: Leverage social media platforms to share your content, engage with your audience, and build community. Social media is crucial for real-time engagement, offering a space for direct communication with your audience. From sharing quick tips and industry news to highlighting customer testimonials and behind-thescenes peeks, social media platforms allow you to keep your audience updated and engaged.

3 4 5

Emphasize quality and consistency

Your content must reflect the high standards of your work. Prioritize creating high-quality informative, engaging content that reflects your brand’s values.

Optimize content for SEO

Ensure your content is discoverable by incorporating SEO strategies. Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and tags to improve your visibility in search engine results.

Promote engagement and feedback

Encourage your audience to interact with your content through comments, shares, and discussions. Engagement strengthens your community and provides valuable insights into your audience’s needs.

Delaying your mechanical business’s dive into content marketing not only costs you opportunities but also hands them over to competitors, ready to win over your potential customers. In the current digital environment, content marketing transcends being just another option − it emerges as an indispensable strategy. It has a unique ability to effectively blend engagement, visibility and credibility.

Your business’s foundation is solid, thanks to your expertise and dedication. Now, it’s crucial to showcase your value to the world. By implementing a strategic content marketing approach, incorporating blogs, videos, infographics, and the dynamic engagement offered by social media, you’ll deeply connect with your audience. This approach is more than merely advertising your services; it’s about nurturing a community that deeply trusts and relies on your knowledge.

As you venture into enhancing your mechanical business with content marketing, remember that your unique insights and experiences drive the industry forward. Mechanical Business is eager to join you on this journey. Share your journey, the hurdles you’ve faced, and your victories with us by reaching out to our editorial team or engaging with us on social media. Your contributions do more than just inspire; they help us tailor future articles to offer the most relevant and valuable information, supporting your success in this digital age. Together, let’s foster a strong community of mechanical business leaders.

Guelph ClimateCare

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE

75

Per cent of Canadians who are concerned with water damage in their homes, says a March 2024 Moen survey. Only 10 per cent of respondents had a leak detection device. 2 billion

Dollar amount in property damage caused by water in Canada each year.

40

Approximate per cent of Canadians who have had a water leak in their home. About 20 per cent say they’ve had catastrophic water damage due to a leak.

SKILLED TRADES SHORTAGE

500,000

Estimated number of new entrants to the skilled trades by 2030 that will be needed to address employee shortages in Ontario, says a Conference Board of Canada study.

100,000

Projected shortfall of skilled trades people in the Ontario construction industry over the next 10 years.

1,500 – 4,700

CANADA’S ELECTRIC INDUSTRY

2 trillion

Approximate dollar amount it will cost for Canada’s electricity grid to increase to meet 2050 decarbonization goals, according to Electricity Canada’s Getting to Yes report.

10

Per cent of Canadian homes expected to be using heat pumps by 2030.

40 to 50

Per cent of electricity outages in 2023 due to weather-related incidents.

80

Approximate number of federal regulations that must be considered to get an electricity project approved.

ON-THE-JOB LEARNING

80

Per cent of people who say learning adds purpose to their work, while 70 per cent say it improves their sense of connection to their company, according to the 2024 Workplace Learning Report 4 in 5

Number of people who want to learn more about how to use artificial intelligence in their profession.

47

Per cent of companies investing in career mentoring and coaching to encourage employee retention.

PRIVACY PLEASE!

70

Per cent of respondents who think public restroom toilet stalls lack sufficient privacy, reports Bradley’s 2024 Healthy Handwashing Survey.

58

Per cent of respondents who think gaps around toilet stall doors and walls should be eliminated. Meanwhile, 45 per cent say they prefer stall doors that extend to the ground.

96

Per cent of those who believe occupancy indicators on stall doors in public restrooms would be beneficial.

Average annual dollar amount homeowners who switch from oil to cold-climate heat pumps to heat their homes would save in home energy costs, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Redesigned.

Our original Island Tub Drain® was groundbreaking, creating a new category and setting the industry benchmark for freestanding tub drains.

Still 100% engineered and manufactured in Canada, the newest addition to our ITD® range of products resets the benchmark with it’s innovative new design and features. Available soon from your preferred distributor. New 1 piece design

Smaller all Plastic Deck Flange* Compact Asymmetrical design for easier installation in tight spaces (fits in 8” joist space or larger)

Snap off Test Cap Allows for easy water/ air/smoke testing

Available models:

• ITD60: ABS model (Shown)

• ITD51: PVC model

• ITD365: Total 1™ 2-in-1 ABS and PVC model

2” DWV Outlet 2” x 1-1/2” ABS or PVC Reducing Bushing supplied.

Accept no imitations.