Mechanical Business September/October 2018

PM #41536047 PM #41536047

SEPT/OCT 2018 $6.95

INSIDE: Our 2018 CIPHEX WEST SHOW GUIDE

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Kitchen and Bath Trends

Fixtures

finish can say it all

68PLUMBING Homeowners are increasingly looking for bold colours such as black and brushed gold and interesting fixture designs for everything from kitchen faucets to bathtubs. Our experts have the inside scoop. Denise Deveau

80COVER STORY e and Kortney Wilson When Canadians Dave met as aspiring music stars in Nashville, neither would have dreamt that fame and fortune awaited them in the world of construction. Adam Freill

Showtime approaches in Calgary

Nova Scotia school turns to

BIOMASS 108HYDRONICS When a high school in Nova Scotia decided on a biomass boiler system, it was part of a growing trend in the province to select renewable energy systems that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Denise Deveau

84CIPHEX WEST SHOW GUIDE Western Canada’s largest mechanical trade show is back and Mechanical Business has everything you need to get the most out of an event that delivers the latest in plumbing, HVAC/R, hydronic and geothermal products, seminars, and countless networking opportunities.

28HEATING REPORT Winter is coming, but for those in the heating business, that’s good news. We turned to industry experts for some advice on working up a value proposition for your customers this year. Adam Freill

On the cover: Canadian-born Dave and Kortney Wilson met in Nashville, Tenn., while they were both pursuing careers in music. A home renovation that sold for profit enticed them to a life in construction, but not away from the limelight as they host Music City Fix and Masters of Flip.

Visit us at the CIPHEX West Show - Booth #614

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CONTENTS O F

60ROAD WARRIOR: Kevin Kisinger Simon Bowden

62PLUMBING WATER TREATMENT: POU vs POE Paul Ethier

70HYDRONICS Prepare like George St. Pierre Mathew Pottins

98HVAC Annual Maintenance: More than a quick vacuum Alexandra Wennberg and Mark Parliament

107BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Proper succession planning Tom McCullough

112BUILDING AUTOMATION A custom approach to visualization Dan McCarty

120HVAC Profit in indoor pools Ralph Kittler

124TOOLS Thermal imaging in focus Denise Deveau

96PROJECT PROFILE Montreal hotel leverages its domestic water system to provide the heating required in winter and the cooling called for during summer.

Denise Deveau

BIGsmaller GROCERS, carbon footprint 104REFRIGERATION A look at how CO2’s environmental profile, along with decreasing system costs, have led to a broad global uptake in large-format refrigeration applications.

Andre Patenaude

130PLUMBING Staying out of hot water Andrew Quattrociocchi

134PLUMBING Sanitary systems in commercial kitchens Rainier Bratsch-Blundel

136TECHNOLOGY Winning with the Internet of Things Jonathan Holloway

114PLUMBING With homeowners and municipalities increasingly looking to cut the amount of waste entering bins, the undersink food waste disposal unit is back in the spotlight.

Simon Bowden

140HRAI ON HVAC Quoting vs. Building relationships Mark Rippon

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5

Easy start-up and operation

On-demand DHW

Easy to service

Simple installation and space saving design

Quality and reliability Made in Germany

Ideal for apartment units and houses with one DHW draw

$25,000 in life-saving donations Congratulations to all the donors and industry participants of the 2018 Viessmann Ride for Comfort.

Through your generosity, and 2,000 KM of riding, over $25,000 was raised for STARS – the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service serving all of western Canada!

Proud founder and sponsor:

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S P E C I A L I S T S 34

PLUMBING It’s in the 3D code! Fred Bretzke With the size of modern homes and the ability to utilize modern technology, there is a big difference between roughing in a house 30 years ago and roughing one in now.

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HYDRONICS Getting in better control Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr Consumers are becoming more demanding when it comes to comfort, and that’s a good thing for an HVAC professional willing to explore the world of smart controls.

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC Mechanical systems for Passive Homes Gord Cooke HVAC contractors and manufacturers have nothing to fear from the growing Passive House program, perhaps the most rigorous energy-efficiency standard in the building industry today.

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REFRIGERATION Mechanical subcooling and oil separator sizing Phil Boudreau Some people think that after receiving their formal education, they’ve cleared their biggest educational hurdle. But I’ve learned more in the past five years than I did in the previous 25.

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MARKETING Should your brand take a stand? Doug MacMillan Nike’s decision to use NFL outcast Colin Kaepernick in its latest advertising campaign shows it is a brand willing to take risks – and also earned it millions of dollars’ worth of free advertising.

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HYDRONICS Is your business ready for cannabis legislation? Roger Grochmal With no clear guidance on the issue, employers have been left on their own to work out how to deal with the repercussions of legalization. We must ask tough questions, insist on open dialogue and share what we learn.

D E P A R T M E N T S 10From the Editor’s Desk 12News 24Reader Profile: Bruce Ganske 74Find The Fix 142The Info Page 144Calendar 145By the Numbers

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P R O D U C T S 28,46,76Hydronics 28,52,102,106HVAC/R 38,116,132Plumbing 128Stuff you need

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FROM Content Media Group Inc. 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road Oakville, ON L6J 0B2 Canada Tel: 905.465.2919 Fax: 905.465.2913 www.mechanicalbusiness.com September/October 2018 Issue Published 6 times per year.

Editor: Adam Freill, ext. 224 adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com Associate Editor/Web Editor: Simon Bowden, ext. 225 simon.bowden@mechanicalbusiness.com National Sales Manager: Jeff Superle, ext. 221 jeff.superle@mechanicalbusiness.com Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com Office Manager: Caroline Bexfield caroline.bexfield@mechanicalbusiness.com Art Direction: JJM Graphic Ltd. davem@jjmgraphic.com Circulation Manager: Shila Naik (905) 272-4175 shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com Publisher: Bruce Meacock, ext. 222 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PM:41536047 ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print) ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online)

THE

EDITOR’S

DESK

In a sea of change, meet the waves head on This year has been an interesting ride so far, and it’s not over yet. We’ve watched governments navigating trade deals on an international stage, we’ve had changes to the political landscapes of more than one province, and we are not far off from pending energy efficiency changes from NRCan.

Want to know more?

Events like the upcoming CIPHEX West trade show are excellent opportunities to learn about new products and new sales, installation and maintenance techniques.

And best of all, we can get you in for free. Just use promo code MECHBIZ when registering at ciphexwest.ca. See you in Calgary!

And then there’s the weather. Yep, it is still the number 1 reason why a customer will call an HVAC company, and frozen pipes get those of you in the plumbing business rolling trucks, too. It’s a rare home or business owner that has the foresight to have their mechanical systems checked before the snow flies.

Instead of worrying about the things that we cannot control, why not focus on what we do know, and try to influence change where and when we can?

For example, are you consistently reaching out to your current and potential customers so that you are top of mind for when they do decide they need you – or someone (like you) who is offering the services that they need?

Are you offering current customers and prospects incentives to get your company in their door early, and often?

Are you keeping up to date with new equipment and regulations?

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada.

Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms.

Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication.

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

Subscriptions are available for $90 plus taxes in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).

Are you directing your sales team to present the best technologies to your customers as an option that they should be considering? Sure, high-end controls, fixtures and equipment may be more expensive, but don’t be too quick to judge your client’s appetite or budget. Some of them might just surprise you.

Are you involved with any of the associations that are working to represent the y interests as codes, standards and regulations are industry’s drafted?

Have you con onsi s considered any strategic partnerships to help with r quests that aare outside of your expertise or comfort zone? re requests As change com comes, the professionals who direct their ships at the waves aare the ones who tend to find success, and in today’s climate, floating is rarely a good option.

From time to time, Content Media Group Inc. makes subscribers’ names available to reputable companies whose products or services may be of interest to readers. If you would like your name excluded from these mailings, please notify the publisher.

Unt Until next time,

© Copyright 2018. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher.

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Printed with bio-renewable vegetable-based inks with less than 3% V.O.C.

In an otherwise stagnant field, only one brand of furnace is bringing innovation to the HVAC world. Napoleon’s Ultimate 9700 Series looks different because it is different.

The revolutionary Vortex turbulator increases heating efficiency, the ultra violet light purifies air and the SureView burner window shows the flames in operation as the furnace runs whisper quiet. Don’t get boxed in by outdated thinking. ™

napoleonheatingandcooling.com

10.18

News www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Napoleon announces new leadership Barrie, Ontario-based manufacturer Napoleon has named Christopher Schroeter and Stephen Schroeter co-chief executive officers, succeeding the company’s founders, their parents, Wolfgang Schroeter, chief executive officer, and Ingrid Schroeter, chief financial officer, who have been leading Napoleon for the past 40 years.

The change allows the company to continue its legacy as a multigenerational, family-run business. Christopher joined the company 18 years ago, most recently serving as senior vice-president of operations, research and development. Stephen, who had advanced to senior vicepresident of sales, marketing and administration prior to this promotion, started with Napoleon 15 years ago.Wolfgang and Ingrid will remain active in the company through their assistance on special projects and roles on Napoleon’s Advisory Board, and will work closely with the leadership team during the transition.

Milroy honoured at MCAC gathering

Taco’s White, Jr. is CEO again John H. White, Jr., chairman and owner of the Taco Family of Companies, has taken on the role of company CEO, a role he had held previously. He takes over from Wil VandeWiel, who had served as CEO for the past four years, overseeing the company’s expansion into Europe as well as growth in the North American marketplace.

“Nearly four years ago I asked Wil VandeWiel to take the company into Europe and grow our businesses domestically and internationally,” said White. “With Taco well on its way to meeting those goals, Wil has decided that he would like to pursue other opportunities and I have accepted his decision.” The company also announced that John White III and Benjamin White have been named vice-presidents of Taco Comfort Solutions. tacocomfort.com M e c h a n i c a l

Plumbing product manufacturer and distributor OS&B recently announced the sponsorship of the 10th ranked curling team in the world, led by John Epping. The agreement for the 2018-2019 season has the company’s logo positioned prominently on the left sleeve of the jersey worn by all Team Epping athletes.

“We’re very excited to announce this partnership with OS&B,” said Epping, a three-time Grand Slam of Curling Champion and 18-time winner on the World Curling Tour.

“It means a lot to us that they’ve selected Team Epping to partner with.”

In addition to the uniform branding, Team Epping will also serve as ambassadors for OS&B, providing promotional support through social media and at special events.

“We are thrilled to partner with Team Epping for what we believe will be a fantastic season for one of the top ranked curling teams in the world,” said OS&B president Brent Cornelissen. osb.ca

napoleon.com

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OS&B steps up to sponsor top curlers

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) recently staged its 77th annual conference at the Westin Whistler Resort and Spa in the B.C. mountains.

Congrats go out to Bradford White Canada’s Dan Milroy for being named the association’s 2018 Doug Crawford Award winner, which recognizes an associate member for their outstanding efforts on behalf of MCAC. In addition to awards, the fourday event also featured education sessions as well as extracurricular activities, such as wine tasting and the MCAC Games at Whistler Olympic Park.

Next year’s conference will be held in Nashville, Tenn.

Dan Milroy

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Ride for Comfort wraps up in Airdrie From left: John Goshulak, vice-president of sales and marketing with Weil-McLain Canada, Denis Couillard, Sylvie Desjardins, Daniel Beaune and Stephane Labelle of Agences Jacques Desjardins, and Craig Demaray, Weil-McLain Canada national sales manager.

Weil-McLain Canada recognizes top sales agency Weil-McLain Canada recently announced Agences Jacques Desjardins of Blaineville, Que., as the recipient of its 2017 Discovery Award, which recognizes WeilMcLain Canada’s most successful agency with respect to identifying and pursuing new market opportunities.

The agency has represented Weil-McLain products in the province for more than 40 years.

“Their strong team makes a tremendous effort to establish beneficial, one-on-one relationships with their customers,” says John Goshulak, vice-president of sales and marketing at Weil-McLain Canada. “We are proud to have them on-board to promote our superior heating products in the province of Quebec.”

After spending several days in the mountains, and raising $25,000 for Stars Air Ambulance, boiler and mechanical equipment company Viessmann wrapped up its 2018 Ride for Comfort motorcycle rally in Airdrie, Alta., in late July. Participating riders in the inaugural charity event, including Mechanical Business publisher Bruce Meacock, travelled from Calgary, through the Canadian Rockies and finally into the Okanagan Valley. In addition to fantastic scenery, participating riders also stopped in to check out a biomass district heating facility in Enderby, B.C. (pictured).

Congratulations to all the riders and thank you to all who made donations! viessmann.ca

weil-mclain.ca

Bradford r White unleashes Ellen R Ell Rohr h online li

bradfordwhite.com

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WET WET ET HEAT H HEA EAT APPLICATIONS APPL AN AND PPLICA ND D TECHNOLOGIES CATIO T CHNOLO TECH TEC OLOGI GIES Februa February ebruary ruary ary 20 2016

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Palmer Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning recently made a $5,500 donation to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre with the funds raised from its annual golf tournament, held in early September in Port Perry, Ont. The winning foursome consisted of Bryan Kendal, Scott McKinney, Paul Kinghan and Mike Kruyl, pictured from left to right with their trophy, which was presented to them by company president Dave Palmer (middle). From next year, the event will be known as the Glenn Palmer Memorial Charity Golf Tournament.

7 PM #4153604

Palmer Bros. take swing at cancer

Business makeover expert Ellen Rohr has teamed up with Bradford White to provide a series of free online business development videos available to its “For the Pro” contractors and wholesalers.

Rohr, author of the popular “Bare Bones Biz” book series, has vast experience working with HVAC, mechanical trades and plumbing businesses since working with husband Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr in their plumbing company more than two decades ago (you might recognize Hot Rod from his regular hydronics column in our pages).

A SOPPING G WET SUPPLEM S SUPPLEMENT UPPLEMENT NT OF M ECHANICAL MECHANICAL CAL BUSINESS BUS SS

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Funding cancer research The $10,000 raised for cancer research and The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation by the 88 golfers taking part in the 2018 Ratech Electronics Charity Golf Tournament brings the charitable tally to more than $150,000 over the 17 years that the inspection camera company has been running the tournament. Frank D’Andrea (right), president of Ratech Electronics, presented trophies to this year’s winners: Rocky Veselisin, Bruce Veselisin, J. F. Daoust and Pascal Piquette.

Enercare to be acquired by BrookďŹ eld Infrastructure

George Brown College plumbing professor Bryan Heyl was recently presented with the school’s faculty of the year award. Heyl, who also serves on the executive of the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association, was nominated by the 2017-18 graduating class.

The award is presented to a faculty or staff member at George Brown who has left an indelible mark on graduates. Well done Bryan! And thank you for preparing the next generation of trade professionals (and readers of Mechanical Business).

In a deal valued at $4.3 billion, BrookďŹ eld Infrastructure is set to acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Enercare.

Enercare shareholders voted to approve the plan, which is expected to close in the last quarter of 2018, at a special meeting held in late September. Enercare provides residential energy infrastructure and other home services to approximately 1.6 million customers annually, with a sub-metering business with 270,000 contracted services. “We are excited to be acquiring Enercare, a highquality business that has established a leadership position in North America,â€? said Sam Pollock, CEO of BrookďŹ eld Infrastructure. “It beneďŹ ts from stable, long-term cash ows through equipment rentals to a well-established customer base, and we see attractive opportunities to grow the business and continue to create value, leveraging BrookďŹ eld’s signiďŹ cant presence in the utility, home building and multi-residential sectors across Canada and the U.S.â€?

georgebrown.ca

brookďŹ eldinfrastructure.com

ratech-electronics.com

Professor Heyl recognized by college

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DIGITAL ALERT HeatLink BIM library

B.C. acts on radon gas The British Columbia Building and Plumbing Code has been updated and will come into effect on December 10, 2018, covering all building permits applied for on or after that date. The updated code will allow local governments to collect and use data related to radon levels in their community, allowing those areas with elevated levels of radon – an odourless gas linked to cancer – to require a radon rough-in, further improving building and public safety. The 2018 B.C. Building Code applies throughout the province, except for some federal lands and the city of Vancouver, which has its own building bylaw.

HeatLink has partnered with Thomas Product Data Solutions to provide BIM files on demand.

The online platform provides a catalogue of over 200 plumbing PEX-a tubing and fittings, and heating PEX-a oxygen barrier tubing items in Revit and CADmep file formats. Users can access the BIM files at bim.heatlink.com and download the items they want. heatlink.com

DuraVent launches sales app DuraVent recently unveiled its Sales Enablement mobile application for the professional and commercial venting markets. Available for Android or Apple, the app shares mission-critical microcontent and includes a dynamic budget quoting form, an updated, digitized product image and description gallery, and sales tips. duravent.com

news.gov.bc.ca

ANY JOB, ANY SIZE, ANYWHERE. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. Industrial Combustion offers a full line of high-quality, low-emissions burners specifically engineered to increase your boiler’s efficiency and decrease fuel costs and emissions. With the flexibility of multiple fuel options, there is an Industrial Combustion burner appropriate for commercial, industrial and institutional applications.

Call 1-608-325-3141 to find your local representative, or visit ind-comb.com for more information.

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Danfoss radiator thermostat still going strong at 75 The original Danfoss radiator thermostat might be turning 75, but the company says the product invented by its founder Mads Clausen way back in 1943 is as relevant as ever in a world trying to control the temperature. More than 350 million of the radiator thermostats have rolled off the production lines since the 1940s.

Anders Barkholt, vice-presidnet of Danfoss Radiator Thermostats, said, “It is a strength for Danfoss to have been on the market for so many years, and there is an abundance of Danfoss DNA and cultural heritage in even our brand-new electronic thermostats.” danfoss.com

Dartmouth building wins green prize The Wilkinson Warehouses in Dartmouth N.S., scooped the Zero Carbon prize at the recent Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Atlantic Chapter awards ceremony held in Halifax.

Owned by East Port Properties, the multi-tenant warehouse buildings feature a host of green technologies, including an in-floor central heating system and rooftop PV systems, installed with the intent to offer prospective tenants zero heating costs.

Lara Ryan, regional director of the Atlantic Chapter, said, “I believe that individual leadership and commitment to affect change is critical in moving toward a low carbon economy that will benefit all Canadians.” cagbc.org

ASPE recognizes Canadian chapters A pair of Canadian American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) chapters have been recognized with member awards by the organization. The Toronto chapter received a Membership Growth Award for chapters with up to 99 members, as well as a Membership Retention Award for retaining more than 90 per cent of its previous year’s membership.

The Montreal chapter received ASPE’s Annual Chapter Award of Merit, which recognizes extraordinary contributions made on behalf of the Society. Criteria for the award include dynamic volunteerism and leadership and is based on accomplishments over the past year. aspe.org

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PPI creates polypropylene pipe committee The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) recently created the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee within its Building and Construction Division (BCD). The group will focus on two types of polypropylene pressure pipes: PP-R, polypropylene random copolymer, and PP-RCT, polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance. Both types of pipe are designed for use in potable hot and cold-water plumbing systems, hydronic heating and cooling systems, as well as other applications.

“The new committee will engage in a wide range of activities, for instance, supporting industry efforts to update and harmonize product standards ASTM F2389 and CSA B137.11; coordinating and publishing research on proper uses of PP systems for plumbing and hydronic applications; developing online calculators for design of PP piping systems; and creating educational content about PP materials,” said PPI’s BCD director of engineering, Lance MacNevin. plasticpipe.org

Gill named 2018 Seidner Award winner IPEX’s Larry Gill is the most recent recipient of the Joseph K. Seidner Award. Gill, the manager of codes and standards at IPEX, is the 18th recipient of the honour, which recognizes commitment to the plumbing standards community.

Gill currently sits on multiple committees, including CSA B128, B602, B55, B1800, B70 and B137, and has also worked at CSA in the past as a project manager in the plumbing, welding and windows program. He received his award at the annual Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing Meeting in Saskatoon in mid-August. ciph.com

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Always a step ahead

10.18

News www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Daikin makes splash in Vegas with Fit launch

Supporting the MS Society Mechanical contracting firm AtlasCare recently hit the links in Milton, Ont., raising more than $50,000 for the MS Society.

Once again, AtlasCare was the lead sponsor for what’s become a vitally important annual fund-raising event for the MS Society of Canada, Peel-Dufferin Chapter, the Golf Fore MS charity golf tournament. Congratulations Roger and Michael Grochmal, and your entire team, on supporting such a worthy cause!

Daikin North America introduced its Daikin Fit system to much fanfare in Las Vegas in September.

Pictured here, Marc Bellanger of Daikin North America whips the crowd up ahead of the unveiling of the residential system. The Fit melds the features and performance of ductless-style condensing units with the ability to connect to traditional ducted systems, offering cooling efficiencies up to 18 SEER in 1.5- to 5-ton capacities, and pairing with gas furnaces offering efficiencies as high as 97 per cent AFUE. daikincomfort.com

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A team of hockey nuts from Toronto-based plumbing and hydronics wholesaler Next Supply helped raise $28,000 for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as part of September’s Scotiabank Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event.

The team’s fundraising efforts were rewarded with a 13th round draft pick, which they used to select well-travelled former NHLer and fan favourite Matthew Barnaby (centre in the picture) who joined the Next Supply squad for games held at Woodbine Racetrack.

In total, participants raised more than $2.7 million for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s fight against cancer. nextsupply.ca

Rise of AI gives pause The Ontario Science Centre’s third annual Science Literacy Survey reveals most Canadians (74%) believe that science and technology will play a major role in solving the world’s challenges. However, many are also concerned about the impact of new technologies on everyday life, such as artificial intelligence (62%) and automation (60%).

Most Canadians are optimistic about the power of science and technology and most respondents said that scientific advancement will likely end up solving far more problems than it will create.

Each year, the Ontario Science Centre publishes the results of its Science Literacy Survey to coincide with Science Literacy Week, a national celebration of science held from September 17 to 23. ontariosciencecentre.ca

Smart lender joins representative body Simply Smart Home has joined the Canadian an Le Lend Lenders nd der erss As A Association sso ociiat ati tio ion (C ion (CLA), CLA L ), ), a representative body that supports the growth companies Canadian h of compan anie iess in i tthe he C anad dian n market mark ma rket that are in the business of lending, or providing other means of credit, to small businesses and individuals through innovative means.

Simply Smart Home, which most recently delivered the successful installations of nearly 50,000 smart thermostats under the GreenOn program in Ontario, specializes in providing HVAC and home automation solutions for customers across Canada through a range of flexible lending services. simplysmarthome.ca

Architects join Internet of Things Toronto’s WZMH Architects is now participating in Microsoft’s global Internet of Things (IoT) Insider Labs, a program designed to accelerate businesses that are reshaping their industries by transforming the way people, devices and data interact.

WZMH Architects, along with Quasar Consulting Group, Stephenson Engineering and C3PoE, were accepted into the program thanks to the development of its Intelligent Structural Panel (ISP), plug and play infrastructure that allows a wide variety of devices from HVAC to elevators to be connected and wirelessly controlled from any location. wzmh.com

You need You provide YYou provid ide answers to to customer ch challenges, hallllenges andd for more than 75 years the Little Giant® brand has provided the dependable, water-guzzling solutions. When you combine our passion with yours, together we help prevent unnecessary damage to their valuables by eliminating unwanted water collection before it starts.

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10.18

Movers & Shakers www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Wolseley buys a pair Wolseley Canada has added AMRE Supply Company Limited to its portfolio of brands. AMRE has 12 locations across Canada, from B.C. to Ontario, which will continue to operate under the AMRE Supply brand for the foreseeable future. Wolseley also recently purchased Calgarybased James Electric Motor Services. With the acquisition, all 64 James Electric employees will join Wolseley. The company will operate under the James Electric brand for the foreseeable future. wolseleyinc.ca

Noble buying Brampton Mechanical wholesale supplier Noble Corporation has entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Brampton Plumbing, Heating and Industrial Supplies (BPHI), a wholesale operation based in Orangeville, Ont. with a 5,000 sq. ft. location that features a full-service counter, dedicated delivery and a product showroom. noble.ca

Fluidmaster opens p Canadian distribution centre Toilet tank component and trim manufacturer, Fluidmaster, recently opened its new Canadian distribution centre. Located in Mississauga, Ont., the facility will allow the company to expand its Canadian business with a centralized location for all operations, and a complete inventory of its products. “Opening our Canadian distribution centre is an integral part of our expansion strategy and part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships across the border,” said Todd Talbot, Fluidmaster president. fluidmaster.com

Bacharach picks up Neutronics Bacharach has acquired Neutronics, a provider of refrigerant and gas analyzers. Neutronics’ technologies serve the commercial HVAC market, among other industries. mybacharach.com

Left to right: Rob Miller, regional operations manager; Todd Eberle, area operations manager; Charles Lagasse, sales manager; Adam MacPhee, counter sales; Michael Lagasse, branch manager; Bob Lagasse, branch area manager; Pam Warwick, area operations manager; Sharon Jackman, Jesse Young, inside sales; and Andy Stanfield, regional inventory manager.

DiversiTech acquires hilmor HVACR product manufacturer and supplier DiversiTech Corp. recently bought hilmor, an HVAC/R tool brand, from Stanley Black & Decker. “Our mission, and the driving force behind all we do, is to simplify the way our customers work,” said DiversiTech CEO Andy Bergdoll. “The addition of the hilmor brand to the DiversiTech family is a major step toward furthering that mission.” diversitech.com hilmor.com

Desco distributing Aquatherm Desco Plumbing and Heating Supply has become an Aquatherm distribution partner in the province of Ontario, carrying the line of polypropylene piping system supplies in its 17 locations in central and southwestern Ontario. desco.ca aquatherm.com

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Wolseley opens Ottawa branch Wolseley Canada recently opened a new wholesale location in Ottawa. Situated at 1050 Baxter Rd., the wholesale branch includes both plumbing and HVAC/R inventory in an 11,000-sq.ft. facility. wolseleyinc.ca

Goodman adds Barrie branch Goodman distribution has opened a wholesale location in Barrie, Ont. The branch, which carries a full array of HVAC/R product offerings, is located at 55 Reid Drive, Unit 1 in Barrie and can be reached at Tel. 705-242-6643. goodmanmfg.com

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10.18

People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com

MECHANICAL BUSINESS would like to introduce the newest member of our crew, Simon Bowden. Our new associate and web editor, Simon is an editorial veteran with vast experience in writing, editing, design and digital media, both in Canada and overseas. Formerly a BBC correspondent, as well as an editor in London, Ireland and here in Canada, he will handle news, product and feature writing, as well as social and digital media for Mechanical Business and its related properties.

Please join us in welcoming Simon to our industry!

Brian Cooke has joined AEROBARRIER CANADA and AIR SEALING PROFESSIONALS to take on the role of sales and marketing manager.

Building on more than a decade of sales experience, he will be focused on targeting the builder level and developing strategies to generate awareness in the Canadian marketplace for the company’s house sealing technology.

Karim Yasin has been appointed director of product management for North America at FUJITSU GENERAL AMERICA. He brings 14 years of experience in the HVAC industry to his new role, most recently serving with another HVAC equipment manufacturer where he had extensive experience developing and launching products with multiple global partners.

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2

CENTROTHERM ECO SYSTEMS recently announced the addition and promotion of several personnel. Organizational changes include the promotion of Cara Rupp (1) to inside sales representative supporting Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, as well as the United States east of the Mississippi River.

Natalie Perrigo (2) has joined the sales team as an inside sales engineer with inside sales rep duties supporting British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the United States west of the Mississippi. Matthew Pryce, (3) who previously split his time between sales and marketing, has been promoted to a fulltime marketing and communications role handling the United States and Canada.

3 John Stephenson has joined FLUIDMASTER as its sales director for Canada and will oversee the distribution centre, as well as all aspects of the Canadian business in both retail and wholesale distribution channels.

Prior to joining Fluidmaster, Stephenson was the director for Char-Broil in Canada where he developed and managed sales and marketing strategies.

Alexandra Motts has joined SANIFLO CANADA as its national sales manager.

Motts brings more than 20 years of mechanical industry experience to Saniflo, a manufacturer of macerating plumbing fixtures, condensate pumps and grey water pumps.

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Plumbing industry veteran Ross Evans has joined VENTERS RECRUITS, where he will be responsible for furthering relationships and deepening the company’s recruitment efforts within the plumbing and heating marketplace.

WEIL-MCLAIN CANADA recently announced the hiring of Simon Sorouri as commercial sales applications engineer.

Simon has more than 10 years of hydronic systems applications experience in the Canadian hydronic industry and will focus on applications for the company’s new stainless vertical firetube boiler among engineers and large commercial contractors in the Greater Toronto Area.

Ken Lancastle has joined MCAC as executive director of communications, industry outreach and innovation. He will assume responsibilities for the associate membership and the Mechanical Service Contractors Division.

He is a former employee of the Canadian Construction Association and served on the Canadian Construction Documents Committee, the Institute of BIM in Canada and the Lean Construction Institute of Canada.

CANATURE WATERGROUP recently introduced Tom Szymanczak as its commercial quotation specialist in its Commercial Industrial Engineering Department (CIED). He has more than seven years of water conditioning industry experience and extensive knowledge in commercial sizing and applications.

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with numerous single-stage thermostats. Imagine using the same single-stage thermostat for all your HVAC installations. When properly installed, ComfortBridge technology receives a simple signal from the thermostat and intelligently distributes operational messages between the indoor and outdoor components of a central heating and cooling system.

www.ComfortBridge.com ComfortBridge technology is engineered exclusively for high-efficiency Goodman® and Amana® brand heating and cooling systems.

Our continuing commitment to quality products may mean a change in specifications without notice. © 2018 Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. Houston, Texas · USA www.comfortbridge.com

Come visit our newest location in Barrie!

Goodman Canada 55 Reid Dr. Unit #1, Barrie, ON L4N 0M4 705-242-6643 Branch Manager: Mike Radovanovic For a full listing of branch locations, please visit partner.goodmanmfg.com

10.18

Reader Profile Bruce Ganske: Continuously improving makes best use of resources.

And that shouldn’t come as a surprise given that his guiding principle has been ongoing assessment and improvement. As he says to his people, “Do the best quality work that you can possibly do, and next time do it better.”

Whether it’s the work that he or his employees are doing, or the technology that is being worked into their projects, Magnum Mechanical owner Bruce Ganske is always looking for that something that will make it a little better than last time.

“One of my passions is energy efficiency,” he explained during a recent interview, explaining that he’s always on the lookout for product that

Q A

Tell us a little about your company.

We are a combined shop, offering commercial plumbing, hydronics and HVAC service. We have our own HVAC fabrication shop, a service department and a full fabrication shop for our hydronic side. We have 35 employees, 17 trucks and four service vans. Our main focus for the past 10 years has been design-build.

Q A

What attracted you to this industry?

Q A

What’s the most interesting project that you’ve been involved in over the years?

Photo: Mark Elder/Jasper’s Studio

Q A

Q A

I had no choice. I have three older brothers and at that time my two older brothers were already journeymen plumbers.

When I was in Grade 8, I would be out on projects helping them out. I have been plumbing since I was very young.

There was something that I liked about it though.

About 10 years ago we did a design-build for a brand-new meat-packing plant. It was built with energy efficiency in mind, looking at all kinds of ways of recovering energy and using less energy. Meat packing plants are high energy consumers.

What challenge is your business facing right now?

We have a young, energetic workforce, and it is a challenge for a 60-year-old person to understand how millennials work and operate. They are not wired the same way as us old guys. And I’m not saying that in a bad way. Our challenge is to understand that and get productivity while providing motivation and satisfaction. That’s a challenge, and an opportunity.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?

When a mentor of mine said I should start my own business, I said there was no way that I could compete with all the other plumbers in my area. His advice still rings in my ears.

He said, “There’s always room for a good one. Whenever I did anything, I just wanted to do it the best I could do.”

BIO Name: Bruce Ganske Title: Owner Company: Magnum Mechanical Age: 59 Born in: Wetaskiwin, Alta.

Family: Wife Barb, two sons, and a grandchild on the way.

Joined the industry: 1979 Trade school: NAIT

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FAST FACTS ABOUT BRUCE 1. He practices and teaches yoga.

2. A patron of the arts, Bruce attends the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on a regular basis.

3. When he’s not at work, you might find him on one of his motorcycles or enjoying his wine club membership.

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Canada turns to Anvil for mechanical pipe connections.

Get the pipe connections and assorted fittings from ONE SOURCE. Anvil is one of Canada’s largest supplier of domestic and import fittings and couplings.

We have the broadest range of products available to complete your project. From steel and cast iron fittings, pipe nipples, forged steel, high pressure oil & gas fittings to pipe hangers and supports, grooved fittings and couplings. Make Anvil your trusted one-stop shop.

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2018

Heating Report

Fire tube b condensing d i boilers Navien’s NFB high-efficiency 199,000 BTUH wall-hung condensing fire tube boilers offer 95% AFUE efficiency with a 10:1 turndown ratio. They offer field gas convertibility and cascade capability for up to 16 units. navieninc.com

Selling the value proposition

By Greg Dalgetty

T

o steal a phrase from HBO, “Winter is coming.”

Commercial rooftop heat pump Daikin’s Rebel line includes the commercial packaged 20-ton heat pump rooftop unit with inverter scroll compression.

The modulation of the variable speed compressor equates to 30 per cent energy savings relative to ASHRAE 90.1-2016 partload minimums. IEER efficiencies are as high as 20.6 across the rooftop product lineup. daikinapplied.com

Of course, for those in the heating business, that’s good news. Although the coming season of frost and snow will not involve a battle with White Walkers, selling and servicing furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and all the other heating system options is not without its challenges.

The best prep, of course, is to arm oneself with information, so with that in mind, we reached out to several industry experts for advice that can help with the sales and service of HVAC equipment over the next several months.

Best, better, good Everyone has a different threshold for price, and making assumptions about a client can end up reducing the ticket price rice of a job, and a contractor undercutting themselves.

Commerciall condensing d boilers Lochinvar’s Crest commercial condensing boilers provide up to 96 per cent thermal efficiency in models ranging from 750,000 to 6 million BTUH. They feature a 316L stainless steel heat exchanger and a modulating burner that delivers a turndown ratio up to 20:1. lochinvar.com

Heatting Prod ductts 28

“The advice that I give is don’t start low w with the consumer,” says Joe Cancilla, Canadian regional sales manager for HVAC with Napoleon. “Sell best, better, r, good rather than good, better, best. If you put a very good product in front off a hey consumer right at the start, generally they are going to be more receptive to it.”

“I would argue that there is more sticker shock with the contractor than the homeowner,” says Dave Voltan, Rheem’s Eastern Canada sales manager. r.

“Homeowners are looking for ideal comfort mfort and efficient green options. This may be e

H e a ti n g

2018

Heating Report

overlooked by some contractors so they revert back to price.”

“You are trying to deliver value,” adds Pat Lavoy, regional general manager for Canada for Daikin Applied. “It’s not just about price.”

He advises to build a value proposition around the payback that higher efficiency equipment can deliver for the owner through energy savings.

“That’s where the contractor can show value to the owner,” he says. “The contractor can say, ‘We can go with something cheaper that’s maybe not as efficient, but here are the numbers and you are going to be paying more every year for electricity or gas, or you can go with a high efficiency delivering superior performance and a great payback.’”

“Consumers generally want to buy as high a value of equipment as they can afford, so don’t be shy to present reputable high-efficiency product, and don’t sell just based on a low price point,” says Cancilla.

Communicating mm nicating ffurnace rn Arcoaire’s two-stage F9MVE DuraComfort Deluxe 96 gas furnace features communicating controls, efficiency ratings up to 96 per cent AFUE and a heating capacity of 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH. Standing 35” tall, it uses a stainless steel secondary heat exchanger. arcoaire.com

Live (and sell) in the today Industry regulators have indicated a desire to push minimum efficiencies for heating equipment higher, but that should not be viewed as a surprise. It’s been an ongoing process for years with NRCan and other regulatory bodies.

“When the majority of products are able to reach a certain bar, you raise the bar,” explains John Goshulak, vice-president of sales and marketing with Weil-McLain Canada. “You want a minority of products to be above the bar, so when everybody can hit a certain threshold, you look for where the minority are and raise the bar again. Twenty years ago, boilers were 72 per cent efficient.”

Wall mount combi boiler The Vitodens 100-W B1KA wall mount combi boiler from Viessmann has a stainless steel Inox-Radial self-cleaning heat exchanger and fully-modulating MatriX cylinder gas burner. It has a heating input of 21,000 to 125,000 BTUH and a 95 per cent AFUE. viessmann.com

With many boiler models now available that achieve 90 per cent efficiency, and a number of furnaces looking north of 95 per cent, NRCan is researching the next thresholds to set for these heating appliances.

“We’re talking about deadlines and decisions that are being made now that will impact the business in three years, and more,” adds Goshulak.

While any increase in minimum efficiency will likely bring a higher upfront price for equipment, current needs should take priority with customers, and that could include current models that can achieve any future efficiency targets.

“Contractors shouldn’t use future regulations as a sales strategy,” says Sean Piekaar, Western Canadian sales manager with Rheem. “They should be looking at the homeowner’s current situation and providing the best solution possible.”

Gas furnace The York Affinity YP9C Gas Furnace uses a modulating burner design and constant CFM ECM blower motor. The 33” multiposition unit offers a heating capacity of 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH input and an efficiency of up to 98% AFUE. york.com

Heatting Prod ductts continues on page 30 29

2018

Heating Report

Be a consultant Trying to make a pitch that includes payback calculations and more efficient equipment is much easier to do if you have a strong relationship with your customer. By being a trusted advisor, it becomes possible to avoid only replacing equipment when it has a catastrophic failure.

“Equipment is much easier to replace on a proactive basis rather than reactive,” says Cancilla. “If equipment is going to fail, it generally fails at the start of the season, or at a time of the year when it is at its highest use, and if you are replacing product at that time you are usually selecting it on an availability basis as opposed to making an educated decision and getting the product that you want.”

Communicating gas furnace The Goodman GCVC96 two-stage gas furnace has integrated communicating ComfortBridge technology, a two-stage gas valve and a variable-speed ECM motor. It has an input range from 40,000 to 120,000 BTUH, providing up to 96 per cent AFUE ratings. Left or right connection and multi-position installation is provided for. goodmanmfg.com

“What is the cost if you don’t have cooling in July or heating in December?” adds Lavoy. “Part of our job as contractors is to ask those questions. You are trying to deliver value, and that’s not just about price.”

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2018

Heating Report

Motoring along On a global scale, electric motors consume almost half of all electricity that is produced, so it should come with no surprise that these have caught the eye of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and that more efficient motor technologies are making their way into HVAC equipment. nt.

Hydronic skid-mounted systems Cleaver-Brooks’ line of pre-engineered, skid-mounted hydronic boiler solutions are pre-piped and ready for start-up. Each skid includes the boiler, system pumps, air separator and expansion tank. Available for gas-fired, condensing boiler systems ranging in size from 500,000 to 12 million BTUH, six boilers can be combined and additional ones added as a custom-engineered solution. cleaverbrooks.com

Heating Products

“Adoption of ECMs continues to grow in the face of regulatory requirements as a means of increasing efficiencies and achieving compliance,” ce,” explains Rob McKenna, na, strategic account manager and d ECM specialist with motor manufacturer Regal Beloit. “Furnace manufacturers are re-engineering furnaces to now use ECMs, which represent an advance in blower motor efficiency that saves substantial energy.”

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Firetube Boiler

#ForwardThinking Advantus® is a two-pass counter-flow firetube boiler.

With thermal efficiencies of up to 99% in low water temperatures and a turn down ratio of up to 25:1, the Advantus is aimed at providing you with outstanding energy saving capabilities paired with remarkable high efficiencies.

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By Fred Bretzke

PLUMBING

3D

IT’S IN THE

Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary and the general manager of A&B Plumbing & Heating. He can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.

CODE

From my earliest venture into the trade, one of my favourite things to do was always a house rough-in.

IT’S ON COMPUTERS NOW The plumbing code states that you can’t bend a stick of building sewer pipe more than five degrees. Well, I don’t have that problem when creating a computer-generated 3D sketchup for my ABS rough-in.

This is now my life, creating and pumping out plumbing roughins on a computer for educational purposes.

I don’t get ABS glue all over me. I don’t have to almost die of heat exhaustion in the summer or almost freeze to death in the winter trying to glue pipe together. I don’t have to drill 2” and 3” holes in wood framework, always manipulating the frame of a house to allow for my piping to squeeze through unnoticed.

Now, I just create a pipe and slide it through the simulated 2x4s, like I had some magical 3D drill.

It still takes a bit of time to create a 3D building full of plumbing to scale and to the code, but it’s the closest thing to really roughing in a building live.

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M e c h a n i c a l

As a young journeyman, after a long hot afternoon of drilling holes and installing pipe, I would come up with this masterpiece of piping that was always to code. I felt like the Leonardo DaVinci of plumbing. I would stand back and just stare at my artwork.

I was always pleased when I could rough in a house in a day – I was somewhat expedient and efficient at the same time.

It felt good to actually have something to show for my work; never mind that I probably looked like a human ABS glue can full of wood chips, and my artwork would get covered up with drywall. Such is the life of an unknown artist, what a waste of code talent.

Springing forward another 25 years or so, I hit a jobsite and couldn’t help but reflect where my code brain is now at. There I was, trying to layout a residential circuit vent. The ABS pipe just wouldn’t fit in the hole. Every time I would line it up, it just pushed out.

I don’t get it, this is harder than I thought. Have I lost my rough-in skills? It’s a 3” ABS pipe going into a 3” 45 elbow. It should be a piece of cake. I rotate the 45 so as to accommodate the end of the pipe and boom it goes in. Looks good… or does it? As I rotate around 90 degrees I see that my pipe is sticking about 2” out the other side of the 45 elbow.

This just seems impossible, and is when I almost had had enough. I have sore eyes, a sore back, and my rough-in still isn’t finished. But wait a minute; a light bulb just went off in my plumbing head!

I begin to slowly manipulate the 45 elbow until my pipe fits perfectly in the 3” pipe. I rotate around and, boom shock ala, it’s in and I’m done my rough-in.

After one long week of arduous labour, I finally have something to show for my efforts, and it’s a pretty good looking house rough-in, if you don’t mind me grading my own work. Maybe I didn’t forget everything about rough-ins after all.

B u s i n e s s

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PLUMBING

Nostalgia

AND EVOLUTION

Plumbing custom homes

My memories of roughing in pipe seem too easy. Did I really rough in a house a day back in the day? I did. I did. I know I did. Well, this summer taught me the difference of roughing in a house 30 years ago and roughing one in now.

Custom homes are the most difficult houses to rough in as the bathrooms are all over the place, and a lot of these bathrooms are not a typical three-piece bathroom. These four and five-piece bathrooms, with layouts that are not conducive to wet venting, are where you must know your code well enough to do some circuit venting.

In today’s day and age, people like big homes with big ceilings: no more eight-foot ceilings; I’ve seen homes with 12-foot ceilings. And joists have changed as well. These new engineered joists have special rules on where you can drill your holes.

So it’s no more step ladders on the site. Now, you have to use tall extension ladders, drilling holes with one hand and trying to hang on for dear life with the other. This all takes time.

I would say the hardest thing of roughing in a new big custom home is trying to use the least number of vents possible while trying to negotiate around beams, joists and 2x4 walls. And you still have to hide your piping.

Homeowners don’t want to see your pipe. They want it in the walls, and contractors don’t want to have to box it in.

That can be tough since bathroom layouts coming from an architect or interior designer are not planned out to suit the code; they are laid out aesthetically to suit the viewing pleasure of the customer.

This makes it even more valuable to know your code inside and out, as we have to be ready to alter our piping layouts to suit the customer’s needs.

Plumbers should be proud of what they have to know and what they do now. Our trade is harder than it was 30 years ago. Yes, we do use more plastic pipe, which makes some things easier.

And yes, there are more powerful cordless drills and sawzalls available, but it still takes longer to plumb today’s houses than back in the day.

The typical house I used to rough in was a single-storey bungalow with an eight-foot ceiling and an unfinished basement. All you needed was a step ladder, some strapping and a good Hole Hawg and you were off to the races.

It had 1-1/2 bathrooms, a kitchen and a washing machine facility. One stack vent and a simple wet vent on the main floor, drop down to the basement with a future vent and you were done.

Not so in today’s world of custom home plumbing.

Today’s typical homes have at least three functioning bathrooms, and some custom homes have between five and eight bathrooms.

One house that I saw this summer had eight bathrooms, two kitchens, two entertainment sinks and two complete laundry rooms.

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KNOW THE CODE; ALL THE CODES The building code has become just as important to know as the plumbing code, due to make up air needs and radon gas piping layouts in the basement. And any under-slab hydronic heating systems could affect plumbing rough-ins as well. These are things we didn’t have to worry about back in the day.

This also makes 3D learning more valuable to tradesmen. It’s important to lay out piping in your mind in 3D and not just in a one or two-dimensional way.

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PLUMBING

Products

Tankless water heater Distributed by Dobbin Sales, the Eemax AccuMix II electric tankless water heater is designed for public handwashing applications and other low-flow handwashing applications where precise temperature control is required.

These models can be mounted in any direction, feature 3/8” plumbing connections, a low-flow activation of 0.3 gpm and are available in sizes ranging from 3.5 kW to 11.5 kW.

www. eemax.com

Tri-spoke faucet handles DXV’s Percy faucet collection includes trispoke handles designed for both residential and hospitality projects. The tri-spoke shape offers a contemporary aesthetic. The line includes lavatory widespread and wall-mount faucets, a deck-mount tub filler and hand shower, and shower trim options. There is a choice between polished chrome and brushed nickel finishes.

www. dxv.com

Tub and shower valve Gerber’s Treysta tub and shower wer valve’s vertical inlets are engi-neered to accommodate stan-dard, back-to-back and thin-wall wall installations. Installed rough-ins ns can be pressure tested to 150 0 psi (air or water), while a reversible ble test m tests plug accommodates full system -flow tests. The as well as hot, cold and cross-flow valves feature quarter-turn service stops.

Voice activated shower U by Moen Shower is voice activated through the Amazon Alexa device. This nextgeneration WiFi/cloud-based two or four outlet digital shower can be started, stopped and paused from anywhere in the home via a smartphone. Personalized presets can be created in the dedicated app and then requested by name.

www. gerberonline.com

www. moen.ca

Pre-assembled grinder pump p p

Designer line Inspired by design concepts from the early 20th century, the AXOR Montreux offers cross handles or lever handles and porcelain inlays. The range includes lavatory faucets, shower components and kitchen fixtures in a range of finishes including chrome, stainless steel optik and polished nickel.

www. axor-design.com

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Saniflo’s Sanicubic 1 is a preassembled grinder pump system designed for commercial and residential sewage applications. Its rotating blade is designed to reduce solids in the wastewater stream from toilets, tubs and showers, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, and more. This unit can handle up to 50 gpm and pumps effluent up to 36’ vertically and/or 328’ horizontally.

www. saniflo.ca

PCPXA-FP-600A-LF

Easier. Faster. Better.

Save time and money with the new NIBCOÂŽ Press Transition Ball Valves NIBCO is proud to introduce the new Press System ball valve PC-FP600-A-LF series with the exclusive press by PEX transition valve design.

This innovative valve needs no extra fittings or components to transition from copper piping to PEX piping.

1

Previous steps to make when transitioning from copper to PEX piping...

1 ... crimp press valve to copper piping 2 ... solder copper piping to PEX adapter 3 ... connect adapter to PEX piping Current steps with new press transition ball valves...

1 ... connect press transition valve to PEX piping

PCPX-FP-600A-LF

Transition from Press to PEX F1960 or F1807

3 2

Easier Installation.

Less connections to make.

From three connections to only one.

1

Faster Installation.

1

Save time by not cobbling extra parts together.

Better Installation.

(Example above shows the amount of steps the new press transition valves are eliminating when moving from copper to PEX piping.)

Eliminate up to two leak paths.

international@nibco.com | nibco.com

HYDRONICS

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

Getting in

BETTER CONTROL

“

It’s always freezing in here!

“

”

Who messed with the thermostat?

”

“

Why is Susan wrapped in a blanket?

W

hen it comes to comfort in our homes, businesses or workplaces, one of the key components that we focus on is temperature regulation. Accuracy counts, and a common wall thermostat may be able to regulate within a few degrees, but as you know from just walking through your office, there is more to comfort than that.

The type of heat emitters can play a role in the comfort equation as well, as can the level of controls that we integrate into the systems we build. Consumers are becoming more demanding when it comes to comfort, and that’s a good thing for an HVAC professional willing to explore the world of smart controls.

And don’t overlook your own shop. As a heating pro, take it as a challenge to help the people in your operation be more comfortable, too.

You’re in the comfort business, so aim to have your people, even Susan, thinking, “I love working here. It’s so comfortable!”

”

AIMING FOR ACCURACY & PRECISION High-mass systems, like concrete radiant slab floors or cast-iron radiators, can act as a flywheel to emit heat energy even when there’s no fluid flow passing through them.

If improperly controlled, they can over-shoot the desired room temperature, so we strive to supply adequate temperature to heat emitters to obtain the close temperature tolerance that the thermostat calls for.

A prudent design may involve monitoring and adjusting a number of parameters in the system to get the best possible control.

In our equipment arsenal, we have comfort system controls available to us that can monitor multiple conditions, including inside, outside and upcoming temperatures, as well as current and forecasted weather situations.

Outdoor reset controls make use of sensors outside the building

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to help adjust and control heat supply to the building. Indoor sensors can further enhance the control logic and add additional input based on internal gains, passive gains and large occupancy changes.

When the indoor and outdoor sensors work together, they can target the best operating condition to keep your customers comfy.

Some Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats can now monitor weather stations and anticipate a change in weather conditions, an upcoming temperature change for example.

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I

n an ideal world, high efficiency, commercial condensing boilers would operate as designed – condensing as you expect and delivering the highest efficiency possible. However, in the real world, external variables arise (such as fluctuations in combustion O2 levels, air temperature, occupancy/loads, gas pressure) causing faults and problems that lead to system inefficiency, increased utility costs, unit downtime and costly unscheduled maintenance.

However, Benchmark Platinum’s Dual Returns keep cold water separate, creating a larger condensing zone in the heat exchanger that improves boiler efficiency up to an additional 7%. Dual Returns are ideal for applications that feature combination systems including multi-zone space heating, space heating with domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, snow melt, and pool heating, or as the system’s by-pass to the high temperature connection.

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You’ll get maximum efficiency, reduce unscheduled maintenance and receive big energy savings – all with an industry-best warranty.

AERtrim Advanced combustion control systems in high efficiency boilers need to maintain precise air/fuel ratios in order to work properly and maximize efficiency. However, environmental variations (such as humidity, atmospheric pressure, filter dust loading, delivered gas energy content and other factors) can often wreak havoc on gas and oil-fired boilers causing them to deviate from the ideal oxygen-fuel ratio. AERtrim, AERCO’s advanced, patented O2 Trim technology, monitors actual site conditions and self-adjusts its combustion process to ensure the boiler is operating at optimal O2 levels and peak system efficiency. Proper O2 levels provide greater uptime reliability, increased energy savings, fewer emissions, lower operational and maintenance costs, as well as an additional 1%-2% seasonal efficiency gain.

Dual Returns Benchmark Platinum’s Dual Returns allow engineers to take full advantage of diverse load demands specific to a site in order to design the most efficient system possible. Most traditional boilers offer a single return that forces the blending of hot and cold water temperatures.

AERCO’s onAER is a predictive maintenance tool that continuously monitors the overall health of the system helping customers properly maintain and protect their investment. onAER provides a convenient site that offers an instant, intuitive overview of the system including unit performance, plant efficiency, upcoming maintenance required, detailed technical data and more. onAER allows for quick resolution of issues and prevents more serious problems from developing that can result in inefficient operation and increased expenses. Monthly reports and instant email alerts notify customers and facility managers of any faults or decline in equipment to prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear as well as premature failure.

WITH ITS COMBINATION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND FEATURES, AERCO’S BENCHMARK PLATINUM OPTIMIZES SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND PROVIDES MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY FOR BIGGER SAVINGS AND GREATER RETURN ON INVESTMENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT SALES@AERCO.com

Benchmark® Platinum Optimize Your Hydronic System for Maximum Efficiency and Savings AERtrim Peak Performance

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HYDRONICS

continues from page 40

ACCURACY COUNTS Electronics and digital controls are adding another element to the control picture. Once a microprocessor is brought to the game, many more doors of opportunity open.

FINE-TUNING THE WATER

TEMPS

Adjusting and regulating the heating device to supply just the ideal amount of heat energy to the building so that it can regulate within the thermostat’s accuracy range is a major step forward in the search for comfort.

The most common way to regulate heat emitter output in a hydronic system is to adjust the supply water temperature (SWT). Adjusting the temperature up or down has a direct and linear reaction to the indoor load requirement.

The good news is that we have a wide range of equipment types to help with controlling these systems.

Water or fluid temperature can be regulated at, and by, the heat source.

The source could be a modulating boiler, heat pump or even a renewable energy system. It could also be a combination of heat sources.

It is possible to construct a system to engage the heat source using the least expensive fuel source at any given time.

Over the years we have been introduced to a wide range of mixing devices and controls to adjust, and accurately control, SWT to a system.

Manual mixing valves are an option, but often take owner participation to monitor and adjust. Motorized operators can be added to mixing valves to give you automatic control over the mixing device.

Thermostatic mixing valves have long been the go-to device to automatically blend fluid streams to a desired temperature. A simple and reliable device, these use a wax cartridge that responds to temperature change and moves a spool inside the valve to supply an accurate SWT. Thermostatic valves have been, and will continue to be, a popular mixing and temperature control device.

Modern controls can activate and regulate to a very high accuracy, moving an operator or motor in a split-second time.

Better yet, the control can gather and store data. With a history of data collection and the ability to analyze, the control can now start a learning process. The control can identify when and how you

use your system, and “learn” habits specific to the building owner or occupants.

It can also tie into all those weather data points and input from indoor temperature and do the thinking for you.

These controls can also alert you in the event of a failure, or that service is required, and can be tied to a building automation system (BAS) for additional features and benefits. Being able to deliver a very precise amount of energy when it is needed often adds to the efficiency story.

TARGETING ALL WATER The accuracy and flexibility that customers are experiencing in the HVAC world is now also available for domestic hot water (DHW) control.

Safe temperature control is critical at home, and more so in public buildings, as well as in daycare and senior care centres.

Digital or electronic mixing valves (EMV) are now becoming available for controlling the hot water needs to a building, large or small. These valves can be told to step up to a higher set point for an anti-legionella ella function, for example, and can document what at the system temperatures are over any given time period.

This can help ensure that a high temperature cycle was accomplished and could be used in the event of a liability claim, excessive temperature, for example, or a bacteria eria episode.

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In the event of a failure, it can be structured to alert you or your office, or a property management company could monitor and logg data from numerous installations scattered around any area that tha has online or Wi-Fi access. Alarm contacts would notify of a problem in cont the system and directly call the service technician. te The valve could also run an exercise program to prevent scale build up on the mechanism within the th valve. Some EMVs have a very large Cv eliminating the need for a two stage, high-low mixing station.

Hydronic Products Industrial heaters Hazloc Heaters’ HHP2 series of steam and hydronic unit heaters include both vertical and horizontal projection models in 12” to 30” fan sizes. Designed for industrial applications in steam, hot water, glycol or other fluid circulating heating systems, the series is designed to handle pressures and temperatures up to 450 psi and 550°F.

www. hazlocheaters.com

Independent control valve Belimo’s 6-Way Pressure Independent Control Valve performs change over and modulating control for single coil 4-pipe systems. They are available in 1/2” and 3/4” NPT body sizes with a flow capacity of up to 10.3 gpm. www.

Air and dirt separators Spirotherm offers press connection units as well as threaded and sweat connection models in its brass hydronic air and dirt separation product line. The press connections facilitate flame-free installation. Available in 3/4” through 2” sizes, the separators help eliminate air and dirt from the hydronic system, to extend component life and reduce air related system noises.

www. spirotherm.com

belimo.ca

Heat exchanger panel HeatLink’s HEP025RT Isolation Heat Exchanger Panel with Timer is a prefabricated piping and control solution designed for radiant floor heating systems.

Engineered to work with floors up to 1,400 sq. ft., the panels include heat exchangers, primary and secondary pumps, isolation ball valves, pressure relief valves, expansion tank connections, and plug-and-play wiring. It includes a timer to monitor water circulation.

www. heatlink.com

Universal boiler control Designed for use on residential and light commercial hot water boilers, Beckett’s 7610 AquaSmart Advanced Boiler Control is a direct replacement for existing 7600 AquaSmart Boiler Controls. All models include the company’s HeatManager dynamic temperature reset that can be used at the discretion of the installer.

The control includes a backlit LCD digital display with touch pad.

www. beckettcorp.com

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Light commercial ECM circulator The 1915e light commercial ECM circulator from Taco Comfort Solutions is designed for hot or chilled water hydronic applications and is available in a stainless steel model for potable water systems. Simple BMS integration is achieved via 0-10v capability. An integrated VFD powers the 650-watt circulator. It has a flow rate of 120 gpm and a head rating of up to 85 ft.

www. tacocomfort.com

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

Fast Fact:

Photo: Ryan Hamilton

The Passive House concept is of interest to architects in commercial, institutional and residential projects.

Modelling the ENERGY Much like the R-2000 program, Passive House has its own proprietary energy simulation software and energy targets based on that energy model.

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS FOR PASSIVE HOME

M

y start in the industry happened to coincide with the early days of the R-2000 Housing program. That program was the culmination of millions of dollars of Canadian research that demonstrated how to optimize energy performance in cold weather housing.

The model won’t necessarily give you the same results as say a simulation done using Natural Resources Canada’s HOT 2000 Energy Simulation software or, perhaps more importantly, outputs from common heat loss and heat gain that are compliant with the CSA F280 CAN/CSA F280-12 Standard Determining the Required Capacity of Residential Space Heating and Cooling Appliances. However, the software is recognized by the Ontario Building Code and the British Columbia Building Code for determining energy code compliance.

The research, and the R-2000 program that came out of it in 1982, drove the early development of HRVs, insulated sheathing and window glazing options.

I recall the passion and enthusiasm of the builders, energy professionals and manufacturers who participated in those early days. I am intrigued to see a similar passion and enthusiasm exhibited by proponents of the Passive House program that has been introduced to North America over the past decade or so.

Originating in Germany in the late 1980s, and building on the earlier Canadian research and experience, the Passive House program is perhaps the most rigorous energy-efficiency standard in the building industry today.

Indeed, one of the underlying objectives of the standard is to build enclosures efficiently enough to avoid the need for conventional heating and cooling systems.

This is not to say that HVAC contractors and manufacturers need to be worried that they won’t get a call to provide goods or services in Passive Houses. It does mean you will have to be respectful of the nature of the loads in a Passive House building and be flexible in your approach to meeting the total indoor environmental control and comfort of occupants.

Gord Cooke

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M e c h a n i c a l

Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 20 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes.

He has particular expertise in IAQ and airflow management in houses, and can be contacted at gcooke@airsolutions.ca.

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consider an example using my own 2,100 ft2 Net Zero Energy home. The deďŹ nition of usable ďŹ&#x201A;oor space within Passive Houses has its own nuances, but for the purpose of this example, lets assume all 2,100 ft2 (195 m2) is usable.

However, Passive House software does calculate the percentage of summer hours that a house or building will be above the set point temperature of 25°C (77°F) and limits that percentage to less than 10 per cent.

This would mean that the heat loss for the building could be no more than 1,950 watts. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a heat loss of approximately 6,150 BTUH in imperial units.

In the example above, those calculations indicate the house will be above this temperature 27 per cent of the time. Rather than recommending additional cooling, however, the Passive House consultant recommended extra southern facing shading and a nighttime bypass of the energy recovery core or whole house fan.

This may not be practical in the parts of Canada that have high night-time humidity levels.

In the example house, that metric would allow a maximum of 2,925 kWh of energy used for space heating. Fortunately, the Passive House software considers solar gain and, to some extent, thermal mass, such that it encourages large expanses of south facing glass to get as much â&#x20AC;&#x153;free heatâ&#x20AC;? as possible.

The table above shows the results from the Passive House software for that 2,100 sq.ft. house under two scenarios; as it was designed to meet Net Zero speciďŹ cations and what Passive House ultimately recommended to meet their requirements.

There are a number of interesting elements to this comparison.

Notice that the design cooling load for the Passive House went up.

In order to meet the annual space heating load, the Passive House software recommended increasing the amount of south facing glass by over 160 sq.ft. This is triple what was originally in the design.

Then, Passive House software, in my opinion, underestimates cooling loads signiďŹ cantly. First it assumes a setpoint temperature of 25°C (77°F) rather than the Canadian norm of 23°C or 24°C (74°F to 75°F).

Second, for those readers who do heat gain calculations, you will recognize that the base 4,000 BTUH cooling load would just barely match the appliance and people loads in a CSA F280 calculation.

Mechanical targets The important parts of the program for mechanical professionals to get comfortable with are the Passive House performance metrics or requirements.

There are, of course, a comprehensive list of enclosure and mechanical requirements, but the primary requirements of interest to mechanical contractors are as follows:

Photo: David McColm

Moreover, in the Passive House program, there is no allowance for climate zones, so this heat loss compliance would be the same for Vancouver to Edmonton to Windsor to Quebec City to Halifax.The alternate compliance metric would be the annual space heating demand.

â&#x20AC;˘ An instantaneous heating load of no more than 10 watts/m2 of usable floor space; or â&#x20AC;˘ The annual space heat demand must be no more than 15 kWh/m2 of useable floor space. â&#x20AC;˘ If cooling (air conditioning) is required, the annual cooling energy demand must also not exceed 15 kWh/m2.

Passive House makes different assumptions about people, appliances and hot water loads than we traditionally use in Canada.

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

GOING COMPACT IN DESIGN

Rethinking heat in homes The very modest heating requirements of a Passive House leads to a rethinking of heat distribution. In Europe, the base system is typically a fully ducted Energy Recovery Ventilator â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exhaust from bathrooms and kitchen, fresh air to all other rooms.

To deliver the 6,000 BTUH of heat in the example, an air volume of just 150 to 200 CFM could be used. This is well within the capacity of the ERVs that are designed speciďŹ cally for Passive House. In fact, the European models include an air source heat pump within the ERV. Unfortunately, there are just one or two of these units that meet the basic national and provincial requirements for cold weather performance in Canada as outlined in the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) test protocol.

There are Canadian made ERVs with adequate airďŹ&#x201A;ow capacity and efďŹ ciencies above 90 per cent Apparent Sensible Effectiveness, and suitable for Passive House where a simple duct

Photo: Ryan Hamilton

With such an aggressive energy target based on usable square footage, Passive House design is sensitive to window areas to maximize potential solar gain. It is also sensitive to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;compactness ratioâ&#x20AC;? of the design.

My house was a relatively long, narrow rectangle due to lot limitations. This means a fairly high exterior surface area to usable ďŹ&#x201A;oor area. In general, you will ďŹ nd Passive House architects trend to more compact, cubic conďŹ gurations with large, south facing windows that have high solar heat gain coefďŹ cients.

heater could be added.

The other rather obvious approach to Passive House heating and cooling would be the mini-split, variable refrigerant air source heat pumps that are now so common. A couple of small capacity wall mount heads or a mini-ducted version would provide all the heating and cooling required.

CHANGING THE AIR The normal Passive House air tightness standard is 0.6 Air changes per hour at a pressure of 50 Pascal. In order to achieve the heat load demand and heat loss for our example, however, the consultant recommended lowering the air tightness level to 0.2 ACH at 50 Pa. Although I did not proceed with trying to meet the Passive House standard, I did ensure the house tightness was under that 0.2, just for bragging rights.

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PERF RMANCE THAT EXCEEDS EXPECTATION

Rheem® Heating and Cooling Solutions

INNOVATION YOU CAN COUNT ON Industry-first patented features and exclusive design make the Rheem® Prestige® Series Modulating R98V Gas Furnace and RA20 Air Conditioner a smart option. From top to bottom, inside and out, and every angle in between, we’ve thought of everything to bring you efficient and dependable indoor comfort.

Using the latest in sensor technology, the EcoNet® Smart Monitoring System offers a new level of protection, comfort and energy savings.

For more information, contact your Rheem representative.

Rheem.com

HVAC/R Products P Digital gas detectors Danfoss digital gas detection units are designed to detect a wide range of refrigerant gases, including ammonia (R717), CO2 (R744), fluorinated refrigerants (HCFC and HFCs) and propane (R290). Electrochemical, semiconductor, pellistor or infrared sensors can be selected to match the specific refrigerant, application and safety requirements of the system.

www.

danfoss.com

Side-discharge HVAC system The Daikin Fit smart HVAC system melds the features and performance of ductless-style condensing units with the ability to connect to traditional ducted systems.

Requiring only 4” of clearance, the ground or wall-mount system can be installed in replacement applications using existing ductwork and line sets. With efficiencies up to 18 SEER and available in 1.5- to 5-ton capacities, it also has evaporator coils available in multiple configurations.

www.

Low GWP non-flammable refrigerant

daikinfit.com

Honeywell’s Solstice N41 (provisional R-466A) is a non-flammable, and low global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant designed for use in stationary air conditioning systems.

The refrigerant, a replacement for R-410A, has received a preliminary A1 designation from ASHRAE.

www.

honeywell-refrigerants.com

Duct smoke detector Designed for commercial, industrial and residential use, the Air Products SL-2000 Duct Smoke Detector is designed to prevent the recirculation or spread of smoke by air handling systems, fans and blowers.

Output terminals allow for accessories such as horns, while both ionization and photoelectric models are listed for low-flow (100 to 4,000 ft/min) and hightemperature applications.

www.

ap-c.com

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REFRIGERATION

MECHANICAL SUBCOOLING and oil separator sizing

T

he proper selection and installation of refrigeration system components is important for long-term reliable and efficient operation. One concept that is sometimes overlooked is the significant effect that mechanical subcooling has on the rated capacity of system components.

So, let’s take a closer look at why we must consider mechanical subcooling when sizing and selecting the oil separator in the system.

The capacity rating of certain components is typically based on the absence of subcooling. At a specified set of conditions, the compressor will produce a certain mass flow rate. However, it is important to note that mechanical subcooling does not have any impact on the volumetric flow rate of the compressor itself. This is because the compressor will circulate a specific volume of refrigerant at a specific set of operating conditions.

Since mechanical subcooling increases the amount of latent heat that may be absorbed by each pound of refrigerant in the evaporator, the mass flow rate of the system will be limited as the metering device throttles to maintain a specified superheat value at the outlet of the evaporator.

Our sample system

Here are the compressors and conditions that we will use for comparison in this article: Our sample system is using four 4NES-14-5PU reciprocating compressors in a parallel refrigeration system using R407A refrigerant. The operating conditions for the initial compressor selection are: -25°F SST, 105°F SDT, 0°F subcooling and 0°F return gas temperature.

Note that the dew point of the refrigerant is used in this comparison.

In this case, the combined compressor capacity is 126,000 BTUH, or 10.5 tons of refrigeration [TR]. The mass flow rate for this system is 2,147 lb./hr.

As far as the condenser goes, it will have to be sized to reject all heat from the initial system along with any added capacity due to subcooling.

In the case of our sample system, the compressor selection that was done based on 0°F subcooling indicates a refrigerating capacity of 126,000 BTUH. When we subcooled the liquid to 50°F in our second selection, the refrigerating capacity of the compressors increased by 36,100 BTUH. Therefore, in the second system, the capacity is the sum of 126,000 BTUH and 36,100 BTUH, or 162,100 BTUH.

Phil Boudreau

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Phil is the Ontario sales manager for Bitzer Canada Inc. and provides training and technical support for Bitzer’s clientele. He can be contacted at: pboudreau@bitzer.ca.

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REFRIGERATION SUBCOOLING AND EFFICIENCY Using the oil separator manufacturer’s selection tables or software, we would select an appropriate oil separator that has a capacity rating that is large enough to handle 10.5 TR, based on the operating conditions.

Just for comparison purposes, ses, let’s assume that the oil separator t will ill be b operating at 100 per cent capacity under our sample system’s design conditions.

If we decide to add mechanical subcooling that will provide 50°F liquid to the liquid supply header in our parallel system, the capacity will increase to 162,100 BTUH, or 13.51 TR. This represents a capacity increase of 28.7 per cent.

It is also worth noting that the energy efficiency ratio, or EER, will increase by 28.6 per cent. This reveals the potential for a rather significant reduction in energy by applying subcooling.

That’s not the whole picture, however. We must also consider the energy input to the highertemperature, mechanical subcooling tempe system. we subtract the energy input of the syysttem. Once w mechanicall subcooling system, the increase in EER will not be quite so high. However, the reduction in energy is still significant.

Note that the mass flow rate of the compressors does not change. However, the evaporators must be designed and sized based on 50°F liquid entering the metering device.

If we do not allow for this 50°F liquid, then of course the evaporators will not perform at their maximum efficiency.

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REFRIGERATION

THE EFFECT OF

flash GAS

To better understand the effect that mechanical subcooling has on capacity and system component sizing, we need to take a closer look at the properties of the refrigerant in both sets of operating conditions. «>ÀÌ VÕ >À] Üi ÕÃÌ Õ `iÀÃÌ> ` Ì i ivviVÌÃ Ì >Ì y>Ã }>Ã >Ã Ì i evaporator.

Looking at the pressure-enthalpy diagram provided (Diagram 1), the cycle without mechanical subcooling is plotted between points A, B, C and F. As indicated by point C, the temperature is 97°F, so subcooling is present. At a dew point temperature of 105°F, the bubble point temperature for R407A will be 97°F. As the liquid passes through the metering `iÛ Vi] >««À Ý >Ìi Þ {{ «iÀ Vi Ì y>à ià in order to cool the bulk of the liquid. This means that, in addition to transporting liquid, the evaporator feed tubes and circuiting must carry a substantial amount v y>à }>ð

QUICK TIP: When uncertain about whether a particular oil separator will be suitable for your application, be sure to consult the manufacturer of the oil separator for advice.

An important point that must be realized here is that the compressor and oil separator must be able to handle the total volume of refrigerant which V Õ`ià y>à }>à « Õà iÛ>« À>Ìi` ÀivÀ }iÀ> Ì ÀiÌÕÀ } vÀ Ì i iÛ>« À>Ì À°

DIAGRAM 1 Points A, B, D and E show the revised refrigeration cycle when mechanical subcooling to 50°F is incorporated into the system design.

Since the refrigerant contains 47°F of subcooling [97 – 47 = 50°F liquid], > ÕV à > iÀ Û Õ i v y>à }>Ã Ü «>ÃÃ Ì À Õ} Ì i iÛ>« À>Ì À vii` ÌÕLià > ` V ÀVÕ Ì }° Ì Ã V>Ãi] Þ ÓÇ «iÀ Vi Ì y>à }>à à present.

- Vi Ì iÃi ÌÜ ÀivÀ }iÀ>Ì VÞV ià L Ì >Ûi Ì i Ã> i >Ãà y Ü À>Ìi] > ` Ì i Ì Ì> Û Õ iÌÀ V y Ü À>Ìi v Ì i v ÕÀ V «ÀiÃà ÀÃ Ã Ì i Ã> i both cases, it should be evident that if we size our oil separator based on the total capacity, which includes mechanical subcooling, the oil separator will be oversized by approximately 28.7 per cent.

Therefore, when selecting the oil separator using selection charts or software that list performance based on capacity or discharge CFM (DCFM), be sure to remove the effects of the mechanical subcooling. In other words, use the performance without mechanical subcooling when selecting the oil separator.

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Road Warrior Kevin Kisinger

Photo: Bookstrucker Photography

Name: Kevin Kisinger Company: Chinook Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Title: Account Manager Born in: Medicine Hat, Alta.

Lives in: Calgary Age: 53 on October 16 Spouse: Angela Children: Kort, age 16 and Kydan, age 14 In the mechanical industry since: 1992

By Simon Bowden

Hockey lover

nets new career

K

evin Kisinger’s path to career fulfillment began, as so many Canadian stories do, on the ice. A lifelong love of hockey brought Kevin and his buddies down to the rink one night for a game that would literally change his life.

“I was playing hockey during my early 20s. One of the guys on the team went down injured and was forced to take time off work as a result. I volunteered to fill in for him while he was recovering and it so happened that he was working for a refrigeration company. That was my introduction to the trade.”

Kevin, who is now one of the partners and an account manager at Calgary’s Chinook Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, must certainly have

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made an impression after coming off the bench to help out his stricken teammate. Within a year he was working in the refrigeration business full-time.

“I had actually been working at a Chrysler dealership answering phones in the parts department at the time, which I hated, so when the guy I had worked for offered me a job about a year later I jumped at the chance to switch roles,” he remembered.

“The funny thing is that I’m now back answering phones most of the time in my current role, although my body is certainly more appreciative of that fact now than I was back then!”

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The current work ride: GMC Sierra All Terrain Kilometres per day: 100 plus Service area: Southern Alberta Favourite part of the job: It’s not the same thing every day.

Best advice ever received: Treat everyone’s Chevy as if it’s a Cadillac.

The most useful tool in your toolbox: Our employees.

They are the best.

Tool that you wish you had: A crystal ball.

Favourite band: Foo Fighters Favourite magazine: Mechanical Business of course!

Favourite movie of all time: The Hangover Favourite season: Summer Favourite sport: Hockey

Mice work if you can get it!

Working the night shift can test the stamina of any tradesperson, so having a little fun during downtime on site is one of the ways to keep things interesting, unless you happen to be a new member of the crew who suffers from a very particular phobia.

Chinook Refrigeration and Air Conditioning’s Kevin Kisinger explains: “We were working night shifts once on a renovation project and we happened to find out that one of the younger guys with us was petrified of mice. So, of course, every time we came across a dead mouse we’d sneak up on the guy, wave the mouse around and he’d take off running.”

Position played: Centre Last movie you saw: Fate of the Furious (I have two boys).

3 albums that you’d take with you to your desert island: 1. Foo Fighters: Wasting Light 2. Tragically Hip: Fully Completely 3. Any album by Van Halen as there are just too many good ones to pick one.

One place in the world you would like to visit: Any place warm.

If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be? My grandmother.

If I had a million dollars: I would invest at least half and give the rest to family.

Favourite video game: I’m old, Pac Man. Favourite place to hang out: At home with my family.

Favourite food: Pizza Favourite snack: Cookies

Favourite car of all time: 1977 Corvette My buddy had one once that we used to drive around but he smashed it up and it ended up with an ’80s front and rear and a ’70s middle!

Usual breakfast: Cereal Drive-thru or brown bag: Brown bag Biggest pet peeves: Things that are not completed.

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PLUMBING B y Pa ul Ethi e r

Residential Water Treatment: POU vs POE

POINT OF ENTRY (POE) SYSTEMS

N

ot all water is created equal. As anyone who has done their homework can attest, there are at least as many water quality solutions out there as there are water problems, and problems can vary considerably. Water in need of treatment could suffer from one of a variety of issues, or a combination of these issues. Determining which solution, or solutions, will be right for your customer will require gathering some key information.

A whole house system that will address one or more water quality issues.

ADVANTAGES:

Provides treated water to every fixture in the home.

Protects piping as well as appliances, such as washing machines, water heaters, etc.

The first step is to find out exactly what is in the water.

If the source water is from a well, a water test will need to be conducted.

A basic mineral analysis can usually be completed on site and will provide a fairly good indication of which mineral solids and how much of them are dissolved in the water.

The system requires relatively low maintenance.

DISADVANTAGES:

These systems tend to be more expensive than point of use options.

If a bacteriological test is required – something that is required with most rural real estate transactions in Canada, by the way – the test must be done at an accredited laboratory or health unit to safely and accurately test for coliform and E-Coli.

POE systems need periodic auto cleaning or backwashing, and will require drainage.

A multiple tank system may be required to provide enough treated water for the whole home.

Once we know what is in the water, and how much of it there is, it’s time to look at treatment options.

POINT OF USE (POU) SYSTEMS A smaller capacity system that will treat water on a dedicated line, such as a kitchen side faucet or refrigerator water dispenser.

DISADVANTAGES:

ADVANTAGES:

POU systems tend to be less expensive.

A POU system will only treat one or two fixtures.

The systems can be quite compact, fitting under a sink, for example.

These are only recommended for water used for drinking and cooking.

Filters will need to be changed on a schedule, and some manual cleaning may be required.

It is possible to address multiple water quality issues in a single system.

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PLUMBING

common

WATER ISSUES & TREATMENT METHODS

CHLORINE Commonly used as a disinfectant in municipal water supplies, chlorine is one of the most effective methods of treating large amounts of drinking water relatively inexpensively. This has led to its widespread use in large treatment plants around the world. Putting its obviously objectionable taste aside, chlorine is a very stable oxidizing chemical, but it can wreak havoc on o-rings, gaskets and other plastic components inside the home.

On the POE side, a tank-based backwashing system can be used.

This consists of a fibreglass-wrapped poly tank, activated carbon media and a control valve with inlet, outlet and drain line for periodic automatic cleaning. Activated carbon is a very porous material that will trap the chlorine in the tiny spaces on the inside and outside of each particle, removing it from the water so that it can be sent to the drain.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is an option for a POU solution to water with a heavy chlorine taste or smell. An RO system will have a carbon filter as the first or second stage, to remove chlorine in order to protect

the RO membrane from chlorine attack. Without that filter, the membrane could require premature replacement.

IRON/MANGANESE If you are seeing red stains circling your customer’s sinks, tubs and toilets, chances are there is dissolved iron present in their water. Iron and manganese are often found together in well water supplies. Though iron is typically more prevalent, manganese can be more difficult to remove, even at lower levels.

When it comes to dealing with these two dissolved metals, you are definitely going to require POE treatment. Typically, this will be a tank-based backwashing system similar to the one used for chlorine, but with an oxidizing media in the tank, which will turn the dissolved iron (ferrous) to precipitated iron (ferric) upon contact.

The held iron is then backwashed to the drain every couple of days.

This frequency will depend on the iron and manganese content in the water.

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PLUMBING HARDNESS Made up of calcium and magnesium, these are the crusty limescale deposits that accumulate on fixtures throughout a home and is one of the most common water quality issues that we deal with every day.

A POE solution is needed to deal with limescale. These days, there are many options to address the effects of hardness and scale build up. Traditional water conditioners such as salt softeners are still the most common of the solutions, however there are new, exciting scale control options that require little or no maintenance.

that comes when H2S is present in the water, and it can send a homeowner running in the direction of the nearest water treatment professional.

treatment for iron and manganese is

The two most common methods of disinfecting water are chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) systems. Both will eliminate the risk from potentially harmful bacteria, viruses, cysts and other organisms that may be present in shallow wells or surface water sources.

Chlorine leaves a residual chemical in the water after destroying the organisms, while UV irradiates them and stops their ability to reproduce.

Unless your customer likes the idea of having a scaled down water treatment plant in their mechanical room, UV is going to be the best bet for most residential applications. There are both POU and POE options available, however given the potential health risks, it is always advised to treat the water at the source or entry point, so a POE system is typically used as the final treatment stage before flowing to the fixtures in the home.

M e c h a n i c a l

This is the dreaded “rotten egg” odour

To reduce H2S, a method similar to the

BACTERIA/VIRUSES

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usually used. Since H2S is a dissolved gas, the water can also be pumped to an atmospheric tank to dissipate before it is distributed throughout the home. Please note, however, that this tank must be properly vented as hydrogen sulphide can be explosive in high concentrations.

Paul Ethier is the manager of water quality products with Watts Water Technologies (Canada) Inc., and is also the vice-president of the Canadian Water Quality Association.

He can be reached at paul.ethier@wattswater.com.

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PLUMBING

Fixtures

finish can say it all

Moen

“While the kitchen serves as an area for entertaining, the bath is being treated as a peaceful retreat,” says Brad Campeau, Masco business development manager for luxury showroom.

“Consumers are now choosing transitional pieces that lend themselves to a contemporary setting.”

Delta

T

he kitchen is seen as an entertainment hub and the community space within the home, whereas the bath has become a bit of a space to escape to so that we can relax and recharge. And while both rooms serve very different purposes, design, layout and functionality of each are equally important to homeowners.

SELLING UP There’s always an opportunity for a bit of upselling when working on a kitchen or bathroom renovation. “Even a small change of the faucets can give a spark to the kitchen or bathroom,” says Riobel’s Kathleen Saint-Yves.

Custom finishes with a vivid splash of contrast are hot right now. With so many finish options across appliances and fixtures, consumers are opting to mix metals in a fashion-forward look, says Masco’s Campeau.

“Black stainless steel, for example, is less reflective and warmer than traditional stainless steel, offering a modern look that easily pairs with a variety of finishes. Matte black coordinates with most other fixtures and accents and can be used to complement traditional transitional spaces.

Champagne bronze provides a splash of contrast and can be paired with traditional, transitional and contemporary décor.”

Another upsell opportunity is with retrofit shower rail systems, which also happen to be available in a variety of finishes. Retrofit systems are an ideal way for homeowners to add a handheld component to a single showerhead system.

“They can do that easily without the cost of a major renovation without having to replace anything behind the wall in the home,” says Garry Scott of Moen. “If someone has a standard bathroom with just a showerhead and valve, you can put in a hand shower and slide bar, while keeping the showerhead and it all looks like a whole new shower system.”

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TAPPING INTO BLACK & GOLD Garry Scott, vice-president of wholesale marketing and brand development for Moen Canada, says his company’s studies have shown strong trends of high interest to consumers.

“Consumers are always looking for ways to make their home more stylish by going with different style and finish options. They want faucets that stand out and get noticed.

Brushed gold is very popular for homeowners who want to elevate their design.”

It stands to reason that faucets would go there, given that gold is already a popular choice for lighting and hardware – just look at hinges and handles in the home, he adds.

“Designers and architects are looking to gold finish to bring life and warmth into the room.”

Another top pick is matte black. “That’s the perfect choice for people who want to make a statement with a unique finish. It gives a contemporary fresh look to the bathroom or kitchen.” Another finish that is often on the wish list is oilrubbed bronze or even ombré.

Glam

Gold and black are certainly the predominant finishes of the day for fixtures, including showerheads, Saint-Yves notes.

“Designers are coming up with completely gold or black shower systems, including the hose. Textures are also coming back, like pearl finishes on handles or mixing brushed nickel with black to create a very cool look.”

In terms of faucets, Saint-Yves notes that people seem to be going smaller in the kitchen and bigger in the bathroom. “Two or three years ago it was all minimalist.

Now bathroom faucets are becoming a bit chubbier and have bigger diameters.”

TURNING UP THE

IN THE SHOWER

Perhaps one of the most interesting innovations that is gaining interest is digital shower systems. Garry Scott says there are now systems that can be controlled by a person’s voice, digital assistant (e.g. Alexa or Google Home) or a smartphone.

“They’re much sleeker in appearance and allow for a lot of customization. You just need a controller and valve, and you can pick the showerhead and fixture you want.”

Kathleen Saint-Yves says the beauty of a digital shower unit is that there are no handles required. “Everything is behind the wall. All you have to do is push a button to decide where you want to have running water from.”

She notes that the installation is a bit different and may require a learning curve. “Not everyone can do it. They are still in their early stages in terms of demand, but they are a great idea, particularly for families with children or disabled people because you can program the shower to specific temperatures for each person.

There’s no danger of burning.”

Going industrial Of course, there are always a group of homeowners who are willing to change things up completely to stay on trend. A particularly popular design is the industrial look complemented by cement or concrete surfaces, with “raw” faucets and fixtures to match.

Dominic Giordano of TAPS says the industrial look is gaining momentum with designers and homeowners. “There are more fixtures that feature textured and knurled finishes. Brands are coming out with products that look like exposed fittings in chrome and black that look like a wall pipe. Some even have handles that look like shutoff valves.”

These include specialty brands like Watermark‘s Elan Vital 38 line, he says. “It looks very much like ins the wall. IB Italian Bathware what you see inside also has a line of industrial fixtures, as does Brizo Bat collection.” with its Litze Bath homeow Many homeowners are more than willing to b push the boundaries when it comes to the choice of fixtures, so it is good their to know there’s no shortage of o options for plumbing contractors to offer.

COLOUR IT WHATEVER

Riobel

conversation Moen

By De ni se D e v e a u

Two years ago, bathroom designs were all about minimalism, white on white with the occasional greys thrown into the mix and chrome or stainless steel faucets and showerheads. But in the past few years, things have changed a lot.

“The theme now is colour, colour, colour,” says Kathleen Saint-Yves, marketing director for Riobel.

“Grey, black and gold are back.

Baths can now be painted different colours.” Sinks, tubs and toilets are definitely trending to colours and different finishes, says Dominic Giordano, sales representative with TAPS in Toronto. “Not only are manufacturers coming out with matte white, we’re also seeing pastels and black toilets and sinks from Italy, such as the Catalano Colori line.

People just want something that’s funkier and different.” Shapes are shifting as well. Not too long ago, it was all about square fixtures.

And while geometric shops continue to be a mainstay, “Round is now coming back,” Saint-Yves says. Homeowners, however, haven’t abandoned the white and chrome combination by any means. “For sure there is always big room for that combination,” she adds. “It’s not something manufacturers change every other year. It’s a look that will easily last for years.”

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HYDRONICS

By M a t he w Po t t i n s

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM GSP I

recently listened to a podcast interview with George St. Pierre where he was asked what separates him from the rest of his MMA competition. His response really resonated with me, and while it might be a bit of a stretch, I like to relate it to the world of boilers and hydronics.

George prepares for each fight in three ways: fitness and nutrition, technical, and tactical.

BOILER NUTRITION The first thing to consider is nutrition.

What are we feeding our boiler? Are we using water? Are we using a mixture of water and glycol? What are the chemical properties of our water? Are we abiding by the pH levels recommended by the boiler manufacturer to preserve its lifespan?

Water quality is a topic that is gaining more and more traction because products can fail due to improper water chemistry and lack of water treatment.

Of course, the water side is only the start.

We also need to be mindful of what type of energy source the boiler will be using.

Is it natural gas or propane, or perhaps electric? Could it be that we are using a dual-fuel appliance for critical applications where we need a back-up fuel source?

How about the air and venting portion of our system? Are we using room air or direct vent? Are we using different pressure zone venting for flue gases and combustion air?

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He needs to make sure his fitness and nutrition are elite. This means he is extremely careful with the food he consumes and how he uses his body.

He is also constantly working on his technique, updating and perfecting his movements and abilities, and lastly, and most emphasized, is how he strategically prepares himself for each fight to give himself an advantage and a way to win – that’s his tactical approach.

George’s job happens to be in the MMA octagon, but as we enter our world of work, the boiler room, I’m sure that each of us wants to win at work as well.

In pod we trust Yes, I listen to podcasts and you should too… FYI podcasts are a great way to gain insights into a whole list of topics.

Much like the food and training options open to George, each jobsite we enter is unique and each product on the market is slightly different, so how do we make sure that we are using the full capabilities of the boiler and components to make each jobsite the most efficient it can be, to give us an advantage and a way to win?

There are many factors involved but let’s use George’s approach (seeing as how I already started down this rabbit hole).

These are some of the things that we need to be cognisant of when we think of the nutrition and health of the boiler.

levels and should always perform a proper combustion analysis during commissioning to make sure our gas isn’t too rich or too lean, and that we have a proper mixture of air and gas.

On top of all of this we need to make sure we are running at proper combustion

If we don’t pay close attention to all these ingredients our boilers will run into a lot of health issues.

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Photo: Ryan Mallard/Wikimedia Commons

Strategic planning,

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HYDRONICS

TACTICAL PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

TARGETING EFFICIENCY THROUGH TECHNICAL FEATURES

T There are a number of questions to ask ourselves on the ta tactical side as well.

Manufacturers are continually updating and improving the performance and ability of their products, so we need to explore the technical featuress of boilers and controls, especially as new equipment is introduced, to ensure that we are using the full ability of each product and maximizing performance.

For example, a lot of boilers have a 10:1 turndown ratio now, so the boiler can run at 10 per cent of its maximum firing rate. Can we make use of this for efficiency purposes, as well as to help avoid additional equipment costs, like a buffer tank, or does that minimum capacity still not reach the low energy requirements of micro loads in the building?

Some boilers have modulation settings, like ramp delay, where we slow down the upward modulation of the boiler in order to make sure the smaller loads are satisfied before firing off all of the boiler's BTUs.

Wh kind of strategic piping and accessories are we using What m to make this site the best that it can be, and the most eco economical?

Are there things that can we do to bring down cos of the job, not only to be successful in our bid but so the cost the homeowner doesn’t have to take out a second mortgage to be comfortable (which would, in turn, make them uncomfortable)?

Are we going to use primary/secondary piping or can we use system flow? Are we going to zone with valves or pumps? Are we going to use ECM or three-speed circulators?

The point is this: There is so much involved in each project, so the contractor who is more prepared, more strategic, more educated on each product and who is constantly fine-tuning their techniques is the one who will be the most successful.

That being said, there is also an onus on manufacturers to make sure they provide education and continue updating their products. We live in a day of innovation, let’s keep innovating and make the most of what each product has to offer.

Mathew Pottins is the group leader for residential products at Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing Inc., the Canadian master distributor for Lochinvar boilers and water heaters (except Quebec). Reach him at mathewp@aquatech-canada. com or find him on Instagram (@aquatechsales).

By looking at the technical features we can select the right product for the job, saving money for our customers.

Complete Turnkey Venting Solutions For more than 25 years, Cheminee Lining has provided listed and custom exhaust system sizing, design, fabrication and installation for institutional, commercial and industrial projects.

We offer Professional Engineer-sealed designs for all Canadian provinces and have a complete steel fabrication shop for ASME STS-1 freestanding stacks, structures and accessories.

Applications: • Boiler • Generator • Heat Recovery • COGEN

• Grease Ducts • Other Flue Gas Exhaust Applications

Contact us for chimney selections, sizing, accessories and cost-reduction opportunities.

sales@chemineelining.com chemineelining.com 450.765.1407

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Jeff House is an experienced industry professional and hydronics trainer.

He handles the sales territory from the Niagara region to the Greater Toronto Area for Jess-Don Dunford, a manufacturers’ rep in Ontario. He can be reached at jhouse@jessdondunford.com.

Find the Fix

OLD TIME PERFORMANCE You are called to look at some heating problems at an old church. After a lot of questions you discover that their fuel bills are high, comfort levels are marginal on really cold days, and the building is in use almost every day.

In the mechanical room you find a pair of old 750,000 BTUH low-mass copper atmospheric boilers with a date of 1979.

1. You discover multiple auto air vents cut in where the piping is exposed. Each boiler has an old air scoop. What’s odd about them? a) Not sure, especially since some were not installed on the highest points. b) The old air scoops worked just fine. c) The air scoops are facing the wrong direction. d) The air scoops do not have 18” minimum straight piping to allow the water to get laminar and the air to rise to be scooped.

2. The primary piping loop is sized right but you notice the supply and return piping is not installed correctly.

This can cause: a) Flow when you don’t want it. b) Boiler B to always see pre-heated water when Boiler A is running, so you don’t really have a total of 1.5 million BTUs. This is why the boilers can’t keep up near design conditions. c) There is no problem with the piping. It has been running this way for 40 years. d) The return pipes come off at the 90s. e) Both A and B.

Email your answers to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com.

Please include your name and daytime phone number.

Looking for the July/August answers?

If you need the answers to last edition’s quiz, you’ll find them on our home on the web, www.mechanicalbusiness.com. Just click the “Looking for Answers?” button on our homepage.

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3. The primary pump must be oversized because the total equivalent length of primary piping is 57 feet of 3” steel pipe and there is a maximum of 120 gpm. a) True. b) False. It has been running for 40 years so it must be right. c) For half the heating season, only one boiler would be working. At 60 gpm and under one foot of head loss it’s hard to find a pump to work there. d) With both boilers running, the head loss would be two feet or less. A three-piece pump would be fine.

4. The owners want new efficient boilers, so you: a) Put in a hydraulic separator, connect two high-efficient boilers and connect the existing supply return manifolds. b) Drop in two new boilers and connect to the existing piping. c) Put in new boiler controls and use the existing piping. d) Take it all out and create a multiple-boiler, multipletemperature four-zone system.

Compact and powerful When it comes to troubleshooting, being able to spot hidden problems doesn’t take magic; it takes the right tools. Be the lucky winner in this issue’s quiz and you might find yourself pocketing FLIR’s C3 thermal camera, a powerful tool for checking out mechanical systems that fits nicely in your pocket and allows you to find hidden problems, document repairs and share images over Wi-Fi. Send us your answers by November 13 for your chance to win!

Hydronic Products Magnetic boiler filter Powered by Adey, the NaviClean is compatible with Navien’s NHB boiler, NCB-E combi boiler and other boiler systems up to 199,000 BTUH. The units protect the system by using magnets to collect iron oxide, sludge and debris from incoming water lines. It is equipped with a quick-release trigger and rapid-fit connectors for installation and maintenance.

www. navieninc.com

Commercial combustion burners Industrial Combustions’ Q Series gas-fired burners offer firing rates from 375,000 to 2.5 million BTUH. Ideal for use with cast iron sectional, firebox, commercial watertube, and firetube boilers, the burners use sealed combustion to eliminate the need for outside air dampers and make-up air units.

Hydronic ball valve Viega’s ProPress Hydronic Ball Valve is available in 1/2” and 3/4” press sizes and 3/4” hose sizes. Designed for non-potable water application, the valve features NH threads and EPDM sealing elements. It is customizable to suit a variety of residential, commercial, industrial or marine applications.

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Air separator Follow Us on Twitter @MechBusiness

The Discal Air Separator with a rotating collarr from Caleffi can be installed in horizontal or vertical pipes. Designed to automatically remove air, it is available in 3/4” or 1” pipe sizes with sweat, press or NPT male connections. The separators have maximum working pressures of 150 PSI.

www. caleffi.com

Heating pipe installation system Rehau’s RAUPex speed system combines the company’s 1/2” PEX pipe and a three-millimetre-thick mat. The pipe features a hookand-loop wrap and is designed to be walked into place on the mat.

The mat has an adhesive back that allows it to attach to different materials without embedding into the surface. Pipe can be detached and repositioned.

Polypropylene-random pipe Available in 1/2” to 24” diameter sizes.

Aquatherm’s polypropylene-random piping is offered in three models: blue pipe for hydronic, condensing and industrial water applications; green pipe for potable water; and lilac for water conservation and greywater systems.

The pipe is designed to handle fluid temperatures up to 180°F at 100 psi.

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www. aquatherm.com 76

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Introducing

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Marketing A call to arms

with DOUG MACMILLAN

Should your brand take a stand?

“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

The duality of this is striking. It’s a pointed statement to reflect on oa Kaepernick’s experience. It’s also call to arms for brands to use their he eir ir ort a power and influence to support cause that matters to them – aand, nd, e re rreal, a, al more pointedly because let’s b be dlyy a cause that also resonates soundly with their carefully-studied target demographic.

One can argue that a company like Nike can afford to ruffle a few feathers. They’ve got billions in sales and revenue, but then again, they have a lot to lose, too.

Can a small, local brand without that kind of financial buffer handle a backlash?

I say yes – if your stand is genuine, the approach thoughtful and your support unwavering. Furthermore, taking a stand doesn’t mean fuelling a raging debate in the community.

It might simply mean you’re aligning your business with a cause that deserves attention and support.

There are levels of risk. Choose where you’re comfortable.

N

ike took a massive leap of faith in September when the company selected Colin Kaepernick as its spokesman for a new marketing campaign.

“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything,” stated the videos, posters, ads and social media posts that moved around the world with a poignant, close-up black-and-white photo of Kaepernick, a former NFLer who took a knee during the U.S. national anthem to oppose oppression of African Americans. You know the rest.

The backlash against Nike was immediate. Twitter erupted with hashtags encouraging ardent patriots to boycott the brand, trash talk it online, and burn anything they own with the famous “swoosh” on it. Campfire videos lit up social media as opponents gleefully acted. The company’s stock sunk a few notches overnight, representing millions of dollars in value.

Nike’s response was not to soften its position, but to dig in its heels and poke the bear just a little more. Subsequent social media posts from Nike (or, at least, bearing its logo – these days, you can’t be sure where anything originates) had such titles as: “How to burn our products safely” with simple advice such as, “Stand at least five feet away from the flame.”

The campaign is a confident, and immensely risky, way for the Nike brand to put its stake in the ground and tell customers where it stands on a polarizing social issue.

Its bet was that the positive publicity and strong brand allegiance amongst people who support Kaepernick and what he represents would more than make up for the fans they would lose.

The jury is still out on the net effect, but one thing is sure: Nike gained hundreds of millions in free brand exposure, and made it clear that it is a company willing to take risks to show its support of something that matters to it.

Doug MacMillan is president of The Letter M Marketing in Guelph, Ont. To reach him, email doug@thelettermmarketing.com.

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How to be a champion of change

1

Believe in it, fully. As noted, this is not a marketing play. If the position is in any way inauthentic or perceived to be a stunt, it will backfire. The company’s leaders will need to speak about the issue, thoroughly and passionately. If it doesn’t bring you to tears or make your face red when you get going on the subject, it’s probably not the right thing to stand behind.

2

Have your facts straight. Taking a stand means being rock-solid confident in the circumstances, and knowing both sides of the argument. Invest in this understanding before tossing an opinion into the fray.

3

Sleep on it. Just like grandma used to say, if you’re riled about something, take a night to let it settle and then see how you’re feeling. It’s easy to use today’s real-time platforms to fire off missives in a fit of frustration or rage. That’s not taking a stand. It’s petulant and self-serving.

4 5

Make sure your team is aware. Company employees need to understand what you’re standing for (or against), and their role.

Lead a conversation. It’s not enough to just drop a few ads or statements. Work towards dialogue. If your stand is about youth homelessness, or immigrant settlement services, or anything else, bring people together to explore these issues and invest energy and money towards the steps that can be taken to improve the situation.

AIM HIGH...

Roger Grochmal Aimed High!

“As an 85-year-old company, AtlasCare was proud of the way we had carved out a reputation for ourselves as a high quality residential HVAC company able to handle the toughest service challenges.

When our growth stalled Nexstar came into our organization like a breath of fresh air. Our Nexstar business coach helped us become more focused in our business, our processes and our bottom line.

When we stopped trying to reinvent the wheel and adopted Nexstar proven best practices, we experienced 20% revenue growth along with significantly improved profitability in our first year.”

Roger Grochmal, CEO AtlasCare, Oakville, ON | Nexstar member since 2016

Brian Williams Aimed High!

“The biggest value I receive from Nexstar is the family atmosphere, which is full of warmth and passion.

When I think back to when I joined Nexstar compared to today, the biggest difference in my company is we now run the company; the company doesn’t run us. Thanks Nexstar!”

Brian Williams, Owner Ashton Service Group, Richmond, BC | Nexstar member since 2011

Call us at 888-240-STAR (7827) www.NexstarNetwork.com

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CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER

By Adam Freill

DAVE & KORTNEY WILSON

Making it in

Music City T

here are countless contractors out there moonlighting as musicians and dreaming about a life in the limelight.

It may come as no surprise that there are far fewer musicians who have dreamt of trading in their guitars and microphones for hard hats and work boots, but that’s what happened with Dave and Kortney Wilson, a couple of Canadian kids making their way in Nashville.

Although they each made their way to Music City independently, they found each other through mutual friends while both were emerging artists, and the pair has been making each other laugh and cringe, in a good-hearted way, ever since.

“When Kortney got her record deal, I thought that she was going to be really rich and famous, so I attached my wagon to her horse,” laughs Dave while sitting at the kitchen table bantering with his wife and recalling their early days together.

“We were both really lucky,” says Kortney. “We both signed major label deals, and got nice big record advances, but then they just sat on our records.”

The need to provide for a growing family led the pair to the home renovation and reselling business.

“We put up every bit of equity that we had in the house that we owned at the time and, in a way, we were very naïve,” explains Kortney as Dave pipes in a comment from across the table about maxing out one’s equity as not being great advice for aspiring home flippers. “We pulled all of the equity out and we bought our first flip, and we made $25,000. Our goal was to make $10,000.”

Looking back at that goal, the pair get a laugh at how much things have changed.

“Right now,” says Dave, “if we run our numbers and only see $10,000 profit, well, if you’ve watched the shows, you know how quickly I can run us $10,000 over budget.”

Good fortune and good buying, as well as proper planning, are all keys that have led them to success in a challenging business, one that they showcase under a different set of lights and the glare of a television film crew for their shows Masters of Flip and Music City Fix.

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Location, location, location They say that the neighbourhood is the first consideration in real estate, and when it comes to flipping a home for profit, that theory still rings true, most of the time.

Ask the couple what they look for when shopping for a home to renovate and Kortney is quick to state, “A great location is always key. A great location, especially with a great price per square foot.”

Since the renovation cost, per square foot, doesn’t change much based on the map, knowing that they can ask a higher price in certain

neighbourhoods makes for a better return on their investment.

“If it costs us roughly the same price per square foot to renovate, regardless of the area, being able to sell in a really great location that fetches a higher price is obviously where we make our money,” says Kortney.

Of course, the Wilsons are not about to overlook some diamonds in the rough.

“Lately we’ve been breaking ground in up-and-coming areas,” she adds. “It makes the numbers a little bit harder, but it is always fun to get the highest comp in the area.”

Did you know?

Kortney is from Ayr, Ont., while Dave is from Ottawa. They met while each was independently pursuing a music career in Nashville, Tenn.

COMPETITION

IS GROWING The Wilsons target between eight and 14 homes to renovate each year, filming most of them for their television series, but with Nashville having become a hot market, that’s made the real estate game and the renovation business far more competitive.

“Nashville has gotten even more popular, and the construction costs have just risen exponentially every year,” says Kortney. It was different back when they did their first renovation.

“It was during the recession when we started flipping houses. The advantage was that we didn’t have a lot of competition buying them, so we could spend months negotiating if we wanted to,” she says. “The disadvantage is that the market wasn’t that strong. Sometimes we would have to sit with a house on the market for months and cover those costs.”

With buyers turning Nashville into one of America’s fastest growing cities, they now face another challenge, professional labour. Dave explained that the competition for the trades to help them complete their projects has been considerable as the city has grown in popularity.

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S

Lessons from the

ome renovators look for builds that only require a few patches to the walls, some new flooring and some paint, but Kortney and Dave are more than ready to tear down or move walls to create a better layout and flow for their projects.

“We don’t base our buying on how great the plumbing is or the electrical,” says Dave. “We know that there is a great chance that we’ll have to rip everything out.”

“Finding a house with updated plumbing and electrical is a huge win for us,” admits Kortney, who adds that while they don’t worry about having to upgrade the mechanicals, there is a worry when they buy a home: foundation issues.

“We don’t have basements like where we grew up in Ontario,” she says, “so it is hard for us to navigate our way under some of these houses.

Sometimes we can’t, and won’t know until we take up the floor.”

pros

Despite the plethora of shows that fit a full project renovation into a neat and tidy half-hour, it’s not an easy way to make money.

“You have to have a sense of humour if you are going to renovate. Otherwise it will eat you alive,” says Kortney while asking Dave what mistakes rookie renovators tend to make.

“To me, I think the rookie mistakes are things like overspending,” he says. “Overspending on tile and flooring; things that you really research and find better prices if you take the time.”

Unrealistic timelines jump out to Kortney. “That’s a big one. Often that timeline gets pushed a little bit.

I think that would be the number 1 mistake, and we have to work that into our budgets.”

The other mistake that homeowners and flippers make, she says, is a failure to properly vet the tradespeople they are hiring. “You go to your kid’s soccer or hockey game and someone there says they do electrical, or someone you know says, ‘My contractor is awesome,’ so you take their word. You have to call around. Do your due diligence.”

She and Dave echo the need to get three bids, and to know what is included in each contractor’s bid. “It is better to do that on the front end,” she says. “If they are offended by that, then they are not the right person.”

If you don’t go the professional route, it will likely cost you more money in the end.

–KORTNEY WILSON

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Flipping horror Every contractor, regardless of trade, has a war story or two to share, and renovators are no different.

Whether it’s having to reorder a custom countertop because of a mis-measured wall, or getting the call that the shipment of tile from Italy went overboard in a storm, there’s always something that comes up. For the Wilsons, it was a smell.

“We had a plumber we were working with. Everything was going well, but he forgot to cap the cleanout in the backyard,” recalls Dave. Leaves from a tree in the backyard had buried an covered it, and nobody went back and to check on it because it was out of sight. sigh “We all just forgot about it.

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“The people who bought the house called us about three months later saying that there was a smell in the house, and that it smelled like sewage.”

Taking their team over to the home, nobody was able to pinpoint the problem until the plumber arrived and installed “a two-dollar fix,” capping the cleanout.

“The crazy part about it is that the house went under contract, had an inspection, we had our final on code.

We did our own final. It passed several points of inspection,” says Kortney.

“But these poor people who had to live through that.”

Thankfully they were good sports, and happy to have a smell-free home again.

OUR TEAM IS BUILT FOR THE PROS You can’t beat our line for delivering top performance and exceeding goals. At the centre, we’ve got proven tough Bradford White products distributed through our Canadian Independent Sales Agencies. On the two wings we have Laar’s high efficiency residential and commercial hydronic boilers, volume water heaters, and commercial pool heaters as well as the solid delivery of storage tanks and specialty items from Niles Steel Tank.

Offering exceptional customer service is a point of pride for our team. The recent move to a larger, more efficiently-spaced location means additional room for a state-of-the-art training center, more product, warranty, and technical support, and a fully stocked parts service desk with next day parts delivery capability. With our group of talented team players and a solid game plan for your success, Bradford White Canada is a formidable force in the Canadian market.

Visit us at CIPHEX West Stop by booth 536 for a chance to win an ATV!

BRADFORD WHITE CANADA 9 Brigden Gate Halton Hills, Ontario, CAN L7G 0A3 Telephone: 905.203.0600 Toll Free: 866.690.0961 Facsimile: 905.636.0666 www.bradfordwhite.com

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BWMBPL0918 © 2018 Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

Experience Western Canada’s biggest mechanical showroom Tipping the scales at almost 30,000 square feet, Western Canada’s largest mechanical trade show is coming back to Calgary in early November, and it’s an opportunity that’s not to be missed. More than 250 brands will be on display in what can be described as a giant showroom filled with product samples and industry knowledge.

CIPHEX West hits the BMO Centre at Stampede Park on November 7 and 8, where the show floor will be flooded with hundreds of vendors displaying the latest in plumbing, HVAC/R, hydronic and geothermal products, including some of the industry’s newest technologies, which will be front and centre in the New Product Showcase.

If learning is your thing, event organizers have you covered.

The two-day extravaganza will feature seminars and countless networking opportunities, in addition to playing host to the Canadian Hydronics Conference (see page 94). Each day of

the CIPHEX West show has at least one free seminar scheduled, with additional paid learning sessions also being offered.

Admission to CIPHEX West will also get you access to BuildEx Calgary, which is also being held at Stampede Park. That show will present the latest in construction, property management, interior design and architecture.

And don’t forget to visit us. Mechanical Business will be right in the middle of all the action during CIPHEX West. Come see us at booth 237, grab a copy of the magazine and renew your subscription. We can’t wait to see you there!

WHAT: CIPHEX West WHERE: BMO Centre, Halls B & C, Stampede Park, Calgary WHEN: Wednesday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Admission for MB Readers!

Haven’t registered for CIPHEX West yet? Visit ciphexwest.ca and Come visit us at Booth #237

use promo code MECHBIZ (all caps) to get in free!

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List of Exhibitors* *As of press time. Companies in red have ads appearing in this edition of Mechanical Business

A.M.T.S. ................................................. 325

BMI Canada .......................................... 305

CWQA ................................................... 416

A.O. Smith ............................................. 119

Bosch Thermotechnology.................... 625

Cyclo Vac .............................................. 720

ACO Systems ........................................ 103

Boshart Industries ................................. 405

Dahl Valve ............................................. 334

Acquaer Pumps .................................... 257

Bradford White Canada ....................... 536

Deflecto Canada................................... 333

ADEY .................................................... 724

Brady ...................................................... 434

DeWALT ................................................ 649

Aimco Int’l ............................................. 455

Calefactio .............................................. 315

DLL Financial Services .......................... 452

Allied Engineering ................................ 637

Caleffi ................................................... 643

Dobbin Sales ......................................... 248

Anvil Int’l Canada ................................. 204

Canadian Aqualine ............................... 552

Eastern Foundry & Fittings ................. 335

Apollo Flow Controls ........................... 406

Canature WaterGroup ......................... 448

Emerson................................................. 157

Aqua-Tech ............................................. 736

Carlo Gavazzi ........................................ 355

Emerson Automation .......................... 259

Armstrong ............................................ 508

Cascade Flow Control .......................... 432

Empire Machinery ............................... 430

Arndt Motor & Pump ........................... 828

CB Supplies ........................................... 231

Arzel Zoning ......................................... 826

CCTF ..................................................... 804

ASPE ...................................................... 814

Centrotherm ........................................ 730

Attersall Marketing ............................... 721

CHC ....................................................... 436

Axiom Industries ................................... 433

Chemline Plastics.................................. 429

Bay Industrial......................................... 725

CIPH ....................................................... 337

Belanger-UPT ........................................ 252

Clairitech Innovations ........................... 615

Bibby-Ste-Croix..................................... 549

Component Hardware ......................... 752

Blanco Canada...................................... 329

Cool Estate.com ................................... 504

d % te s 0 0 te

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Enercall Sales .................................................................................................354 Energy Saving Products .................................................................................421 Equipco ...........................................................................................................215 ESAB Group Canada......................................................................................739 Fairview............................................................................................................531 Fantech ............................................................................................................629 Fernox ..............................................................................................................635 Flexcon Industries...........................................................................................517 Flexmaster Canada.........................................................................................714 FLIR Systems ...................................................................................................207 Fluidmaster .....................................................................................................652 Formadrain ......................................................................................................359 Franke Kindred Canada .................................................................................225 Franklin Electric...............................................................................................352 Gastite .............................................................................................................414 General Pipe Cleaners ...................................................................................614 Gerber Canada ...............................................................................................249 Giant Factories................................................................................................336 Gripple Canada ..............................................................................................202 Grundfos..........................................................................................................537 Hathorn Corporation ......................................................................................255 HBX Control Systems .....................................................................................532 HeatLink Group ..............................................................................................525 Hilmor ..............................................................................................................649 Hometech Development ...............................................................................257 Honeywell ........................................................................................................524 HPAC Magazine..............................................................................................800 HVAC Xchanger ..............................................................................................818 Hydronic Agencies .........................................................................................635 Hydronic Systems Canada .............................................................................631 IBC Technologies ...........................................................................................443 Image Inspection Services .............................................................................254 InSinkErator .....................................................................................................214 Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Power Systems ........................................................................................200 IPEX ..................................................................................................................318 Jim Pattison Lease ..........................................................................................806 Jobbox Software.............................................................................................456 John Guest USA .............................................................................................107 Kleins Enterprises ...........................................................................................715 Lambro Venting Products ..............................................................................306 Lenox, DeWALT, hilmor .................................................................................649 Liberty Pumps .................................................................................................648 Little Giant.......................................................................................................352 Lixil Canada .....................................................................................................424 Lochinvar .........................................................................................................736 Lowe Mechanical Sales ..................................................................................258

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Seminars

CIPHEX West Seminars All seminars will take place at the CIPHEX Theatre in the exhibit hall (see Page 84 for show floor map).

History and Benefits of the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Wednesday, November 7 Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Hot water delivery temperature has been an issue for many years in Canada leading to a national code implemented in 2010, ensuring protection to homeowners from scalding and legionella bacteria. Safety of the public in the development of products and practices is the first concern in this legislation which offers a workable solution to the issue of safe storage and distribution of hot water. This session will cover codes and applicable product standards, national and provincial legislation and compliance, as well as the responsibilities of plumbing officials and contractors.

Speaker: Rick Proulx, Business Development Director, Reliance Worldwide Corporation (Canada) Inc.

Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Commercial Buildings Wednesday, November 7 Time: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 pm

Rainwater harvesting systems are being used more and more in commercial buildings to offset potable water demands and to reduce storm water outflows. Despite an ever-increasing number of rainwater systems going into service in North America, design consistency remains elusive. This is typically due to the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unfamiliarity with best practices and frequent exclusion of key components. Two key factors that contribute to the success of a rainwater system are early planning and analysis of the system as a whole.

The session will start with a brief intro on system design and will be followed by an in-depth presentation focusing on the key components

Speaker: G. Edward Van Giesen, National Sales Manager, RainCycle (A Watts Company)

Protecting Homes & Buildings from Radon Gas Wednesday, November 7 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths each year.

It affects indoor air quality in all buildings. The exposure risk can be prevented during construction, and in the way that we maintain our homes and workplaces. Changes to building codes with respect to radon will be covered, along with prescriptive measures and performance options.

Attendees of this free session will also learn about typical radon detection methods used throughout the world. The presentation will also cover current mitigation methods and their inherent pitfalls along with a section on using ventilation as a mitigation method. Case studies will be presented

Speaker: David Innes, Director of Sales, Radon Environmental Management Corp

How to Design and Install a Hydronic Snow Melting System Wednesday, November 7 Time: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

At this session, you will learn the key components for designing and installing a hydronic snow melting system including: snowmelt application; snowmelt system components; manifolds to PEX; snowmelt controls; proper installation of PEX and snow/ice detectors to ensure system works as per design; and schematic diagrams.

Speakers: Erwin Quejano, (right) Design Department Supervisor, HeatLink Group Inc. Rudy Feddema, (far right) Senior Design & Technical Support, HeatLink Group Inc.

Challenging Conventional Softener Design Wednesday, November 7 Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

With droughts increasing in number and severity due to climate change, water conservation awareness is at an all-time high. Water softeners are traditionally thought of as water wasters. In some parts of the world, their use is heavily regulated due to the elevated waste volumes and wastewater issues they can produce. With this in mind, new ways of thinking regarding the design and operational use must be considered so that the added benefits of soft water do not conflict with current water conservation strategies. This presentation will show how a shift in thinking about water softeners can reduce the amount of water and salt consumed during softener operation.

Speaker: Tyler Gamble, M. Eng, Commercial Product Applications Manager, Canature WaterGroup

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Pentair Canada ..................................... 418

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Sinus North America ............................519

Milwaukee Electric Tool ....................... 201

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Mirolin Industries .................................. 308

Radiant North America ........................ 628

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Ratech Electronics ................................ 328

Morris/Lee ............................................. 159

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Reed Manufacturing ............................. 314

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Navien.................................................... 115

Reliance Worldwide ............................ 220

NCI Canada........................................... 654

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Sioux Chief ......................................................................................................330 SJE - Rhombus ................................................................................................101 Skills Canada Alberta .....................................................................................812 Slant/Fin ..........................................................................................................554 SMS ..................................................................................................................258 Snap-In Controls .............................................................................................533 Spartan Peripheral Devices ...........................................................................321 Spectrum Brands ............................................................................................303 Spectrum Sales Agency .................................................................................748 SpeedClean.....................................................................................................555 Stelpro .............................................................................................................209 Stiebel Eltron ..................................................................................................633 Stringer Sales ..................................................................................................516 Sunrise Tradex ................................................................................................608 Superior Radiant .............................................................................................820 Taco Comfort Solutions .................................................................................543 Tamas Hydronic Systems ...............................................................................435 Tapmaster .......................................................................................................404 TECA ................................................................................................................553 Technicraft Product Design ...........................................................................256 The Master Group ..........................................................................................509 Thermo 2000 ...................................................................................................529

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Thermo Manufacturing ..................................................................................153 Toto .................................................................................................................216 UEi Canada .....................................................................................................155 Unified Alloys ..................................................................................................502 Uponor.............................................................................................................437 Vantage Marketing .........................................................................................105 Victaulic ...........................................................................................................349 Viega ................................................................................................................548

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Viessmann ......................................................................................................143 Ward Manufacturing ......................................................................................516 Watertiger .......................................................................................................716 Watts Water Technologies ............................................................................343 Weil-McLain Canada ......................................................................................425

X-PERT S5® Radiant and Snowmelt PE-RT Pipe with O2 Barrier

West Country Pump & Filtration ...................................................................636 Westcan HVAC Sales .....................................................................................453 Williams Comfort Products ............................................................................235 Wilo Canada ...................................................................................................624

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Xylem ...............................................................................................................243 Zoeller Canada ...............................................................................................517 Zoomlock ........................................................................................................402 Zurn Industries ................................................................................................358

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Seminars

CIPHEX West Seminars All seminars will take place at the CIPHEX Theatre in the exhibit hall (see Page 84 for show floor map).

Basic Electrical Theory and Control Panel Troubleshooting Thursday, November 8 Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

This session will provide tips about following schematics and using a volt meter. The troubleshooting portion is a step-by-step method of working your way through a pumping station to determine the source of a problem, looking at electrical services, controls and alarm circuits, floats, and motors.

Efficient & Effective Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Thursday, November 8 Time: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

This session will include insights from an expert on domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation, including DHW and health concerns; mix-down fluid temperatures; DHWR piping options; alternative DHWR control strategies; and near-heater piping details.

Speaker: Tim Callander, Regional Sales Manager, SJE Rhombus

Speaker: Rick Mayo, Residential Trainer, Western Region, Taco Comfort Solutions

2020 National Plumbing Code of Canada â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Update Thursday, November 8 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This free session will go through code updates as we look towards the 2020 version of the National Plumbing Code of Canada, including such hot topics as water reuse, rainwater harvesting, Legionella, and more. Bring any questions or concerns you have about radon, hydronic heating, energy efficiency, etc. Ever wonder why Plumbing or Gas code is written the way it currently is, or ever have a question nobody else could answer? This is where you should be.

Speaker: Sidney Manning, Chief Plumbing & Gas Administrator/Inspector, Government of Alberta

Wall and Ceiling Radiant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Overlooked Solution Thursday, November 8 Time: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

This session will include a discussion of heat transfer; rationale for wall and ceiling radiant (supplemental heating and cooling, floor limitations and radiant cooling options); and installation methods for wall radiant and ceiling radiant. Attendees will learn how radiant walls and ceilings can be a comfort solution, as well as how to identify common indicators where wall or ceiling radiant can be used. The speaker will also provide an overview of installation methods.

Speaker: Steve Gibbs, Product Manager, Trainer, Radiant Designer, Roth Industries

Retrofitting Air Handling Systems Using ECM Fans Thursday, November 8 Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This session will cover what an ECFan is and how it works, as well as comparing AC and EC Motor energy use and controllability. The session will be able to clarify energy usage of commercial ventilation systems in Canada, as well as retrofitting outdated AHU, MUS and other ventilation systems. The listener will learn how to identify energy saving opportunities with ECFans and will be instructed on how to size a retrofit application using the correct tools.

Speaker: Luis F. Orellana, Bid & Spec-Business Development Manager, Rosenberg Fans Canada Ltd.

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Relax. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to worry about being in hot water.

John Wood offers state-of-the-art, high-efficiency residential water heaters that can help your customers save on utility costs and enjoy a truly relaxing shower.

To find out more visit johnwoodwaterheaters.com

Canadian Hydronics Conference

Modifying Existing Hydronic System for Lower Water Temperatures Wednesday, November 7 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The performance of many contemporary hydronic heat sources, such as modified condensing boilers, solar thermal collectors, heat pumps and biomass boilers, is significantly improved when they are combined with low-temperature distribution systems. This session explains how to modify those systems to lower their required operating temperature, making them more compatible with modern (and future) heat sources.

Instructor: John Siegenthaler, P.E., Appropriate Designs

Radiant Cooling with Dry Panel Systems Wednesday, November 7 Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Schedule

Calling all wetheads!

The Canadian Hydronics Council will be holding the Canadian Hydronics Conference concurrently with CIPHEX West, so if you are into wet heat, there’s even more reason to head to Calgary in November.

The event, which requires separate registration fees, brings together some of North America’s top speakers in the hydronics game, at a venue where you can interact with these trainers, as well as with others in the field.

Dry panel systems can be a good option for many installations; you just need to know when to use them. During this learning lab, Bill will discuss the differences between wet and dry panel systems, when dry panel systems should be installed, control strategies, and combination systems. If you are looking to add radiant cooling to your service offerings then this session is the perfect place to start.

Instructor: William Werthman, Senior Technical Advisor, Legend Valve & Fitting, Inc.

Heat Up Your Hydronic Sales Tips to Grow Your Business Wednesday, November 7

You’ll leave this session armed with new ideas and great tools to increase your hydronic sales. It’s all about selling with more confidence and success.

Time: 4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Speaker: Matt Wiesenfeld, MBA, Program Manager, Canadian Hydronics Council

Documenting Hydronic Systems Thursday, November 8 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Modern hydronic technology can be used to create very sophisticated and elaborate systems. While the original designer understands how the system should be installed and commissioned, the person who maintains the system may not. Service contractors do not want to deal with “orphan systems”. This session describes proper system documentation and software tools that can help.

Instructor: John Siegenthaler, P.E., Appropriate Designs

BuildEx Calgary is co-locating with CIPHEX West at the BMO Centre this year, and your visitor pass gets you into both shows!

Targeting those in the construction, property management, and architecture and design industries, BuildEx Calgary has been attracting professionals for 18 years. The event features two days of professional development seminars, networking opportunities and more than 175 exhibiting companies.

Be sure to check it out while you’re at CIPHEX West! buildexcalgary.com

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Visit Us!

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PROJECT PROFILE |

By Denise Deveau

Hotel Monville TAKES TO THE

water

FOR

Centralized control

SAVINGS

Each room is also connected to the central control system that manages all the mechanical equipment in the hotel. “We can see every mechanical system and every control point from a central station,” says Joseph Rizzuto, an engineer with BPA. “An operator can reach any one room to change temperature set points or whatever else they need to do.”

hen your goal is to create a “new generation” hotel it’s not just about the décor and high-tech bells and whistles.

For the recently opened Hotel Monville in Montreal, innovation was something that was considered from the ground up – including the HVAC systems for the 20-storey property.

Saunier says the installation did increase the construction costs.

“However, the return on investment is very high. Compared to our older property Hotel Gault, we are using three times less energy for heating and cooling.”

Using an integrated piping system may be unique today, but it is being used more often in new design projects, Frenette adds. While Hotel Monville was a first for their company, they are using the concept in some upcoming apartment and condo projects to reduce energy costs.

“It’s a simple concept. Hotels and residential buildings have cold and hot domestic hot water lines, so why not use the same network rather than have a separate network for each? It makes perfect sense.”

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“Heating and cooling was one of the first design considerations,” says Marc Saunier, asset manager for the property.

“Energy savings is extremely important in the hotel industry since it represents the third biggest expense after payroll and municipal taxes.”

Construction of the hotel started in the early winter of 2016.

Given this was a brand new hotel concept, Saunier, along with the engineering consulting firm BPA, had free rein to decide on how they could make the most of their energy savings.

Rather than installing the usual B u s i n e s s

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Dominic Fillion

W

dedicated heating and cooling system, they decided to take a less conventional route: leveraging the hotel’s domestic water system to provide the heating in winter and cooling in summer.

Saunier describes it as a completely self-contained design. It makes sense, given the fact that water usage by guests in hotels tends to be at specific times of the day.

“In the hotel business the water is mainly used for guests to take their showers in the a.m. and during certain times in the evening. Otherwise we just wait for them to come back. So we thought, let’s try to do something with the hot water in winter and do the same with the cold water in summer.”

“Typically you have a dedicated four-pipe system – two for the boiler and two for the chiller,” explains Dominique Frenette, BPA’s commercial market director. “The difference with this is that we are connecting them to the domestic hot water system

THE SYSTEM • 4 X Camus Dynaforce DRW2000 2 million BTUH boilers to heat the domestic hot water and the building.

• 2 X Carrier 100 ton air cooled scroll chillers.

• 1 - 150 ton Carrier water cooled screw chiller, with outside fluid cooler.

• 1 water recovery system on the screw chiller to recover rejected heat to preheat the domestic water – recovery possible 600,000 BTUH. • 4 fresh air systems: > 2 Spinnaker units in the mechanical room on the roof – one with heat wheel recovery at 11,500 CFM that serves half the rooms, plus one with plate exchanger recovery at 1,200 CFM that serves the common spaces on the 20th floor. > 2 Spinnaker units in the mechanical room on the 3rd floor – one with plate exchanger recovery at 10,500 CFM that serves the other half of the rooms, and 1 with plate exchanger recovery at 2,000 CFM that serves the common spaces in the lobby and the first basement level.

• 2 X 1,200 gallon water storage tanks.

• 291 Williams fan coils that serve the common areas and guest rooms.

• 1 chilled glycol loop and 1 hot glycol loop for heating and cooling the common areas, meeting rooms and kitchen, as well as supply the fresh air units, and the snow melting system at the entrance of the building.

• 1 heat exchanger for heating the hot glycol loop and 1 heat exchanger for cooling down the cold domestic water loop.

• 1 central control system.

HOTEL MONVILLE

FACTS 1041 Rue de Bleury, Montréal, QC H2Z 1M7

SCHEDULED CIRCULATION

ADDRESS:

OPENED: SIZE:

May 2018

20 floors, 269 guest rooms ENGINEERING:

BPA

to reduce costs and cut down on the amount of pipes needed.”

Frenette’s history with the Hotel Monville owners goes back 17 years, when he designed and installed what was then a leading-edge energyefficient heating and cooling system at their boutique property Hotel Gault. This time around, he realized an entirely new approach would make for even greater energy efficiency.

The fancoils installed in the guest rooms use chilled and hot domestic water. They contain low-lead materials and accessories so they can be used on domestic water systems, Frenette explains. They also have timers installed on the control valves to make sure that they are flushed with fresh water every 24 hours. The fancoils are installed in the ceiling of each guest room and the air is ducted to grilles under the large windows to ensure that no condensation forms on the windows.

Heating and cooling for public areas (lobby, meeting rooms, conference rooms, basement, kitchen, snow melt and fresh air systems) is run on a separate hot and cold glycol loops.

Pumps circulate the hot and cold water throughout the day to ensure constant supply. “Having the system recirculating all year long reduces the risk of bacterial growth,” Frenette says. Even though not necessary, a UV-treatment system was added to the domestic cold water to eliminate risk of legionella growth in the chilled domestic water loop.

A SINGLE SYSTEM In simple terms, the room heating system consists of four gas-fired boilers, two air cooled outdoor chillers and an interior watercooled chiller, which are directly connected to the hotel’s domestic hot and cold water lines.

Hot water is supplied from two 1,200-gallon tanks.

While new to Montreal, leveraging the domestic water system for heating and cooling has recently seen some traction in Western Canada. There Frenette says he and his team did extensive research before putting pen to paper on this project.

Depending on the time of year, warm or cool air is directed to the rooms with fan coils.

“This was one of the first in Montreal.

But we are now seeing more interest in this approach.”

“What we have created here is one single system that can provide water, as well as heat and cool the rooms all year long,” Saunier says.

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Based out of Westport, Ont., Mark Parliament has over 30 years of experience in the HVACR industry and is a senior training consultant with Lennox Learning Solutions. Alexandra Wennberg is the founder of Maven Marketing & Communications, a communications agency with specialized focus on the construction, real estate, HVACR and non-profit sectors. To reach the authors, email awennberg@mavencommunications.ca.

By Al e x a ndr a W e n n b e r g & M ar k P ar liam en t

annual maintenance MORE THAN A QUICK VACUUM W

ith heating season approaching faster than most of us would like, now is the time to review some of the issues that technicians encounter in the field during annual heating maintenance calls.

Unlike with most oil-fired equipment, when it comes to gas-fired appliances, there are no hard and fast rules on

CHECKING THE COMBUSTION

INSPECTING & TESTING FOR LEAKS To check a system for gas leaks, use your manometer to bleed down the gas pressure to below the opening pressure of the regulator to see that all the gas piping up to and including the supplier’s wing lock are gas-tight.

You can now switch to the manifold tap on the gas valve to ensure that the manifold pressure is what the manufacturer recommends on either low- or high-fire.

It is critical that this be done correctly. If you simply connect the manometer to the tap and set the pressure, you will likely not be setting the correct manifold pressure due to the negative pressure in the heat exchanger.

Once the manifold pressure is properly set, next you will need to complete the most overlooked but extremely important part of the maintenance procedure: combustion analysis.

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maintenance sequences. Each manufacturer has its own version of a heating system service check, and dealers may also create their own in-house checklists.

That being said, there are some tasks that every technician should complete at every maintenance call. Let’s dig into some of those.

The combustion analyzer is one of the most important items in our toolbox, but sadly one of the most underutilized. The combustion analyzer is such a crucial tool to use during annual maintenance calls because it often gives us the first indication that there is a combustion issue present.

We have all seen the corrosive effect of contaminated combustion air after it has damaged the heat exchanger. What if we could see that problem before it causes a problem? With a combustion analyzer, we can.

Carbon, a byproduct of incomplete combustion, is a great insulator.

When it starts to cover internal parts of the heat exchanger, it no longer allows the proper heat to be transferred. This will increase the outlet temperature and is often the first indication of a serious problem.

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HVAC CHECKING THE COMBUSTION, continued

A SILENT THREAT When there is a problem with the heat exchanger, you may also be faced with carbon monoxide. This is one of the most difficult things to diagnose.

We have all been taught that CO in flue gases is not a good thing, but according to the AHRI standard for combustion in a gas furnace, CO in the flue pipe of 200 ppm or less is considered acceptable.

By properly understanding your combustion analyzer you will be able to see things such as improperly set gas pressure, improper mixing and incorrect spoiler screws, if required.

Understanding proper combustion will allow techs to better understand what is going on with the equipment, but they should also always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for combustion on any piece of equipment they are working on.

Adhering to those set recommendations should typically see seven to nine per cent O2 and a flue gas temp of between 100°F and 130°F.

The thing to remember is that furnace heat exchanger joints are not hermetically sealed, so a small amount of leakage is considered normal. That said, most manufacturers state that the maximum CO reading should not exceed 100 ppm, and some even look for less than 50 ppm.

There are several things that can cause CO to be present. One of the biggest contributors is something we call flame quenching, or when the flame is cooled enough that we no longer get complete combustions.

This is one of the main reasons all manufacturers insist that a backup wrench is used while installing or disconnecting gas piping from the gas valve. This ensures the burners are aligned so that the flame is shot down the heat exchanger without coming into contact with the vestibule wall. Wall contact will cause the flame to cool, which can cause incomplete combustion.

PSC TIPS

ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATIONS Proper voltage and grounding are diagnostic testss that are often overlooked, but that should always ys be completed because the integrated circuit board is highly susceptible to improper voltage and grounding.

Using your multimeter, look at the potential difference between the line neutral and the C (otherwise known as common) on the integrated circuit board. A large variation in voltage between these two during a load test will indicate a poor or partial ground.

Most manufacturers will have a maximum AC voltage listed during three specific times, so look those up for the equipment you are working on and do not deviate from the manufacturer’s specs.

The three tests are: TEST ONE: Power on,

When checking the amp draw on a PSC motor, it it’ss not unusual u for a technician to take a reading and find that it is significantly lower than the FLA on the motor. m As such, they mistakenly believe the moto motor is working great. The low amp draw may actu actually be an indication that the motor is not no moving any air, however. When the m motor is moving less air than is required fo proper airflow, the amp draw on the for m motor falls. The best way to help a motor move the proper amount of air is to ensure that the blower wheel is always clean of any dirt on the fins.

Just as we can’t eat soup with a knife, we can’t move air with plugged blower fins.

There’s more to it than this The tests and checks discussed here are just a start, and are by no stretch the only diagnostics that need to be completed during a successful maintenance call. It is critically important to complete all safety and operational checks to ensure that the equipment is running to manufacturer’s specifications to maintain proper safety records for the gas furnace.

furnace at idle.

TEST TWO: Combustion air

It cannot be stressed enough that a technician needs to perform all safety checks (high limit, roll out, flame safeguard, etc.) every time a technician visits a customer’s home, and not just as a routine maintenance call.

inducer/igniter energized.

TEST THREE: Blower is energized.

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Anemometters,, Thermometers, Mu ultiMeters, Humid dity Meters, Cla amp Meters,, Borrescopes and In nfra ared Camera as

HVAC/R V P Products High-performance compressor

Pre-fabricated grease duct

The Copeland Scroll ZF54K5 compressor from Emerson is part of the company’s K5 compressor line. The model is rated to 75,500 BTUH of low-temperature application. It is equipped with the company’s CoreSense Diagnostics system that will send warnings and advisories of system issues to users.

Security Chimneys’ Zero Clearance Grease Duct is designed for the restaurant construction industry. Its modular style is designed to simplify assembly and reduce fire risk by covering joint grooves. It has a continuous maximum operating temperature of 500°F and an intermittent maximum of 2,000°F. Its 3” insulation and two-hour fire rating eliminate the need for a separate fire-rated enclosure around the duct.

www.

emerson.com

securitychimneys.com

Corrosion-resistant spray Two-stage air conditioners

Rectorseal GulfCoat is a contractor-applied HVAC/R system coil, component and cabinet corrosion-resistant coating engineered to protect parts subjected to corrosive coastal salt spray or inland urban pollution.

The 12 oz aerosol cans apply a thin water-based synthetic polymer blue or d clear coating that is designed to extend the life of parts with negligible thermal heat transfer loss.

York Affinity YXT air conditioners offer two-stage performance rformance in a 19-SEER unit. t. Designed with a sound reduction system to produce oduce lownoise output, the units can be installed ed with a conventional thermostat or Wi-Fi enabled bled touchscreen thermostat. hermostat.

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york.com

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REFRIGERATION

B y A n d r e P at en au d e

BIGsmaller GROCERS, carbon footprint T

he large-format food retail market has always been at the leading edge of refrigeration technology. After all, these grocery and supermarket chains must continually deliver the fresh foods that feed much of the global population. Market drivers and refrigerant regulations in recent years have added an increased focus on sustainability to the list of priorities for these retailers. Among the natural refrigerant alternatives suitable for these centralized applications, CO2 (refrigerant R-744) leads the pack.

CO2 system architectures: opportunities in food retail Food retailers seeking to make the move to CO2 refrigeration have two primary system types from which to choose: CO2 transcritical booster and cascade systems. A closer look at each option may help you decide which is a IL[[LY Ă&#x201E;[ MVY `V\Y J\Z[VTLYÂťZ JPYJ\TZ[HUJLZ CO2 transcritical booster is a 100 per cent R-744 system, utilizing direct expansion (DX) for low- and medium-temperature suction groups. This system is called transcritical because it is designed to operate at pressures above CO2ÂťZ JYP[PJHS WYLZZ\YL VY WZPN Heat produced from low-temperature case compressors is rejected into the medium[LTWLYH[\YL Z\J[PVU NYV\WÂťZ JVTWYLZZVYZ Medium-temperature compressors must be sized to handle the total heat of rejection of low-temperature loads, 100 per cent of the TLKP\T [LTWLYH[\YL SVHK HUK [OL Ă&#x2026;HZO [HUR bypass load. Only one condenser or gas cooler is needed for all low- and mediumtemperature cases.

CO2 pumped technology â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where CO2 is \ZLK HZ H ZLJVUKHY` Ă&#x2026;\PK ¡ PZ HSZV H]HPSHISL on both low- and medium-temperature

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stages. The system requires the use of high-pressure controllers and electronic expansion valves to optimize pressures and refrigerant quality to the cases.

Cascade systems use two distinct refrigeration circuits: a CO2 circuit for the low-temperature suction group, and an HFC-based circuit (such as HFC-134a) for the medium-temperature needs.

0[ÂťZ JHSSLK JHZJHKL ILJH\ZL [OL OLH[ produced from the low-temperature circuit is discharged into the suction stage of the medium-temperature circuit via an intermediate heat exchanger.

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Medium-temperature compressors send gas to an air-cooled condenser on the roof. Like a standard refrigerant, CO2 is maintained below its critical point (or subcritical) of 88°F. Electronic expansion valves and case controls are still required in the lowtemperature, CO2-fed cases. Some retailers have even experimented with using NH3 (ammonia) as the mediumtemperature refrigerant for an all-natural cascade system.

Offering zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, CO2 is often considered the environmental standard by which all other refrigerants are measured. In a regulatory era when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are being phased out due to environmental impacts, CO2’s environmental profile has led to a broad global uptake in large-format refrigeration applications.

CO2 has neither the flammability nor toxicity challenges posed by other natural refrigerant alternatives, providing an additional comfort level for consumer-facing refrigeration applications. As energy efficiencies and the reliability of CO2 refrigeration systems rise, system costs are falling to levels typically found in traditional HFC systems, so many large-format food retailers are turning to it for their systems.

As older systems age and require upgrading or replacement, many large-format food retailers are making the transition from higherGWP, HFC refrigeration architectures to lower-GWP systems.

From a regulatory perspective, the use of R-404A and other higher-GWP refrigerants in new supermarket rack systems have been prohibited. Meanwhile, global regulatory efforts to phase down HFCs continue, including the recent Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the E.U. F-gas regulations and Environment Canada’s initiatives.

The trend toward eco-friendly refrigeration is also being driven by the private sector and discussed in corporate boardrooms. As industry organizations advocate the use of energyefficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration systems, more retailers are now stating formal sustainability objectives.

The steady increase in global CO2 refrigeration adoption has led equipment and component manufacturers to not only increase production, but also make continued investments in research and development to refine CO2 technologies. These economies of scale are helping to lower CO2 system costs and reduce complexities for end users and service technicians alike. Unlike HFC systems, CO2 system requirements introduce the need for additional electronic components for refrigeration cases, including: a case controller, pressure transducer, temperature sensor and electronic expansion valve. While these components may contribute to increased system costs, case controllers provide end users with precise temperature controls and ongoing, optimized energy efficiencies.

CO2 likely to grow Economies of scale and equipment improvements will continue to drive down first costs and increase CO2 adoption in North America. While the region is still in the early phases of trials and experimentation, every successful implementation increases the likelihood of more stores making the transition to CO2. Safe, environmentally friendly, economical and reliable: CO2 has all the characteristics that make it a candidate for the large-format refrigerant of the future.

Andre Patenaude, C.E.T., is the director of Food Retail, Marketing & Business Development for Emerson. He can be reached at andre.patenaude@emerson.com.

Global adoption of CO2 refrigeration on the rise CO2 refrigeration systems were originally introduced in Europe nearly two decades ago and have since moved into other regions of the globe. Today, CO2 adoption has migrated from Europe to Japan.

Image Credit: Shecco, Natural Refrigerants: Global market trends,

ATMOsphere Australia, Sydney, May 2, 2017 The number of CO2 stores in the E.U., Norway and Switzerland has tripled, representing eight per cent of the overall food retail market share in these regions. In North America, many retailers are still in trial phases to see how CO2 — and other natural refrigerants for that matter — can be used in their facilities, and across varying climatic zones.

CO2 refrigerant characteristics From a maintenance and operations perspective, it’s important to understand CO2’s unique performance characteristics.

Higher operating pressure • Around 1,500 psig (103 barg) on the high-pressure lines (discharge and return lines connected to the gas cooler only); • Between 200 and 540 psig (14 and 37 barg) for the low- and medium-temperature suction groups, and the liquid line; and • Robust components, smaller diameter piping, additional pressure relief valves and check valves required.

Low critical point: 88°F • Well suited for cooler climates; • Back-up power and refrigeration unit recommended to avoid system pressure increase in the event rack is off; • Excellent heat reclamation opportunities; and • Smaller equipment footprint due to its thermodynamic characteristics.

Emerging warmer climate technologies To expand CO2’s applicability in warmer climates (where it faces operational challenges), OEMs and component manufacturers have developed new technologies, including: • Parallel compression; • Ejectors; • Adiabatic gas cooling; and • Mechanical sub-cooling.

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HVAC/R Products P Air-intake system Centrotherm’s BlitzFlex is a corrugated polymer tube that is designed to act as an air-intake system for any residential heating appliance. The tube is available in 2”, 3” and 4” diameter sizes and is dispensed through a master carton. Each carton can provide enough tube for up to five residential systems.

Packaged heat pump

www.

www. luxaire.com

centrotherm.us.com

Johnson Controls offers its Luxaire Eclipse packaged heat pump in 3 to 12.5-ton sizes. The rooftop units offer an exact-fit replacement design for pre-existing competitive curbs. Units are available with hail guard or hinged panel options, economizer and fresh air and relief damper options.

Commercial refrigeration motor

Constant torque motor furnace

Regal’s GlacAir commercial refrigeration motor uses an axial flux ECM M ch design and can be used in such applications as display cases and reach-in coolers. The motor has a slim profile and 90 offers compatibility with R-290 (propane).

The 33” Ducane 96G1E furnace has an energyefficient constant torque motor, reaches 96% AFUE and has a heating capacity of 30,000 to 110,000 BTUH. Left and right utility connection allows for vertical or horizontal installation. It has an aluminized steel, weld-free mini clamshell primary heat exchanger and an 11,000 BTUH burner assembly.

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www.

ducanehvac.com

regalbeloit.com refco.ch

Re-Think Refrigeration.

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s your refrigeration OEM up to the task?

Emerging technologies, integrated systems and smart controls require a new kind of OEM partner. An OEM who is as comfortable in a processing plant, as they are in the CAD room. An OEM who understands that “field work” trumps “lab work”. And an OEM who delivers turn-key solutions that have been designed, tested and field proven in the real world.

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Oxford Energy Solutions Inc. 519-532-6373 oxfordenergy.ca 106

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• Build/Spec • Design Engineering • Custom Control Systems • Heat Transfer & Recovery Specialists • Engineered Pump Packages

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FINANCE

By To m Mc Cu l l o u g h

SUCCESSION PLANNING ISN’T JUST FOR YOUR BUSINESS; IT’S FOR YOUR MONEY AS WELL Many entrepreneurs spend so much time growing their business and planning for the future of their company that the equally important work of planning for their family’s financial future gets neglected.

It is common for many business owners to believe that if they maintain the success of their business, the financial affairs of their family will largely take care of themselves. This is a dangerous assumption because as your business grows, the complexity of managing your family’s financial affairs typically increases alongside it.

As a successful business owner, managing your personal financial affairs is an ongoing job that will most often require the help of outside advisors.

Three steps you can take to begin this process are as follows:

A. Diversify your asset base Concentration of investment can be a great way to grow wealth, but diversification is the more prudent path to preserving wealth. Most entrepreneurs discount the riskiness of their own business because they know it so well, but regardless of the type of business, having all of your eggs in one basket leaves you exposed to a substantial loss if something were to go wrong.

Diversify your asset base

Whenever possible, it is critical for entrepreneurs to diversify their asset base by taking money out of their company (whether in the form of salary or dividends) and investing it in a diverse set of financial assets uncorrelated to their operating businesses.

B. Prepare for the worst Although it is an uncomfortable question, it is important to consider what would happen to your family if you were to die or lose mental capacity tomorrow.

Prepare for the worst

Many entrepreneurs have considered this possibility and have succession plans in place for their business, but have not considered what this would mean for the management of their family’s financial affairs.

At my company, we refer to this as the “Financial Fire Drill.” At a broad level, the fire drill consists of having an updated Family Balance Sheet that lists the details and location of all of your financial assets and liabilities, having an updated Family Records Inventory that lists all of the people your family should contact regarding each of your assets and liabilities, and having updated wills for yourself and your spouse.

Work with trained professionals

C. Work with the right team of trained professionals Working with a firm that has experience managing family-based companies and wealth is one way for successful entrepreneurs to be sure they get the help they need to mitigate the substantial (and not always obvious) risks facing the family, particularly as they make the critical shift from a period of building family wealth to one of sustaining it and thinking about a transition to the next generation.

It is important to work with professionals who can help the family step back and identify their objectives, and then help them determine what steps are needed to meet their goals.

That may be the most important legacy for entrepreneurs to leave their families.

M e c h a n i c a l

Tom McCullough is the chairman and CEO of Northwood Family Office, an independent, privately-owned boutique financial planning firm.

He can be reached at tm@northwoodfamilyoffice.com.

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HYDRONICS

By Denise Deveau

Nova Scotia school turns to

BIOMASS W hen the Annapolis Valley Centre for Education wanted to augment its oilfired boilers for West Kings High School in Auburn, Nova Scotia, they decided to change things up with a biomass boiler system.

It’s a sign of a growing trend in the province.

Even though energy costs have been historically low in Nova Scotia, schools are introducing renewable energy systems to existing oil- and propanepowered boilers, to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

Educational facilities’ interest in biomass has been driven by both environmental and fuel cost concerns, explains Mark Eisnor, principal project mechanical engineer with Dumac Energy Ltd. “Pricing for oil and propane gas hasn’t been stable.

That’s one of the challenges the province is trying to overcome. Because wood pellet pricing is more stable, schools can more accurately predict heating costs, which is important from a budgeting perspective.”

Another reason is that many new school projects are engaged in LEED programs, where biomass is a natural fit, says Gerard Doyle, senior mechanical engineer with Dumac.

While Dumac has designed a few systems in recent years, Eisnor says the West Kings High School project was unique in a number of ways.

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B u s i n e s s

One particular challenge was space – or lack thereof.

“There wasn’t any room in the boiler room to house an additional system so we couldn’t install it in the existing space,” Eisnor says.

To solve the space issue, they decided to install a fully containerized, 540 KW, 25-foot by 11-anda-half-foot biomass boiler system from Viessmann adjacent to the existing boiler room.

One of the biggest considerations, Eisnor says, was situating the boiler where connections could be made.

“Access for maintenance and delivering the pellets all had to be considered very carefully before pouring the concrete,” he says. “As it turned out, we had to relocate the existing oil tank because it was exactly where we wanted to put the new system. Everything was preplanned based on very detailed shop drawings.”

Prior to the installation, Eisnor says there was onsite prep work that needed to be done. “The pad had to be poured exactly where it needed to be, and the connections had to be valved off and ready to go.”

The container was installed on the newly poured concrete pad and connected to a silo for the wood pellets. Piping for heating, drain, and cold water lines between the container and boiler room was encased in a sleeve to protect everything from the elements.

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THE PROJECT SCHOOL: West

Kings High

School CUSTOMER: Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education LOCATION:

Auburn, N.S.

AGE OF BUILDING:

62 years

Viessmann Vitoflex 300-RF 540 BOILER:

SILO CAPACITY:

45 tonnes

VENTING: Security

CI

chimney CONSULTING ENGINEERS:

Dumac Energy Limited MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR:

G.C. Baxter Plumbing & Heating FUEL PROVIDER:

Shaw Resources DELIVERY:

October 2016

COMMISSIONING:

February 2017

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HYDRONICS KEEP IT ROLLING

CUSTOMIZING THE INSTALL James Graves, an installer with G.C. Baxter Plumbing & Heating Ltd., says while everything about the installation was “pretty basic,” the exterior piping was a bit out of the ordinary. “No matter if you use oil, electric or pellets it’s all just piping. In this case the odd part was having to connect from the outside in.”

Graves adds having a waterline to cool the system down was particularly important. “With oil, when it’s off, it’s off. But wood has stored energy that stays even after it’s turned off.”

Another important factor was the chimney. The discharge had to be the right height to avoid any odours making their way into the school building, Doyle explains. To address the problem, they designed and built a standalone 32-foot structure that extended above the height of the school.

Graves describes it as a “typical steel prefabricated chimney” using galvanized square tubing. “It was already insulated and water tight when we installed it.”

The system also needed to operate as efficiently as an oil or gas boiler, including automated features, Eisnor explains. “We wanted a boiler that was automated and could operate in a similar way to a conventional fossil-fuelled boiler.

This system has the ability start up and shut down automatically and will modulate based on building load.”

Sizing of the system was an important consideration. In order to avoid frequent cycling, the system was not sized to handle the entire building load.

FAST FACT: In the first partial winter of operation, the biomass boiler consumed 240 tons of premium grade pellets and displaced the equivalent of 84,000 litres of oil and associated CO2 emissions.

HOW THE BIOMASS BOILER SYSTEM WORKS

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Pellets from a delivery tanker are blown into the silo pneumatically twice a year.

2 3

The pellets are conveyed from the silo to the firebox using an auger.

B u s i n e s s

boiler for the building load is not a good idea, especially with solid fuel. It doesn’t lend itself to the frequent stops and starts that would happen with an oversized unit.

They perform much better if they keep running in the winter months.”

The containerized system also features a heat storage accumulating tank that acts as a buffer so the boiler doesn’t see rapid changes in load, he adds. “There are multiple sensors tracking temperatures at various levels in the tank that allow the boiler to perform efficiently without having to react to sharp changes in load requirements.”

THE WATER DILEMMA As a rural school, West Kings High School presented one unexpected challenge for the designers.

“The school was not connected to a municipal water supply,” Eisnor says. “That meant that if there was a power outage when the boiler was loaded with fuel, there would be no pumping system to carry the heat away.”

The answer was to install an emergency generator to run the school’s well system. This would provide cooling water for the heat exchanger during an emergency to prevent the boiler from overheating.

“Without it we wouldn’t have the water supply to do it.

That caught us a bit off guard, because all the other installations we designed had a connection to a municipal water service.”

A control panel manages the various parts of the equipment, turning the system on or shutting it down when required.

M e c h a n i c a l

As Eisnor explains, “Oversizing a biomass

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BUILDING AUTOMATION

B y Dan M cC ar t y

A custom approach to

system visualization and control A

s we continue to delve further into these technology-driven times, it’s becoming apparent arent that building owners, managers and real estate developers recognize the value of having detailed d floor plan graphics.

Whether it’s an office, a house, or an entire mplex, being able to visualize a space is complex, the first step in bringing it to life, and modern graphic technology is making it easier to help nts visualize the clients systems ems being designed or used sed in their dings. buildings.

From blueprints to virtual spaces When it comes to graphic design, most BAS systems are still a little behind the times with visual systems maps. Some advancements have been made within control system software, but it’s nowhere near the level of available technology in the design community.

Along with everything else, the design industry has

ce built, these graphics Once also allow for building users and servicing contractors to see the spaces and systems in ways that simply were not possible just a short time ago.

experienced a technological shift. Gone are the days when paper blueprints and rough sketches served as the starting point for the next big thing.

These high-resolution images provide more intricate details than ever before. Thanks to 3D renderings, WLVWSL UV^ OH]L [OL WV^LY [V ^HSR [OYV\NO [OLPY ÅVVY plan in a virtual space, bringing their ideas to reality.

A SINGLE-SCREEN DASHBOARD

“Our clients view this shift as a more user-friendly approach because they don’t have to walk through a jobsite and create an abstract visual. Instead, they can easily access the images right from their phone or computer,” says Jordan Cashatt, QA Graphics’ account manager.

One of the highlights regarding the advancements in the BAS graphic industry is that any employee with basic knowledge of mechanical systems will be able to easily access all of the graphics on the site. This way, end users as well as service technicians can monitor the entire site from a single location, saving them time and minimizing trips to the jobsite.

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Dan McCarty is the owner of QA Graphics, a ďŹ rm that creates custom BAS graphics as well as design services for interactive platforms. He can be reached at sales@qagraphics.com.

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4LJOHUPJHS JVU[YHJ[VYZ HUK LUNPULLYPUN Ă&#x201E;YTZ TH` IL PU]VS]LK PM [OLYL PZ H ULLK [V [OLYL PZ H ULLK [V Z H JVSSHIVYH[PVU THW V\[ K\J[^VYR VU [OL Ă&#x2026;VVY WSHUZ VY PM [OL I\PSKPUN V^ULY MLLSZ H JVSSHIVYH[PVU PZ ULJLZZHY` 4HU` I\ZPULZZLZ HSZV YLX\LZ[ H Z[HUKHYK [LTWSH[L [V \ZL VU M\[\YL WYVQLJ[Z ;OPZ \YL WYVQLJ[Z ;OPZ NP]LZ [OLT H UH]PNH[PVU Z[HY[PUN WVPU[ [OH[ YLTHPUZ JVUZPZ[LU[ [OYV\NOV\[ [OL \ZLY V\NOV\[ [OL \ZLY PU[LYMHJL HUK NP]LZ [OL VWLYH[VY VM [OL I\PSKPUN H MHTPSPLY <0 L_WLYPLUJL [V Z[LLY LYPLUJL [V Z[LLY HUK VWLYH[L Z`Z[LTZ ]PH [OL NYHWOPJZ ;OPZ JHU IL LZWLJPHSS` OLSWM\S MVY JSPLU[Z WM\S MVY JSPLU[Z who own or operate multiple buildings, or who wish to have separate rate dashboards [V RLLW JLY[HPU Z`Z[LTZ PZVSH[LK MYVT LHJO V[OLY

TARGET PROJECTS FOR CUSTOMIZED GRAPHIC INTERFACES When it comes to identifying the type of customer who may need a custom solution for their building, the rule of thumb is the bigger the project, the more likely it will need customized graphics. When large campuses or corporations are forced to upgrade an entire building automation system, however, some issues can arise.

The most common includes security problems with old software that needs to be updated. Getting the software programmed properly to control the HVAC and lighting systems is a crucial ďŹ rst step.

Small projects such as individual ofďŹ ce spaces typically donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have these issues because they take far less time to complete. When weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about hundreds of buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the system integration

company has limited resourcesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the graphics and UI may suffer as a result. Back-end programming can become a nightmare and countless hours can be spent retracing steps to troubleshoot problems.

Working with experienced, creative professionals who have navigated the integration of visuals and system controls can help ensure that the UI and graphics will come together and work as intended. Done properly, the system integratorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; employees can spend their time doing control work and let graphic design experts do the ďŹ&#x201A;oor plan and system graphics. And working with experienced designers also ensures that the design is up-to-date and follows navigation standards.

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PLUMBING

HALT

Calling a to the bin

A

buffet

Laurentian University study recently found that Toronto’s raccoons are an average two kilograms heavier than their country cousins and that the $31 million the city spent on critter-proof organic recycling bins has mostly been in vain. Food waste may be manna from heaven for raccoons, but it is increasingly becoming a major issue for the humans who produce and then have to dispose of it.

While Toronto’s investment in green bins may have been money down the drain, there is a product that has been shown to dramatically reduce the amount of food waste in our garbage – the undersink food waste disposer.

GETTING THE FACTS ABOUT THE FICTION The food waste disposer has been around since its invention in the 1930s, but while it has become a common fixture in the kitchens of American homes, there remains a reluctance in Canada to embrace the technology. The many myths that have grown up around the use of garbage disposers could be one reason for its lack of use north of the border.

B u s i n e s s

“Historically, eastern Canada had more prohibitions against their use, which was not the case in western Canada.

So, disposers are much more common from Calgary to Vancouver. Gradually, however, there has been an unwinding of restrictions.

“Disposers are now legal in the newer parts of Toronto, for example, but the older parts still have restrictions in place due to the fears over the combined sewers,” Christiansen says.

“There was a journalist in New York a few years back who called around all the emergency rooms to check for injuries caused by garbage disposers. None had been reported — and there are 50 to 60 million disposers in America.

So all those horror films that show people having their hands mangled by the undersink waste disposer are just the figments

M e c h a n i c a l

Attitudes and regulations concerning food waste disposer use differ widely across the country, says consultant Kendall Christiansen.

“Absolutely. TV shows and movies have played with those myths, but I find when you talk to the average person about the product for 20 seconds you can shift that baseline notion of it being dangerous,” notes Christiansen.

“Spinning impellers, like dull hammers, help push the waste against the surface of the grinders and it’s this that pulverizes the food to a size of two to three millimetres, which can then easily travel through underground pipes.”

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Restrictions & regulations vary

of filmmakers’ imaginations?

“Many people think there are spinning knives in the unit that chop the food up, but the grind chamber more resembles a cheese grater,” explains Kendall Christiansen, a consultant to InSinkErator Canada on environmental issues.

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CREDIT: Klimatrol

B y Si m on Bowd e n

“It also doesn’t use a lot of electricity or water, which is another thing that comes up,” he says. “Common sense alone would tell you that because the unit is only used three or four times a day for about 30 seconds at a time, the electricity use cannot be great. And it only requires a low flow of water during the time it operates.”

Another misconception is that the units can’t handle the bigger,

EDUCATION AND THE CONVENIENCE FACTOR The number 1 reason homeowners decide to install a waste disposer is convenience.

Christiansen says, “It is by far the most convenient means of disposing of food scraps and leftovers and to eliminate kitchen waste. It eliminates odours and waste that otherwise would attract mice and roaches in the home or, if sat in a bin outside, those raccoons.

“You have to remember, food waste is up to 70 per cent water, and fruit and veg waste can be up to 90 per cent water,” he says. “Until recently it has always been handled as solid waste, put into bins and then landfills. Disposers turn that food into a substance that can be easily passed through pipes with zero chance of clogs in waste lines.”

In the past, many municipalities enacted bylaws to limit the use of undersink waste disposers, fearful of food waste in sewers that were susceptible to being overwhelmed by flood water.

Those regulations are slowly being walked back across North America as the industry spends more time and money

showing decision-makers what the units can help deliver to the people they serve.

In a recent six-city study, 40 units in a 65-unit condo building in Calgary were equipped with waste disposers and the occupants encouraged to use them. After one year, the building’s food waste had been reduced by 60 per cent.

“Of the remaining 40 per cent, half contained plastic packaging or other nonorganic waste matter,” Christiansen says.

“It was the best performing of the six-city project.”

With data like this, authorities have begun to sit up and take notice. A reduction in waste means a reduction in the amount of money cities have to spend on collecting and disposing of it.

“If we spend a little bit of time on educating folks,” says Christiansen, “we can show that disposers can deliver a significant reduction in waste.

It’s not going to reduce it by 100 per cent. No system is perfect. But it is an effective part of the waste reduction toolkit, especially in larger multi-unit developments.”

A quick install Although the systems may look complicated, the installation of waste disposers has been designed to be quick and easy. They don’t require a dedicated power source and can be run off the dishwasher circuit.

Christiansen says, “It’s pretty idiot-proof to install in new construction. In existing buildings the contractor just has to ensure the waste line is clear of obstructions from any prior use. Overall, disposers are designed to work in any kitchen setup.”

tougher items that wind up going from our fridges to the garbage.

But, Christiansen insists there is almost nothing the modern disposer can’t handle.

“It can take pretty much anything,” he says. “Small bones, potato peel, banana skins. In factory testing, the only thing that it had a tough time with was raw shark skin – and let’s face it, not many people in Canada will be putting shark skin into their unit.”

Even highly fibrous corn husks can be smashed into a pulp ball that can then be easily removed by hand.

All of which is great news for homeowners looking to cut down on the amount of waste they produce, and for plumbers looking to offer an additional kitchen appliance to their customers.

The modern units will also not cause the neighbours to complain about the noise. They’re so quiet, in fact, that Christiansen says homeowners sometimes forget to turn them off.

Obese raccoons, however, might have to learn to live without their nightly bin buffet.

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PLUMBING

Products

Large diameter pipe The System XFR thermoplastic pipe from IPEX includes 14”, 16” and 18” diameter sizes. Suitable for high buildings and plenums, the pipes have a flame spread rating of 25 and smoke developed classification of 50, and can be used in combustible and non-combustible environments.

Slot drain The Watts Dead Level Brickslot Grate is a stainless steel slot drain designed to be embedded into pavement, while effectively draining walkways and working areas. The grates are available for all 6” wide dead level systems. Units are ADA-compliant.

www. ipexna.com

www. watts.ca

Tankless rack systems Tankless Rack Systems from A.O. Smith are available for commercial use, with units being arranged as wallmounts, in-line or back-toback as free-standing racks.

In-line and wall-mounts allow for up to 20 heaters to be linked, with the back-to-back being available in up to sixunit configurations.

Bath waste Oatey’s Trueblue bath waste has a pre-installed quarter-turn test plug that is approved to test up to 40-feet of head pressure. The overflow cover locks with a clockwise turn, allowing for depth adjustability to fit many tub styles and thicknesses. Kitted in multiple configurations, it comes in chrome, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze.

www. hotwater.com

www. oatey.com

Heavy-duty pump

Two-in-one shower head Delta Faucet Canada’s HyrdoRain Two-in-One shower head is designed to fit a standard shower arm. The two heads can work individually or simultaneously to change a user’s shower experience.

It has a flow rate of 1.75 gpm at 80 psi, or 6.6L/min at 550 kPa.

The Little Giant 6EC Series pump from Franklin Electric features cast iron construction. The series is designed for sump, dewatering, water transfer and light effluent applications. The 1/3 hp model is rated at 5.0 amps, producing 53 gpm at 5 feet of head, reaching a maximum shut-off of 28 feet.

www. littlegiant.com

www. deltafaucet.ca 116 xx

M ee cc hha an ni ci ac l a Bl u Bs iun se isns e 1s 0s . 1100 . 1 8

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER. Introducing the New Treysta™ Valve by Gerber.

Engineered with the experts in mind, the Treysta™ tub and shower valve is Gerber’s most innovative valve yet. Powered by more than 85 years of Gerber performance, Treysta provides flexibility based on the specific requirements of each installation. From the intuitive service stops to the innovative test cap and plaster guard, Treysta lets you get the job done quickly and confidently.

Learn more about how you can save time and money on your next installation at gerberonline.ca

Compatible with tub and shower trim kits from:

with Roger Grochmal

Is your business ready for cannabis legislation?

I Roger Grochmal is the CEO of AtlasCare in Oakville, Ont. To submit a question about your company, business practices, or the industry in general, send an email to Mechanical Business Magazine’s editor, Adam Freill, adam.freill@ mechanicalbusiness.com.

must say that the legalization of cannabis is one of the most challenging hallenging topics I have had to address ddress in this column. It is new and nd not new. Marijuana has been around ound d forever f and d was a b big deal eal in the ’60s when I was in university. As with all things, our understanding d d off its properties and value has evolved, and public opinion has shifted as well. As of October 17, cannabis possession and use is legal in Canada. This is controversial, to be sure.

There is still a significant population that does not support use of this drug, while some people are embracing its recreational use, similar to how we consume alcohol. For many others it opens the door to more medical research and support as a pain management and mental health prescription, which was already legal – the number of registered medical marijuana patients has increased nearly tenfold in the past three years.

There is a gold rush going on out there among people looking to consolidate the industry and become rich. Governments are fighting over who is going to get the biggest share of the tax pie. Personal investment advisors are looking at cannabis stocks and discussing this with their clients. Other businesses will creep up quickly, and they will be in front of us and our employees every day. Not a lot of thought has been given to the small business owner who has to deal with this stuff. age. I encourage everyone to As with all things, knowledge is our most powerful advantage. hat we learn. ask tough questions, insist on open dialogue and to share what

Care for your people As employers, we have a duty of care for our employees. This means we have to educate ourselves, and them. We have to establish a clear policy framework in which they can operate and, if they develop substance abuse issues, we have an obligation to help them deal with it. None of this has changed.

NEVER SLIDE ON SAFETY According to a recent Conference Board of Canada report surveying Canadian employers, the overriding concerns with cannabis are the impact on safety, productivity and attendance management. Also on the list were: cost factors, testing, accommodation and disclosure, and the use of it inside and outside the workplace.

We also workk with heating ting fuelss from natural gas to propane pane and oil. Mistakes from m intoxicated employees can be deadly. Working at heights on ladders and roofs also poses serious safety risks.

For me, safety is the number 1 issue. Like many of the people reading this, we have a lot of trucks on the road, and distracted or impaired driving – in any form – is a big problem with huge consequences. Our zero tolerance policies regarding drinking alcohol while on the job will apply to cannabis, of course. But, how does the use of medical marijuana come into the conversation?

There are no clear guidelines for employers on these issues, mainly because no one knows the answers. This will be an iterative process.

Most of the employers I speak with are not clear on this, so more education is necessary.

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It took decades to build the current construct we now have around alcohol so this should come as no surprise. Many of the same issues and rules will apply. As with all things, common sense, open and honest communication and empathy for others should prevail.

CHECK YOUR C PROVIDER Medica marijuana may have an Medical on our employee health impact o plans. Insurance companies benefit pla over the map on this issue, are all ove starting to show up and but it is sta employees will be expecting employee medical marijuana to be ccosts osts for med covered. c

CHANGING VIEWS AND LEARNING MORE The first thing we have to do is educate ourselves. It will be confusing as we all think of cannabis bis as an illegal drug that gradually became accepted ted as a medical product. We need to have conversations rsations tto o understand this issue from all sides.

My big revelation came when my father told me he w was as taking cannabis oil to treat the pain he was experiencing xperiencing from a cracked vertebra in his back. He had originally riginally been prescrib prescribed opiates but he didn’t like the way he felt “out of it” most of the time – let alone the potential for addiction. Now with the cannabis oil his pain is gone and he feels normal again.

I learned that there are two principal active ingredients in cannabis. The one we are all familiar with is THC. It is used in nausea reduction, headache reduction, appetite stimulation and as a sleep aid in addition to pain relief. The problem is that it has a psychoactive effect. This is not good for someone in a safety-sensitive role.

The other active ingredient is CBD. This is used for seizure reduction, anxiety reduction, muscle relaxation as well as pain relief. It is non-psychoactive and users feel no “high” from it. Both ingredients will be found in both the medical and recreational market.

DEVELOPING WORKPLACE POLICIES Cannabis will, of course, grow in recreational use. First images of recreational use may be of smokers, but this will likely be the smallest segment of users. Cannabis will be found in oils, edible products and beverages. It will be available everywhere, in multiple forms and flavours, and marketed to death at us and our employees.

Many people will try it in the beginning, before determining for themselves if they like it or get any benefit from it. It is naïve to think it won’t find its way into the workplace.

products are more expensive These product than opiates for pain management, th but less addictive. You should be talking to your benefit plan provider about this, and insisting that the insurance company communicate clear policies so you can answer the inevitable questions you’ll hear from employees.

DID YOU

KNOW? There has been significant anecdotal evidence that there will be increased vigilance for those crossing the border into the USA as the federal government there has a zero tolerance approach and may place long term restrictions against those caught in this net. This could include possession and/or intoxication or even an admission that you have ever used the stuff. Beware!

It will be important that we have a clear policy that is well communicated to our employees.

The University of Toronto developed a “Fitness for Work” guideline in which “every employee is expected to arrive at work sober, and remain that way throughout the workday.”

While I like the simplicity of this statement, it is imperative that we all revisit our policies with respect to workplace substance abuse. There are some model policies available from folks in the HR world and I would encourage HRAI to develop one that addresses the unique aspects of our industry.

“Zero Tolerance” will be an important but difficult stance to take where substance abuse could impair judgement or the ability to perform in a safe manner. These drugs can stay in the body for several days.

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HUMIDITY CONTROL

By R a l ph Ki ttl e r

Indoor

POOLS:

A potential new niche

T

he bad news is Canada has hundreds, maybe thousands, of indoor pools that don’t operate properly. Who hasn’t experienced a hotel lobby that smells of chlorine, even though the indoor pool is remotely located? The good news is that indoor pools, everything from residential sized pools to huge community aquatic centres, present a lucrative HVAC service niche for mechanical contractors.

Typically, the aforementioned dysfunctions are blamed on the mechanical equipment, however, many times poor performing pools result from reasons beyond the mechanical equipment.

Poor indoor pool design and aftermarket maintenance can adversely affect indoor air quality, air comfort and building envelope structural integrity.

Indoor pools or “natatoriums” are unique in design, because they’re a synergy of four disciplines: building envelope, ventilation, mechanical equipment and pool water chemistry.

A breakdown in any of the four disciplines can result in poor performance.

It may take a partnership with other contracting firms to troubleshoot building envelopes, pool water chemistry and other disciplines that go beyond the HVAC and/or plumbing realm of a mechanical contracting firm, however, no other trade is betterequipped to handle ventilation and mechanical equipment, so the mechanical contractor is the perfect candidate for returning natatoriums back to comfortable, safe environments.

Quick Tip: Basic knowledge of water chemistry could help solve poor performing natatoriums when the other synergistic factors – building envelope, mechanical equipment and ventilation – appear adequate.

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Getting the VENTILATION RIGHT Air distribution is the key to occupant respiration health, air comfort and building envelope protection.

It’s critical for the dehumidifier’s conditioned air to reach the occupant breathing zone and areas where condensation could be an ongoing concern, such as windows and walls. IAQ and condensation complaints are red flags of poor ventilation, but are often unduly blamed on the dehumidifier.

Generally, ideal natatorium relative humidity (RH) levels are approximately 50 per cent. Condensation can still occur at 30 to 40-per cent RH, however, if the ventilation system is poorly designed.

To avoid window condensation, ductwork must be positioned no more than one-foot away and include registers, or nozzles/vents in the case of fabric ductwork, that broadcast air across the entire surface of the glass.

Even good air distribution can’t reverse a common natatorium architectural mistake of specifying windows with air-blocking mullions that jut out on the interior rather than the exterior, however.

Natatorium ventilation problems can also be due to improper design, such as installing an elbow within five feet of the dehumidifier’s discharge air, or not following other Sheet Metal Air Conditioning National Association (SMACNA) standards.

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HUMIDITY CONTROL

Environmental impacts on the building envelope Improper building materials or application techniques can also cause natatorium dysfunction. Ill-suited materials such as metal parts conducive to corrosion, absorbent sheet rock surfaces, uncoated metal ductwork and a host of other improper materials can be destroyed over time by a natatorium’s mix of pool chemicals and moisture.

T-bar or drop ceilings are bad natatorium building material choices, because moisture will migrate above them and corrode the roof structure.

Vapour barriers and their positioning are also critical. A vapour barrier must be located on the warm side of the dew point temperature in the wall and it must be tight. Condensation migration through the vapour barrier in subfreezing climates could produce ice on a natatorium’s exterior wall or roof, which is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately.

NATATORIUM

IAQ CHALLENGES A growing natatorium IAQ challenge is chloramines, which are byproducts of chlorine molecules that attach to water contaminants.

Chloramines, especially tri-chloramines, are heavier than air and hover just above the water surface in the swimmers’ breathing zone. As such, they’re suspected to be a possible cause of pool-generated respiratory ailments such as Lifeguard Lung. Anyone seeing a predominance of inhalators at swim meets has witnessed chloramines first-hand.

PLAYING WELL with the DEHUMIDIFIER RH levels above 60 per cent are an indication that the natatorium is not operating properly and typically points to one of two problems. Either the facility is being operated at conditions for which it wasn’t designed, or the dehumidifier isn’t operating optimally.

The system’s exhaust air can be ducted directly outdoors or channelled through the dehumidifier for efficient heat recovery before exhausting.

Most dehumidifier projects are designed to maintain a 60 per cent and 50 per cent RH on summer and winter design days, respectively. RH levels above 60 per cent are problematic for the building structure during cold climate seasons because the dew point rises. However, warm weather periods, such as 18°C (65°F) outdoors, don’t pose a condensation problem.

In cases of exhausting directly outside, there is no code-mandated energy penalty for using the device. In fact, its effectiveness is currently being considered by code officials so that an indoor pool facility employing a source capture/exhaust system can operate at lower minimum outdoor air requirement than other facilities.

Facility managers should know the mechanical system’s original design summer and winter operating parameters via original construction engineering records or owner’s manuals. Then, both those space and water temperatures, as well as the RH, can be confirmed as accurate with readouts from the building automation system (BAS) or from the dehumidifier’s onboard or remote monitor. Operating outside those parameters will result in poor performance at no fault of the equipment.

A slow degradation of space conditions can ensue from an improperly adjusted and/or underperforming system that is operating well outside its design parameters. In this regard, some manufacturers today offer dehumidifiers with web-based microprocessors, which relay operating parameters via the internet to factory engineers for monitoring.

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Recently, a source capture and exhaust plenumtype of device has been developed to draw and exhaust chloramines directly off the pool surface.

In new construction, the device can be integrated into the gutter in one side of the pool. In retrofits, the device can be stationed on the deck poolside.

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Another key ventilation check is to ensure the natatorium is under negative pressure. Positive pressure will not only push moisture and odours to other facility rooms, but also push humidity into walls and voids where mould and other biological contaminants can deteriorate the structure.

Ralph Kittler, P.Eng., is the co-founder and vice-president of sales and marketing of Seresco Technologies Inc., an Ottawabased manufacturer of natatorium dehumidifiers. He can be reached at ralphkittler@serescodehumidifiers.com.

63%

energy saving potential in today’s buildings and industrial processes

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TOOLS

By D e ni se D e v e a u

A new perspective on

I

nfrared cameras may have decades of history ry behind them, but the past five years have completely transformed the world of thermal imaging, and HVAC and plumbing contractorss stand to benefit the most from a technology that can now do so much more for a lot less cost.

“These are exciting times for thermal imaging,” en says David Morden, president and CEO of Morden eek National Sales and Marketing, which offers the Seek brand of cameras. The evolution has been nothing short off proved, and an nd cameras came ca m ra me rass remarkable over the years as optics and sensors improved, became considerably more compact.

“Infrared technology has been around for well over 50 years,” explains Greg Bork, director of sales and country manager at Flir Systems Canada. “In the early days, it was used for bigger jobs, such as checking hydroelectric connections in transmission lines. At the beginning they were 200-pound devices that cost thousands of dollars.”

Other jobs included search and rescue, policing and industrial applications, Morden adds. “While it did become tied to everyday commercial applications over time, it still came with a hefty price tag.”

Around seven years ago the industry made a breakthrough as the cost of infrared cameras pushed down from tens of thousands to under $5,000, Bork says. But that was just the beginning.

A major breakthrough, say Bork and Morden, came from technology think tanks that were looking at the marriage of cameras and smartphones.

“Smartphones are very much part of our social fabric,” Morden notes. “The question then became, how do we merge this infrared technology and put it in the hands of everyone?”

Merging the technology with the smartphone also broke a significant cost barrier, taking the price down to hundreds of dollars, rather than thousands, he says. “As of about five years ago, you or I could go to a store and buy this camera, connect it to your Android or iPhone and have thermal imaging.”

These cameras, once attached to iOS or Android phones, turn the screen into a thermal imaging display. Some of the non-phone-based compact cameras also allow for Wi-Fi connectivity to share images. And a more recent development is the embedding of the core infrared technology into test and measurement devices, such as digital multimeters or clamp meters to enable guided measurement.

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Options for everyone Today’s cameras are not only more accurate and compact, but prices have dropped dramatically from the tens of thousands of dollars range to under $1,000. There are plenty of convenient choices as well. For example, there are dedicated handheld units that can fit in your pocket.

Or perhaps a plug-in for your smartphone makes more sense for your needs. You can even find all-in-one devices such as multimeters that offer an embedded infrared camera feature.

Finding new sectors

The HVAC and plumbing markets were not the first go-to-market targets for thermal and infrared camera makers, but with a number of possible applications, it wasn’t long before attention turned to using them in the construction and maintenance sectors.

“The thinking was, thermal imaging cameras should be a tool that every tradesman and journeyman has in their toolkit,” explains Morden. “It was just a matter of rethinking a strategy and applying it to a broader range of applications.”

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The VTECH is the newest dedicated hot water system on the market today and it is designed to provide you with continuous water temperatures all while lowering energy consumption. Its storage tank is available in sizes ranging from 60 to 125 gallons, and is constructed entirely of stainless steel.

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TOOLS

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS ABOVE AND BEYOND Despite their smaller size, the functionality of compact imagers is well beyond older models of this type of equipment. The latest devices have greater sensitivity and resolution so they can pick up smaller changes in temperatures, Bork notes.

“That’s a big benefit to people in the plumbing and HVAC world where they often need to look at very minor differences.”

There are countless applications for thermal imaging that are making technicians’ jobs much faster and easier. Take refrigerant leaks for example.

The old school of thought was to conduct a pressure test on a system, Morden explains. “Then you have to determine where the leak is coming from, which typically means three to four go-to spots.

But if it’s something innocuous like a pinhole, you won’t find it the traditional way. Now you can pick up temperature differentials that will locate it for you.”

Other tasks that can be simplified include detecting insulation loss, leaks around windows and doors, failing valves, loose wire

connections, ductwork leaks, or blockages.

Morden says an imager was helpful with a blockage in the plumbing system at his own home. “The plumber was getting ready to cut the pipe but wasn’t sure where,” he recalls. “My wife mentioned the camera so I gave it a try. It worked.”

Another prime area where thermal imaging shines is in-floor radiant heating. Bork says that checking radiant floor heating was a job that had to be farmed out to a professional with a camera. “Or you simply decided to drill based on a wing and a prayer,” he says. “There is still a lot of that going on today, more than the industry would like to admit.”

Thermal imaging is also the quickest way to identify venting issues, Bork notes. “Rather than getting up on a ladder with an anemometer, for example, you can aim the camera to look up two floors and see where the flow is incorrect.”

Morden believes that the sky is the limit for contractors as they adapt to the technology.

“All these uses depend on how innovative and progressive the installer is.”

Learning THE ropes As with any technology, not all devices are created equal. When considering a thermal imaging camera, it comes down to the “engine”, Bork explains. “That’s what differentiates thermal imagers. Look at it this way. Even though two cars may be the same model, size and weight, the engine is what differentiates a Daytona driver from the everyday motorist.”

126

For those new to thermal imaging and its potential applications, there is a wide range of training resources, and visiting with manufacturers either online or at industry events can also help with understanding the differences between varying models of camera.

how the imagers can help on their jobsites.

And while younger workers may find the units intuitive for them, thermal imaging is fast becoming a part of a modern technician’s toolkit, so workers of all ages would be well served to investigate

“There is now affordable, thermal imaging technology that can help you identify and verify problems faster,” says Bork, adding that it will allow contractors to do their job more cost effectively.

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STUFF YOU NEED Gas leak detector Designed for the HVAC/R professional, the Klein ET-120 Combustible Gas Leak Detector is a 15 oz tester that provides audible and visual alarms in the presence of methane, propane and other combustible gases at concentrations as low as 50 ppm. It has two levels of detection, automatic zero-point calibration at power-up and an 18” flexible clip-on gooseneck.

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Corded brushless grinder Dewalt’s corded brushless grinder line includes the 5” Slide Switch Small Angle Grinder, which incorporates the company’s E-Clutch System and a kickback brake.

These shut off the tool when a stall is detected. At 5.3 lbs. and 13.4” long, it can achieve 1,800 max watts out, has removable mesh screens to block debris and accidental turn-on protection.

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Extended 10” pipe wrench Milwaukee Tool’s 10L Pipe Wrench with Powerlength Handle is a 10” pipe wrench with an extended 17” comfort-fit handle designed to provide the additional reach and leverage needed in low clearances. An Overbite Jaw with additional teeth provides a large grip surface while a dual coil spring design ensures longer tool life.

Powerline adapter er The HomePlug AV200 powwerline adapter from Hoskin is designed to provide a con-nection between a home nettwork and an EG4100 Seriess meter. The adapter is built to simply plug-in without anyy al additional wiring or electrical work. Once connected to a power socket, the adapter will establish a connection with the network.

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Van step The Ranger Design Max Step facilitates access to a van’s cargo space and roof rack. It has anti-slip tread plates, reflective tape for visibility, an anti-corrosive finish and a 300 lb. weight capacity. It is currently available for Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster vans.

Press fitting system The Viega MegaPress XL is a press fitting system for 2-1/2” to 4” diameter carbon steel pipe. Suitable for use with Schedule 10 0 to 40 carbon steel pipe, on average it makess secure connections in 25 seconds without the need for welding. It features an FKM sealing element that allows it to be installed in temperatues up to 284°F.

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QUATTRO’S CORNER

By A ndr e w Qu a t t r o c i o c c h i

Andrew Quattrociocchi, C.B.C.O., is the deputy chief building official for the Township of Oro-Medonte, and a director with the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association. If you have any questions or a funny photo you would like to possibly see in an upcoming edition of Quattro’s Corner, feel free to send an email to Andrew at quattroscorner@hotmail.com.

Ouch, that’s hot!

I

f it feels too hot, it probably is!

A little while back I was checking out a plumbing installation and came across this (potentially) blistering situation. It looks like the master thermostatic mixing valve missed quality control, or that someone may have been tampering with it.

Many moons ago, the Ontario Building Code made amendments to limit the temperature delivered to fixtures in a house. The National Plumbing Code of Canada has a different outline on the subject, covering fewer delivery points, but excessive temperatures do present a risk for scalding, and some applications, even outside of Ontario, may have additional regulations dictating water temperature control.

Thankfully, you can purchase a relatively cheap temperature measuring device and keep it in your truck or car for hot moments like these. As with any mechanical project, get to know the codes and regulations in play for the project, location and application that you are working on. It will help keep you out of hot water.

The picture in Ontario Sections 7.6.5.1 and 7.6.5.2 of the Ontario Plumbing Code address water delivery temperatures. With an exception for hot water supplied to installed dishwashers and clothes washers, the code mandates that the maximum temperature of hot water supplied by fittings to fixtures in a residential occupancy is to not exceed 49°C. To achieve this, pressure-balanced or thermostatic-mixing valves can be used, provided that they are designed so that the outlet temperature does not exceed 49°C. The other option provided is to equip fittings with high-limit stops.

These would have to be adjusted so that the maximum hot water setting is no more than 49°C.

Some buildings, like group homes, may have additional requirements.

Within the regulations and codes addressing “care occupancies,” a number of applications have requirements for temperature gauges and control devices that are accessible only to supervisory staff, and are capable of being adjusted to ensure that the temperature of the water supplied to tubs, showers and basins does not exceed 49°C. M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

Looking at section 2.2.10.7. of the National Plumbing Code of Canada, we see that familiar maximum temperature of 49°C, but not for basins. Here is a summary of the pertinent sections with notes about valve and other considerations.

Except for shower heads that have a single tempered water supply that is controlled by an automatic compensating valve conforming to CSA B125.3, valves supplying fixed-location showerheads need to be individual pressurebalanced or thermostatic-mixing valves that conform to ASME A112.18.1 or CSA B125.1.

Mixing valves that supply showerheads need to be pressure-balanced, thermostatic, or a combination pressure-balanced/thermostatic type that are capable of maintaining a water outlet temperature at or below 49°C, and that can limit thermal shock.

Other requirements

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Differences in the NPC

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Furthermore, water supplied to a bathtub must not exceed 49°C.

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Dual flush toilet American Standard Canada’s H2Option ADA Dual Flush toilet features a “barrier free” trip lever and top-based actuator, which allow the toilet to meet ADA requirements while still providing an environmentally friendly, dual-flush experience. The UHET toilet has a 16-1/2” rim height, offers a 600g MaP flush score and 4.8 or 3.5 Lpf flush options.

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Variable speed drain cleaner The DRZ-PH power drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners is designed to unclog drains in 1-1/4” to 3” lines. Weighing 30 lb., it has a 16 fpm variable speed power cable feed and a four-foot guide tube to protect hands. The aluminum drum will carry up to 50’ of 1/4” or 5/16”, or 35’ of 3/8” Flexicore wire rope centre cable.

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Ready to install coupling Anvil International’s Gruvlok Figure 74 SlideLOK coupling is a rigid, ready-toinstall coupling designed for use with roll groove or cut grooved steel pipe, grooved light wall pipe and Anvil’s Gruvlok groovedend fittings and valves. A pressure-responsive EDPM gasket provides four separate sealing surfaces. It has a 250°F temperature rating and a maximum working pressure of 750 psi.

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Lead-free residential hydrant Prier’s P-154 is a lead-free residential hydrant with a hose-threaded vacuum breaker. Locating the vacuum breaker on the underside protects the integrity of the valve’s anti-siphon ability from potential damage caused by post-installation masonry work. The hydrants are constructed from lead-free materials.

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Tankless water heater Smooth jaw pliers Milwaukee Tool’s Smooth Jaw Pliers come in 10” and 12” sizes.

Designed with service and finish plumbers in mind, these dippedgrip pliers feature smooth jaws to protect surfaces during use, such as chrome fixtures. The forged pliers feature a reaming head.

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Rinnai’s Sensei Tankless Water Heaters offer a total of 14 vent configurations, a 65’ vent run with 2” PVC and gas conversion.

The combustion system is designed to selfcompensate in areas with low or fluctuating gas pressures. Maximum hot water flow rates range from 7 to 11 gpm with gas consumption ranging from 130,000 to 199,000 BTUH.

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PLUMBING

By Rainier Br at s c h- Blun de ll

Rainier Bratsch-Blundell, CPSI, is a past-president of the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association, a certified plumbing systems inspector and a plumbing professor at George Brown College. He can be contacted at rainierblundell@gmail.com.

Sanitary systems in commercial kitchens Whether it’s designed for a small deli, food court kiosk, sitdown restaurant, or even a hotel or casino, a commercial kitchen is a specially designed maze of directly connected and indirectly connected fixtures and plumbing appliances, including grease interceptors, hand-wash sinks, dishwashers, and more. All of these have code that dictates some very specific requirements for each, so check your local code book or check in with a local inspector to ensure that your project doesn’t fail inspection.

HANDLING WHAT’S GOING DOWN THE DRAIN

KEEPING CLEAN A separate lavatory for the hand washing of employees needs to be placed in a location that is convenient for food preparation employees. This could be a wall-hung basin, a wall-hung sink or a connected bar sink with a sanitary barrier, for example, but check with your local code authority or inspector for what is considered acceptable.

Where utensils will be cleaned and sanitized, the kitchen usually requires mechanical cleaning equipment, or corrosion-resistant drainage racks and either a three-compartment sink (or three sinks) or a twocompartment sink (or two sinks) where the first compartment or sink is used for washing and rinsing and the second for sanitizing.

DRAINAGE CONNECTIONS mmercial kitchen are directly connected While many of the fixtures in a commercial to a sanitary drainage system, theree are some that need to be indirectly or the display, storage, preparation or connected. These include devices for processing of food or drink.

When a fixture or device is indirectly connected, the fixture’s drain should terminate above the flood level rim of a directly eak. Code will dictate connected fixture to form an air break. al distance between the size of this unobstructed vertical nnected waste pipe and the flood the lowest point of an indirectly connected discharges. For example example, the level rim of the fixture into which itt discharges Ontario Building Code sets this at 25 mm.

DID YOU KNOW? 134

A grease interceptor is designed to slow the flow of waste water permitting fats, cooking oils and grease (FOG) to rise to the top. If the unit is performing correctly, any FOG with a specific gravity of less than one should float and be caught inside the unit, while waste water is allowed to flow down through the drainage system.

Interceptors need to be cleaned out on a regular basis. As such, access must be a consideration with regard to how and where to place the units. They also need to be located as close as possible to the fixture, or fixtures, that they serve.

Code, and the equipment manufacturer, will dictate a that will help the interceptor the allowable flowrates separate and trap the FOG, as well as the permissible venting sizes and options.

Water temperature and content is also a concern, since discharging the hot water and degreasing chemicals from a commercial dishwasher can reduce the effectiveness of the grease interceptor. As such, many municipalities only permit commercial dishwashers to be connected downstream of a grease interceptor.

To sanitize utensils, they need to be immersed in clean water at a temperature of at least 77°C for a minimum of 45 seconds.

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Jonathan Holloway is the strategic marketing director with Danfoss. He can be reached at jonathan.holloway@danfoss.com.

Winning

WITH THE INTERNET OF THINGS

NEW TECHNOLOGY

ECOSYSTEMS In the Joint Futures Committee of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), which looks to identify and address common opportunities and threats three to seven years in the future, one of the recently prioritized topics centred on autonomous vehicles (AV).

This was a look at how business models may change as connected HVAC systems self-diagnose and order replacement parts from connected distributors, and technicians can arrive with system diagnostics in hand, ready to install a new component delivered autonomously.

This may sound far-fetched, but some AV projections indicate that my five-year-old son may never manually drive a car.

The point is that IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), 3D printing, blockchain, AV and other technologies will likely complement each other in how our industry delivers value to customers.

We can see technology changing, but which technologies – or even what specific platforms will win – is to be seen.

Of course, what matters more than the technology winners is how you respond. The contracting and facility management winners in 10 years will be those who experiment with technology and who are willing learn and adapt to new ways of working.

It’s more important to have a culture of agility than a crystal ball.

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B u s i n e s s

M

uch has been written lately about the Internet of Things (IoT), including in past issues of this magazine, so most of us will have heard of this modern, connected world, but let’s explore what IoT means for your business.

How is the IoT advancing?

Despite a plethora of articles, a recent McKinsey Quarterly article says progress has not been as fast as expected, but there is still a lot of potential.

Personally, I had high hopes a few years ago, but acknowledge that much of my interest was in yet-to-be understood value that could theoretically be created.

Yes, we know predictive maintenance can help prevent costly emergencies. Yes, we know controlling HVAC systems to only run when occupants are present saves energy. But the full potential remains unknown.

Technology continues to advance and, to remain successful in the coming years, it’s important to consider how to manage through these volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous times.

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CONNECTED WITH REASON My company, like a number of others, offers “Smart” solution packages in a number of specific industries.

One that comes to mind is an application that we have for supermarkets. Targeting a global base of businessend customers, the tech story could not be a success if it didn’t offer more than a collection of controls. What earns success, and will create success for future technologies, is not the technology itself, but rather, what the technology can do.

QUESTIONS FOR THE IOT ERA Battle lines are being drawn for who will capture the home automation opportunity. Internet service providers, home alarm systems, and HVAC component and system manufacturers are all trying to claim this territory so they can secure monthly data and service fees.

At the same time, some homeowners are opting for DIY installations of smart thermostats. So, it’s important that those of us in the HVAC industry find meaningful ways to stay relevant to our customers in a smart, connected world. The following four areas can help you navigate the business impact of technology.

First, start by trying new solutions to stay on top of technological changes.

There is a cost to every change, so it’s not always practical to adopt every new emerging technology. Rather, experiment selectively to ensure you understand the capabilities and potential value of new solutions in your organization.

Second, earn customer loyalty through expertise and professionalism throughout the full customer journey.

Many customers go to their smartphone to seek online or peer recommendations first when choosing an HVAC contractor. Accordingly, the experience your customer has with you from first contact to last has a lasting impact on your business. How are you investing to provide a better online and offline customer experience, whether through traditional professional development or new technology?

Next, consider new business models. Perhaps new entrants to the home energy space that you may now be competing with could become your future subcontracting partners.

Utilities are focused on cost-effectively scaling energy efficiency, demand response and energy storage programs. Building performance data is also becoming more transparent, through new connected platforms and government programs. How could partnerships or new technology help you provide different – and differentiating – services or customer access points than you currently engage in?

Finally, and most importantly, think customer problems first.

What problems do they have that you can solve? Is the Internet of Things part of the solution? If so, great! If not, solve the problems anyway!

Technology can be an enabler of your success, but it shouldn’t replace the core purpose of providing solutions or solving customer problems as your business’ top priority. How well do you understand your customers’ changing needs, and what conversations could help you ensure you stay valuable to them?

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Looking at our supermarket example, it’s a connected solution that starts with sensors collecting data on temperatures, pressures, defrost cycles, system run-time, energy consumption, lighting, and more. This data is communicated to local controllers in cold rooms, display cases, refrigeration compressor racks, HVAC equipment and a store management system.

The data is used locally to manage operation of refrigeration, HVAC and lighting systems, and communicated to the cloud to show performance and utility use of the equipment at a store, supermarket or an estate view.

What benefits does this bring?

By communicating this data, store managers can observe equipment, supermarket, or regional energy efficiency and receive alarms if performance drifts out of desired setpoints. This data also enables automatic HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) reporting to ensure food safety and saves time manually checking gauges.

Managers can also run energy benchmarking to identify improvement opportunities, or even work with utilities to take advantage of demand response programs, managing energy strategically to relieve grid stress and save money.

Ultimately this application enables better food safety by reducing risk of waste or sale of spoiled products, reduces energy costs by optimizing system performance and increases peace of mind for the end user by providing full visibility and control. It’s not about the technology. It’s what it means to that end user.

NAVIGATING DISRUPTION Any change in the market can be disruptive, and the number of intersecting technologies today is complex and impossible to forecast precisely. To capture these new opportunities and defend against emerging risks, you must consider your own digital transformation, including developing an agile organization that can capitalize on trends such as the Internet of Things.

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ON HVAC

By Mark Rippon

Mark Rippon is the technical advisor with HRAI. He can be reached at mrippon@hrai.ca.

Quoting a job, or building a relationship Sometimes the preparation and delivery of a quote to a prospective customer is for a one-time service transaction; other times it is the basis for building a customer relationship. Each of these situations has its own nuances and strategies.

Building a relationship If you are willing to invest some time and effort, and actually listen to your

present options for consideration.

prospective customer, you will often find someone who feels very much out

Perhaps the client needs a replacement

of their element and who might appreciate your experience and guidance

furnace, but also suffers from allergies and has

for what is often a major purchase.

a desire to maximize energy efficiency. A basic single stage furnace with a 1” disposable

For many, it will be the first time they have given any thought to their HVAC

filter could address the need, but you are in

system. This is a huge opportunity for you to become a trusted advisor by

a position to offer options that could more

cutting through the clutter and

effectively satisfy their wants, for

explaining their options.

example, upgrading to a multi-stage furnace with ECM motor with or without a high-end filter and UV light.

How does one go about this?

First, you need to establish what a customer wants. Don’t

You are likely already doing much of

worry about what they “need”

this to some degree, but are you taking

just yet. We know they “need”

the time to really listen to the customer

a solution to their problem,

to make sure the options you offer are

but if you were to press them

applicable to their specific situation?

a little bit you will invariably hear that they “want” to be

Remember, you do this every day, and

comfortable.

your customer likely knows very little about the world of HVAC, so be patient and be prepared for questions.

Once you have established the needs and wants, you can

If you can present the relative benefits of good, better, best solutions, you

140

One and done

will be providing your customers with the

If you are satisfied with one-time transactions, then you will need only provide the briefest of quotes. Of course, if that is the case, you will usually be competing strictly on price and/or how quickly you can get the job done.

If you choose to compete on price alone, the next time your “customer” calls you will once again have to provide the lowest price or lose the job to a competitor.

This can be over as little as $50.

Remember, you are only as good as the price you offer in this scenario, and all your years of training and experience often get overlooked by this type of customer.

can be happy with.

M e c h a n i c a l

necessary information to make decisions they

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If you are willing to spend just a little more time to listen and understand the customer, you can build a relationship that will benefit both of you in the long run.

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SPOTLIGHTS WAX-FREE TOILET SEAL BOW’S universal wax-free toilet seal

by Master Seal® provides a waterand air-tight connection ction between the water closet and the sanitary drainage system. Made of durable, non-corrosive thermoplastic rubber, this innovative membrane centres itself and the toilet to the sanitary drain. Its extended discharge neck works with any floor flange height. BOW’s Master Seal® No Leak Membrane is designed for a wax-free, clean and speedy installation.

READY-TO-INSTALL SLIDELOK® COUPLING Anvil International’s Gruvlok® uvlok® Figure 74 SlideLOK® coupling is the most rigid ready-to-install coupling on the market. Featuring a slide action to ease assembly and reduce installation time, the coupling has been designed to be used with roll groove or cut grooved steel pipe, grooved light wall pipe, grooved-end fittings and valves.

SlideLOK comes with a patented pressure-responsive EDPM gasket that provides four separate sealing surfaces for added protection.

bow-group.com

anvilintl.com

TODAY’S ANSWER TO A BETTER TOMORROW

WIRELESS PROBES FROM FIELDPIECE INSTRUMENTS

The RS series of refrigerants is the most complete and easy-to-use line of drop-in replacement refrigerants on the market today. From RS-50 (R-442A), the ideal replacement for R404A, to RS-70 (R-453A), the lower GWP drop-in for R-22, we have solutions for today and tomorrow.

Visit our website for more information and a wholesaler near you.

Fieldpiece Instruments’ Job ob Link® System wireless probes are compatible with the Fieldpiece Job Link mobile app, which can send data up to 350’ away to your mobile device. The pipe clamps use the new w Rapid Rail™ sensor design, stabilizing in 3 seconds to 1 F accuracy. The psychrometers’ probes and configurable magnet quickly measure supply plenums, ducts and registers.

Refrigerant Services Inc.

rscool.com

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Manufacturer of Specialty Chemicals

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!

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More Control.

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ComfortBridge communicating technology.

More Benefits.

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Taking the communicating circuit board off-the-wall and putting it securely inside the HVAC system means that the ComfortBridge technology is designed to work seamlessly

with numerous single-stage thermostats. Imagine using the same single-stage thermostat for all your HVAC installations. When properly installed, ComfortBridge technology receives a simple

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signal from the thermostat and intelligently distributes operational messages between the indoor and outdoor components of a central

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heating and cooling system.

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ComfortBridge technology is engineered exclusively for high-efficiency Goodman® and Amana® brand heating and cooling systems.

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Our continuing commitment to quality products may mean a change in specifications without notice. © 2018 Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. Houston, Texas · USA www.comfortbridge.com

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Come visit our newest location in Barrie!

www.bibby-ste-croix.com

Goodman Canada 55 Reid Dr. Unit #1, Barrie, ON L4N 0M4 705-242-6643 Branch Manager: Mike Radovanovic For a full listing of branch locations, please visit partner.goodmanmfg.com

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CALENDAR

OF

SEE YOU AT CIPHEX WEST

MB Booth#237

EVENTS

2018 CIPHEX West November 7-8, 2018 Calgary, Alta. www.ciphexwest.ca

KBIS February 19-21, 2019 Las Vegas, Nev. www.kbis.com

HRAI Annual Conference August 25-27, 2019 Niagara Fall, Ont. www.hrai.ca

Canadian Hydronics Conference November 7-8, 2018 Calgary, Alta. www.ciph.com

NAHB Int’l Builders’ Show February 19-21, 2019 Las Vegas, Nev. www.buildersshow.com

ASPE Technical Symposium October 24-27, 2019 Pittsburgh, Penn. www.aspe.org

Solar Ontario November 14, 2018 Mississauga, Ont. www.cansia.ca

ISH Frankfurt March 12-16, 2019 Frankfurt, Germany www.messefrankfurt.com

Canadian Hydronics Conference November 4-5, 2019 Ottawa, Ont. www.ciph.com

GreenBuild November 14-16, 2018 Chicago, Ill. www.greenbuildexpo.com

MCEE April 24-25, 2019 Montreal, Que. www.mcee.ca

The Buildings Show November 28-30, 2018 Toronto, Ont. www.thebuildingsshow.com

Solar Canada May 8-9, 2019 Calgary, Alta. www.cansia.ca

HARDI Annual Conference December 1-4, 2018 Austin, Tex. www.hardinet.org

CIPH ABC June 16-18, 2019 Charlottetown, PEI www.ciph.com

2019

ICR 2019 August 24-30, 2019 Montreal, Que. www.icr2019.org

AHR Expo January 14-16, 2019 Atlanta, Ga. www.ahrexpo.com

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GOT AN EVENT? SPREAD THE WORD! If your organization has a conference, trade show or other event coming up, send details to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com See it all online at www.mechanicalbusiness.com

BTN

Compiled by Mechanical Business

BY THE NUMBERS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT With busy lives, both at work and on the home front, t, it seems that our multitasking habits are hitting us right ht where we eat.

60% Percentage of Canadians who admit to regularly doing another activity while eating.

GO TO WORK ON AN EGG

53% More than half of those who admit to distracted ed eating are using their phones or laptops during their meals.

Whether you like them boiled, fried or poached, or simply knock them back raw like Marilyn Monroe, eggs are a perennial breakfast favourite.

91 The number of minutes the average Canadian spends eating each day.

34% Percentage of Canadians with children under the age of 15 who never share a meal with their kids.

30% The percentage who regularly eat every meal of the day alone.

32.92 MILLION The number of laying hens in Canada.

24 The average number of eggs produced by a laying bird in a month.

1,308,000 Number of broken, cracked or otherwise unfit Canadian eggs rejected in a month.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME Cashing in on years of soaring home values appears to be the last thing on the minds of Canadians of retirement age. For those aged 65 and over, home really does seem to be where the heart h t is. i

5g Amount of fat contained in one egg.

93% Canadian homeowners aged 65 and over who feel it’s important for them to stay in their current home.

T.O. TOP OF THE STOPS According to a recent study of one-way moving truck rentals, Toronto retained its position as Canada’s most popular destination city for those moving cross-country – great news for those offering services to new homeowners and renters in the country’s largest city. Top 5 are:

55% Homeowners aged 25-34 who believe it’s important for them to stay in their home when retired.

69% Seniors who say retaining their independence is the key driver of wanting to remain in their own home.

24% Homeowners aged 75+ who report being approached by a realtor about selling.

WHOLESALE RISES Canada’s Wholesale Services Price Index (WSPI) has climbed 21% since 2008. The price of the wholesale service is defined as a margin, which is the difference between the selling price and the purchase price of products sold by wholesalers. Among the subsectors to post percentage gains were:

1. Toronto 2. Calgary 3. Edmonton 4. Ottawa 5. London, Ont.

7.7 MILLION

56% 43% 18% 14%

Petroleum Products Food, Beverage and Tobacco Motor Vehicles and Parts Building Service and Supplies

The number of Canadians who work in noisy workplaces. Of these, 6.1 million were classed as being vulnerable to noise.

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Introducing the new standard in Waste & Overflows.

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Our original bath Waste & OverďŹ&#x201A;ow system set the category standard.

Our redesigned system raises the bar once again and sets a new standard in Bath Drain technology!

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Two Wires? No Problem.

Upgrading to a WiFi Thermostat just got easier 564

WiFi Thermostat 564 The new Invita™ WiFi Thermostat uses the two existing wires to connect to the mechanical room, eliminating: • Pulling new wires • Patching and repainting walls • Batteries • Unreliable power stealing • Unreliable wireless signals

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Offer customers a sleek, customizable upgrade in less time with reduced effort

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