Mechanical Business November/December 2015 by Mechanical Business

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CONTENTS O F

ADDING

safety ON THE HOME FRONT

Astounding Life Paul Myers An in the Trades

72FIRE SPRINKLERS An in-depth look at the beneﬁts of installing ﬁre sprinkler systems in the residential market. Eric Skare

THE IMPORTANCE OF FURNACE

commissioning

40INDUSTRY HERO Paul Myers, the owner of Keith Plumbing & Heating, donated $25 million to Lions Gate Hospital earlier this year. We uncover how he got his start in the mechanical trades and share some of the keys to his success. Greg Dalgetty

22HVAC Commissioning a furnace ensures that a system runs smoothly and quietly, and requires less maintenance over its life cycle. Ryan Coleman and Dave Hoare e

Sheraton Centre Toronto goes VRF 50CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER We talk to the coach of Canada’s men’s basketball team about how his background in business administration has informed his approach to coaching. Greg Dalgetty

34PROJECT PROFILE An inside look at how Toronto’s Sheraton Centre replaced its two-pipe fan coil system with a VRF system as part of a $90 million renovation project. JS Rancourt

On the cover: Jay Triano was the ﬁrst Canadian-born head coach and assistant coach in the NBA, both with the Toronto Raptors. He’s now an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers and head coach of the Canadian men’s basketball team. Cover Photo: FIBA

M e c h a n i c a l

T A B L E F E A T U R E S 26PLUMBING

M B

O F

S P E C I A L I S T S

ASK ROGER Is It Time to Change? Know the Signs. Roger Grochmal Change is constant, no matter the industry. And adapting to change can be a truly liberating experience.

HYDRONIC REPORT Buffering for Efﬁciency Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr Adding a buffer tank to a system allows you to include a thermal ﬂywheel, or hydronic battery, so to speak.

PLUMBING A Brief History of Cross Connections Fred Bretzke Cross connections have been a health hazard since the days of yore, but nowadays there are more ways than ever to ensure potable water is free of contaminants.

HYDRONICS How to Save a Boiler’s Life Dan Holohan There’s nothing worse than having a boiler explode…and take half of the house with it. Here’s how you can prolong a boiler’s life—and save your house in the process.

REFRIGERATION Commissioning Semi-Hermetic Screw Compressors in Field-Piped Systems Phil J. Boudreau To have a successful, long-term outcome in a project, it’s generally a good idea to focus on the early stages of planning and commissioning.

HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC Fresh Air Venting Gord Cooke The placement of fresh-air intakes isn’t as simple as it used to be, both in residential and commercial applications.

MARKETING 10 Ways to Build Your Email List Doug MacMillan Email marketing won’t get you anywhere if you don’t have anyone to email.

MCAC 2015

58FIND THE FIX Continuing the Design

64REFRIGERATION Another Era Gone By... Kevin Gill

70HVAC Maintaining an Infrared Heater Aleks Sauchuk

78ROAD WARRIOR: BOB JAMES Greg Dalgetty

82HVAC/R Using Fluorescent Dyes for Leak Detection Kristen Burke

P R O D U C T S 38, 80, 90HVAC/R 60, 88, 89Hydronics 76, 92, 93Plumbing 94Stuff you need

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CONTENTS

Everything about the Kitchen Sink Andrew Clark

46EVENT IN PICTURES

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D E P A R T M E N T S 6From the Editor’s Desk 8News 18Proﬁle: Lance MacNevin 96The Info Page 97Calendar 98By the Numbers M e c h a n i c a l

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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 Nov/Dec 2015 Issue Published 6 times per year. Editor: Adam Freill, ext. 224 adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com Associate Editor/Web Editor: Greg Dalgetty, ext. 225 greg.dalgetty@mechanicalbusiness.com National Accounts Manager: Jeff Superle, ext. 221 jeff.superle@mechanicalbusiness.com Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@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)

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Looking towards 2016 As the end of yet another year comes into sight, I can’t help but bring up just a little of what we know, or suspect, will be hitting the mechanical trades as next year unfolds. On the plumbing side, new regulations affecting the most common types of water heaters sold in this country come into effect in April – at least in areas where these efﬁciency regulations have not already been put into force. As a result of the changes to minimum Energy Factors (EF), watch for many of these heaters to get larger, and be sure to have a look at the installation instructions that are shipped with the tanks. The installation practices may be slightly different than what has been done in the past. Over in the refrigeration and air conditioning trades, well, where do we begin? I encourage you to check out Kevin Gill’s article on page 64 about the changes to refrigerant options that have occurred in the U.S. This being a North American market, it’s safe to say that we’ll likely see a Canadian twist that will have a similar effect in the marketplace as the Department of Energy’s announcement stateside.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays We are fortunate, here at Mechanical Business, to have such fantastic readers, advertisers and supporters. So as 2016 approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support, and to wish you and yours a safe and Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

On the economic front, through the first nine months of the year, building permits for residential dwellings were coasting along at almost 1,000 more units than the first nine months of 2014. And despite some softening in the ICI sector, the total value of permits over that period was up by some $324 million. That’s not exactly setting new records, but it’s a better picture than what some media outlets have been suggesting in their news and and business sections. Wh we all tend to ffocus on negative headlines, it can help to While remind ourselves tthat ups and downs are natural in economics, and success com m from finding the bright spots of activity comes ev when sl low even slowdowns occur.

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).

Of course it is always better if we have some foresight telling Of chang are coming, so I encourage you to keep in us when changes you local wholesalers and industry associations. touch with your And I tha thank you for reading our magazine as we strive to keep you in the know about upcoming changes in m the market.

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.

U Until next time,

Ad F ill Adam Freill

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News www.mechanicalbusiness.com

RMC Welcomes New Chair Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) welcomed incoming chair Marie Li-Ying of Honeywell Flourine Products at its AGM, held on November 12 in Mississauga, Ont. The meeting marked the 15th anniversary of RMC and featured a presentation by Environment Canada’s Martin Sirois, who discussed government plans to take action on phasing down the use of HFCs. Pictured above, Li-Ying recognizes outgoing chair Rob Flipse for his contributions to RMC.

CIPH Ontario Celebrates 50th Past presidents of CIPH Ontario gathered for a group photo with current president Brent Cornelissen at a business meeting on November 3 to commemorate the association’s 50th anniversary. The meeting, held at the Mississauga Convention Centre, featured an appearance by Douglas Porter, chief economist and managing director with BMO Financial Group, who discussed the current state of the Canadian economy and the results of the recent federal election.

refrigerantmanagement.ca

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Boone Named a Top Employer

AEE Recognizes Canadian Projects

Boone Plumbing & Heating Supply was recently named one of Canada’s Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada. The Ottawa-area plumbing and heating wholesale distributor has been in business since 1937 and was recognized for its annual town hall meetings, proﬁt sharing and quarterly performance reviews. “The key is all about enhancing communication, respect, transparency, and keeping everyone in the loop and aligned to a common goal,” said Claude Des Rosiers, Boone’s vice-president and general manager.

Canadian retrofit projects brought home two Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) awards at the World Energy Engineering Congress, held in Orlando, Fla., in September. The Montreal Biodome, which features an open-loop geothermal heating and cooling system, received the International Project of the Year award. The Samares School Board received the Institutional Energy Management Award for retrofitting its schools with geothermal heat pumps and heat recovery systems. Both projects were completed by Montreal-based design-build firm Ecosystem. aeecenter.org ecosystem.ca

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Follow Us on Twitter! It’s MB’s Twitter Roundup Caught the Twitter bug? We’ve got you covered with tweets about everything that matters to the mechanical trades in Canada. Follow us @mechbusiness.

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HRAI GTA Chapter Tours Enbridge Plant

Jon Leeson of Desco welcomes guests.

The various regions and subsidiaries of wholesale distributor Deschenes Group gathered employees, customers, suppliers and friends at coordinated events across the country on October 7 to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary. In addition to live entertainment, dinner and prizes, the event featured a special presentation that linked all of the events being held via video link. groupedeschenes.com

CIPH IPVF Council Tours Toyota Plant Members of CIPH’s Industrial Pipe, Valves & Fittings (IPVF) Council were treated to a tour of the Toyota plant in Cambridge, Ont., in October. The plant is one of Toyota’s largest facilities in the world, capable of building 500,000 vehicles per year. It currently produces the Toyota Corolla, Lexus RX350 and RX450h.

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Heating up the Fall Wholesaler Noble held its annual Fall Heating Show in Vaughan, Ont., in early October. The event featured more than 45 vendor exhibits, training seminars and a massive amount of door prizes, attracting 850 contractors in the Greater Toronto Area. Here, Max Manavipour of Kiana Air receives one of the Weather King furnaces that were up for grabs from Noble’s Tom Breen (right). noble.ca

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Celebrating 75 Years

Oakville Stamping & Bending Limited (OS&B) celebrated its 40th year in business in September. Founded in 1975 and located in Oakville, Ont., the company manufactures and distributes traps, lavatory drains, tubular brass ﬁttings and other plumbing products. Pictured above: OS&B staff with company president Brent Cornelissen.

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Members of the HRAI GTA Chapter were treated to a tour of Enbridge Gas Distribution’s Operations and Training Centre in October. The 100,000-square-foot facility employs over 2,000 people and has 25,000 square feet dedicated to training ﬁeld technicians. Pictured above is Enbridge’s simulated streetscape, where trainees learn how to identify and correct gas leaks.

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Ontario Plans to Strengthen College of Trades Ontario has announced plans to introduce legislation that will strengthen the province’s College of Trades, based on recommendations by former secretary of cabinet Tony Dean. The legislation, to be introduced in the spring, is aimed at bringing consistency to the various trade boards’ scopes of practice, reviewing trade classiﬁcations, establishing criteria on the determination of journeyperson-toapprentice ratios, and developing an enforcement and compliance committee. collegeoftrades.ca ontario.ca

RSES Hits Humber The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (Canada) held its 2015 seminar and annual meeting at Humber College in Toronto in early November. The event featured a full slate of sessions led by industry experts, including a discussion by Emerson’s Andre Patenaude about CO2 systems, and, shown here addressing an audience of 40 technicians, Bitzer Canada’s Phil Boudreau, who discussed compressors and their various systems and parts.

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Upgrade a plain drain in minutes. ASHRAE to Offer Four Courses at AHR Expo Design build will be the focal point of four free learning sessions offered by ASHRAE at the AHR Expo in Orlando, Fla., from January 25 to 27. The sessions will coincide with the ASHRAE 2016 Winter Conference, which takes place next door to the AHR Expo from January 23 to 27. Registration for the ASHRAE Winter Conference includes free access to the AHR Expo. A detailed schedule of the free design build seminars can be found on ASHRAE’s website. ashrae.org

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APP ALERT NEBB Appoints Canadian President

Pump Selection App Taco’s Pump Selection app allows users to view the performance characteristics of pumps for hydronic heating and cooling applications. It now includes ﬂow and head data on Taco’s new SCI and SFI self-sensing end suction pumps. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

A Canadian has been appointed president of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) for 2015-2016. Jean-Paul Leblanc, owner of Hydrauliques R&O Services Inc. in Montreal, was named the incoming president at a NEBB board of directors meeting held in Jackson Hole, Wyo., in October. Leblanc received NEBB certiﬁcation in air and hydronics in 1988 and has been active in the NEBB Canada chapter ever since, serving as chapter president twice. He has been a member of the NEBB board of directors for the past 11 years.

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Refrigerant Charge Calculator The HVAC Check & Charge app, available from Emerson Climate Technologies, calculates refrigerant charge for air conditioning systems that use R-22 or R-410A. Users select subcooling, superheat or airﬂow and then enter the system temperature along with latent and sensible environmental loads to determine the proper system charge.

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Movers & Shakers www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Dobbin Sales Adds Plumbing Line Dobbin Sales has been named the master distributor of Eemax products in Canada. Dobbin will sell Eemax’s line of commercial plumbing products, ranging from 2.4 kW hand washing units to 150 kW commercial drench shower units. dobbinsales.com eemax.com

Master Group p Acq q quires the Hydronics Gro oup

Taco Acquires Pump Manufacturer Taco Comfort Solutions has acquired Askoll Sei, a high-efﬁciency pump manufacturer in Sandrigo, Italy. The sale agreement was signed at the Askoll world headquarters in Dueville, Italy. The newly acquired company has been named Taco Italia Srl and will use the trade name Askoll Flow Solutions. tacocomfortsolutions.com

Th M The Master t G Group h has acquired i d the Hydronics Group Inc., a Toronto-area distributor of heating equipment. The Hydronics Group is located at 30 Kelﬁeld St. in Etobicoke, Ont., and can be reached at 416-781-2221. master.ca hydronicsgroup.ca

E.S. Gallagher g Adds Multi-Flex

Mits to Distribute Unico

E.S. Gallagher has been named the exclusive stocking sales representative for Multi-Flex in Canada. Multi-Flex is a manufacturer of Pert-AlPert material engineered for HVAC/R line-set applications.

Mits Airconditioning, based in Mississauga, Ont., has been named a distributor of Unico products. Unico manufactures high-velocity, small duct heating and air conditioning systems. Mits Air services customers throughout Canada and other parts of North America.

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Spectrum p Brands Names Sales Reps

Testo Names Eastern Rep

Spectrum Brands, a consumer products company that includes the Pﬁster plumbing brand, has named several sales representatives for their plumbing wholesale channel in the Canadian market. Equipco Ltd. will represent Spectrum Brands in British Columbia, southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba; Great Lakes Marketing will represent Spectrum in southwestern Ontario; Aquaro Sales Agency will represent Spectrum in Quebec; and Scott Snyder Sales Group will represent Spectrum in Atlantic Canada. Flow Sales will continue to represent Spectrum in other parts of Ontario, and RM Bellamy Sales will remain the Spectrum representative for other parts of Alberta. spectrumbrands.com pﬁsterfaucets.com

Testo Inc. has named E.S. Gallagher as its sales rep for Eastern Canada. Testo manufactures handheld test and measurement instrumentation for the HVAC/R industry, among other industries. testo.com

Exclusive DWHR Deal Signed Manitoba Hydro has named EcoInnovation the exclusive supplier of drain water heat recovery (DWHR) units in new homes in the province. Amendments to the Manitoba Building Code will require that all new homes have DWHR units installed, effective April 2016. ecoinnovation.ca

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People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Watts Water has named CHRIS JAMIESON the new vice-president of marketing. In this role, he will oversee the marketing strategy, market management, product training, communications and pricing of Watts Water products. Prior to his current role, Jamieson was the vice-president of Watts Water’s backﬂow and valves division. He has over 26 years of industry experience, and will be based out of the corporate ofﬁces in Massachusetts.

CARL NAGTEGAAL has joined Goodman Manufacturing as a sales quote specialist for Western Canada. He brings over 25 years of experience in plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration to the role. Nagtegaal specializes in the Daikin commercial, ductless split and PTAC product lines.

JOSE ALVARES has been named the vicepresident of sales and marketing and global customer support for Danfoss Turbocor Compressors. His new role will include oversight of Danfoss’s Canadian business.

MICHAEL GRBIC (left) has been named vicepresident of Nolrad International, an importer and distributor of copper products including tube, sheeting and rod. He has been with the company for 12 years. Also at the company, PAUL SILVERBERG (right) has been appointed national sales manager.

AARON ENGEL has been appointed vice-president of business development at Fresh-Aire UV, a division of Triatomic Environmental. In his new role he will focus on growing the company’s Canadian business through Fresh-Aire UV’s Canadian manufacturer’s representative, Air Force 1 Sales & Marketing. Engel has 16 years of industry experience in engineering, design and sales.

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Spectrum Canada has appointed BARRY MOULSDALE as its plumbing business leader. Reporting to Moulsdale are new wholesale plumbing account executives KRISTY BELL, overseeing the Ontario region, and KARIN DUSANGE, overseeing British Columbia. JULIANA COLANGELO, the national account manager for Wolseley, will also report to Moulsdale.

DANIEL BLOWES (1) has joined Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing as a technical support/customer service representative. Aqua-Tech has also promoted EMILY PALAMAR (2) to accounts payable clerk. She worked previously as a customer service representative. JOSHUA LIRETTE (3) has joined the company as a technical sales representative for eastern Ontario. JONATHAN CHENG (4), a technical sales and support engineer, will be providing back-up support during Aqua-Tech’s recently extended customer support hours.

ERIC FINDLAY has been appointed president of Andrew Sheret Limited following the retirement of Brian Findlay, who spent 50 years with the company. DAN MILLER and SCOTT STARKEY have both been promoted to vice-president.

B u s i n e s s

IAN MILNE has joined E.S. Gallagher as a sales representative for southwestern Ontario. He brings over 25 years of experience in the HVAC business to his new role.

SHAINE NOBERT (left) has been appointed vice-president and general manager of ECCO Heating Products following the retirement of HILTON HARTWELL, who spent 44 years with the company. Nobert joined ECCO in 1997 and became vice-president of the company’s manufacturing division in 2008.

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Proﬁle Lance MacNevin: A champion of radiant

A proud professional engineer, and a Canadian living abroad who embraces his roots while serving the entire North American industry through his new position as director of engineering with the Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division, Lance MacNevin puts high value on education. “I’m passionate about presenting to live audiences, because I always learn from them through their questions and reactions,” he explained during a recent conversation with Mechanical Business. MacNevin, who entered the mechanical sector in 1993 and has led countless hydronic training sessions over the years, also enjoys

Photo: Helmuth Humphrey

Q A

learning about systems, and encourages contractors to share pictures of their systems with him. “Every time a contractor sends me a picture of an innovative mechanical installation I learn a bit more, or ﬁnd ways to explain things better,” he says. “I love taking and receiving pictures.” Outside of the training room, MacNevin has been known to lend insight into product development, help out on technical committees, or to hop on his motorcycle, a Yamaha R1, for a ride in the Appalachian Mountains.

How did you get started in the industry? I started with REHAU in New Brunswick when their main business was PVC water and sewer pipes. They had started importing PEX, so I designed, sold and installed radiant heating systems in my spare time. I ﬁnagled my job to focus on radiant systems since that was far more interesting than underground pipes.

Q A

What was the initial attraction?

BIO Name: Lance MacNevin Title: Director of Engineering – Building & Construction Division Company: The Plastics Pipe Institute Corporate Ofﬁce Location: Irving, TX Age: 47 Born in: Charlottetown, PEI Currently resides in: Northern Virginia Joined the industry: 1993 Hobbies: Motorcycles, his children, cycling and yardwork Family: Married with two children, ages 6 and 7

FAST FACTS 1. His car licence plate is MPL LEAF. He claims it is not that he’s a huge Leafs fan; apparently CANUCK was taken! 2. The things he misses most about not living in Canada are the CBC, Canadian Tire, the metric system and Tim Hortons. 3. To help conquer a fear of heights, he did freefall skydiving from 14,000 feet. “That actually helped,” he says.

From the age of 10, I wanted to be an engineer. As soon as I learned about hydronics and radiant heating, I embraced the technology as a way to improve comfort while saving energy, ultimately helping the planet.

What do you enjoy most about the industry?

I like the innovations, the fact there are always new products to meet market needs, yet the fundamentals never change.

Q A

Tell us about your new role, now that you have joined PPI.

What are some of the more interesting developments you’ve seen in the world of plastic pipe?

I’d say it is the growth of plastic for residential plumbing, and now commercial plumbing and hydronic distribution. Hydronic radiant systems wouldn’t exist at this level without plastic pipes like PEX.

What’s one of the most interesting questions someone has asked during one of your training sessions?

“How much heat can a radiant pipe put out?” This is a tricky one, because the job of the pipe is to deliver the heat that the room needs. This takes some explaining.

Q A

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I’m responsible for technical, marketing, educational and industry outreach programs for PPI’s Building & Construction division, and also the Conduit division. I’m working with the pipe manufacturers, test labs, and users of pressure pipes such as PEX, CPVC, PE-RT and PP-R. It’s perfect for a pipe nerd like me.

I saw The Graduate when I was in university, and remember the line: “Just one word: Plastics.” That’s worked out well!

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HVAC

THE IMPORTANCE OF FURNACE

commissioning N

othing builds a long-term customer base and increased referrals faster than inspiring trust from homeowners when you’ve met their needs with properly installed mechanical equipment that is set up to optimize system performance. Although proper equipment selection and installation get much of the performance credit, it’s the commissioning side of a high-efﬁciency furnace that is often overlooked to ensure a system is operating at its peak.

The 6 steps to

success

Gas Pressure – Step 1 is measuring inlet gas pressure to confirm that the correct amount of gas is getting to the furnace. It is also critical to measure and dial in the gas pressure at the manifold on both high- and low-fire to get an accurate baseline before directing attention to other commissioning components. If the gas pressure is too high or too low, it means the combustion process will not burn at engineered design. Once the gas pressure is set, if the temperature rise is out you will know to adjust fan speeds. That said, some high-efficiency furnaces with variable speed motors (ECM) are engineered to ramp up air speed to produce a temperature rise that will protect the heat exchanger. Gas pressure measured at the manifold should be close to 1.7” of water column (WC) on the rating plate for low-fire and 3.5” WC on the rating plate for high-fire. In any case, it is important to read the rating plate to confirm the desired pressure. In terms of tools, whether you’re using an old oil slack tube manometer or a new digital manometer, checking and adjusting gas pressure is fast and easy.

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2 3

Clocking the Meter – Step 2 is completing a gas meter reading to confirm that the furnace is burning gas as labeled on the rating plate. Clocking the meter will also show if the wrong size orifices were installed. An acceptable measured BTU versus sized BTU range should fall within a variance of five per cent. If the BTU measures too high or too low, it means the furnace is not firing or performing to engineered design. To properly clock a meter, you need only a timer and calculator in your technician’s tool kit. As an alternate option, rather than clocking the meter one can use properly sized orifice drill bits to determine the orifices are the correct size.

Temperature Rise – Step 3 requires an installer to complete a temperature rise to ensure that there is sufficient airflow across the heat exchanger. This is probably the most critical part of commissioning. A furnace testing outside of manufacturer’s specifications for temperature rise will result in poor comfort levels and potential premature degradation of the heat exchanger if results are too high. Condensation may occur in the primary heat exchanger if the temperature rise is too low. The temperature rise is best set close to the centre of a manufacturer’s recommended range. For example, if the setup range was 45 to 75 degrees, the fan speed adjustment should be as close to the middle of that range, or 60 degrees, as possible. A simple thermometer can be used to check temperature rise, but a digital multi-meter is the recommended tool for completing the testing since even the entry level multi-meters have an option for a temperature probe, and this tool is useful for additional mechanical system troubleshooting.

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B y R yan C o lem an an d Dave H oare Ryan Coleman is the founder and CEO of Ecolighten Energy Solutions, a ﬁrm that helps government, utilities and homeowners make wise energy use decisions for homes. He can be reached at ryan@ ecolighten.com. Dave Hoare is the owner of Midtown Heating, a contractor providing HVAC solutions in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. He can be reached at dave@ midtownheating.ca.

Furnaces that are not commissioned may exhibit unexpected noise in operation, equipment faults and breakdowns, higher than expected utility bills and, ultimately, unsatisﬁed customers. By ensuring performance measurements of the operating furnace are right on the mark, contractors can be conﬁdent the equipment will run more smoothly, quietly and with less maintenance over its life cycle. At the same time, a homeowner should experience lower operating costs and a home that is more comfortable and healthier.

External Static Pressure – Step 4 is to complete external static pressure (ESP) tests on the supply and return air. An ESP is a simple single point pressure test that provides repeatable, quantifiable results indicating the adequacy of both the return air and supply air duct systems to handle required air flow. The ESP is also useful for measuring the additional pressure drop imposed by the air filter, furnace cabinet, elbow connection or overall “system effect.” A high static pressure reading could result in poor air distribution, noise, premature degradation of equipment, higher operating costs, and increased service and maintenance costs. A low static pressure reading could result in poor air distribution as the forced air will just fall out at the first or easiest air flow grille. For supply air and return air, an “okay” test range is within 0.03 of the supply pressure plus 0.10” WC and within 0.03 of the return pressure minus 0.10” WC. For design purposes, both are considered to be positive results, so the sum of the supply and return air should be close to 0.20, which is preferable for gas and required when there is a heat pump, up to 0.30, which is still considered acceptable with a gas only furnace. For ESP, either a magnehelic gauge or digital manometer can be used, with the latter having a reading capability into the hundredths (0.01) scale.

Documentation – The importance of documenting the results of commissioning should not be overlooked, so be sure to ﬁll out a start-up sheet – usually included with the manufacturer’s equipment installation manual. Both pieces of literature should be left in a visible pocket in the mechanical room for easy access by future service technicians. The ability to reference this information during future service calls is extremely helpful. Proper documentation will give future service technicians a comparison to see if anything has changed with the furnace operation.

PRO TIP:

Customer Education – Step 6 is to educate the customer on their new equipment and its operation. Key elements to include in the conversation are an explanation of preventative care and service requirements, an overview of thermostat operation and setbacks, and an explanation of indoor air quality, including the importance of ﬁlter service and replacement. As an added beneﬁt, customer education also offers a contractor an opening to promote and sell service contracts as part of an overall customer retention strategy.

The ESP test should be done before furnace change-out, so that any considerations to the duct system can be anticipated if the initial assessment shows issues. Highefﬁciency furnaces typically have higher air ﬂows, which needs to be understood and taken into consideration at pre-change-out.

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with Roger Grochmal

Is it time to change? Know the signs. R

ecently, I was asked to give a keynote presentation to a team of managers in the food service industry on the subject of change. It was an interesting exercise to reflect on how we’ve navigated change at AtlasCare over the years.

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 e-mail to Mechanical Business Magazine’s editor, Adam Freill, adam.freill@ mechanicalbusiness.com.

Two things became immediately evident to me. Firstly, the HVAC industry has undergone profound change over the past 15 to 20 years. Secondly, so has the food service industry. In fact, there were far more similarities than differences in the comparison. We don’t tend to see change happening when we are in the trenches. And we often think it is only happening in our industry, because that’s what we know. As they say, however, change is constant – wherever you are. As we have transitioned from one generation (me) to the next (my son), we have had to perform a complete overhaul of the company. We had gone flat. We developed a great plan around a great core of people who are committed to a common vision and mission. This will culminate in a move to our new facility by the end of the year. We were stuck and now we’re moving again. Adapting to change can be liberating and, at age 65, I am looking forward to the future. Are you?

THE SIGNS OF CHANGE Every company has a budget for change - both financially and emotionally. You can’t change everything at once. Start with a vision. Make a list of the things you need to change to get to your vision. Prioritize them, and then pick them off one at a time. Change may be needed if:

1. Your company has stopped growing, and sales are flat or declining.

A team effort Change doesn’t happen in a silo. Involve everyone in your

2. Profitability is lagging. 3. You can’t keep up. You are working too many hours just to get the same result.

7. Absenteeism among staff is increasing. 8. People are not knocking on your door to work for you.

9. Customer complaints are up, especially in the online review sites.

organization in the process. Assign change tasks to your management team, and

4. Too many things are happening that seem out of your control.

help all staff understand why you’re making changes and the expected outcomes. Help

10. You are feeling price competition more than ever. You are losing business to “Chuck in a truck.”

5. The risks of being in business are keeping you awake at night. (This is my favourite.)

11. Warranty costs are rising.

them take ownership for the new directions you’re taking.

6. Good people are leaving. They may not even 12. You have the feeling that your company is be going to a competitor but rather getting out of the industry altogether.

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PLUMBING By Andrew Clark Andrew Clark is the vice-president of sales with Novanni Stainless, a Canadian manufacturer of residential stainless steel sinks and strainers. He can be reached at andrew.clark@novanni.ca.

OVER UNDER

Moen

As more custom kitchens are trending towards granite and quartz countertops, the undermount sink is becoming more popular. Although it is possible to install a drop-in sink on either type of counter, the smooth lines of solid surface counters leading to the sink have most designers opting for an undermount. Where the drop-in sink is far more commonly used, however, is with new home construction and multi-family dwellings, since this type of sink is relatively easy to install and replace. Currently the split is about 70/30 in favour of the dropin, but for the most part it is a matter of preference for the end user as both styles are available in a wide range of conﬁgurations and are well suited to kitchen tasks.

Everything about the To help you guide your customer to a kitchen sink they will be proud to show off to their neighbours, family and friends, here are some basics about sinks.

SINK W

hen it comes to kitchen sinks, styles and options abound. Everything from the number of bowls, to the size of the bowls, depths, lefts, rights, squared or rounded corners, even the placement of the drain can all factor into a client’s decision on which one is the right one for them.

AN INVERSE EQUATION When it comes to how much stainless steel is in that sink you are looking at, remember that the higher the gauge number, the thinner the steel. The most common thickness being used for sinks is 20-gauge. Some manufacturers choose to use 18-gauge steel for their higher end products. Eighteen-gauge stainless steel is 30 per cent thicker than traditional 20-gauge steel, and allows for a quieter, heavier, more durable product. Furthermore, the “tinny” sound when an item, be it water, pots, plates, or what have you, hits the sides of the sink is not as prevalent with 18-gauge steel as it is a much thicker steel. You will still ﬁnd most, if not all, manufacturers now using sound-deadening pads on their sinks, however.

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continues on page 28

SIMPLY SMART.

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* Water-Efficient Products: Lavatory Faucets: flow rate of 1.5 gpm @ 60 psi (5.7 L/min @ 414 kPa) versus Industry Standard ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1 of 2.2 gpm @ 60 psi (8.3 L/min @ 414 kPa). Urinal Flush Valves: 0.5 gpf (1.9 Lpf) or 0.125 gpf (0.5 Lpf), IAPMO listed to CSA B125.3 / ASSE 1037. LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.

PLUMBING continues from page 26

AN ENDLESS ARRAY OF CHOICES For some homeowners, all they want is a single, large-bowled sink. Others want two equal-sized bowls, so that they have a washing sink and a rinsing sink. Others are looking for varying depths or sizes on their left or right bowls. The ability to add a custom feel to a kitchen project by seeking out different conﬁgurations of bowls is impressive, and is a great way for a homeowner to customize their kitchen to suit their habits of use.

GETTING INTO THE CORNERS It seems like almost every aspect of kitchen sinks has been open to evolution over the past decade or so, and the corners of bowls have not escaped manufacturers’ desires to have something to match everyone’s taste.

A single small bowl is good for where space is limited.

Sinks with a rounded radius, which can range from 5 mm to 15 mm, can make it easier to keep the sink clean, and the larger the radius, the easier cleaning becomes.

LOOKING GOOD AT THE FINISH Most drop-in sinks typically come with a high-polished mirrorfinished deck that complements chrome fixtures well. The inner areas of the bowls tend to be finished with a brushed satin finish. Some manufacturers offer a brushed satin finish deck – again to help match with a fixture.

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For washing dishes, double-bowl sinks are ideal. While they may not be large enough to hold that giant stock pot or large baking pan, they do allow for a side to clean and a side to rinse, or a side for dirty dishes, and a side for food prep. By varying the bowl depths, and possibly going with an extra-deep bowl on one side, more room is available for those larger items. And going with a back drain, rather than a centre drain, can allow for more usable bowl space, not to mention the additional space under the sink for storage.

The square sink is considered a more modern look, but there really is no other beneﬁt of going with this type of sink other than the optical appeal. Homeowners who like them tend to feel that it gives their kitchen a modern look. One issue with the square corners is that they are very difﬁcult to clean, since it can be hard to get a washcloth or scrubber right into the corner. Not getting the corners cleaned out properly can lead to an accumulation of dirt and grime.

A single, small bowl is good for where space is limited, or where there are not likely to be a lot of items to clean. This type is also great as a secondary bar or prep sink. Where cabinet space does permit the use of a double-bowl sink, some homeowners will prefer the look of a large single bowl. While this provides tons of space to put pots and pans into the sink, it does not provide an area where soap can be rinsed off.

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Undermount sinks are built with a brushed satin finish in the bowls, since it is difficult to maintain a mirror finish in the bowl. A linear finish at the bottom of the bowl is used by some manufacturers, while others use a multidirectional finish. The multi-directional finish

is not as susceptible to showing scratches in the bottom, allowing the sink to look cleaner for a longer period of time. If a bowl does get scratched, a fine Scotch Brite-style pad can be used to take out a scratch in a satin finish. The pad should be wiped in the direction of the finish.

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HYDRONICS

B y B o b “ Ho t R o d ” Rohr

BUFFERING for Efﬁciency H

eating season is here again. The crisp fall air, and perhaps a bit of early snow that some of you have faced, is but a preview of what is to come. Of course, it’s not all shovels and shivering. Now is this time of the year that home and building owners start to pay attention to their heating systems. Over the years there has been a tendency to somewhat oversize heating equipment like boilers, for instance, so a load calculation can be beneficial for both new and replacement jobs. The load calc ensures that the equipment will be properly sized for the load. Often buildings and homes have undergone some upgrades over the years, as have the load calculation formulas, so the heat-load number will have likely changed. With modern mod-con equipment, we can better match the output to the load. Turndown rates continue to increase, providing more flexibility and load matching. In some cases adding additional mass to a system can provide similar results, especially with fixed output equipment. When you come across oversized boilers it is not always an option to replace the equipment with a properly sized system, for financial reasons or because of engineering issues. This is where the opportunity to add a buffer tank, to store the thermal energy, can add some real value.

Years ago, the cast iron boilers we installed held a lot of water and added hundreds of pounds of metal to the mass. Basically, you had a considerable “thermal flywheel” right out of the box. Compare a modern cast iron boiler to a 20- or 30-year-old of the same output; can you say, “Honey, who shrunk the boiler?” The use of a buffer tank allows you to retrofit a thermal flywheel or hydronic battery, so to speak. Additionally, the energy is now stored in a well-insulated vessel, instead of an installation where a flue pipe sips away your purchased and combusted energy. A properly installed buffer tank can have other useful benefits as well. For example, the tank can be a good spot for air removal. Think of it as a supersized air purger device. Velocity slows as it enters the tank and the domed top becomes an excellent gathering and venting point. The same applies for dirt removal on the bottom of the tank. Installing a top-quality ball valve at the drain port allows flushing.

SIZING AND CYCLING I feel that many load calculator programs have some fudge factor built into them that can lead to equipment and component oversizing. In addition, installers are often tempted to size up to ensure the load can be handled under coldest of conditions. The fear of a design day callback for insufficient heat drives this thinking. I’ve been there myself and, when fuel costs were low, the temptation to upsize was common. This oversizing leads to the potential for short cycling of the boiler and components. Short cycling leads to excessive wear, inefficient burn cycles, and more frequent repairs.

The tank can also act as a hydroseparator. The “wide spot in the road” allows for multiple and/or variable ﬂows to communicate without conﬂict. I was recently made aware of another unique way to pipe a buffer tank. The approach, commonly seen in Austrian biomass boiler designs, uses only two ports, top and bottom. continued on page 32

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HYDRONICS continued from page 30

TAPPING INTO EXERGY Optimally, we want to stratify, or stack, the temperature in the tank. This provides the most amount of useable energy, referred to as exergy.

When the load is satisﬁed, full boiler output recovers the tank to design temperature. On the next call for heat, the tank can supply the load without the need to ﬁre the boiler.

When the load calls we want to pull that tank temperature down to the lowest possible temperature for the current conditions. Unloading the tank via an outdoor reset control allows us to maximize the stored energy.

The hydroseparation function is still incorporated via the large diameter, short piping connections at the tank, so you have an external separation device that can be sized and build to the exact requirements of the system.

SAVING THOSE BTUs Once the energy undergoes a phase change from fossil fuel to thermal energy stored in water, or glycol, it starts slipping away. Keep the stored energy covered, enclosed and well insulated. I’d add a thermal blanket around the insulated tank, as it’s hard to overdo insulation on a tank of hot water. Around four inches of insulation seems common on European tanks, which is about twice that of many North American tanks.

Planning a life expectancy Every component in a heating system has been engineered to provide a certain amount of cycles. Twenty years is a general target for many components. A manufacturer will data log actual system performance to help determine the number of cycles a component undergoes in Ideally, a qualiﬁed service a given timeframe. In one technician will pay a visit to case, my company conﬁrm that equipment is up determined that for another season. Starting 5,000 cycles the system and running per year was through the operation and a common safety checks, as well as a number for combustion analysis, are a typical zone important steps. But don’t valve. So that forget to ask questions about valve should be system performance, comfort engineered to last 100,000 and fuel cost. This is helpful, cycles. This same logic and assures the owner that should apply to every pump the service tech is concerned. switch electro-mechanical device in the system.

TIME FOR A SERVICE CALL

M e c h a n i c a l

The main advantage is it allows boiler output to flow directly to the loads without first heating some, or all of the, tank. Furthermore, the flow from the boiler can go to the load, and into the tank, simultaneously, depending on the required flow rates.

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Granted, not every system needs or benefits from a buffer tank. It does take time and money to properly utilize the concept. Notice too, some manufacturers are building tankstyle boilers with modulating burners as an all-in-one device. Adding a buffer tank to an existing system does allow you to mix and match with off-the-shelf components to get the exact results you desire, however. A wide variety of tanks on the market are aimed specifically at buffering and thermal storage, including stubby versions to be mounted under wall-hung boiler installations. Look for a tank with large port sizes for two-pipe applications, as that is where the separator function is created Unique challenges present unique opportunities. Why not be the first on the block to become the buffering guru?

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.

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PROJECT PROFILE By JS Rancourt

Sheraton Centre Toronto • $90 million renovation • 42 & 11 storeys (Queen Tower & Richmond Tower) • 1,371 guest rooms and suites • 1,373 guest rooms and suites after renovation • Completion: Late 2015

Sheraton Centre Toronto goes VRF A s part of a $90 million renovation project for all guest suites, the ﬂagship Sheraton Centre Toronto hotel is replacing its existing two-pipe fan coil system with North America’s largest Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, providing each guest suite full ﬂexibility over heating and cooling needs year-round.

The hotel’s decision to adopt VRF took operational costs, in-suite sound and total installation cost into consideration. The consulting engineers hired by the Sheraton Centre, M & E Engineering Ltd., used energy models to compare several HVAC retroﬁt options, identifying three that would allow for simultaneous heating or cooling in every guest suite. The use of slim 8” tall horizontal VRF fan coils, which employ small and precisely balanced direct drive fan assemblies, was ultimately selected.

JS Rancourt is a Principal at DXS, a Toronto-based company that specializes exclusively in VRF technology. He can be reached at js.rancourt@dxseng.com.

Project Team • Property Owner: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. • Construction Managers: Hospitality 3 LLC • General Contractor: Gillam Group • Mechanical and Electrical Consultant: M & E Engineering Ltd. • Mechanical Contractor: Modern Niagara Toronto Inc. • VRF Equipment Supplier: DXS Ontario [an HTS company] • VRF Equipment Manufacturer: Daikin Industries Ltd.

The hotel’s existing condenser water lines, which run from the basement mechanical room to the roof-mounted cooling towers, are used to feed the VRF condensing units on each ﬂoor. M & E sized the systems such that one module can provide 85 per cent of the heating load or 70 per cent of the cooling load of the suites that it serves. The modules are stacked one on top of each other, and are located in small storage rooms in the middle of each ﬂoor.

Photos: Steve Wilkie

The hotel will also make use of aircooled VRF systems for 54 suites, where the roof-mounted outdoor condensing units will act as the sole source of heating and cooling for the suites. The air-cooled condensing units also have a minimum of two compressors for redundancy, and were also sized such that one module can provide 85 per cent of the

heating load or 70 per cent of the cooling load of the suites that it serves. With heating capacity and efﬁciency data now available for VRF systems (of certain manufacturers) down to -13°F, engineers have the ability to design air-cooled VRF systems without any back-up heating, as long as the condensing units are sized to meet the heating load at design temperature. The heating design temperature used on this project was -4°F. The refrigerant piping layout is very similar for both the water and air-cooled systems. From

Continues on page 36

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Taking Ductless to a New Level. COMFORT FOR LIFE

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MXS Series systems achieve: Up to 18.9 SEER | Up to 12.6 HSPF

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more options to enjoy comfort beyond traditional ducted systems. For more information on Daikin’s single and multi-split heat pumps,

COM FOR T FOR LIFE

please visit www.daikincomfort.com, www.daikinac.com or connect with your local Daikin brand sales representative.

· Houston, Texas · USA

PROJECT PROFILE

continued from page 34

each pair of condensing units forming one system, three refrigerant lines run down the hallway ceilings, and tee off into each suite where a small single port branch selector box resides in the bathroom ceiling, beside the respective fan coil. For the air-cooled systems, there is a refrigerant riser from the roof mounted units down to the respective ﬂoor that each system serves. Larger centralized branch selector boxes were considered but not employed due to their space requirements and the refrigerant charge associated with homerun piping. Branch selector boxes, which act as switchover devices between the hot and cold refrigerant supplies, allow each suite to heat and cool simultaneously. The VRF heat recovery systems also offer energy recovery between suites, when some of the suites within a system are in heating mode while others are in cooling, which helps further decrease operational costs. With water-cooled VRF systems, there is a second level of heat recovery on the water-side.

Integrating into existing systems The VRF system’s control system is designed to work with the hotel’s management system. Guest suites will be in energy saving mode during unrented periods, but will have the ability to reach the desired comfort level by the

About Variable Refrigerant Flow technology VRF technology uses refrigerant to circulate heating and cooling around buildings, instead of the traditional water-source systems typically used in large buildings in North America. The higher energy transfer capacity of refrigerant versus water, combined with the precise expansion devices in each space is what sets VRF systems apart on the energy efﬁciency front. Even though the technology was invented over 30 years ago in Japan, the low cost of utilities has kept VRF manufacturers away from this market until the early 2000s. A reduction in up-front capital costs for VRF systems has allowed them to compete with traditional systems for market share. The zoning capabilities, the energy savings, the space savings and the total life cycle cost of VRF systems are still the driving factors in deciding whether or not VRF is the right solution for a project.

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time guests reach their suite after check-in. The integrated control system will also allow hotel maintenance staff to monitor each suite, and to address any issues in the system prior to any noticeable disruption in the suite.

CSA B52 and VRF systems In Ontario, where this project is taking place, the CSA B52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code governs the build. Arguably, the most important part of this code, as it applies to VRF systems, is the life safety refrigerant concentration limits. VRF systems distribute refrigerant throughout the building and throughout the occupied spaces, and do not contain the refrigerant to mechanical rooms. Although R-410A refrigerant is considered non-toxic, it is heavier than air and can displace oxygen if enough leaks into a sealed space. The life safety clause of CSA B52, similar to the ASHRAE 15 life safety clause, assumes a worst-case scenario failure, where every ounce of refrigerant in a VRF system could leak into the smallest space served by the system. While this is not likely to occur, to comply with the CSA B52 clause the full refrigerant charge of the system needs to be divided by the volume of the smallest space served by the system, and the R-410A concentration must remain under 26 pounds per thousand cubic feet. The VRF systems on the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel were small enough to be within code, although the piping layout had to be optimized to ensure this limit was met.

Loads and redundancies L The average cooling load per floor is only around 160,000 BTUH, and the average heating load around 140,000 BTUH. However, due to the hotel’s requirement for redundancy, close to 20 tons (240,000 BTUH) of VRF heating and cooling capacity was provided for each floor. This was accomplished by providing three VRF systems for every two floors, with each system composed of two condensing unit modules.

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Each module, either six or seven tons in capacity, has its own compressor to ensure a certain level of redundancy. VRF systems automatically stage and alternate the modules, but the redundant module can continue to operate should one module fail.

proven performance â&#x20AC;&#x153;Genetron Performax LT is the refrigerant that most closely resembles R-22, so it makes for a fairly pain-free retroďŹ t process.â&#x20AC;? ÂŽ

Charlie Lowe Director of Refrigeration/HVAC/Lighting/Food Equipment Services, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.

Genetron PerformaxÂŽ LT (R-407F) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Makes Senseâ&#x20AC;? for New Supermarkets. In summer 2013, Lowe and his team set up a product comparison with R-407F in a brand new store that was designed to run R-407A. Lowe controlled for operating conditions such as humidity and ambient temperature, and ran the two products with three parallel refrigerant racks to compare energy performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We monitored all the systems, including condensers. In some cases, R-407F allows a compressor to 3FmMMBCMF DZMJOEFST BWBJMBCMF JO $BOBEB

cycle off, which saves energy,â&#x20AC;? according to Lowe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The energy savings ranged from 1.22% on one rack to a high of 8.3% on another. The store

as a whole averaged 3.8% lower energy usage with Performax LT vs. R-407A. The payback is short enough to justify using R-407F over R-407A.â&#x20AC;? Other Genetron Performax LT features include industry-leading capacity and lower global warming potential compared to other R-22 alternatives for refrigeration.

Read the case study

HVAC/R Products P Portable Heat Pump The Climate Pro 12 portable heat pump from Movin’ Cool offers a cooling capacity of 10,200 BTUH and a heating capacity of 9,900 BTUH. The 115V, 15-amp self-contained unit features a digital controller that allows users to program temperature levels for speciﬁc times.

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Flexible Piping Multi-Flex, ﬁve-layer composite pipe, available from E.S. Gallagher, is designed for use in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The ﬂexible piping comes in coils and can be used alongside metal pipe. It has a working temperature of -40°F to 200°F and a working pressure of 650 psi, and is offered in 1/4” to 1-1/8” sizes.

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Vent Branch Tees Modulating Gas Furnace

Polypropylene multi-branch tees from Centrotherm feature 42° Y branches that allow multiple appliances to be cascaded in back-to-back or inline conﬁgurations. They are available in a variety of diameters for headers and feeders.

The DM97MC modulating gas furnace from Daikin offers heating inputs ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH and AFUE efﬁciencies of up to 98 per cent. It features a modulating gas valve that allows for operation between 35 and 100 per cent capacity.

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Commercial Condensing Units

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners ProSpace packaged terminal air conditioners, available from Trane as of January, are designed for use in hotel rooms. The units feature humidity control, wireless thermostats and remote control capabilities, and are designed for quiet operation.

trane.com

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Digital condensing units from Oxford Energy use R-448 refrigerant and come with pre-programmed integrated control systems. Suction pressure appears on the digital display at all times and system capacity can be viewed with the push of a button.

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INDUSTRY HERO By Greg Dalgetty

The $25 Million Man Not many people ﬁnd themselves in a position to donate $25 million, and those who do may have trouble deciding what to do with such an amount of money. But for Myers, donating to Lions Gate—a hospital that had treated him on several occasions—seemed an obvious choice. “I’ve had to go to Lions Gate a few times after breaking bones. I always had the best service and the best care. I was very impressed,” he explains. “I’d been to a number of Lions Gate Hospital dinners, and I got to like the people. And hospitals have always been our biggest projects.”

DID YOU KNOW? In the last 10 years more than $100 million has been raised for Lions Gate Hospital.

Of course, donating $25 million to a hospital is liable to draw all kinds of media attention, and that it did. Myers found himself featured in newspapers across the country and ended up making several television appearances. This was something he wasn’t prepared for. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the accolades and the press,” he says. “I’m a very shy person. Having to speak publicly is very difﬁcult for me. I’ve always been involved in associations, but refused to take the top position because that means you’re out in the public. I’d rather be working in the background.”

F Photos: Brian Hawkes

ew people have made the kind of contribution to their community that Paul Myers has. The 82-year-old president of Keith Plumbing & Heating Co. donated a staggering $25 million to Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver back in September. The contribution, believed to be the largest donation made by an individual to a hospital in B.C. history, made headlines around the country and

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brought the mild-mannered Myers into the spotlight. But Myers’s story isn’t just one of extraordinary generosity—it also proves that a life in the trades can be as fruitful and rewarding as any other profession. We spoke to Myers days after his historic donation to learn about his career in plumbing and heating, which is still going strong after more than 60 years.

An Early Change of Plans Although Myers joined Keith Plumbing & Heating when he was 20, he originally had a different career objective in mind. “At first, I saved up enough money to try to get a commercial pilot’s licence,” he recalls. “I took all the physicals, and at the last one I discovered I was partially colour-blind. So that put an end to that.” His original hopes dashed, Myers opted to pursue a career in the trades. “I went to a Vancouver apprenticeship school and took the pre-apprenticeship course. I joined Keith Plumbing & Heating as an apprentice, and I was promoted to foreman while I was still an apprentice.” That’s when things got interesting. A project estimator at Keith ended up quitting, and Myers was forced to fill his shoes—on very short notice. “I had a week to learn how to become an estimator,” he remembers. “I was in way over my head, but we got through that and ploughed along.” Myers continued working at Keith until a difference of opinion with his supervisor—the owner’s son—led to his resignation. Shortly after that, however, the owner reached out to Myers, luring him back with an offer he couldn’t refuse. “He offered me a management contract with the option to purchase the business in order to get me back,” Myers explains He ended up accepting the offer and purchasing the business, and has remained at the helm of Keith Plumbing & Heating ever since.

The Key to Success When asked what he attributes his amazing success to, Myers is quick to answer. “My employees,” he says. “I always reckoned I was not a rocket scientist. You have to surround yourself with good people. I’ve been very fortunate that way.” This philosophy has been integral to Myers’s—and his company’s—success. “When I took over the company, there were a number of good people there. But they’d never been given their chance to expand and do what they were capable of doing,” he says. “I encouraged them to follow their instincts. They all dug in and got the company turned around, and we just grew and grew ever since.” Keith is now one of B.C.’s largest mechanical contractors. The company also has an operation in the Yukon that services areas right up to the Arctic Circle, and has even been brought in to work on a project in Siberia. Through it all, Myers has made looking after his employees a top priority. “I’m lucky that I’ve been able to have a good rapport with most of my employees. We’ve always tried to treat them right. At the end of the year there’s always a little extra money to share around, and I ﬁgured it’s easy to share it with them because they’re the ones who made it.” Myers has seen his employees’ happiness with their work environment rub off on their children. Many of the people who have worked for him over the years ended up having children who have also joined the company. “A third generation of employees was working here at one time,” Myers states proudly. “And I’ve had lots of second-generation people work here.”

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PLUMBING

by Fred Bretzke

RIE

IS T OR

ack in the day—and I mean way back in the day—plumbing was more than a trade. Plumbing was like artwork, especially during the Roman times. Plumbers, or lead workers, were revered like doctors, since they were able to provide fresh water (even if it was via lead piping).

S S s n O o i t R c Cconne

There has always been a problem with waste and sewage liquids— namely, how to handle them. During the Dark Ages, sewage was drained into the motes around castles to discourage enemies from daring to swim across the foul circle of water. This, however, caused certain odour problems for the castle’s inhabitants when the wind blew the wrong way. One could not escape the repugnant odour of raw sewage even in the city. The townsfolk may have had pretty, decorated chamber pots, but they would throw the contents of those pots from their windows out onto the cobblestoned streets below, befouling the pavement. The French used to yell, “Garder l’eau!” which, directly translated, meant “Look out for the water!” Unfortunately, it was not water.

These were what you would call cross connections—very obvious ones, at that. Raw sewage would seep into the drinking water from rivers, lakes and streams, and eventually contaminate the wells, thereby causing many colds, ﬂus and plagues over the centuries.

CROSS CONNECTIONS,

DEFINED Put simply, a cross connection is deﬁned either as sewage mixing with potable water, or the potential for it to mix with potable water. For the past hundred years, plumbing has advanced and been a major part of our technical mechanical infrastructure. And yet it’s only been in the past 30 years or so that we have begun to enforce cross connection control (CCC) devices in the plumbing industry. Each municipality or

FRED’S TOP 1 2 3 4 5

Air gap JH2 j]\m[]\ hj]kkmj] ZY[cÛgo prevention device/atomospheric port* JH2 j]\m[]\ hj]kkmj] ZY[cÛgo prevention device* DCVA: double check valve assembly* PVB: pressure vacuum breaker*

LIST OF CCC DEVICES OR METHODS 6 7 8 9 10

AVB: spill-resistant atmospheric vacuum breaker HCVB: hose connection vacuum breaker DCAP: dual check with atmospheric port DC: dual check Check valve

water purveyor is liable for some sort of CCC program, to ensure a healthier, cleaner public water system. There are some basic terms we use in CCC language. For example, there are health hazards and non-health hazards, followed by various conditions that exist in a plumbing system. If you were a CCC ofﬁcer, you would have to recognize these particular hazards and conditions in order to know which methods and devices would properly address them.

* Numbers 2-5 are testable devices

continues on page 44

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PLUMBING

BACK PRESSURE AND BACK SIPHONAGE

Back pressure is simple. If there is a situation

plumbing systems. If a hose is lying in polluted

where water is pressurized to the top of a

water, the water could cross connect by being

building, as it usually is, and the water is shut off

sucked backward from a negative pressure. In

at the bottom of the building where the water

cases such as this, the air gap is the ultimate

service is, there will be an automatic degree of

method of CCC. It’s a space of air that allows

static back pressure (0.434 lb. per foot) that

polluted or contaminated water to spill over

will bear down at the bottom of the building. If

onto the ground, as opposed to back to the

the water meter or something in the basement

water supply. Clause 2.6.2.9. of the 2010

is being worked on, this back pressure could

National Plumbing Code states that every air gap

actually pollute or contaminate the upstream

shall not be less than 25 mm high and at least

water lines. This is why we install double check

twice the diameter of the opening of the water

valve assemblies (DCVAs) for premise isolation

supply outlet in height.

on every commercial building in order to protect the city water mains.

All hospitals are required to have to RPs—or reduced pressure backﬂow devices—installed

Back siphonage, which is a negative or vacuum-

in parallel to ensure that when the devices are

type pressure similar to drinking through

tested the water going to the medical building

a straw, is another problem that occurs in

will never be shut off.

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BACKFLOW IN THE BATHROOM Every toilet, whether it’s a commercial flushometer type or a tank-to-bowl type, is protected by a vacuum breaker to ensure there is no cross connection happening in the supply water lines. This is found in section 2.6.2.11. and 2.2.10.8. (d) of the 2010 Canadian National Plumbing Code. You can rest assured that as you are brushing your teeth or rinsing out your mouth while a toilet is flushing, you will not be drinking that toilet water. Drinking fountains are protected by the 45° angle on the orifice shield that is designed to direct the water upward and away from the bubbler spout. This is to ensure that no cross connection can occur, and it’s outlined in section 2.2.10.9. of the 2010 Canadian National Plumbing Code. This is still not the best cross connection method, and drinking fountains are not as bad as they used to be, but it is a well-known fact that more bacteria is found on a school drinking fountain that on the toilets in the bathrooms. More colds are spread through drinking fountains or bubblers than any other plumbing fixture.

A T RUST E D H I STO RY. AN I NNOVAT I VE FUTURE.

The simple truth is that our water supplies are much safer now than ever before. The ﬁrst bit of infrastructure that gets built in third-world countries is the water supply and healthy, safe drainage. It’s always good to remember how good we have it, because one day your water could be off, or even worse, contaminated. You can learn more about cross connections from SAIT Plumbing on YouTube.

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.

The HG110-D is a triple-listed thermostatic mixing valve that can be used at the source, point-of-use or at multiple ﬁxtures. It delivers water at a safe 49°C (120°F) om all outlets, while allowing the water heater to be set at a germ-killing 60°C (140°F). The higher tank temperature means the hot water demands can be satisﬁed longer, providing more hot water while using less energy.

Protect, Boost & Save with Cash Acme’s family of valves. Manufactured and Distributed by Reliance Worldwide Corporation (Canada) Inc.

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MCAC’s 74th Annual National Conference 2015 Novemeber 16-19 – Palm Springs, California

1. The California ifornia Dreaming opening event included hot air balloon rides and a menu inspired by the various regions of the state. 2. Brian McCabe, executive vice president of ins MCA Toronto (left), and Peter Ashton of Masco Canada. 3. Keynote speaker, and former MC NHL goaltender, Clint Malarchuk discusses his struggles with mental illness during and after his NHL career. 4. Keynote speaker Clint Malarchuk (in the cowboy hat) took the time to visit with conference attendees during the California Dreaming opening night event. 5. The Suppliers Innovation Showcase was well attended. 6. Charles and Karla Mann from Watts Water Technologies (Canada). 7. Dan Leduc of the legal firm Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP provided tips on how to get paid promptly. 8. Bradford White Canada’s Dan Milroy rides the mechanical football during the Canada Cup competition. 9. Incoming MCAC president Del Pawliuk (right) attaches the past-chairman’s pin on Gaetan Beaulieu’s lapel as the association recognized the commitment shown by Geatan and his wife Carol. As part of association housekeeping, the chairman’s title was changed to president during this year’s conference.

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CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER

Jay

TRIANO

Career highlights Triano set 11 records as a basketball player at Simon Fraser University. Here are some highlights: Photos courtesy of Canada Basketball

2,616 career points 771 points in a single season 45 points in a game 22.9 points per game

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the

business OF

Hoops with Coach Jay Triano By Greg Dalgetty

ew athletes can say they were drafted by both the NBA and CFL in the same year. In fact, there may be only one athlete on that list—Jay Triano.

The Tillsonburg, Ont., native was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the eighth round of the 1981 NBA draft. That same year, the Calgary Stampeders selected him in the sixth round of the CFL draft. Although he never donned a uniform in either league, he played basketball professionally in Mexico and Turkey, and he’s represented team Canada both as a player and a coach. Triano was also the first Canadian-born head coach and assistant coach in the NBA, both with the Toronto Raptors. He’s currently an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers, in addition to being the head coach of the Canadian men’s basketball team. Off the court, he holds a business degree—earned while shooting hoops at Simon Fraser University—so we thought we’d pick his brain on the business of basketball when we caught up with Triano following a recent national team scrimmage at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. continues on page 52

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continued from page 51

ALL

in the Numbers

Tracking success, be it in business or sports, can often come down to crunching numbers. The use of advanced metrics—or analytics—has exploded in the NBA in recent years. Given his background in business, Triano appreciates how statistics can be used to improve a basketball team’s fortunes, or the fortunes of a company.

I’ve always been into numbers and math and the analytics of the game,” he says. “I don’t think they define the game, but they sure help you with decision-making.”

HOPES DASHED—for Now… This past summer, Canada Basketball ﬁelded a men’s team that featured nine NBA players—the most in team history. Led by Minnesota Timberwolves Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins and Toronto Raptors point guard Cory Joseph, the squad had one mission when it travelled to Mexico for the FIBA Americas tournament in September: Qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He also sees this increased use of analytics in basketball as a natural progression of the sport.

The top two teams from the tournament would be awarded Olympic berths. Tragically, Canada fell just short, losing by a single point in the semiﬁnal round—79-78—to Venezuela, before they went on to win the bronze medal by defeating Mexico.

The game is everevolving. We’ve got our athletes eating better, we’ve got them training better, we’re using sports psychology more. It only makes sense that we use the numbers that the game provides.”

Canada will have another chance to qualify for the Olympics in July. Triano, who competed in the Olympics twice as a player for team Canada and once as a coach at the 2000 Sydney games, hopes the players get to enjoy some of the same experiences he had as an Olympic athlete. “I just remember the vibe of being around other athletes who excelled at their profession, and sitting around sharing stories and being motivated by what helped them become Olympians,” Triano says. “As a coach, the great reward for me was being able to take 12 players and have them experience the same thing when I got to coach in Sydney. “Hopefully these guys get to experience that as well. I think that will make them better people and better athletes.”

Getting Down to Business While he was busy setting records as a basketball player at British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University—including scoring 45 points in a single game, 771 points in a season and 2,616 career points—Triano was also earning a degree in business administration. He views the knowledge he gained from his studies as a solid base that has helped lead to success on and off the court. “In coaching and in business, there are so many things that are similar and related, like communication and teamwork,” Triano says. “Successful businesses have great lines of communication. They work together as a team. The employees are disciplined and dedicated.” Basketball, he says, is no different. Triano also learned that the best teammates—and business colleagues—aren’t necessarily those with the most individual talent. “Sometimes people lead by talent,” he explains. “And some people are great guys. When you have people who are compassionate toward each other, those are the people you want to go to war with. You know that they’re loyal and they care. They’re going to have your back.”

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HYDRONICS

B y Dan Ho lo h an

HOW TO SAVE

A BOILER’S LIFE It’s a given these days that all boilers have low-water cutoffs, and that makes me very hap happy because I’ve seen hot-water boilers explode. One involved a sand hole in a cast-iron section. The house w where it happened is on Long Island, in New York. Water leaked into the combustion chamber, turned to steam and spewed from the chimney. Of course, the feed valve never opened p to replace the missing water because unwanted steam was also forming inside the boiler. With the feed valve not sensing a drop in pressure, the water stayed in the piping. pip The homeowner felt chilly one afternoon so he moved the thermostat up a touch. The circulator sstarted and the relatively cold water in the pipes hit h the very hot boiler, turning that water to steam in an instant. The rapid expansion of the steam turned the boiler’s back section into shrapnel. The rest of the boiler tore itself loose from its pipes, stormed across the basement, hit the opposite wall, and nearly knocked the house off its foundation. Another time, also on Long Island, and also hotwater, was in a house built in 1950. It was on a slab, with copper-in-concrete radiant. continues on page 56

Three Places to Look for Trouble 1.

Check Chec ck the aquastat setting. You shouldn’t need more than thaan 82°C in most buildings. If the water is getting ho hotter ot than the aquastat’s setting, and the aquastat iss in i a well, check to see if there’s heattra transfer grease in that well. Many boiler manufacturers leave out the grease. Squirt m some in there to provide good conduction so and watch w the aquastat smile.

If pressure goes critical, the relief valve should pop. Is there a plug in that relief valve (the knucklehead’s cure for drips)? Is it piped to the outside where trapped water might freeze inside the relief pipe? Ice is as good as a plug. Don’t be afraid to test that relief valve. If it doesn’t relieve well and then seat after you pop it, sell them a new one.

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Is there a low-water cutoff on that boiler? Is it working? You’ll never know for sure unless you test it.

Before we had low-water cutoffs, and to back-up those early relief valves, boiler manufacturers would position a fusible plug in the side of the boiler, below the waterline, and above the crown-sheet. Should the water level drop below the plug, the excessive heat would melt it and relieve the pressure. Stand back!

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HYDRONICS continued from page 54

The buried pipes leaked in the ’70s and copper-ﬁntube baseboard stepped up to replace it. The baseboard ran from corner to corner, stopping only to duck into the concrete by the front and back doors.

STEAM AS THE STAR OF THE SHOW While steam displacing water can have a nasty effect on a water-based hydronic system, there are plenty of places where steam can be the star of the show, and for both heating and cooling. There really is no better way to move massive amounts of energy through relatively small pipes than by using steam at high-pressure. We reduce that pressure dramatically once it reaches its destination.

The tubing that ran into the slab by the front door sprung a leak, but no one noticed it because this boiler had an automatic fill valve that was constantly replacing the leaking water. The homeowner noticed a rise in his fuel bill, but he just figured that’s what fuel bills do, so he didn’t call anyone to check it out. He also didn’t notice that the slab by the front door had gone radiant. One day, while the couple was at work, guys from the water company shut off the main so they could fix a broken pipe. They were at it all day. So was the leak in the buried pipe. The boiler kept running, trying to satisfy the thermostat, but the feed valve had no water to feed. Now think about how very hot 600 pounds of cast iron can get over the course of a day when the burner keeps running because this boiler didn’t have a low-water cutoff. The guys from the water company finished their work and turned the water back on. The feed valve fed into that cherry-red hunk of hell, which exploded and took half of the house with it. So how do you keep this from happening to you? I’m convinced that the only way to avoid an explosion is through really good service, eternal vigilance, and a working low-water cutoff on every boiler. We can’t depend solely on feed valves to feed, because sometimes they do that at the wrong time, or not at all. Low-water cutoffs belong on every boiler, even the older ones – especially the older ones. Use them and you’ll not only save the boiler’s life, you’ll probably also save the family.

M e c h a n i c a l

New York City’s district-steam system, operated by Consolidated Edison, is the largest, and nearly the oldest in the world (Denver’s is the oldest). Each winter, ConEd sends out nearly 10 million pounds of steam every hour to their 1,800 customers in Manhattan. One of those customers is the iconic Empire State Building, which reduces the operating pressure to just 1-1/2 psig. Hard to believe, I know, but it’s true. ConEd does this year-round through the use of boilers that are as tall as ofﬁce buildings, 169 km of steam pipes buried beneath the city’s streets, and 3,000 steam manholes (that’s where the steam traps are). When properly managed, steam is a noble servant. ConEd’s system may be the biggest, but there are also many college campuses using district-steam systems to both heat and cool their buildings. Steam is also perfect for hospitals, where heating and cooling, as well as sterilizing and cooking, are essential. So while feral steam inside a runaway hot-water boiler is something to both fear and avoid, steam, when mastered, can be a very efﬁcient workhorse, especially in those larger, commercial and institutional buildings.

EXPLOSIVE POWER: WATER VS. STEAM Believe it or not, but if you’re going to have a boiler explosion, you’re better off having it with a steam boiler. Hot-water boilers contain more water and that’s where the energy gets pent up. This poses a much greater risk than steam at an equal volume. Do any of you recall the water heater that the MythBusters guys sent soaring on TV? Yikes!

3 million New Yorkers rely on Con Edison’s steam every day.

Dan Holohan is an author, speaker, steam heating expert, and founder of heatinghelp.com, a highly regarded industry site that shares information about heating systems old and new. He can be reached at dan@heatinghelp.com.

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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

CONTINUING THE DESIGN Last issue, we asked you to come up with a bunch of pipe size calculations based on the design drawing. This issue we are going to look at some of the components. Just to remind you, the system has ﬁve zones of heating, plus a 120-gallon indirect DHW tank. Zone 1 is 86,000 BTUH, Zone 2 is 74,000 BTUH, Zones 3 and 4 are 55,000 BTUH each, and Zone 5 is 33,000 BTUH. The DHW needs 160,000 BTUH to deliver the continuous ﬂow advertised by the manufacturer. 2. Look at the attachment point for the expansion tank and the system feeder. Is this a good location?

Each of the boilers is a 250,000 BTUH modulating condensing stainless steel unit, with built-in controls for lead, lag, rotate and priority DHW. The boilers have 1-1/4” supply and return fittings. The air handlers have 3/4” fittings. And the low-temperature baseboard has 3/4” parallel copper lines. The indirect tank has 1” fittings outside, and 1-1/2” heat exchanger inside.

a) Yes

3. The air handlers are not currently installed with reverse/ return piping. How would you ﬁx that?

Keeping good piping practice in mind, and designing the system with a 20°F delta T and a ﬂow rate no greater than four feet per second, let’s pick and place some components. 1. Since there are multiple zones, a buffer tank hydraulic y separator is used. Will this work? a) Yes

b) No

a) To go under a beam. b) To install a thermal trap to prevent thermal siphoning. c) To mitigate pipe expansion concerns. d) Because your apprentice needed to practice installing 90-degree elbows.

Heating up the Jobsite bsite Up for grabs this month is a size XL Milwaukee M12 3in1 Heated Ripstop Jacket. The jacket system pairs a heated hoodie with a jobsite-tough Ripstop shell for the ultimate in warmth, versatility and durability; perfect for extreme working conditions! Send your solution by January 15th for your chance to win.

M e c h a n i c a l

a) Connect the Zone 1 return to the Zone 2 supply. b) Connect the Zone 2 return to the Zone 1 supply. c) Connect the Zone 1 return to the Zone 2 return before they come back to the piping. d) What are you talking about? It’s already reverse/return.

Email your answers to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com. 4. Why does the system side piping drop down and then Please include come back up?your name and daytime phone number.

WIN!

b) No

B u s i n e s s

Email your answers to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com. Please include your name and daytime phone number. Looking for the September/October 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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Maximum VITALITY

with fire tube heat exchanger

Maximum VALUE

with premium features

Maximum VERSATILITY

with easy installation and service

AFUE

Hydronic Products Residential Condensing Boiler The E110C wall-mounted condensing boiler from Rinnai has a maximum heating capacity of 101,000 BTU. It is ﬁeld-convertible to run on natural gas or propane and offers a turn-down ratio of 5:1. It features a stainless steel heat exchanger and offers AFUE efﬁciencies as high as 95.5 per cent.

Commercial Pipe Coupling Style 870 rigid pipe couplings from Victaulic are designed for use in commercial and industrial saturated steam and condensate piping systems. They are available in 2" to 8" sizes and are rated for a maximum working pressure of 150 psi. Their working temperature range is -29 to 186°C.

www. rinnai.us

www. victaulic.com

End Suction Pumpss SCI and SFI self-sensing, variable speed end suction pumps from Taco Comfort Solutions feature integrated VFDs designed to allow for quick and accurate balancing. The SCI units are close-coupled and the SFI units are framemounted. Both feature a selfsensing bypass option that allows engineers to bypass the variable speed control.

Condensate d Water W Pump P

www. tacocomfortsolutions.com

Residential and Commercial Condensing Boilers Vitocrossal 300 gas condensing boilers, available from Viessmann, are suitable for residential and light commercial applications. They come in sizes ranging from 19,000 to 199,000 BTUH and offer AFUE efﬁciencies of 95 per cent. The units feature watercooled stainless steel combustion chambers and stainless steel heat exchangers.

www. viessmann.com

M e c h a n i c a l

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SFA Saniﬂo’s Sanicondens Best condensate water pump uses a pH-neutralizing granule tray to increase the pH of the acid water before sending it to the drain line. The pump features four inlets and is capable of discharging condensate 15’ vertically and 150’ horizontally. It comes with a factory-installed check valve and an excess water alarm.

www. saniﬂo.com

System Cleaner Protector F1 cleaning solution from Fernox is formulated to remove sludge, lime scale and debris from hydronic systems. The product is engineered to stop frequent venting in radiators, prevent sticking pipes and reduce boiler noise. It is nontoxic and comes in a 500 mL bottle.

www. fernox.com

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www.spirotherm.com/quad info@spirotherm.com

REFRIGERATION

B y P h il J. B o u d r eau

Commissioning

SEMI-HERMETIC SCREW COMPRESSORS in Field-Piped Systems

To have a successful, long-term outcome in a project, it’s generally a good idea to focus on the early stages of planning and commissioning. Let’s take a look at some of the most important steps involved in starting up a semihermetic screw compressor successfully. In this case, we will assume the use of an economizer. Initially, it is good idea to take a good look over the system to ensure that all components are mounting solidly in place. Piping should not be permitted to rest against other piping and components.

Semi-hermetic screws are often used in applications that would otherwise require many individual reciprocating compressors. Due to their high volumetric displacement in a relatively small footprint, screw compressor systems can be designed to offset some signiﬁcant loads.

In order to start up the compressor safely, it is important to have read the operating instructions provided by the compressor and system manufacturer. Also, you will want to have the compressor selection sheet or operating envelope for the compressor readily available.

CH CHECK THE OIL Af all pressure testing has been completed, it may be After ne necessary to charge the oil circuit. For this step, it is imp portant to ensure that with compressors that do not have internal oil stop valves, that the oil int injection solenoid is closed. Allowing the rotor proﬁle area to ﬁll up with oil will result in the compressor drawing high amperage at start-up, and this can lead to damaging mechanical forces inside the compressor. Ensure that the oil outlet service valve on the oil separator is open. Generally, the oil can be charged by pouring it in through a port at the top of the separator. Preparation is very important here in order to ensure that the system is open for a short a period as possible. A reasonable approach to determining the amount of oil needed beforehand is to determine the volume

M e c h a n i c a l

About the technology

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Additionally, screw compressors typically include an intermediate suction port that can be used for economizing. Due to the significant amount of subcooling that can be done at the intermediate pressure, very signiﬁcant increases in both capacity and efﬁciency can be realized.

of the oil circuit. The approximate total charge will be the sum of the oil separator charge at half-sight glass, the oil cooler charge, the oil required to ﬁll the injection piping, plus an allowance that is equal to one to two per cent of the total refrigerant charge for the system. If needed, the oil charge can be topped up after the system is up and running. Once the system is charged with oil, the power to the system should be restored, but with the compressor electrically isolated so that it cannot start.

• Che c k t h e o i l • C h a r g e it u p • A b o u t t h e t ech n o lo gy At this point, the oil heater(s) in the oil separator should be energized. Also, ensure that the mechanical low and high pressure controls are set to pressures that are within the operating envelope of the compressor.

CHARGE IT UP Once the oil has been attended to, the next step is to evacuate and then add the refrigerant charge into the system. The compressor is only designed for speciﬁc refrigerants in speciﬁc application temperature ranges. Be sure to use only refrigerant approved for the compressor and application.

Phil’s Tips It is worth noting that the charging and initial start-up phase is a very critical part of the compressor’s life. It is very possible to reduce a compressor’s life signiﬁcantly if precautions are not taken at start-up. Be sure to allow the oil in the separator to reach at least the minimum temperature allowable by the compressor manufacturer.

Check out the electrical connections At start-up time, it is likely that the compressor terminal box cover is in place since all wiring was done previously. With the main unit disconnect in the off position, remove the terminal box cover for inspection. The terminal box should be absolutely clean inside, with no metal filings or debris of any kind. Small debris in a terminal box can lead to major headaches later. Next, we should compare the voltage on the compressor name plate with the unit name plate voltage and actual voltage supplied to the unit. On the underside of the terminal box cover, you will generally find a wiring diagram that can be used as a reference to verify that the compressor is connected correctly. The actual connection arrangement will depend on whether the compressor will be started using the part-winding approach or directly across the supply mains. After verifying the correct connections, the termination of the wires themselves should be checked to ensure that sufficient insulation material has been removed from the wire and that the terminals have been tightened to the torque recommended by the compressor manufacturer.

Refrigerant evacuation and charging is done with all service valves open. Again, it is important to ensure that the oil solenoid is not energized. During evacuation, be sure to consider the possibility that there are portions of the system that may be isolated from others. All portions of the system must be thoroughly evacuated. A vacuum level of 1,000 microns or so may be the minimum requirement established by the compressor manufacturer, but a 500-micron level is, of course, an even better target. Charging the system with refrigerant involves adding as much of the required charge in liquid form into the high side of the system before starting the system. This will ensure that when the expansion device opens that there is enough refrigerant to allow the system to load up once the compressor is started. Next, the low pressure side of the system should be charged with vapour refrigerant only.

Is it spinning right? After the electrical check, and with the oil injection line remaining closed, the next step is to verify that the compressor starts up in the correct rotation. But that’s a topic for next time, so be sure to pick up your January/February edition of Mechanical Business Magazine when we will cover this topic in more depth, and then continue with our discussion of the start-up procedure.

Phil Boudreau 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 By Kevi n G i l l Kevin Gill is an outside sales rep for refrigeration and commercial HVAC in Southern Ontario with The Master Group Inc. He can be reached at kgill@master.ca.

Another Era Gone By... I n the 1990s we began to delist and ban chloroﬂuorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants due to ozone depletion concerns, among other dangers, and the likes of R-12 and R-502 quickly became refrigerants of the past.

Of the three most popular refrigerants of that time, R-22, a hydrochloroﬂuorocarbon (HCFC), was the only one left, and it continued to foster both our air conditioning and refrigeration marketplaces. But we are now approaching 2016 and have come a long way in the development and introduction of refrigerants, always with an eye on environmental protection and system efﬁciency. But where are we now? What is actually happening? And, perhaps most importantly, how could pending changes affect you?

CHANGES ON THE WAY? Environment Canada and other related trade and environmental agencies have yet to reach a ﬁnal verdict for the Canadian market, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has announced its plan regarding refrigerants, and the de-listing of several from its SNAP program. I think it would be safe to assume that Canada won’t be far behind. Since the regulatory environment in each country has its differences, the Canadian plan will not be identical to that hitting the U.S., but expect the ultimate outcome of the Canadian play to be similar to what is set to play out south of the border. Given how closely our countries rely on one another within our industry, and the magnitude of products that are manufactured in the United States or for a North American marketplace, it is safe to say that changes are on their way, and that they will have a signiﬁcant effect on us.

M e c h a n i c a l

Shane Williams of AC Tool Source, Kevin Gill of The Master Group, and Jim Thomas of Refrigerant Services Inc. with several cylinders of refrigerant.

Where’s the Focus? The ﬁrst two refrigerants garnering the most focus are R-404A and R-507A, which are dominant in the supermarket and commercial refrigeration sectors. While not looking at all possible refrigerant options out there, and just focusing on some of the more likely replacements that we’ll see coming forward, Chart 1 outlines the primary refrigerants used in commercial and supermarket applications, and what will likely be used in place of them. As you can see in the chart provided, the EPA is mandating a phase-out and delisting as early as 2016 in some cases. And keep in mind that this is an abbreviated schedule. For a full listing, you should consult with the EPA directly, or with Environment Canada to see what progress is being made here in Canada. The goal over the next few years will be to essentially delist any refrigerant that exceeds a global warming potential of 2,500, and that number will continue to decline over the next decade. R-404A and R-507A carry GWPs of approximately 3,900. Based on the announcements in the U.S., refrigerants such as R-407A/C/F, R-134a and R-410A will also see their last day in some applications come the year 2020. R-22 has already been conﬁrmed as a refrigerant that will be banned in Canada in 2020. That said, there are some alternate refrigerants that are currently on the market that have been successfully tested, and this number of available alternates should grow over the next couple of years. One of the refrigerants not listed in the chart is R-442A. This is a blend of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, R-227ea and HFC-152a, and has a zero ODP. It has a GWP of 1,888 – well below the standard that will be enforced in the next two to four years – and is suitable for the replacement of R-404A and R-507A in existing medium and low temperature applications. It also has the ability to be put in place of R-22 in select low temperature applications as well.

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CURRENT U.S. DIRECTION. WILL CANADA FOLLOW? Phase-out refrigerant

Supermarket Supermarket - New - Retroﬁt

Remote Condenser Unit - New

Remote Condenser Unit - Retroﬁt

Stand-Alone MT < 2,200 BTUH and not contain ﬂooded evap. - New

MT * 2,200 BTUH with or without ﬂooded evap. - New

LT - New

LT and MT - Retroﬁt

R-404A/507A

Jan. 1, 2017

July 20, 2016

Jan. 1, 2017

July 20, 2016

Jan. 1, 2019

Jan. 1, 2020

July 20, 2016

R-410A

Jan. 1, 2019

Jan. 1, 2020

R-407 A/C/F

Jan. 1, 2019

Jan. 1, 2020

HFC-134a

Jan. 1, 2019

Jan. 1, 2020

Possible or Likely Alternatives R-448A/449A

Neither SNAP-approved, nor banned

OK for LT only

R-450A/513A

R-290

R-744

R-717

(in primary loop of secondary CO2 sys.)

* This only represents a partial listing of options, and is based on opinions of a number of industry experts. For a full listing, visit the EPA’s website, www.epa.gov.

Re-Think Refrigeration. E

merging technologies. Integrated Systems. Smart Controls... Is your refrigeration OEM up to the task? Modern refrigeration requires 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. Oxford Refrigeration can help expand your opportunities and introduce your customers to the most technically advanced systems in North America. Let us show you how. Never again get lost in the shuffle of a bid that specs the same technology the industry has been using for 30 years. Together we can present custom-built solutions for your processing, industrial, commercial and institutional customers.

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Re-Think refrigeration. Re-Think with Oxford.

www.oxfordenergy.ca 519-532-6373 M e c h a n i c a l

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

B y Go r d C o o ke

Fresh Air

Venting O

n the ﬁrst R-2000 townhouse house project built in Toronto in 1987, I was given the task of marking off with orange ons for the HRV fresh air intakes that spray paint appropriate locations would ensure good fresh air was being drawn into the homes.

Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 20 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into highperformance homes. He has particular expertise in IAQ and air ﬂow management in houses, and can be contacted at gcooke@airsolutions.ca.

Actually, it wasn’t that tough. The furnace and water heater vented Vs HRVs through the roof. They used a recirculation range hood and the HRV th ooms so there were not even bath b th fans f were fully ducted from the bathrooms to worry about. There really wasn’t much challenge ﬁnding a place for ventilation supply and exhaust vents somewhere along the rim joist, so long as it was high enough off the ground to avoid snow loads and far enough from any vehicle exhaust. It is, of course, a much greater challenge today. Furnaces, hot water heaters and even direct vent ﬁreplaces now vent to the sides of houses, along with a host of new venting appliances that were never a major concern just a couple decades earlier, like range hoods, clothes dryers, central vacuum systems and bath fans. This results in a much more crowded rim joist with fewer desirable options for intake air vent location. Dwelling spaces are also closer together, raising concerns about taking in air from neighbouring exhausts. The same issues exist in commercial and industrial buildings as well.

Spacing OF VENTS While most manufacturers of HRVs and ERVs recommend spacing the fresh air intake and stale air exhaust vents by at least 6’, code language has only a specific distance restriction of just 900 mm (3’) from actual contaminant sources like gas appliance vents, oil fill pipes and vehicle exhaust. The old 6’ rule of thumb (or should we say rule of stretched arms) may no longer be a viable option in many housing or commercial situations today. There are many variables associated with identifying an appropriate location for a ventilation air intake. In addition to the simple straight-line distance between intake and exhaust, think about the types of contaminants in the exhaust air, the direction and velocity of the exhaust air compared to the direction and velocity of the intake, and even the temperature of the exhaust air discharge. The air from a clothes dryer or range hood, for instance, is clearly worse than air from a bath fan. The gravity or passive venting from a plumbing stack will impact a fresh air intake differently than the velocity of hot, humid air from a dryer vent. In a commercial example, the exhaust from a restaurant fryer could be considered less objectionable or dangerous than the exhaust from a welding machine.

REVIEWING

CODES AND

STANDARDS In Part 6 of the National Building Code of Canada, there is this overriding requirement for both commercial and residential buildings: “Outdoor intakes and exhaust outlets in the exterior of buildings shall be designed and located so that air entering the building system does not contain more contaminants than the normal exterior air of the locality in which the building is situated.” In Part 9.32, Ventilation for Residential applications, there are two relevant statements: “Intake openings shall be located so as to avoid contamination of the ventilation air from other local sources such as automobile exhaust and exhaust from the building or adjacent buildings.” And: “The distance separating air intakes from building envelope penetrations that are potential sources of contaminants, such as gas vents or oil fill pipes, shall be

continues on page 68

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

continued from page 66

ASHRAE Classifications In ASHRAE standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Air Quality, there is a classification of four different airstreams. For the purposes of this article, the descriptions of each have been shortened.

CLASS 3: Air with significant contaminant concentration, significant sensory-irritation intensity, or offensive odour. CLASS 4: Air with highly objectionable fumes with potentially dangerous particles, bioaerosols or gases at concentrations high enough to be considered harmful. Of course, these descriptions leave room for interpretation and ASHRAE 62.1 does include a rather lengthy list of classifications of air from different spaces. Within the 62.1 standard there are guidelines as to how the different classes of air can be handled. For example,

CLASSIFICATION

no surprise, Class 4 may not be recirculated or transferred to any other space. There is also an interesting special note about the use of HRV/ERVs, whereby Class 2 exhaust air may be treated as Class 1 when the system’s intake air is made up of no more than 10 per cent of Class 2 air, and Class 3 air may be treated as Class 1 when it makes up no more than five per cent of a system’s air intake. Within ASHRAE 62.1 the prescriptive air intake minimum separation distance is listed as 5m (15’) from “significantly contaminated exhaust.” This would match the description for Class 3 air. There is no minimum listed for Class 1 or 2 air. Then there is a provision for an acceptable alternative method of determining an appropriate separation distance that takes into account the velocity of the exhaust air, the direction of flow and the class of the exhaust air. Table 2 shows the calculation for the two scenarios listed below with the resulting calculated separation distance shown.

EXAMPLES OF AIR SPACES OR AIR STREAMS

Bedrooms, classrooms, general offices, church halls, mall lobbies, supermarkets

Swimming pools, health clubs, barber shops, laundries, pet shops, toilets, kitchens

Daycare sickrooms, residential and commercial kitchen hoods

Commercial kitchen grease hoods, laboratory hoods, paint spray booths

Note: ASHRAE 62.1 does not address air from smoking spaces – it is not within the scope of the standard.

M e c h a n i c a l

continued

not less than 900mm.” The wording in the CAN/CSA F326 Residential Mechanical Ventilation Systems Standard is very similar to the wording found in the National Building Code shown above with one added phrase as follows: “Concentric or immediately adjacent air intake and exhaust openings shall be constructed and installed so as to prevent cross-contamination.”

CLASS 1: Air with low contaminant concentration, low sensoryirritation intensity and inoffensive odour. CLASS 2: Air with moderate contaminant concentration, mild sensoryirritation intensity, or mildly offensive odours. Air that is not harmful or objectionable but that is inappropriate for recirculation.

CODES

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Code and standards language is very clear on placement of fresh air intakes so as to avoid snow, leaves and grass clippings or other obstructions. They call for a supply air intake height above grade of no less than 450mm (18”), or at least the height of expected snow accumulation, if that is greater. There is one other important requirement found in the B149 Gas Code. A mechanical ventilation inlet must be no less than 3m (10’) from the pressure relief discharge of a gas regulator. Of course, there are gas regulators that don’t have an external pressure relief, and if there is a pressure relief discharge it can be piped away from an air intake.

Table 2 A 90 CFM HRV / ERV exhaust outlet with the typical slant hood discharging downwards and on the same wall as the fresh air intake.

1 meter (3.3’)

A 75 CFM tandem hood where the exhaust air is directed straight out from the wall and the fresh air intake is taken from the underside of the hood at the wall.

0.20 meter (7”)

! t s

5 1 0

a /2 F t 31

c A

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HVAC B y Al e k s Sa u c h u k

Infrared Heater Maintaining an

Gas-ﬁred infrared heaters are designed to provide warmth and comfort in commercial, industrial and some approved residential applications. At least once per year, an infrared heating system should be inspected and serviced by trained gas installation and service personnel. This inspection should be performed at the beginning of the heating season to ensure that all heater components are in proper working order and that the heating system operates at peak performance. When an infrared heater is properly cared for, it should run for years to come.

Startup Checklist Annual Inspection

Prior to starting up your infrared heater, verify that:

Blower assemblies may require annual oiling of the blower motor with SAE oil. This will extend bearing life signiﬁcantly. Motors with sealed ball bearings (no oil ports) do not require oiling. Ensure that the squirrel cage in the blower is kept clean. If dirt becomes a problem, installation of outside air intake ducts for combustion is recommended. Check the lubrication instructions on the motor. If oiling is required, add three to four drops of SAE 20 electric motor oil. Never over-oil, or premature failure may occur. Conﬁrm that the vent pipe system and outside air inlet are free from dirt, obstructions and corrosion, and that there are not any cracks or gaps in the sealed areas. Pay particular attention for bird or insect nests. Remove any carbon deposits. Make sure the vent pipe is connected and suspended securely. There should not be any holes, cracks or distortions on any part of the tubes, especially the tops. Check the integrity of the heat exchanger, and replace it if there are signs of structural failure. Watch for corrosion and/or buildup within the tube exchanger passageways.

M e c h a n i c a l

The combustion chamber and burner observation windows should be clean and free from cracks or holes. Ensure that the burner has proper ignition, burner flame and flame sense. The flame should extend directly outward from the burner without floating or lifting. Check that the burner and orifice are clean, and inspect the integrity of the gas connection to the heater. If repairs are necessary, turn off the gas supply to the heater and do not operate the unit. When checking the gas connection, verify proper inlet pressures are satisfied, referring to your installation manual for the proper connection. Also make sure the gas type listed on the rating label matches that of your application.

• The gas type listed on the rating label matches that of your application. • The gas connections have been purged of air and properly leak-tested. • The voltage type and frequency listed on the rating label matches that of your application. • The unit is properly grounded as per Canadian Electrical code CSA C22.1 Part 1. • The unit is properly mounted to a permanent structure able to bear the weight of the unit. • The proper mounting height is observed for the application. • All clearance to combustible distances or service clearances are maintained. • The unit is properly isolated or installed to prevent excessive vibration. • The unit is level horizontally. • Venting is properly installed in accordance with the manual and any applicable codes. • Combustion air supply is sufﬁcient to support proper operation at all times.

Before starting up the system for the new heating season, verify that the installation conforms to all of the speciﬁcations of the manual, as well as with local, provincial and national codes. In absence of the local codes, the heater must be installed according to the current National Standard of Canada CSA-B149 Section 1.

B u s i n e s s

Aleks Sauchuk is the ofﬁcer manager for Brant Radiant Heaters in Paris, Ont. She can be reached at aleks@brantradiant.com.

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Eric Skare is the product manager of Fire Safety at Uponor. He can be reached at eric.skare@uponor.com.

ADDING

B y E r ic S kar e

safety ON THE HOME FRONT

Standards and Information

gnoring statistics can result in tragedy. Misinterpreting them is also dangerous. And we all know that statistics can be twisted to “prove” almost anything, but when you understand the data, research the facts and uncover the truths, you will learn that we still have a fire problem in North America. Yes, it’s true that fire deaths have dropped significantly over the past few decades, and it’s also true that hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms are an extremely important safety feature in homes, but the fact remains that our homes aren’t necessarily the safe havens they could and should be. Building code committees are recognizing this, and recent editions of some model building codes in North America now require residential fire sprinkler systems in all new construction, in an effort to improve life safety in residential properties. The reason for this interest in sprinklers is due to changes in home design, construction materials and furnishings. New homes commonly have large, open floor plans that allow fires to spread rapidly. These large, open spaces often require the use of engineered construction materials with higher load-carrying ability. In fire conditions, however, some engineered wood products rapidly lose their strength, which can result in structural collapse much more quickly than in the past. In addition, the use of foams and synthetic materials in modern furnishings can contribute to accelerated fire growth and extremely toxic environments. Fires that are larger and hotter, with toxic smoke quickly spreading throughout the open floorplans in homes, means homeowners — and firefighters — face even more risk than ever when fires start in new homes. continued on page 74

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Sprinkler system installation is typically covered by NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. This is available at www.nfpa.org. NFPA 13D details the requirements, design approaches and calculations required to ensure the life-saving benefits of residential fire sprinkler systems. For additional information and statistics about residential fire sprinkler systems, there are great resources at NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative (firesprinklerinitiative.org) and excellent educational materials available from the non-profit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (homefiresprinkler.org).

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continued from page 72

Sprinkler basics Interested in this business opportunity? Plumbers interested in pursuing the ever-growing residential sprinkler market need to understand the licensing requirements for their jurisdiction. The ﬁrst step is to contact their local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding licensing and training requirements, which can vary signiﬁcantly. The next step is to develop a thorough understanding of sprinkler system installation requirements as detailed in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13D Standard. Formal training is highly recommended for any installer. Since these are lifesafety systems, knowing why sprinklers are required in certain areas, and why they can be omitted from others, will help installers understand why the design and proper installation of the sprinkler system is so important. Training is available through a wide variety of sources. Sprinkler associations, colleges and universities, and many manufacturers offer comprehensive training for sprinkler installers. Programs will typically cover the basics of sprinkler system operation, location and positioning of sprinklers to ensure adequate coverage, avoiding obstructions, ensuring adequate water supply and an overview of hydraulic calculations. Knowledge of all these areas will ensure the installer can answer questions from builders, plan reviewers and homeowners, establishing themselves as a resource and partner rather than just a subcontractor.

Sprinkler system design Getting water on a fire quickly is the key to fire suppression. Sprinklers do this by breaking the water stream into very small drops that can absorb the heat and disrupt the chain reaction required to sustain combustion. Supplying water to the residential sprinklers is typically accomplished through one of two main types of sprinkler system designs: multipurpose and standalone. Multipurpose sprinkler systems are fire sprinkler systems that also feed the home’s cold-water plumbing fixtures. These systems typically feature looped or flow-through layouts. Standalone systems feature separate water lines supplying only fire sprinklers. They are typically designed with a trunk-and-branch or straight-run layout. Standalone systems typically also require backflow prevention, to ensure the stagnant water in the sprinkler piping doesn’t contaminate the potable-water supply.

When most people think about sprinkler systems, they picture scenes from movies depicting the villain pulling a fire alarm and setting off every single sprinkler in the building. In reality, fire sprinklers are activated by heat, not smoke or fire alarms. And, they don’t all activate at once. In fact, statistics show that in 92 per cent of residential fires only a single sprinkler is needed to control, and in most cases extinguish, the fire. Residential fire sprinklers are very similar to the sprinklers that you see in office buildings and other commercial structures, but there are a few main differences. In residential occupancies, most of the fuel load (furniture, etc.) is located at the perimeter of the room, whereas offices usually have these furnishings in the centre of the room. To ensure the fastest water on the fire, residential sprinklers are designed to distribute the water in a wide pattern that ensures wall-wetting. Residential sprinklers are also designed to operate very quickly, distributing water on a fire while it is still small. By controlling the fire quickly the sprinkler contains the fire to the room of origin, minimizes the toxic smoke and gases, and allows the occupants to escape the home. One additional difference from systems used in offices and commercial buildings is that, in residential settings, these life-saving devices are hardly noticeable. The most common residential fire sprinklers are flat concealed sprinklers. These sprinklers feature a cover plate that sits flush on the ceiling or wall that releases at a lower temperature than the sprinkler. When the temperature at the ceiling reaches about 57°C to 77°C, the sprinkler will activate.

Water supply and shutoffs Because residential systems are intended to ensure occupants can escape in the event of a fire, there are specific requirements for the water supply to the system. Valves are not allowed to control the fire sprinkler system unless they are monitored by an alarm service, result in a local alarm in an area that is continuously attended, or are locked in the open position. These provisions are intended as a safety precaution to ensure the system does not get accidentally, or purposely, disabled. Additionally, for multipurpose systems, a warning sign must be placed near the main shutoff valve advising the homeowner that the water system supplies fire sprinklers and modifications or additions to the home’s plumbing should be reviewed by a fire-protection specialist.

PLUMBING

Products

Flow Controller The ICSS ﬂow controller from IMI Flow Design is suitable for drinking g water applications and comes in 1/2" to 3/4" sizes. It accommodates a maximum ﬂow of 12 gmp and has a maximum temperature rating of 180°F. All wetted parts are re stainless steel.

Toilet with Concealed Trapway

www. ﬂowdesign.com

Electronic Lavatory Faucet DEMD-611LF faucets, available from Delta, are available in a 0.66 gpm spray model and a 1.0 gpm aerator model. The handsfree units feature thermostatic mixing valves and run on six AA batteries (included). They have an adjustable sensor range and a maximum runtime of 15 seconds. All faucet components are above the deck.

www. deltafaucet.ca

The Avalanche CT one-piece toilet, available from Gerber, has a concealed trapway and a 1.28 gpf flush. It features a 3” flush valve and a dual siphon jet. The toilet is available in a white finish and has an ergonomic, elongated design engineered for comfort and accessibility.

www. gerberonline.com

End Suction Pumps Series e-1510 base-mounted end suction pumps, available from Bell & Gossett, come in 26 sizes and numerous conﬁguration options to suit a variety of plumbing applications. They feature stainless steel impellers, full seam welds, heavy-duty routed baseplates with saddle assemblies and an open top to facilitate equipment grouting.

www. bellgossett.com

Integrated Toilet

Endura XL grease interceptors from Canplas achieve interception efficiencies as high as 98 per cent in 75 gpm and 100 gpm configurations. They feature integrated internal flow control, flotation-resistant tank profiles and traffic-rated covers that can handle loads in excess of 2,000 lb.

The Karing 1.28 gpf toilet, available from Kohler, features an integrated bidet. It comes with a touchscreen remote to control the heated seat, bidet and air-dryer. Custom settings can be programmed for two users. The toilet also features an LED night light and handsfree opening and closing.

www. canplas.com

www. kohler.com

Grease Interceptors

M e c h a n i c a l

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Road Warrior What’s your favourite tool in the toolbox? My digital camera. I take pictures of every job I’ve done for years. When I first got into the business I carried a Polaroid camera, and I remember techs saying, “What are you taking pictures for?” Now if I don’t take pictures, they ask me where the pictures are. What’s the most memorable project you’ve worked on? I remember spending about three and a half hours doing a heat loss/ heat gain calculation on a house that looked like a goldfish bowl. It was a custom-built house with floorto-ceiling windows and different types of insulation in different parts of the house.

Favourite sport: CFL football Strangest thing seen on the job: You ever see the TV show Hoarders? I’ve been in houses where I couldn’t ﬁnd the furnace. The piles of stuff were taller than me. Favourite movie: Probably Top Gun.

If I were prime ld minister for a day, I would: Pull my hair out. Favourite car: The best car I ever had was a Mustang Mach 1.

But his dual citizenship also had him wondering whether his name would be called during the draft for the Viet Nam war. “Canada is my home, although for years I wondered if I was going to get a draft notice,” he recalls. “And I really wondered what my decision was going to be if I did get a draft notice. I had come to Canada when I was seven days old—I didn’t come just to hide from the draft. My grandparents were in the military. I have an afﬁnity for the military.”

Favourite vacation spot: Hawaii

Favourite musician: Bruce Springsteen

Favourite food: Borscht and pierogis. Those are Winnipeg staples.

Favourite concert: My most memorable concert was Iron Maiden. I’ll never forget walking out of that stadium trying to talk to my children and I couldn’t hear a word they were saying.

Favourite beverage: I drink a lot of coffee. I used to be a rye and Coke guy, but not so much anymore. Favourite restaurant: Hung’s Garden. Best Chinese food in Winnipeg. Favourite TV show: Blue Bloods

Photos: John Woods

Back when I was born, that’s how it worked,” he says. “It’s not so easy to get dual citizenship now.“

“I never had to make that decision, and I’m glad because it could have meant a different course for my life.”

Favourite radio station: CHVN and CJOB 680. On Time Group used to have a program called Ty Knows a Guy on CJOB.

Place you’d love to visit: The South Pole.

M e c h a n i c a l

Born to a Canadian father and an American mother, James grew up a dual citizen.

But the draft notice never came.

Favourite outdoor activity: Watching my grandson play football.

A Close Call

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What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever done? Skydiving. We were in Vegas, and I’m not a big gambler. I saw a ﬂyer that said, “Why just gamble with your money when you can gamble with your life?” Biggest pet peeve: Poorly done work. One word that best describes you: Ethical Favourite part of the job: I absolutely enjoy the variety of the job. There are no two people who are the same. There are no two houses that are the same.

By Greg Dalgetty

Name: Bob James Company: On Time Group Job Title: District Sales Manager Age: 62 Lives in: Winnipeg Joined the mechanical industry: 1990 Monthly mileage: 650 – 1,100 km Service area: Winnipeg

On the Road with

Bob James A

s far as interesting childhoods go, Bob James’s may take the cake. “My father was a tattoo artist at a carnival,” James explains. “My mother and father were wintering in Florida, and that’s when I arrived. When I was seven days old, they headed back to Canada. When I tell people I was born in Florida and my dad was a tattoo artist, they look at me and think, ‘Yeah, right.’ But sometimes you can’t make stuff up that’s as good as the truth.” James was raised in Brandon, Man., where he grew up playing football. Work-wise, he got his professional start working in the cemetery and funeral business, but decided to pursue a career in the mechanical trades 25 years ago. He hasn’t looked back since. “I’ve always been a do-it-myself kind of guy. And I’ve always been intrigued by the whole furnace/air conditioner/airﬂow industry,” he says. “Every house is different, and every homeowner is different.”

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HVAC/R Products P Heat pumps Trilogy 45 Q-Mode geothermal heat pumps from ClimateMaster are available in sizes ranging from 9,000 to 60,000 BTUH and offer a COP of 5.0. The pumps feature variable-speed fans and can be used for vertical upflow, vertical downflow and horizontal configurations. They have an operating range of 20°F to 120°F.

climatemaster.com

Cooling Tower Cleaning System The TFC-200 tower-ﬁll cleaning system from Goodway is designed to cleanse the interior of cooling towers. The all-in-one unit comes with a variety of wands and nozzles and features a 5-gallon chemical container for cleansers. Its water output pressure is rated at 300 psi and its chemical output pressure is 200 psi.

goodway.com

Line S Li Set C Covers The Little Giant SpeediDuct system from Franklin Electric covers and protects refrigeration lines in mini-split and ducted air conditioning systems. It features various lengths of straight ducts, as well as elbows, bends, caps and joints. It is available white and ivory ﬁnishes, and can be painted to match exterior colours.

www. franklin-electric.com

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Duct tape was invented for military use in 1942. The tape began to get used regularly in ductwork in the housing boom that followed WWII. It’s no longer recommended to use duct tape in ductwork.

Higher energy-efﬁciency ratings and lower cabinet heights

Goodman® high-efficiency gas furnaces now offer more features and benefits than ever. And all of them help to make Goodman gas furnaces easier to sell and install. Take a look at some of the enhancements you’ll find on select Goodman brand gas furnaces. - Energy-efficiency performance ratings up to 98% AFUE

Goodman Locations 1055 Cardiff Blvd., Mississauga, ON L5S 1P4

905-564-9791

1161 Parisien Street, Ottawa, ON K1B 4W4

613-745-3846

15700 Robins Hill Road, London, ON N5V 0A4

519-453-1200

46 Zatonski Avenue, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8

519-757-0965

8305 Jane Street, Unit 3, Vaughan, ON L4K 5Y3

905-760-2737

963 Brock Road, Suite 1-5, Pickering, ON L1W 3A4

905-420-4001

41 Brockley Dr, Unit #8, Hamilton, ON L8E 3C3

905-573-6565

2640 Jacques Cartier-Est, Longueuil, QC J4N 1P8

450-674-3883

- Thumb screws on the cabinet doors for easy access without tools

4313 Autoroute Des Laurentides, Laval, QC H7L 5W5

450-681-2220

6741 Cariboo Road, Unit 111, Burnaby, BC V3N 4A3

604-420-1331

- Factory installed internal trap for vertical applications

18043 111th Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5S 2P2

780-443-3072

7007 54th Street SE, #141, Calgary, AB T2C 3C2

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807 60th Street E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Z7

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- Overall cabinet height reduced to 34.5 inches

107 Mountianview Rd., Unit 1, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2E6

204-633-9133

- Newly designed tubular heat exchanger with wrinkle bend technology - 20,000 BTU firing rate per burner to deliver capacities from 40,000 to 120,000 BTU - Vertical gas valve for easy field connection to either side of the cabinet

- ComfortNet communicating control system compatible

www.goodmanmfg.com

For a closer look at the new line of Goodman high-efficiency gas furnaces, simply visit www.goodmanmfg.com or contact your local Goodman brand distributor.

Using Fluorescent Dyes for

Leak Detection By Kristen Burke

Tips to Ensure a Successful Inspection • Dye should be co-solvent free. Co-solvent based dyes can impair the properties of a system’s lubricant, resulting in diminished viscosity and lubricity. By choosing a dye that is co-solvent free, any potential compatibility and health issues will be minimized. • Dye should also be OEM-approved. This ensures that the dye can safely remain in a system for its lifetime without voiding any warranties. Check the dye manufacturer’s speciﬁcations for an OEM approval indication.

luorescent leak detection is a method in which a small amount of UV dye is injected into and circulated through an operating HVAC or refrigeration system. The dye and refrigerant mixture escapes and accumulates at leak sites. By then scanning the system with a leak detection lamp, the leaks will ﬂuoresce green or yellow, making them easy to spot. This method is best when used as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan, in which the dye is added to a system before a problem has occurred. Technicians can then quickly scan the system for leaks during regular maintenance or service calls. If a leak is present, a ﬂuorescent glow will appear making even the smallest leaks easy to pinpoint.

• Follow instructions accompanying dye injectors thoroughly. This will help to prevent dye spills and a messy workspace. • Direct sunlight may make it difficult to see the glow of the fluorescent dye. Inspect for leaks early or late in the day, or shade the suspected area. • When the line of sight doesn’t allow for proper inspection, bounce the light off an inspection mirror or use a flexible shaft UV inspection lamp. • To avoid a time delay before an inspection can be performed, inject dye into systems during a service call before a problem presents itself. It will then be fully circulated and ready to quickly inspect when needed. • If dye is not injected into a system before a problem occurs, it can still be injected when the system is not fully operational. A full charge is not actually required.

Label the System Be sure to label each system properly after dye is injected. Many leak detection kits come with leak-free stickers, which can be placed on the system to indicate when dye was injected and how any found leaks were handled. Another option is to use tamper-evident straps to warranty your work and guard against unqualiﬁed repairs. Doing this will safeguard your recovery equipment and reduce callbacks. Kristen Burke is an assistant technical writer with Spectroline, a manufacturer of ﬂuorescent dyes used in HVAC/R, aviation, industrial and other industries. She can be reached at kristen.burke@spectroline.com.

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More Hyper-Heat options, more satisﬁed customers.

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Marketing with DOUG MACMILLAN

10 ways to build your email list

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

ast issue we looked at some tips for effective email marketing. Done correctly, dropping your messages into customers’ and prospective customers’ inboxes remains one of the most targeted, measurable and cost-effective marketing efforts you can make. However, executing an effective email marketing program takes time and commitment. You’ll want to know you’re reaching a steadily growing audience that can help grow your business. It’s a lot of pointless effort if your list is just a few dozen names composed mostly of long-time customers, staff members’ moms and local competitors. Sadly, many lists are shadows of their former versions. Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), introduced in 2014, makes it easy for us to opt out of emails we don’t want to receive. Scores of people did just that, and many business email lists were depleted in the process. What’s more, we can’t just buy a list or hunt down email addresses and add them to our database: subscribers must opt-in by choice, and can choose to opt back out in a heartbeat. It doesn’t mean you can’t build a quality list. It just means marketers need to be smarter and more authentic in their email marketing.

Getting the Opt-in Be patient It’s slow and steady growth you’re after – no single idea will create a surge in email subscribers.

1 Deliver sharable, valuable content If your information is useful enough, people will forward it to others or share it on social media. Make it easy, though. Include buttons or graphics so people can easily post from an email to their social channels. What’s shareable? A coupon or special deal. A cool new product, or even an informative how-to video.

However, a sustained commitment to introducing tactics to grow your email list should lead to solid growth over a year or two.

2 Push it out on your social media channels Blasting out an email isn’t enough. All of that content can be delivered in bite sized pieces via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn with a clear call-to-action for people to sign-up for emails to receive those nuggets on a regular basis.

3 Offer exclusive deals There’s nothing like an advantage over someone else to get people to sign up for something. Offer occasional special offers or “Random Acts of Awesome” that are only sent to email subscribers. Follow through will some fun surprises like, “The ﬁrst 20 people to email us will receive a $10 Tim Hortons card!”

Have you built a killer email list? How’d you do it? Let’s share your strategies – email me!

4 Provide something free with sign-up With a bit of effort you can create useful tools for homeowners, such as a 25-point home checklist for saving money this winter, or a ﬁve-year home HVAC planner. Create resources that reinforce your expertise, offer value to subscribers, and are available for free – provided people sign up with their email address. You’ll still need them to “check” their interest in receiving regular emails, but many will. continued on page 86

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Smaller applications?

New NPE-150S condensing tankless All the big advantages of Navien technology in a smaller size Navien’s new NPE-150S has all of the great features that has catapulted Navien’s NPE series tankless water heaters into the condensing technology leadership position:

UP TO

0.99EF C

UP TO U E F

2”PVC

•2" PVC venting up to 60 feet •Dual stainless steel heat exchangers

1 2

•An integrated and easy to use control •Field gas convertibility from NG to LP

GAS

VENTING

UP TO

60 FT

The Navien NPE-150S is designed speciﬁcally for smaller homes and condominiums. It also works well cascading when more domestic hot water is required.

CAPABILITY

UP TO

24 FT

STAINLESS DUAL STEEL HEAT EXCHANGERS

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NG LP FIELDCONVERTIBLEGAS OR

To learn more contact your •Navien Representative •Navien Wholesaler •Visit Navien.com or CondensingSaves.com

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L E A D E R

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T H E

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T E C H N O L O G Y

Marketing

continued from page 84

with DOUG MACMILLAN

for their emails, and vice versa. (It goes without saying that your homework includes making sure you know who you’re partnering with and have vetted their email communications for quality.)

5 Re-engage with former subscribers If you’ve reinvented your email marketing strategy and feel you can offer more value than you previously did, reconnect with former subscribers to advise them that you feel there is a good reason for them to sign up again. Consider a special incentive for them, such as a free furnace cleaning. Only re-invite people once, though. It will backfire if you bug them persistently.

8 Promote online/email billing It’s likely many of your customers are on a monthly pre-authorized payment program, however for those who pay online or via email, it’s a perfect opportunity to invite them to subscribe to your email communications to receive exclusive offers and information.

9 Have a contest

Discount your monthly ‘care’ plan rate for subscribers

Whether it’s a promotion to find the city’s oldest furnace or just a simple sign-up for a year’s free service, integrate an email sign-up with the contest entry. As long as you’re promoting the contest in the usual ways – advertising, social media, maybe some direct mail – you’ll reach new people and grow your list in the process.

Crunch the numbers to see if you can provide a price advantage for maintenance plan customers if they agree to receive emails. It doesn’t need to be a huge savings – even a couple of dollars off is enough advantage to encourage people to say, “Sure, I’ll sign up.”

10 Collect email addresses in person

Build marketing partnerships

Other small companies in your community may have email marketing programs that are reaching customers well-suited to your business. Spend some time researching and reaching out to these companies to propose a reciprocal arrangement: you’ll provide useful content

Sometimes we miss the obvious. In your business, you’re out and about on a regular basis: at home shows, sales calls, service calls, networking events... always be inviting people to sign up. Create a small pamphlet that talks about exactly what the emails will include, and how frequently people will receive them.

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When he reduced costs by 13% with a new RTU, he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just saving money. He was setting a precedent. Once your clients start seeing the benefits of our incentives for upgrading to high efficiency RTUs, they will want to look into making other parts of their building like ventilation, chiller and building automation systems more efficient too. When they do, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be joining thousands of organizations across Ontario who are already enjoying the savings that our programs deliver. Take a look at their stories and our incentives at

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Hydronic Products Condensing Boilers Evergreen condensing boilers, available from Weil-McLain, are suitable for large residential and light commercial applications. Available in 220,000, 299,000 and 399,000 BTUH sizes, the boilers are ﬂoor- or wall-mountable and offer AFUE efﬁciencies of 96.5 per cent.

www. weil-mclain.ca

Hydraulic Separator Control Station The HPS Controls hydraulic separator control station is a prewired low loss header system suitable for boiler systems up to 200,000 BTUH. It allows for six individual zones to be conﬁgured for high or low temperature priorities and is available in left and right boiler connections. The circuit board features two end switches to access high and low outputs to the boiler.

Commercial and Residential Boilers

www. hpscontrols.com

SSB Buderus series boilers, available from Bosch, come in heating inputs ranging from 85,000 to 1,024,000 BTUH and offer thermal efﬁciencies of 98 per cent. They feature stainless steel heat exchangers, an integrated premix burner and a pneumatic airgas system for combustion. They offer a 5:1 turn-down ratio and a factory-installed low-water-cutoff.

Thermostatic Mixing Valves The MixCal 521 series of low-lead, adjustable thermostatic mixing valves from Calefﬁ come with 3/4" press connections and are cUPC listed to ASSE 1017/CSA B125.3. They have a maximum working pressure of 200 psi, a maximum inlet temperature of 93˚C and an adjustable range of 29˚ to 65˚C.

www. boschheatingandcooling.com

www. calefﬁ.us

Fan Coil Brise fan coils from Jaga Climate Systems are designed to control temperature settings in large areas such as workshops, ofﬁces and conservatories. Each fan coil features a built-in air-ﬂow regulator. They are available in standard hydraulic left connections of types 02, 03 and 04 (1/2"); and types 06, 08 and 10 (3/4"). Right connections are available upon request.

Baseboard Radiators Rescom 2100 baseboard radiators, available from Rescom Rads, measure 7-1/8" high by 1-1/16" deep. The 6063 aluminum units use brass compression type ﬁttings and are designed for operating temperatures ranging from 48°C to 71°C, with a maximum recommended temperature of 82°C.

www. jaga-usa.com

www. baseboardrads.com 88

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TOOL TIP

Tool Tracking in the Digital Age Insulation Boards

Commercial Boilers

Hydrofoam 360 foam boards from Polyform are engineered to insulate hydronic heating pipes in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional applications. Designed for installation under the concrete slab, the interlocking boards are available in 4’ by 4’ sizes in thicknesses of 2-1/2" and 4". Boards are available in R-values of R-10 and R-16.

NeoTherm commercial boilers, available from Laars, come in heating sizes ranging from 285,000 to 1,200,000 BTUH and offer AFUE efﬁciencies as high as 95 per cent. The direct-vent units have a turndown ratio of 5:1, or 10:1 in the 1,000,000 and 1,200,000 BTUH sizes. They feature integrated control systems that can stage up to eight boilers, and control ignition, outlet water temperature and indirect water heater functions.

www. polyform.com

www. laars.com

Residential and Light Commercial Boilers NHB condensing boilers from Navien are designed for residential and light commercial use. They come in heating sizes ranging from 55,000 to 150,000 BTUH with turn-down ratios ranging from 7:1 to 15:1. Each boiler features dual stainless steel heat exchangers and an integrated control system, and offers AFUE efﬁciencies as high as 95 per cent.

www. navien.com

Vent System The UL S636-rated Ecco Polypropylene Vent system is designed for use with type BH gas venting systems. It is suitable for use with condensing boilers with a maximum ﬂue gas temperature of 110°C and available in diameters of 2", 3", 5", 6" and 8". The venting is ﬁre retardant and resistant up to 120°C and operates in negative and positive pressure modes.

ool inventories are a cost of doing business, but how many tools does your company need? How many are currently in your service trucks? And how many seem to evaporate into thin air when you need them?

The desire and ability to track tools is not new, but it’s not something that all companies have bought into. Previously this may have been due to costs, either directly in software or indirectly in employee training and buy-in to get your people to use the systems. But with advancements in digital tool technologies, cloud technology and smartphones, there are new, simplified yet effective options that can help minimize jobsite costs related to tool and equipment inventories, and that can extend the service life of your equipment. With the simplicity of a smartphone app, an inventory management system can assign a tool or piece of equipment to a specific location, or even to a specific tradesperson. This increases accountability for how the tool will be used, and helps ensure that it will be returned. When looking for an inventory management platform, it is generally best to find one that will work with more than just one brand of tools. Some offer the ability to record run-time statistics, or to upload the tool’s operational history, which can aid with scheduling service intervals.

www. eccomfg.com

Thermostatic Diverting Valves Danfoss ESBE VTA 572 three-way, non-electric thermostatic diverting valves are available in two temperature ranges suitable for thermostatic changeover applications: 0° to 30°C and 20° to 43°C. They are rated for a maximum working pressure of 145 psi and a minimum ﬂow rate of 2.4 gpm.

Sponsored by Milwaukee Electric Tool – a proud partner with Mechanical Business. Look for video tips, tools and reviews at www.milwaukeetool.com. Be sure to visit mechanicalbusiness. com for your chance to win valuable Milwaukee products and merchandise!

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HVAC/R Products P Gas Furnaces The LX series of TM9Y gas furnaces from York offer efficiencies up to 96 per cent and heating inputs ranging from 40,000 to 120,000 BTUH. They feature two-stage operation and ECM motors, and can be configured for upflow, horizontal and downflow installations.

Heating/Cooling Units Condo Pack gas-powered, directvent heating and cooling units from Napoleon are suitable for low-rise and high-rise residential applications, as well as industrial and institutional applications. Featuring efﬁciencies of up to 96.8 per cent AFUE, they are available in cooling sizes of 1 to 5 tons, and heating sizes of 30,000 to 50,000 BTUH.

york.com

Exhaust and Intake Vents The WC series of wall caps from Primex are suitable for exhaust and intake applications for furnaces, p kitchen and bath fans, and stove vents. Each wall cap g is rain-screen compatible. They come in sizes ranging from 3” to 8” and are available in seven different ﬁnishes, including taupe, tan and dark brown.

napoleonheatingandcooling.com

www. primexﬁts.com

Refrigerant Leak Detector The Ref-Locator, available from Refco Manufacturing, is designed to detect HFC, HCFC and HFO leaks using a solid electrolyte sensor. It features an LCD display, three UV and LED inspection lights and an audible/ mutable detection mode. The device runs on AA batteries and comes with a carrying case.

www. refco.ch

Heat Pumps iSeries heat pumps from Unico come in 1.5 to 3-ton sizes and are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -25°F to 122°F. They come in heating sizes ranging from 6,100 to 50,000 BTUH and feature variable speed fans.

Residential Gas Furnaces

www. unicosystem.com

WeatherKing W96V gas furnaces offer AFUE efﬁciencies of 96 per cent and come in heating sizes ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 BTUH. The units feature two-stage operation and variable speed blowers. They can be vented with 2” or 3” PVC.

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Toto’s Entrada close coupled toilet features the high efficiency E-Max flushing system, which has a flush rate of 1.28 gpf (4.8 lpf). You can find the Toto Entrada economically priced to meet your needs at Bardon Supplies Limited. We offer a wide range of toilet models to accommodate any bathroom size or style, all while keeping water efficiency in mind.

bardonsupplies.com HE-Z FAN COILS HE-Z Fan Coils from Hi-Velocity feature Pressure Sensing Board (PSB) motor controllers that are pre-set for cooling, heating and recirculation, and are also field programmable for various fan outputs. The VDC signal varies depending on the system load, adjusting power input based on demand and allowing for easy zoning. HE-Z fan coils won the Air Con Product of the Year, System or Standalone, at the RAC Cooling Industry Awards.

hi-velocity.com MOEN VOSS KITCHEN FAUCET The Voss pullout kitchen faucet from Moen has an uncomplicated and timeless style. It features Moen’s Reflex® system, which provides users with smooth operation, easy maneuverability and secure docking of the spray wand. Voss kitchen faucets are available in Chrome, Oil Rubbed Bronze and Spot Resist™ Stainless, which helps prevent fingerprints and water spots to maintain a brilliant finish.

moen.ca STAINLESS STEEL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS ACO’s stainless steel drainage systems are designed for use inside buildings where hygienic demand is high and in decorative areas. The versatility of stainless steel allows it to be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. It has the strength g to accommodate heavy loads and can also be used in areas for chemical resistance.

SPOTLIGHT PROFILES

TOTO’S FIRST CLASS SEATING

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PLUMBING

Products

Hands-Free Kitchen Faucet Selia 1.8 gpm hands-free kitchen faucets from Pﬁster are available for one-, two-, three- and four-hole installations and can be installed with an optional deck plate. The integrated sensor runs on 6 AA batteries and has a hibernation mode for cleaning and extended periods of disuse, as well as a feature that automatically shuts off water after two minutes of inactivity.

Battery Backup System Little Giant SPBS battery backup systems are designed to prevent basement ﬂooding during power outages. They come in four different varieties; two of which are a full system with a primary sump pump, backup sump pump, controller, charger and alarm; while the other two feature everything except the primary sump pump. The full systems utilize 6EC and 10EC sump pumps capable of 53 to 67 gpm.

www. pﬁsterfaucets.com

www. littlegiant.com

Root Ripper The Root Ripper from General Pipe Cleaners is engineered to clear roots from drain pipes. It features a heavy steel spring with a tapered point designed to clear obstructions. It is made of hardened spring steel and can be be adapted to sectional machines – or to other brands of cable-type drain cleaners.

www. drainbrain.com

Washing Machine Outlet Box The Du-All dual-drain washing machine outlet box, from G. F. Thompson, features various mounting options to allow for dual-drain, right-drain or leftdrain installations. The box can also be inverted for top-mount and centre drain installations. It comes with brass 1/4-turn valves installed and measures 8-1/4" wide by 6-1/8" tall by 3-3/4" deep.

www. gfthompson.com

Open Throat Grate Hot Water Recirculation System The AquaMotionHot One hot water recirculation system, available from Ontor, is suitable for systems without a dedicated return line. It comes with a pump, hose, ﬁttings and cord. The system installs under the sink and uses a temperature sensor to ensure that the pump only runs when water starts to cool.

www. ontor.com 92

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The FD-320 series floor drains from Watts now come with an open throat grate and funnel option designed to reduce the risk of splashing. The grate comes with an integrated 4"x 9" cast iron funnel engineered for unobstructed free flowing drainage. It can be ordered as a standalone unit for retrofit applications or as part of any FD-320 series drain.

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PLUMBING Heat Pump Water Heater

Products

Bathroom Faucets Chateau bathroom faucets from Moen feature a 4" centreset design and a one-handle lever. The threehole-mount units have a ﬂow rate of 1.5 gpm at 60 psi. They are available in chrome, polished brass and brushed chrome ﬁnishes.

The Accelera 300 heat pump water heater, available from Stiebel Eltron, extracts up to 80 per cent of its energy requirements from the surrounding air. Its compressor and fan generate 3 to 5 kWh of heat on 1 kWh of electricity. The unit has an 80-gallon capacity and runs on a 15-amp, 240V breaker.

www. moen.ca

www. stiebel-eltron.com

Push-On Couplings Cremco shielded push-on couplings from Bibby-Ste-Croix are suitable for cast-iron soil plumbing systems and non-combustible installations. The couplings feature integrated shields and gaskets and are available in 1-1/2" to 4" sizes.

bibby-ste-croix.com

45' of Line Carry Zurn’s high-efficiency toilet and carrier system (HTEC) integrates a 1.1 gpf wall bowl, carrier and valve capable of 45' of line carry. The toilet features siphon-jet flush action and a 2-1/8" fully glazed trapway and comes with a sensor-operated flushometer.

www. zurn.com Follow Us on Twitter @MechBusiness

Toilet Seals

Fire Sprinkler System

Wax-free toilet seals from Fernco, suitable for residential or commercial installations, are compatible with 3" and 4" drain pipes. They can be used in applications with knock-out flanges or flanges with pipe stops. Seals are made from PVC and can accommodate floors up to 3/4" above the toilet flange.

The AquaSAFE residential ﬁre sprinkler system, available from Uponor, integrates sprinklers with a home’s cold-water plumbing. The system utilizes PEXa tubing that has been approved for use in exposed applications, and can be installed using the same ﬁttings and tools as an Uponor plumbing system.

www. uponorpro.com

www. fernco.com

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STUFF YOU NEED

Room-wide Level Right-angle Drill The M18 Fuel Super Hawg, available from Milwaukee Tool, is a cordless right-angle drill capable of drilling 6” holes. Designed for HVAC and plumbing applications, it can drill 75 2-9/16” holes on a single charge. It accommodates self-feed drill bits up 4-5/8” and hole saws up to 6”.

www. milwaukeetool.com

The Bosch GLL-2-20 projects a 360° line across a room, allowing users to establish a room-wide level and work in different parts of a room simultaneously. The unit provides vertical or horizontal line projections, or both at the same time. The device’s range is 65’, with an accuracy of ± 3/16” at 30 ft. It can be set up on the ﬂoor, wall or ceiling using ceiling grid clamps.

www. bosch.com

Metal-Cutting Snips ULC10 metal-cutting snips from Malco are designed to cut straight lines, circles or squares in 26-gauge (0.56 mm) galvanized steel and 0.46 mm mild steel, as well as non-ferrous materials such as aluminum pipe and coil. The snips have a 10” polymer frame, a 3” inset blade and fully threaded brass inserts.

Jobsite te Tunes The DWST08810 ST08810 ToughSystem jobsite sound system, available from Dewalt, connects to a phone or music device via Bluetooth or a 3.5 mm auxiliary input port. The sound system features six speakers—four tweeters and passive and active subwoofers—and comes with a built-in 12V/20V lithium-ion battery charger and a 1A USB charger.

www. malcotools.com

www. dewalt.com

Portable Beveller Ridgid’s B-500 transportable pipe beveller mounts to the ends of pipes that are 4” in diameter or larger with a maximum wall thickness of 1/2”, or on ﬂat plates up to 1/2” thick. It comes with interchangeable heads that cut bevels at 30°, 37.5° or 45° and features LED indicators that monitor bevelling speed.

www. ridgid.com

Data Logger The UX120-018 Hobo plug load data logger, available from Hoskin, measures power and energy consumption of 120V plug loads. It features a “meter mode” that provides instant readings and is accurate within 0.5 per cent. The device provides data on RMS voltage and current, active power, active energy, apparent power and power factor.

www. hoskin.ca 94

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SPOTLIGHT PROFILES

NAVIEN NHB - SMARTER & SMALLER Navien has introduced the efﬁcient wall-hung condensing NHB (Navien Heating Boiler) series. For residential and light commercial use, there are 4 sizes: NHB55, NHB-80, NHB-110 and NHB-150, with turn-down-ratios respectively of 7:1, 10:1, 11:1, and 15:1. The NHB smart control features offer an opportunity to achieve a true high-efﬁciency installation. Visit boilersmadesmart.com.

The Leader in Condensing Tankless Technology

navien.com SANIBEST PRO The Sanibest Pro system can be used to install a complete bathroom up to 25 feet below the sewer line or 150 feet away horizontally. It comes with a 1 HP grinder pump and can connect to a toilet, sink, shower, tub, or indirectly to a washing machine. The system is designed to deal with the accidental ﬂushing of some sanitary items, making it ideal for apartments, ofﬁces or rental units.

saniflo.ca GROOVED PIPING SYSTEM FOR STEAM Featuring the Style 870 rigid coupling and a full line of ﬁttings, the Victaulic System Solution for Saturated Steam eliminates the need to weld steam and condensate piping with pressures up to 150 psi (1,034 kPa) and temperatures up to 366°F (186°C). The system offers quick, simple installation and maintenance while maintaining a safe worksite.

victaulic.com PRO-CONNECT PP-R PRO™ Webstone PP-R Pro brass valves are designed for use with all Aquatherm PP-R piping systems. The valves are available in 1/2" to 2" sizes and are made of lead-free CleanBrass, certiﬁed to NSF/ANSI 61 & 372. They are part of Webstone’s PP-R Pro lineup, which also includes The Isolator, The e Isolator w/ Multi-Function Drain and the Pro-Pal Ball Drain.

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THE INFO PAGE PAGE #

PAGE #

Tel: (877) 226-4255 www.acocan.ca

Tel: (800) 613-0507 YYY ƃKT EC

Tel: (905) 670-7521 www.master.ca

PAGE #

Heating Refrigerating Exposition

Tel: (800) 668-5515 YYY ƃGGV HQTF EC

Tel: (203) 221-9232 www.ahrexpo.com

Tel: (800) 387-9630 www.mitsubishielectric.ca

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Tel: (613) 966-5643 91 www.bardonsupplies.com

Tel: (800) 245-6200 www.drainbrain.com

Tel: (800) 465-6130 www.moen.ca

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Tel: (866) 690-0961 www.bradfordwhite.com

Tel: (800) 461-5581 www.napoleonheatingandair.com

Tel: (877) 780-3316 www.goodmanmfg.com PAGE #

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Tel: (800) 553-9749 www.honeywell-refrigerants.com

Tel: (877) 655-6686 www.novowater.com

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Tel: (800) 567-9791 www.hoodchemical.com

Tel: (502) 589-5380 www.cozyheaters.com

Tel: (800) 688-2575 www.ntiboilers.com PAGE # PAGE #

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Tel: (877) 797-9473 www.saveonenergy.ca

www.daikincomfort.com

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Tel: (866) 473-9462 www.ipexinc.com

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Tel: (877) 314-6040 www.osb.ca

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Tel: (416) 213-1505 www.desco.ca

Tel: (800) 567-1631 www.ontor.com

PAGE #

Tel: (905) 712-3030 www.deltafaucet.ca

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OXFORD ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.

Tel: (519) 532-6373 www.oxfordenergy.ca

www.irwin.com PAGE #

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Tel: (615) 889-8900 www.lochinvar.com

Tel: (800) 463-3600 YYY ƃGGVEJT[UNGT EC M e c h a n i c a l

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Tel: (800) 282-0003 www.cmpxshow.com

Tel: (800) 519-8794 www.navien.com

Tel: (888) 652-2219 www.hi-velocity.com

Tel: (800) 387-4778 www.brantradiant.com

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Tel: (800) 666-3691 www.reedmfgco.com

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Tel: (800) 474-3443 www.ridgetool.com

Tel: (800) 227-0729 www.testo.com

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Tel: (800) 225-9529 www.webstonevalves.com

Tel: (905) 265-1527 www.thermalhydronics.com

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Tel: (905) 884-7444 www.victaulic.com

Tel: (888) 820-0120 www.sharkbite.com 67

Tel: (800) 387-7373 www.viessmann.ca 29

Tel: (800) 796-6667 www.symmons.ca

CALENDAR

AHR Expo 2016 January 25-27, 2016 Orlando, Fla. www.ahrexpo.com CIPH Ontario Region Business Meeting January 28, 2016 Mississauga, Ont. www.ciph.com CCA Conference March 6-10, 2016 New Orleans, La. www.cca-acc.com

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International Builders’ Show January 19-21, 2016 Las Vegas, Nev. www.buildersshow.com

PAGE #

Tel: (800) 363-6020 www.stelpro.com

KBIS 2016 January 19-21, 2016 Las Vegas, Nev. www.kbis.com

Tel: (888) 208-8927 www.watts.ca

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Tel: (800) 363-5874 YYY UCPKƃQ EC

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Tel: (800) 928-7867 www.zoellerpumps.com PAGE #

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Tel: (816) 796-3900 www.watcomfg.com

Tel: (719) 574-1101 www.woodfordmfg.com

Tel: (905) 405-8272 www.zurn.com

EVENTS

World Plumbing Day March 11, 2016 www.worldplumbingday.org CIPH Gala for Habitat for Humanity March 15, 2016 Toronto, Ont. www.ciph.com CMPX 2016 March 16-18, 2016 Toronto, Ont. www.cmpxshow.com CIPH Ontario Region Business Meeting April 14, 2016 Mississauga, Ont. www.ciph.com ORAC AGM May 5-8, 2016 Niagara Falls, Ont. www.oraca.ca

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MEET 2016 May 18-19, 2016 Moncton, N.B. www.meetshow.ca COHA June 7-9, 2016 Charlottetown, PEI www.cleanerheat.ca OPIA AMES June 12-14, 2016 Burlington, Ont. www.opia.info CIPH ABC 2016 June 26-28, 2016 Banff, Alta. www.ciph.com HRAI AGM August 24-26, 2016 Calgary, Alta. www.hrai.ca

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bythenumbers

Compiled by Mechanical Business

WATER NONSERVATION A recent survey found that 75 per cent of Canadians nadians only make a modest effort to conserve water. Top reasons: e. 45% My water use won’t make a difference.

27% Have other things to worry about.

APPRENTICESHIPS IN CANADA 469,680 Canadians registered in

14% Canada has more than enough water..

apprenticeship programs in 2013.

77.3%

Apprenticeships for trades

with a Red Seal designation.

85%

Percentage of registered

apprentices who are male.

HEAD OFFICE JOBS 2,773 The number of head offices in Canada in 2013. 225,380 The number of people employed by head offices. 68.1% Head offices located in large urban centres. UNINCORPORATED SELF-EMPLOYMENT GERMOPHOBIA IN THE BATHROOM

According to Statistics Canada, one in 10 Canadians has their primary source of income come from unincorporated self-employment.

Here’s a look at just how worried people are about touching things in public restrooms:

1.7 million

Average number of people per year who were self-employed and unincorporated.

69% Use elbows to avoid touching

70% The average annual turnover rate

things with their hands.

for unincorporated self-employment.

57% Flush public toilets using their feet. 55% Use paper towel when touching a

2 times

People between the ages of 55 to 64 are almost twice as likely to pursue unincorporated self-employment than people between the ages of 25 to 44.

door handle.

45% Open and close doors using their posteriors.

COST OF $3.2 TO $4.5 COMPLIANCE BILLION 114 98

The amount spent on product testing and certiﬁcation compliance in the North American plumbing and heating industry each year. PM# 41536047 Postmaster: Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2

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Established in 1975 as Oakville Stamping & Bending Limited.

Thank you, Canada.

www.osb.ca

Worry Free Flow Control

Our companies have been helping you convey & control water for 140 years. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the smart one-stop choice for everything from backflow preventers & valves to piping systems & fittings, and everything in between. Learn more at OneWattsWater.com/FlowControl