General has rethought high-speed, exible shaft machines. The stronger, stiffer shaft lets you clean a wider range of drain lines, up to 75 feet long. It’s exible enough to negotiate 2" lines yet tough enough to clear roots in 4" lines.
General’s unique ClogChopper ® cutter in combination with the carbide tipped chain cutter makes a formidable combination, capable of clearing the toughest stoppage.
The built-in variable speed motor with foot pedal control makes the machine easier to operate. And the shaft is eld repairable. It’s everything a exible shaft machine should be.
To learn more, visit www.drainbrain.com/Flexi-Rooter, or call the Drain Brains ® at 800-245-6200
Goodman® brand’s new 20 SEER high-efficiency inverter technology helps keep the room temperature ideal – without the need for expensive, specialized thermostats –making it an ideal solution for your customers who demand more for less. Ask your Goodman brand sales professional about exclusive training and finance programs and visit www.goodmanmfg.com/invertertechnology for more details.
• High-efficiency, smart savings
• Proven reliability
• Works with any 24V thermostat
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Energy efficiency funding remained static in the provinces and territories in 2021, according to this year’s Canadian Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The annual report by Efficiency Canada, a research group based at Carleton University, benchmarks all Canadian provinces and territories across 54 metrics.
James Gaede, research manager and co-author of the report, says recent policy and programming announcements suggest a change could be on the horizon. “The Scorecard looked at data from 2021 but our policy tracking shows a number of provinces turning to energy efficiency to deal with new and growing challenges such as energy supply shortages and rising energy bills,” says Gaede.
Winter weather has already come roaring into many parts of the country – a sign that the holiday season will soon be here. The team at Mechanical Business wishes its readers, advertisers and supporters, Merry Christmas, happy holidays and sends best wishes for a safe and prosperous New Year. We hope you will be enjoying time with family and friends. See you in 2023!
For example, Ontario is reversing cuts to energy efficiency programs to address an energy capacity shortage expected by 2025. Québec aims to electrify its transit, heating and industrial sector, while also exporting power elsewhere in North America. Hydro-Québec’s strategic plan calls for doubling electricity energy efficiency targets to meet these needs. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are planning to increase energy efficiency savings from fossil fuels, with an emphasis on lowincome households.
But researchers say Canada needs a coherent and collaborative national vision to realize the potential of energy efficiency if we are going to achieve net zero emissions and make life more affordable. According to the Scorecard, getting there will take more than incentives. “We need regulations – starting with making every new building highly energy efficient,” says Brendan Haley, director of policy research and co-author of the report.
Last March, the federal government released the 2020 National Model Codes, which include performance levels that progress towards making new buildings net zero energy-ready. So far, British Columbia, Yukon, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have committed to this goal. Few jurisdictions have plans to adopt the codes on an accelerated timeline. “Every energy inefficient and fossil fuel heated building we construct presents a lost opportunity,” says Haley.
The report also discusses the federal government’s role. One of the Scorecard’s key recommendations is for the Government of Canada to expand low-income energy efficiency programs. The federal government has created programs through the Greener Homes Initiative and the Canada Infrastructure Bank that bolster provincial efforts. But gaps in these programs exclude more than 4.5 million Canadians. The largest barrier is the upfront cost of the retrofits, which can be too expensive for many to afford.
“Increasing federal investment in provincial low-income energy efficiency programs could provide rapid relief to Canadians struggling with home energy costs, reducing energy waste and locking in savings for the long term,” notes Haley.
scorecard.efficiencycanada.org
Lochinvar
The British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation has announced a proposed amendment (Amendment 8) to the Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations (EESR). The proposed amendment will address upcoming changes to residential heat pump standards in other jurisdictions. It will also allow for regulatory and harmonization updates to the standards for electric storage-type water heaters, computers and monitors, and residential fenestration. gov.bc.ca
Women’s Executive Network (WXN) has announced its 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners list, which includes professionals from a range of industries. One of this year’s award winners in the CP Skilled Trades category is Brandi Ferenc, a Red Seal refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic and gas fitter at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, ON. Ferenc is also an HVAC instructor at Georgian College, and a Women in Skilled Trades mentor with Support Ontario Youth. She was featured in Mechanical Business’s September/October 2021 article on work wear for women titled A Perfect Fit. wxnetwork.com
Brian Morgan has been named president-elect of The Association of Independent Manufacturers’/ Representatives, Inc. (AIM/R). Morgan is principal of Markham, ON-based The Morgan Group, a manufacturers’ representative focused on piping and supports, commercial heating, and residential HVAC solutions. AIM/R is an advocate and voice of manufacturers’ representatives. aim/r.net
Next Plumbing and Hydronics Supply participated in The Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer tournament on October 1, 2022, which raised $2.6 million this year in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. This year Next Supply raised over $454,000, with 25 teams and more than 300 participants from the company, its supply partners, and friends and family. The company raised enough money to attend the Friday Night Draft Party and to play with celebrities Jeremy Roenick, Al Iafrate, Brad May, Nick Kypreos and Anna Licht. This year’s tournament included more than 1,500 players and volunteers. The event has raised $27.5 million over the past 11 years. nextsupply.ca roadhockeytoconquercancer.ca
St. Catharines, ON-based Right Time Group of Companies has acquired Northern Air & Mechanical Systems Inc., which does business under the name 669-Heat. Sudbury, ON-based 669-Heat provides residential heating, cooling, air quality and hot water services to Sudbury and the surrounding area. This is the fifteenth acquisition by Right Time in recent years. Right Time is majority-owned by San Francisco-based Gryphon Investors, and offers HVAC services for the residential market. right-time.ca 669-heat.com
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Eden Energy’s 40th anniversary training event on September 22, 2022, hosted more than 250 delegates. Speakers included Mechanical Business columnist Gord Cooke who noted that we are on the cusp of being net zero-ready once changes in the 2020 NBC 9.36.5, including the requirement to show envelope performance, are adopted by provinces. He commented on Canada’s leadership role in the development of heating technology. “All of the cold weather heating equipment started here in Canada. Canada is a leader,” said Cooke. Heat pump technology has come a long way and today offers options for hydronics. “Hydronic's Achilles heel was cooling – heat pumps solve that issue,” noted Cooke. He suggested contractors not “get wrapped up in the politics but rather ride the opportunity. Each of the mechanicals required to meet the Code, seven to eight items, are all opportunities. In existing houses, you can still have a gas appliance in a Net Zero house,” said Cooke. “But if you replace like for like you are giving up an opportunity for 15 years.” He noted that hybrid systems are the way to go. “We are closing the loop on what we’ve known to be true for years. The message should be energy savings, not dollar savings,” concluded Cooke. edenenergy.com
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and the Society, the union representing TSSA engineers, have reached a first collective agreement following a ratifying vote by members. The agreement comes after eight months of negotiations. “We look forward to continuing to work with TSSA engineers and all employees as we deliver on our safety mandate and improve public safety in Ontario,” says Bonnie Rose, president and CEO of TSSA. TSSA safety inspectors, who are members of OPSEU and who had been on strike since July, have also ratified their first collective agreement. tssa.org
The
Gavel
2021/2022
2022/2023
Alex Carrick, chief economist for ConstructConnect, believes the outlook for the construction industry is looking strong. Speaking at the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating Ontario Region AGM and business meeting on October 6, 2022, Carrick attributed some of that positivity to the demand for net zero and noted “It will be transformative for the labour market, it will be worldwide, it will launch a new commodities super cycle, and it will be super expensive.” He drew attendees’ attention to the advantages Canada has in the push to net zero, including “ abundant resources, a foreign trade surplus, a well-educated and skilled labour force, rapid population growth and Canada’s electric power generation base, which is comprised primarily of renewables.” The next Ontario Region business meeting is January 26, 2023. ciph.com
Danfoss is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the opening of its Oakville, ON Canadian office. The Canada headquarters was originally opened in Toronto, and included a manufacturing operation with up to 150 employees. The office relocated to Oakville in 2020 and now serves as a sales and service organization. danfoss.com
Gord Cooke of Building Knowledge Canada addresses a full house at Eden Energy event.
Danfoss North America president Rick Sporrer (front right) celebrates the 70th anniversary with the Canadian office team.
IPVF
Plaque was presented to Josh Hopkins (L) for his leadership as IPVF chair for 2021/2022 by Joe Drago,
Ontario Region chair. Hopkins is the
Ontario Region chair. He is vice president of sales and marketing with Oatey Canada Supply Chain Services Co.
The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Exposition (AHR Expo) has announced the winners of the 2023 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. Winners are chosen in 10 industry categories to represent the most innovative products launching in the next year. Entries are evaluated based on design, creativity, real-world application, and overall potential market impact. Winners by category are:
• Building Automation – Cielo WiGle Inc., for the Breez Max.
• Cooling – Chemours, for the Opteon XL41 Refrigerant.
• Heating – Copeland Compressors and Condensing Unit (Emerson), for the ZPSK7 scroll compressor.
• Indoor Air Quality – Belimo Americas for its room sensor.
• Plumbing – Caleffi Hydronic Solutions, for the 536 Series PresCal HP Piston-type Pressure Reducing Valve
• Refrigeration – Retail Solutions (Emerson) for the Copeland ZFW variable speed scroll solution for low-temperature refrigeration applications.
• Software – cove.tool for its load modeling tool.
• Sustainable Solutions – Taco Comfort Solutions, for System M air to water heat pump
• Tools & Instruments – NAVAC Inc., for the Breakfree Power Flaring Tool.
• Ventilation – SmartD Technologies, for its Clean Power VFD
The AHR Expo is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI and is held concurrently with ASHRAE’s Winter Conference, February 6 to 8, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. ahrexpo.com
Over 80 exhibitors were on hand at the Noble annual fall tradeshow on October 13 at the Universal Event Space in Vaughan, ON. Noble U offered sessions on hybrid water heaters and the Greener Homes program, along with product certifications. Attendees watched the Maple Leafs’ season opener (and a win) on the big screen while enjoying food and drinks, together with the opportunity to win countless door prizes. noble.ca
Denise Richard, procurement coordinator at Montreal, QC-based Deschênes Group, recently received the Lifetime Service Award from the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH). Richard has been with the Deschênes Group for 43 years. CIPH also recognized Reg Wong of Bartle & Gibson with the Lifetime Service Award. Wong started in the industry at Bartle & Gibson in 1979 and is currently senior vice president Northern Prairies. The Award recognizes 40 or more years in the plumbing and heating industry. The organization has also presented Russell Eisenhauer of EMCO Halifax with its 50-year service award. Eisenhauer has spent his entire 50 years entire 50 years in the industry working at EMCO Corporation. ciph.com
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) presented several industry awards at its recent annual conference in Ottawa, ON. Award winners included Bruce Passmore, who received the Merit Award; Jim Bolger was recognized with the Warren Heeley Environmental Award; Francis Belle was awarded the HRAI President’s recognition award; and Peter Steffes was given the Life Member Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to HRAI and the industry for over 20 years. Recognition awards for outstanding leadership within the HRAI’s contractors division were also presented during the event. Recipients included Eric Foren of MasterTech HVAC and Plumbing Inc., who was presented with the Craig McCarty Memorial Award; and Mike Mainolfi of Mainflo Air Systems Inc., who received the Gearld Inch Award for Chapter Leadership. The City of Vancouver was also recognized for its work implementing its Zero Emissions Building initiative and aligning with the HRAI’s Climate Action Statement released earlier this year. hrai.ca
The government of Saskatchewan is reminding contractors and residents that under The Construction Codes Act (CC Act) all residential buildings in the province, regardless of age, must have carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, or a combination carbon monoxide-smoke alarm. The CC Act replaced The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act on January 1, 2022, but enforcement did not begin until July 1, 2022. To help residents and contractors decide where to place alarms, Building and Technical Standards developed three advisories for residential, multiunit residential buildings, and for long-term care homes.
saskatchewan.ca
The federal government has dissolved the Canadian Commission for Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), and replaced it with the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) as part of its effort to harmonize construction codes across the country. The CCBFC has been responsible for developing national model codes since 1991.The change is part of a series of governance changes, which also included dissolving The Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee, which advised the CCBFC on policy matters. Under the new governance model, The Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy will now oversee the newly created CBHCC, and an Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes will provide policy advice. The government will continue to hold open meetings for feedback on code development from stakeholders. canada.ca
In the September/October 2022 issue the anniversary for Thomas Industrial Sales was incorrect. The company was actually celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, not the 50th as reported. We apologize for the error.
Burnaby, BC-based Refrigerative Supply Limited (RSL) was recognized with the Largest Growth Award and the Pinnacle of Excellence Award at the annual Samsung Partners of Summit. RSL has 16 branches and two distribution centres in Western Canada, and offers residential and commercial HVAC/R equipment, parts, and tools. rsl.ca
Derek Ermen was elected president and chair of the MCA Canada board of directors for 2022-2023 during the recent Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada’s (MCAC) 2022 Annual General Meeting in Halifax, NS. Ermen is president of Moncton, NB-based Ermen Plumbing and Heating. In other MCAC conference news, the Doug Crawford Award was presented to Brent Cornelissen of OS&B by Brad Cornelissen, his son and associates council chair. The award recognizes a significant contribution to MCA Canada through long-standing voluntary participation, leadership, and commitment to ensuring the success of associate members. The Gary Greig Memorial Award was presented to Mike Miller of Taco Comfort Solutions for his outstanding support of the association and its annual national conference. mcac.ca
The Ministry of Natural Resources has announced a $25.6-million investment in four Alberta municipalities, Calgary, St. Albert, Lethbridge and Canmore, to help residents make their homes more energy efficient. The funding comes through the Green Municipal Fund, and is delivered through the Community Efficiency Financing initiative. Funding will help the cities implement new residential energy retrofit financing programs, including grants and loans to homeowners. nrcan.gc.ca greenmunicipalfund.ca
Six mechanical contractors have been recognized with 2022 Silver Awards, and three with Gold Awards, in the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s (VRCA) annual Awards of Excellence. Three Silver Award winners are selected in 15 project categories for their use of innovative techniques, new materials, and/or exceptional project management. Mechanical category Silver Award winners include: Black & McDonald Ltd., Canstar Mechanical Ltd. and Trotter & Morton Building Technologies Inc. (up to $3 million); AllPro Services Ltd., Black & McDonald Ltd. and Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. ($3 million to $9 million); and Christmas Plumbing & Heating Ltd., Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. and Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems 2001 Ltd. (over $9 million). One winner from each category was chosen as the Gold Award winner at the 2022 Awards of Excellence gala on October 26, 2022. Mechanical category Gold Award winners were Canstar Mechanical Ltd. (under $3 million), All-Pro Services Ltd. ($3 million to $9 million) and Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems 2001 Ltd. (over $9 million). vrca.ca/aoe
Canada’s Safest Employers has announced its 2022 winners and excellence awardees, including several companies in the HVAC/R and plumbing industries. Ottawa, ON-based contractor Modern Niagara is an excellence awardee in three categories: Best Wellness and Psychological Safety Program, Canada’s Safest Construction Employer, and Most Innovative use of Safety Technology. Burlington, ON-based distributor Wolseley Canada Inc. is the winner of the Canada’s Safest Logistics and Supply Chain Employer category. Now in their 12th year, the awards recognize outstanding health and safety professionals and companies for their achievements, innovation and leadership safestemployers.com
Emerson has announced it is selling its majority stake in Climate Technologies to Blackstone Private Equity. The sale of Climate Technologies includes the Copeland compressor division and the entire profile of HVAC/R products and services. The agreement is part of Emerson’s move to become a pure-play global automation company. The deal is expected to close during the first half of 2023. emerson.com blackstone.com
Toronto, ON-based Blade Indoor Air Quality Solutions has announced a distribution partnership with manufacturers’ representative JF Taylor Enterprises Ltd. in Atlantic Canada. Under the agreement Moncton, NB-based JF Taylor will be the exclusive distributor of Blade’s portfolio of commercial indoor air quality products throughout the region. Winnipeg, MB-based Betco Ltd. will be Blade’s distribution partner in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Betco will be the exclusive distributor of Blade’s portfolio of indoor air quality solutions in the two provinces, including portable HEPA air purifiers, UVC air sanitization and electrostatic polarized HVAC filters. betco.ca bladeair.com jftaylor.ca
RectorSeal LLC has acquired Falcon Stainless, Inc. Houston, TX-based RectorSeal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSW Industrials, and manufactures HVAC/R and plumbing accessories. Temecula, CA-based Falcon Stainless produces corrugated stainless steel and flexible water and gas connectors for the HVAC/R and plumbing markets. rectorseal.com falconstainless.com
Boucherville, QC-based Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is selling its Canadian retail business to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Lowe’s Canadian retail business operates or services approximately 450 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores under the banners Lowe’s, RONA, Réno-Dépôt and Dick’s Lumber. New York, NY-based Sycamore Partners specializes in retail, consumer and distribution-related investments. Stefan Kaluzny, managing director of Sycamore Partners, says the company will partner with Lowe’s to “establish Lowe's Canada and RONA as a standalone company headquartered in Boucherville, QC. We look forward to working with the company’s management team to build on its 83-year history as a leading Canadian home improvement business serving families, builders, and contractors in their communities across the country.” The transaction is expected to close in early 2023. lowes.com sycamorepartners.com
Chambly, QC-based MTL COOL has been acquired by Due North, a newly-created operating company of QBD and Minus Forty. MTL COOL offers customized refrigeration systems. The acquisition allows Due North to diversify its product lineup for the retail, and food and beverage markets. Due North has locations in Georgetown and Brampton, ON and manufactures refrigerated display cases for a variety of industries including grocery, foodservice and convenience stores. dueNorth.com mtlcool.com
Edmonton, AB-based Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. has announced it will distribute LAUFEN products including washbasins, toilets, bidets, urinals, faucets and installation systems, throughout Western Canada. LAUFEN is based in Switzerland. bartlegibson.com
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Designed to help you specify for any application, plus a Payback Calculator. Let us do the searching for you. Access product information and training, when and where you need it.
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Danfoss has announced it is purchasing BOCK GmbH, a manufacturer of compressors based in Frickenhausen, Germany. The acquisition broadens Danfoss’ portfolio of semi-hermetic compressors for natural refrigerants such as CO2 (R744), hydrocarbons, and other low-GWP refrigerants. The acquisition is expected to close no later than Q1 2023. danfoss.com bock.de
Boucherville, QC-based
The Master Group has purchased Waterloo, ON-based Fortress Group Inc. Fortress is a wholesale distributor of HVAC/R products for residential and light commercial applications across Southwestern Ontario. The company has branches in Guelph, Hamilton, London and Cambridge, ON. Fortress will now carry The Master Group’s full line of HVAC/R products. The Master Group has 68 branches and five distribution centres across Canada and the U.S. master.ca fortresshvacr.com
Sealed Unit Parts Co., Inc. (SUPCO) is now the exclusive master distributor for Pipe Vise pipe tools, including steel and aluminum pipe vises, wrenches and pliers. The partnership allows Allenwood, NJ-based SUPCO to add pipe tools to its offering of HVAC/R and appliance parts. SUPCO was acquired by NSI Industries in August 2022. supco.com pipevise.com
Calgary, AB-based Enbridge Inc. has purchased Tri Global Energy (TGE), a renewable energy project developer based in Dallas, TX. TGE is one of the largest utility-scale renewable energy developers in the U.S., with both wind and solar projects. enbridge.com triglobalenergy.com
Montreal, QC-based Hilo has announced a strategic partnership with St. John’s, NL-based Mysa, whose smart thermostats will be integrated into the Hilo ecosystem. Hilo is a subsidiary of Hydro-Quebec offering a turnkey smart home service. Hilo also offers technology solutions to companies to automate and manage power demand. Mysa produces smart thermostats for electric heating and cooling, including baseboard heaters, in-floor heating, air conditioners and mini split heat pumps. hiloenergie.com getmysa.com
Stelpro Inc. and Nedco, a Rexel Company, have expanded their distribution agreement across Canada. Under the agreement, Stelpro becomes the national electric heating products supplier for Nedco. The company has been the supplier for Nedco in Quebec for more than 20 years. Stelpro produces electric heating equipment, including cables and controls, from its plant in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC. Nedco, a distributor of electrical solutions, has 69 locations and six distribution centres throughout Canada. stelpro.com nedco.ca
Châteauguay, QC-based Tosot Bathica has opened a distribution centre in Pitt Meadows, BC. The company supplies high efficiency HVAC equipment, including heat pumps, mini-splits, VRF and side discharge forced air equipment. tosotamerica.com
Kevin Matthews has been promoted to director of dealer sales, Eastern Canada, for Canature WaterGroup.
Stoney Creek, ON-based Superior Radiant has promoted Daniel Minniti to customer support manager, located in Stoney Creek.
Burnaby, BC-based Refrigerative Supply Ltd. (RSL) has named Ciara O’Meara as marketing and event coordinator.
Thornhill, ON-based Grainger Canada has promoted Rannie MacDonald to vice president –commercial sales.
Anir Kargupta has joined Burlington Pump, Inc. as president.
Claudio Spinosa (1) has been named vice president of independent distributors and national accounts for Daikin Comfort Technologies Canada, U.L.C. Spinosa has been with the company since 2004 holding various positions, most recently as director of national accounts. In other Daikin news, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America has promoted three employees to area sales manager positions: Eric Lavoie (2), Northern Ontario (Ottawa/Barrie); Ian Chin (3), the Greater Toronto Area; and Scott Clarke (4), Southwestern Ontario.
Christine Sun has joined Hisense Hitachi AirConditioning System Co., Ltd. as regional manager, Western Canada, for Hisense VRF.
Zack Lax has joined Uponor Ltd. as sales representative, based in Calgary, AB.
EMCO Corporation in Burnaby, BC has promoted Jasmeet Singh (1) to technical sales manager. Nathan Boeyenga (2) has been promoted to (2) to national vendor relations business analyst, based in London, ON.
Joshua Ferguson has joined the Barclay Sales’ Alberta sales team as technical sales specialist.
Equipco has announced that five employees have been named associate partners: Adam Hedden (1) based in London, ON; Bryan Jones (2) based in Coquitlam, BC; Evan Cikaluk (3) based in Calgary, AB; Nick Bérubé (4) based in Ottawa, ON; and Pierre Huneault (5) based in Coquitlam, BC.
Toronto, ON-based Canadian General Filters Ltd. has hired Sam Argentino as president. Argentino replaces Allen Haybarger, who is retiring after 16 years with the company.
Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. has hired Justin Arneson as hydronics manager.
Devan Moore is now regional service manager, Western Canada for Rinnai Canada.
L’Islet, QC-based Ouellet Canada Inc. has named MarieCéline Gendron territory manager for Rive-Sud, Montreal, QC.
1
Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. has made several people announcements: Joshua Burns (1) has been named marketing coordinator based in Waterloo, ON; Tarandeep Singh (2) has been appointed territory sales manager based in Langley, BC; and Jeremy Manalo has been named logistics coordinator also in Langley.
To have your company’s personnel announcements included, free of charge, in an upcoming edition of Mechanical Business, simply send a note and a few details, to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com.
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Vaughan, ON-based Crane Supply has promoted Philippe Denoncourt to outside sales representative.
Desco Plumbing and Heating Supply has promoted Tyler King to branch manager in Guelph, ON.
1 2
Shamus Stone (1) has been named branch manager of Wolseley Canada Inc.’s Duncan, BC branch. Alex Ursu (2) has joined Wolseley Canada Inc. as outside sales representative, based in Saskatoon, SK.
BrassCraft Manufacturing Company has appointed Mike Roberts vice president of sales and marketing. Roberts takes over the sales division from George Werner, who is retiring.
Edmonton, AB-based Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. has promoted Joseph Meier to senior vice president of operations.
Tim Stoodley has joined Johnson Controls as project manager based in Calgary, AB.
Ken Pipke has joined Carrier Commercial Service as account manager, based in Abbotsford, BC.
Any trainer or presenter will tell you that good questions from the audience are helpful in the learning experience, both for the presenter and the audience. They are specifically rewarding to the presenter since they provide reinforcement that the audience is engaged and interested in the topic, even if it’s a question that a presenter has been asked time and time again over the years. The only snag is if the presenter struggles to find an answer that satisfies the curiosity of the questioner. It is interesting to reflect on questions that are coming up in this exciting time in the HVAC industry.
The most common question asked of me in 2022 came not from HVAC industry professionals but from family and friends, and also from builders and the sales professionals representing those builders. That question was, “how does a heat pump work?” The frequency of the question is not that surprising given the popularity of energy efficiency programs and incentives such as the Greener Homes Program and the Canadian Home Builders Association’s Net Zero Energy Home program. These programs all emphasize the need to apply heat pump technology, at least for space heating, to take advantage of the incredible energy performance they offer.
Indeed, it is the promise of the coefficient of performance of over three that sparks much of the questioning. How can a heating appliance be 300 per cent efficient? How is it possible to buy 1 kW of electricity and get three kW of heat energy distributed into my home on a cold winter’s day? I, and apparently others who have been asked these questions, have struggled to communicate an
answer that is fully satisfying to the person asking the question.
I have tried the comparisons to refrigerators and air conditioners. I have gone deeper into the explanation of refrigeration technology, compressors, evaporators, and the amazing release and absorption of energy during phase changes.
While I often get a slight nod of the head, seldom do I get acknowledgement that the questioner feels confident in explaining the technology and their incredible efficiency to others. In the end, one homeowner offered to me that although she didn’t fully understand how her air conditioner worked, she was very confident it would keep her house cool on the hottest of summer evenings. She simply wanted her HVAC contractor and I to answer confidently that the heat pump proposed would offer similar comfort on the coldest nights of the year. She was satisfied with a simple explanation of the reliability of the system to extract heat from the outside air and pump it into her home under all conditions.
The heat pump discussions raised deeper questions this past year related more to climate change objectives or greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Specifically, contractor and builder clients of ours wanted assurances that a switch to an electricitybased heating device, even with its incredible efficiency, would meet expectations for carbon reductions without resulting in unacceptably high heating bills. Indeed, this is an important question that requires complex considerations of how electricity is generated in specific regions of the country and the projected price of energy sources over the next 10 to 15 years.
Consider choosing a heat pump in Manitoba where 97 per cent of electricity in the province is generated by hydroelectric sources and the cost of electricity is lower than in all but one other province. By contrast, consider that in Saskatchewan over 40 per cent of electricity is coal fired generated and the average price of electricity is almost double that in Manitoba.
In the short term, a builder or HVAC contractor advising homeowners to use a heat pump in Manitoba, and a high efficiency natural gas furnace in Saskatchewan would be justifiable. However, within the lifespan of the mechanical equipment it is quite likely carbon reduction initiatives will simultaneously raise the price of natural gas and provide cleaner electricity sources across the country to the point where heat pumps are the right choice in most parts of Canada. While it is still difficult to definitively answer the question, there are now excellent energy modelling and carbon prediction tools available for at least new homes to help builders make these complex decisions.
That leads to the next most common question from mechanical contractors this year: “If ventilation is a year-round, 24-hour requirement, what adjustments should be made to the mechanical design to ensure proper indoor humidity control?” The solutions include application of energy recovery ventilation to minimize moisture losses in winter and to reduce moisture loads in summer. In addition, it has been my experience that airflow and refrigerant checks need to be made to ensure air conditioners are operating such that the supply air temperature is consistently below the dew point of the return air to ensure appropriate dehumidification. It is also clear to me that given the changes in lifestyles and the way houses are constructed, going forward many homes will need separate whole house dehumidification systems to maintain a healthy 50- to 55-per cent RH levels in houses throughout the spring, summer and fall in any regions with high outdoor humidity levels – at least the eastern half of Canada.
A question I have been answering for at least 35 years took a nice surprise turn this year. With homes now serving as offices, schools and recreation facilities, air quality was on the minds of many homeowners I spoke to this year. So, while for the first 30+ years homeowners would ask me when should I run my heat recovery ventilator, (HRV), in the last two years they have been asking me how can I get more fresh air and why does my HVAC contractor tell me to turn it off in the summer or when it’s really cold out in the winter? When homeowners hear about efforts to ensure proper ventilation in their kids’ schools and in their offices, they realize the need for fresh air in their homes. Yet, many mechanical contractors worry ventilation will raise relative humidity levels in summer and lower them in winter to unacceptable levels. We need to remind ourselves that the capacity for continuous mechanical ventilation in houses has been a code requirement since 1990 and it is not acceptable for an HVAC contractor to advise occupants to turn it off simply because the humidity control functions of the mechanical system can’t accommodate the required ventilation rate.
One final question that has come up a lot this year and will be familiar to anyone of my cohort, “After 35+ years in the industry, is it time to retire?” I answer sincerely there is too much going on; it’s such a perfect time for the HVAC industry. The confluence of energy efficiency, fuel choice decisions and indoor air quality, combined with great new equipment and control options, will present compelling opportunities for at least the next seven years. It is far too exciting a time to be standing on the sidelines. I want to help where I can. All the best in 2023.
What adjustments should be made to the mechanical design to ensure proper indoor humidity?
Why does my HVAC contractor tell me to turn off my HRV at certain times of the year?
Would a switch to an electricity-based heating device meet expectations for carbon reductions?
Time to go? Not a chance.
With today’s technology, we can source water from deep in ground aquifers with submersible pumps. We can desalinate salty ocean water from the sea and drink it. What can be done with rainwater?
Last month in my water treatment class we tested water from different sources, including water from glacial sources. The pH was 14 or alkaline, which makes sense as they were retrieved directly from a rocky mountain. Various storebought bottles of RO filtered water were a consistent pH reading of 7, which is ideal for taste. Water from the tap was around 6.8 pH.
What about rainwater? Isn’t rainwater supposed to be slightly acidic (below 4 to 5.5 on the pH scale)? Can we use it in our homes? Yes, we can especially use it in plastic pipe systems for non-potable use. How much could we save by using slightly acidic rainwater? People have been saving rainwater in eavestrough barrels for lawn irrigation for many years. This is not what we are talking about. Although these methods work, sometimes even for drinking water with bacteria filters on them, we are talking about a much more regulated system.
In order to be considered part of rainwater harvesting regulations, the rain water must be collected from an above ground roof only. The roof must be made of a material that does not introduce substances to rain water or resist dissolution in water.
Constructed new roof solar panels are available that abide by these rules and are perfect for absorbing sun rays for power and for guiding rain water down to the collecting tank.
It is best if the tank is installed underground for insulating from frost in
Canada, and for avoiding algae growth from the sun or mosquito infestations.
Of course, the water storage tank must be water treated by a few filters, calming chamber and mesh screens including overflow protection. Although this water is non-potable, it is still required to be as clean as possible. We don’t want stinky black water running through our piping systems.
Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary. He can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.
Where have they decided to run rain water to in the new code? To appreciate how the new clauses for rainwater use will conserve water see Figure 1. The maximum total in Figure 1 is approximately 250 gallons of daily water use. This is slightly low; when sizing rural well pumps we use 300 US gallon per person daily. Here are the basic allowed uses for rainwater: toilets, urinals, clothes washing machines, and irrigation. There are others but these non-potable uses are the main ones. Let’s count up the maximum gallons used in Figure 1. Rainwater could be used up to at least 75 gallons. If the irrigation hose bib is used to wash your car that would add another maximum 40 gallons, which would total 115 gallons out of the approximate 250 gallons daily use. Engineers claim that if used in a commercial high rise with a water-cooling tower, approximately 60 per cent of the water can be rainwater harvested from the roof.
Shaving and allowing the water faucet to run
Flushing a toilet
Brushing your teeth and allowing the water faucet to run
Cooking three meals
Cleaning house
Washing dishes for three meals
Washing dishes and allowing the water faucet to run
Washing clothes
Watering lawn
Washing a car
With the aid of the internet, I constructed a 3-D model and added the regulations to help illustrate future water sources of buildings. The best way to learn something is to design or draw it out. This is what the 3-D design in Figures 1,2 and 4 is for (also see https://youtu.be/Uim9rsc-pk8).
The red and blue water lines are potable water, while the purple lines are rainwater harvested from the roof and pumped up from the underground tank. The water pumps are run by solar power from the roof. Hence, we will have a set of risers for the 4.8 L flush tank toilets and the clothes washing machines in each unit. You can run potable hot water separately from the HWT; however, you would have to install an RP cross connection device on it. For that reason, I chose a separate rainwater fed stainless steel hot water tank to be completely separate and totally avoid cross connection. At the base of the rainwater riser, I branched off to the public bathrooms (flushometer toilets and urinals) in the main foyer. Notice that I did not run them above the kitchen as you are not allowed to run non-potable water above a food prep area (2.7.3.1. 1a).
Rainwater is also fed from the underground water tank to the irrigation. Finally, at the far end of the underground water collection tank, there is a rainwater line running to the cooling tower (as shown by the red line in Figure 1). On the roof there is an RP installed to avoid any cross connection from the cooling tower.
Taking a bath
Eight-minute shower (5 gallons/minute)
In this situation rainwater could supply up to 60 per cent of this building’s water use.
What does that mean to us? Firstly, commercial water sizing will be a lot easier. The size of the water main in this example without rainwater would be 2 in. With the use of rainwater harvesting, it would be 1 ½ in.
While this type of rainwater harvesting is not commonplace now, I’m sure it will be part of our tech future.
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It isn’t every theatrical performance that comes with an audience advisory: “Audience members seated in the front rows may feel a few drops of water” and “there is the possibility of a splattering of water during the onstage scenes that feature rain. Ushers will have rain ponchos for those who wish to use them.” That said, it isn’t surprising considering every performance of Singin’ in the Rain uses over 14,000 L of water (the equivalent of 14 tonnes). The water used is recovered, cleaned and used again. Wil Elliot of Water Sculptures tells us how this was achieved at the recent Mirvish Singin’ in the Rain shows at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, ON.
The Singin’ in the Rain system was designed in 2013 and 2014 while Singin’ in the Rain was touring the UK, Japan, and then Australia, Singapore, South Africa, and other international venues for 16 months. The idea was to create rain for the stage but also to create a floor-level controlled flood on the set to allow the lead character and cast in the reprise at the end of act 2 to flick water around the set and into the audience.
The rain was designed as a heavy downpour of rain produced in a film setting as is the nature of the show. The flooding was created to add body to the rain and provide additional water to allow the performers to splash while dancing.
Rain water volume for the main performance and reprise
Water pressure at each rain nozzle
Pump types
How the rain would look on set
Performer comfort temperature
Recovery of the rainwater after each performance
System failure prevention
Water quality
The system includes two 4,000 L capacity polyethylene tanks and two self priming end suction pumps.
The flooding provides additional water to allow the performers to splash while dancing.
Three rain bars on stage are set at eight metres above the set. Water is supplied to the rain bars using three 1.5 Kw submersible pumps. Each pump has the capacity to deliver 250 L of water/min at 11 m static head. Each pump has a regulating valve in-line for flow
adjustment. To prevent a total system failure the show was fitted with three individual rain circuits so in the event of a pump failure the main effect was not lost.
Equipment:
Rain water storage: 1,000 L containers
To create the effect onstage stainless steel tubes were fabricated with welded outlets at 500 mm (19.5 in.) centres. A rotary valve is fitted to each outlet and each valve is fitted a full flood rain nozzle (this is the type of nozzle commonly used for cleaning processes). Each rain nozzle produces a full heavy rain effect with a maximum of 2.6 m diameter spray per nozzle. To achieve the maximum output each nozzle requires a pressure of 1.6 bar. The system is a single end feed to each rain bar. Due to the low pressures involved it was determined this was the best operating system without the need for additional regulation at the individual rain nozzles.
Effects Pumps: Submersible 1.5Kw 220v 60Hz Wet connections: Dixon CamLok type Effects bars: 7 no. 2.5 m stainless steel 1.5 in. diameter with ½ in. outlets @ 500 mm centres Hose: 1.5 in. smoothbore rubber hose rated @ 10 bar Heater: 9.0 Kw 400v 50/60Hz three phase heater
For the first sequence of a 4.5-minute routine the quantity of water used is 850 L with a further 500 L for the second sequence/reprise at the end of the show. Water is extracted from the two main water reservoirs in the stage wing to ensure sufficient water is available for each rain sequence. These reservoirs hold 7,500 L of water combined.
Heater pump: Submersible 0.5Kw 220v 60Hz
To maintain pressure within the system for the rain non-return valves were introduced at the outlet of each pump to hold both the water and pressure in the pipework. Each rain bar is also supported with an in-line isolating valve, which is operated for the rain sequence.
As with all live shows there is an element of debris from the performers and their costumes, which could potentially enter into the rain circuits and block a rain nozzle. Inline filter strainers at 40 Microns were installed between each pump and the delivery hose to remove potential debris from the line. These filters are removable for cleaning without pressure loss in the system when idle.
For performer comfort a 9.0Kw 400v water heater and circulating pump is installed into the 1,000 L containers. The water is heated to 37º C.
This was called the wet area for good reason. Two large 4,000-L water tanks provide all the water for the flooding sequence. These are linked with four-in. rigid PVC pipework allowing for combined flow of water for the flooding sequence and a balanced system for water treatment. Flooding of the stage is a relatively straightforward process delivered by a single self priming end suction pump. The water is extracted from the large tanks via a two-in. outlet connected to the four-in. link. This permits a balanced stable suction from both tanks onto the performance area on stage. The flood water is delivered onto the stage with a two-in. rubber hose hidden under the deck of the set and connected to a CamLok connecter at the side of the stage pool. To prevent the risk of syphon, manual ball valves are fitted and opened just before the flooding sequence begins. For splash reduction and noise suppression at the point of entry into the performance area a two-in. 45º elbow was fitted onto the CamLok connection inside the performance or wet area. A cone arrangement made from cord woven material was fitted around the elbow, which allowed the flow rate to be achieved with reduced noise and splash. To achieve sufficient flood depth of water on stage, precise adjustments to the flow rate into the pool were made and timings taken during the rehearsals prior to the opening performance. Once these were set, no further adjustment was needed.
At the end of the rain and flood sequence the direction of water flow onto the stage was reversed using a second self priming end suction pump. Due to the levels of water on stage being no greater than 150 mm, the preferred recovery pump was the same type used for the flooding. This pump was located next to the flood pump off stage in the wing next to the main water tanks. The pump was linked with a two-in. suction hose from the wet area back to the 7,500 L holding tank. A high-flow strainer filter was fitted at the end of the return line to remove performer debris prior to being returned into the tanks. A two-in. 90º elbow was fitted with a castellated inlet to ensure an efficient evacuation from the wet area to the end of the suction pipe. This provided a low suction device in the wet area to remove 90 per cent of the water and send it back to the holding tanks.
The combined flood and suction pumps were located in a road case with all isolation and flow regulating valves on board for adjustment. This unit became affectionately known as the “Push me, pull you” unit on the set. It takes 15 minutes to drain all the water after each performance.
Equipment:
Water storage: 2 x 4,000 litres capacity polyethylene tanks
Effects Pumps: 2 x self priming end suction pumps. 2.2Kw 220v 60Hz
Hose: 2.0 in. smoothbore rubber suction and delivery hose rated @ 10 bar
Wet Connections: Dixon CamLok type
Flood and suction pumps in the road case or the “Push me, pull you” unit.
A custom fabricated liner was manufactured from the AutoCAD drawings for the set. The liner was constructed from 900 gm/ m2 black tarpaulin and bespoke made to fit the socket of the water area. This type of material has a low degradation rate and a high strength rate, proven with over 300 performances to date without failure.
All electrical equipment is distributed out from a 63 amp, three phase splitter with cables running out to the manual switch control panels. Everything is located on the right side of the stage close to the large tanks. All equipment is residual current device (RCD) protected individually.
To maintain good water quality, a 150 sq. ft. cartridge filter with a 200-watt Ultraviolet C disinfection unit with a self priming end suction pool pump is utilized. A satisfactory flow rate is achieved between the two tanks and through the fourin. connecting link. This provided a turnover rate of 6,000 L of water in 1.5 hours. The filtration plant removed suspended debris and lint from the water that got past the return filter from the suction pump. The circulated water is pH balanced and bromine treated to maintain a swimming pool quality.
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© 2022 InSinkErator. All Rights Reserved.By far and away the question I was asked most frequently in 2022 is: How can I keep my energy costs down with rapidly rising fuel costs? On the hydronic chat rooms, the question is worded more along the lines of increasing the boiler efficiency.
By Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr
Bottom line … the most frequently asked question is a great one, with lots of answers for you to pick and choose from. Consider the savings from the increased efficiency against the upfront costs. Also, add into your calculations that using energy efficiently is good for the soul, and the planet.
While cleaning and adjusting the boiler may pick up a few percentages of efficiency, it may not show up as a huge fuel savings. Most condensing boiler manuals suggest a yearly cleaning and combustion analysis, but I doubt the majority of boiler systems are serviced yearly. This would include attaching a proper combustion analyzer to check and confirm and document the settings.
With mod cons, or, really, any fuelled appliance, they are what they breathe. In dusty regions and high pollen areas, expect to see the “mouse turd” residue when you open mod cons up. That is the blend of byproducts of combustion mixed with the air borne contaminants. You essentially have a vacuum cleaner pipe sticking out the building. Even bugs that get close will be inhaled. Many of the manufacturers have “how to’’ videos online for proper cleaning procedures. Have extra gaskets on hand, possibly a spare flame rod, or other consumables when you are servicing hydronic systems.
An accurate combustion analyzer is a must for dialing in high efficiency equipment. Take a class on how to use and decipher the results. Any fuelled boiler would be a candidate for a combustion check. Leave a printout on the equipment or keep the results in a cloud folder for reference.
Short cycling really puts the hurt on equipment efficiency. Studies have been done on the efficiency hit you can expect from a short cycling boiler. I know of no official number for a short cycle. The number in the industry seems to be a minimum of 10 minutes of run time each time the boiler fires.
A huge step towards boiler efficiency was the introduction of variable output rate boilers, known to most of us as mod cons, which is a nickname for modulating, condensing boilers. While the condensing function can get you an efficiency boost, don’t ignore the importance of the modulation. The more closely we can regulate the output to match the load, the less the cycling. This helps not only with fuel consumption, but lessens the wear from stop and go operation on gas valves, relays, fans, and other system components.
About 10-1 seems to be the lowest turn down to be able to maintain a stable flame. Hopefully we see a time where we could turn down to a few thousand BTUH output. I’d like to see the boiler fire on the first call for heat and modulate all through the heating season, never shutting down, maintaining a perpetually-fired condition. Think Olympic flame.
Many manufacturers have “how to” videos online showing proper cleaning procedures.
So, we have addressed the efficiency of the appliance, whatever type it may be, and upgraded the distribution system. Now, what next?
At the end of the day the best money you can spend in the quest to keep fuel costs affordable is to address the structure. The cost to keep a building warm is directly related to how well the building keeps the heat inside.
A heat load calculation on the building as it stands, or before it is built will give you an idea of how much fuel and money it will cost to heat. On new construction, at the least, insulate and seal to building or energy codes. Go beyond the minimum if you can, as it is a gift that keeps on giving: the efficient shell.
For existing buildings and homes, you have some energy audit options. The load calc needs to reflect some necessary assumptions, of course, since the walls are closed up. An infrared camera walkaround will get you a good picture of where the heat energy is escaping, and possibly even show a roof or siding leak. Another big and often overlooked variable is infiltration. This is perhaps the biggest energy thief. A sound investment would be weatherstripping to control leaks around the framing members, windows, etc. A blower door test will calculate how much a building leaks. In some areas your utility provider may offer this service. They have skin in the game to lessen loads on their resources. Or find an energy audit person or company that will perform all of these tasks: the load calculation, infrared scan, and blower door test.
In our last home I had a crawl space and I sealed the rim joist connection, and also used some of the underslab radiant insulation tarp product to cover the walls and dirt floor. I could immediately feel the difference on our feet as we sat in the living room during winter months. Drafts were eliminated and fuel was saved.
A few cans of expanding spray foam goes a long way to sealing a leaky home. The low hanging fruit is where the bottom plate contacts the footing or foundation. As the wood framing shrinks, gaps open and the wind blows through, taking your energy dollars along with it!
Keep in mind you do want some air changes for a healthy home, so don’t hermetically seal your home or building. ASHRAE has guidelines for ACH air changes per hour to maintain a healthy space. Humidity control will be a part of the equation, also.
If you are starting with a clean slate, I’ve found homes with radiant heat systems can run a few degrees cooler on the thermostat setting and be comfortable. With any hydronic or steam emitters, you are warming the objects in the space as opposed to blowing warmed air around. You can sometimes retrofit hydronics. Panel radiators are a great retro option.
A blower door test will reveal how much air the space is leaking. Is uninsulated piping exposed to cold basements or crawl space?
Eden Energy
REHAU has added R-20 manifold connectors to the EVERLOC+ compression-sleeve fitting line, expanding the company’s fitting technology for radiant and hydronic applications. The R-20 connectors are designed for use with RAUPEX crosslinked PEXa pipes and PRO-BALANCE manifolds. Made from solid brass with a nickel-plated swivel nut, the manifold outlets are available in 3/8-, 1/2-, 5/8- and 3/4-in. sizes. www.
rehau.com
Caleffi North America’s 128 Series union Y-strainers are designed for use in hot water recirculation or hydronic systems. The Y-strainers offer dual union connections for 1/2-, 3/4- and one-in. pipe sizes and tailpiece connections in sweat, NPT, press F1960 PEX expansion and F1807 PEX crimp, and come with integral PT ports for quick verification of pressure drop across the strainer. For greater flexibility, the strainer can be combined with the company’s 290030 isolation ball valves, and paired with its 128 Series FlowCal and FlowCal+ balancing valves. www.
caleffi.com
Bell & Gossett has updated its Glycol Make-up Unit GF60 (GMU), a pressurized solution for closed hydronic heating or cooling systems. The system includes an automated 110V diaphragm pump with digital control, which adds water or a water-glycol solution to a closed loop heating, chilled water, process, snowmelt or radiant heat system. The unit can handle output pressures from 7.5 to 70 psi., and has a half-inch connection with a check valve for easy installation. www. xylem.com
Belimo has released QCV (pressure dependant) and PIQCV (pressure independent) Zone Tight zone valves with new press fit connections for fast and reliable installations. The zone valve assemblies are designed for efficiency in tight places and are suitable for commercial buildings requiring higher close-off and adaptable flow. Assemblies accommodate chilled or hot water, 60 per cent glycol, and a body pressure rating of 250 psi. Applications include unit ventilators, fan coil units, VAV reheat coils, fin tubes, and radiant panels. www.
belimo.ca
HeatLink introduces no lead brass 3/4-in. PEX F1807 x 3/4-in. MNPT straight ball valves with butterfly handle. The valves feature a regular port, forged, no-lead brass body, and PTFE (Teflon) packing and an O-ring on the stem to provide a reliable seal. SS press sleeves are sold separately. www. heatlink.com
Webstone’s spring check products include the Pro-Pal Ball Check, a press ball valve with an integrated spring check valve and a reversible handle for more flexibility. Inline spring check valves are also available in PEX and with a design featuring six end connection options. The fully removable dual-union ends make service easier, and are compatible with a range of G-Union accessories such as isolation valves, elbows and gauges. www.
nibco.com
Introduces our state-of-the-art EZ Setup Wizard, controller with 7" color touchscreen, onboard WiFi so you can troubleshoot from anywhere & anytime, 3 zone pumps/ valves and many other features.
One of the most important transac tions that will occur in a business owner’s lifetime is the sale of their company. However, many owners underestimate the amount of time and work required to properly sell a business. This can lead to costly errors, unnecessary delays, and transactions that fail to close.
Here are some common mistakes to look out for when selling a business, whether it be a contracting company, wholesaler or other related business.
Many business owners attempt to sell based on unrealistic price expectations only to be disappointed by the offers they receive. Companies are typically valued on a multiple of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). The exact multiple depends on numerous factors specific to the company. In general, companies with recurring revenue such as maintenance contracts will be worth more than companies that are dependent on bid/spec and projectbased work. Larger companies tend to attract higher multiples than smaller companies, as do high growth companies.
Further complicating matters is the calculation of EBITDA. Buyers and sellers have various adjustments they may make to the EBITDA number, which can increase or decrease the final sale price. Therefore, it is important for business owners to understand how companies are valued and to set realistic price expectations.
Potential buyers will often reach out directly to similar companies in their own industry or a related industry in the hopes of negotiating a private deal. While the resulting proposal may look fair, owners should keep in mind the buyers are likely experienced acquirers who are looking to negotiate the best deal for themselves. You are likely to get a less than full value for your business if you do not have an understanding of deal structures and if you do not survey a wide list of potential buyers. Additionally, sellers should be careful to review the terms of any proposal since there are multiple ways to make an offer sound better than it is. Deferred payments, earnouts, asset/share sales, and working capital adjustments are just some examples of deal terms that can impact the sale proceeds significantly.
Companies that are dependent on the owner’s constant involvement are less attractive to buyers. This concentration of power usually means the value of the company will decrease once the owner exits. To reduce some of the risk, buyers may require owners to stay on for a longer transition period. However, this may not be desirable for aging owners who want to retire.
There is a new category of buyers called Search Funds which can provide a solution to this problem. Search Funds typically consist of one or two individuals who are looking to buy and then run a company. In effect, they become the management team for the newly-acquired business. Nevertheless, it is still recommended to have a good management team in place prior to a sale. Companies that can run in the owner’s absence generally receive higher valuations.
Maximize the value of your business by avoiding these pitfalls
In a sale transaction, buyers will request a significant amount of information to evaluate the company. This includes customer data, supplier data, fixed asset listings, intellectual property, employment and HR records, insurance, tax filings, legal documents, financial statements and much more. Business owners should be prepared to produce and deliver this information on a timely basis.
A transaction is simpler and quicker when the company has an organized and systematic way to manage its records. Companies that rely on manual processes are likely to experience delays and business disruption that could otherwise be avoided. Furthermore, buyers may decide to walk away from a deal if there are unexplained gaps in the information delivered.
Despite the issues outlined in this article, many business owners attempt to negotiate a deal by themselves or with the assistance of their lawyer and/or accountant. While both these professionals are crucial to the transaction, a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisor can help.
The services of an M&A advisor are designed to help maximize the value of the company and ensure a smooth and timely transaction.
Services typically include:
1) Analysis and advice regarding the valuation of the company.
2) Preparation of a Confidential Information Memorandum. This is a 20- to 30-page report describing the company in detail which buyers will use to evaluate the opportunity.
3) Preparing a Buyers List of the most likely buyers including industry buyers, financial buyers and search funds.
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are a proven technology that can be used as a component of going electric in homes and businesses. By switching to HPWH technology, installers will be first in line to meet growing consumer demand. Installers with HPWH experience have an opportunity to dispel misconceptions and give customers the more efficient options they seek.
Standard water heaters require a significant amount of energy to heat water. In contrast, HPWHs use less than half the energy to heat the same amount of water. By extracting warmth from the surrounding air and transferring it to the water inside the tank, heat pump water heaters reduce the amount of energy required to heat the water compared to any conventional water heater.
Split systems are heat pump water heaters in two parts, with the air-torefrigerant heat exchanger designed to be located outside. With the heat pump outside, and the tank inside or in a garage, the two components are then connected with piping.
hot water out
heat pump condensate out 2 3
Tank Credit: NBI Credit: NEEA
cool air out to drain 1
4
storage tank 1
2
3
Smart grid connectivity controls help manage energy use.
• Some split systems currently on the market use carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential (GWP) compared to conventional refrigerants.
• The tank can be in a confined space without access to airflow or a heat source. (Examples of confined or challenging spaces include closets, under stairs, bedrooms, bathrooms, and cabinets under countertops.)
• No cool air is created inside the house.
• The active end of the heat pump is outside the house, reducing indoor noise. The outside unit is well below any noise restrictions (check local codes for details).
HPWHs have several unique installation requirements in comparison to standard electric or gas water heaters. Figure 2 is a quick guide to considerations and best practices for the installer.
HPWH design considerations and installation practices will be discussed in an upcoming Issue.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
YES
240V outlet/circuit 40A panel space
INSTALL
240 V circuit and Use 240 V HPWH
Locate where there may already be waste heat from a furnace or utility room.
Centrally locate to reduce piping length and speed hot water delivery. Locate away from sleeping areas to avoid noise problems, or in a soundproof room/closet. Provide good access for future servicing. If installed in a dusty area, change the filter more often.
Efficiency first! Install low-flow fixtures in toilet, shower, sinks. Install pipe insulation to conserve hot water. Can volume of water in piping be reduced if shorter pipes (with no tight bends) are installed?
Understand usage patterns: can owner take advantage of Time of Use rates?
EXISTING BUILDING NO
Decide on Panel Upsize or Amp Diet
Upsize panel and service line
AMP DIET
Use 120 V < 900 W Plug-in HPWH
SIZING:
Usage is understood and size chosen will meet needs
For thermal air-flow best performance:
Pick location:
Ideally in room having > 700 cubic feet of airspace, or having > 2 square feet of vents, through doors or walls or ducting the HPWH to either: crawlspace, garage, attic, laundry or another room.
Condensate:
Direct the condensate water by gravity flow or small condensate pump to a plumbing drain, laundry sink, floor drain, washer standpipe or outdoors, etc. Unlike in gas water heaters, electric heat pump condensate is benign water requiring no special pipe material.
Figure 2 HPWH Installer Flowchart
Credit: NBI and AWHI
Material for this article has been provided by the New Buildings Institute (NBI). newbuildings.org
Does panel have adequate Ampacity for future electrification?
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Name: Kaelan Wall
Company: Aquatemp Radiant
Job title: Lead technician
Lives in: Hepburn, SK Age: 26 Spouse: Lana Daughters: Sadie 6, Millie 4, Kaycie 1
Kaelan
Wall grew up working in his parents’ plumbing and HVAC company, Warman, SK-based Aquatemp Radiant Heating Solutions, and swore he’d never become a plumber. But once he began working full time in the business, Wall says “I really enjoyed the HVAC portion of it, and hydronics and boiler systems. And I had an opportunity to stay in that realm so that’s where I’ve stayed.”
Wall is now lead technician for the company, which services the Warman and Saskatoon region. “We do lots of retrofits for furnaces and boilers. Lots of rural Saskatchewan people are replacing oil equipment,” he says. “We’ve always put in heat pump systems, but this last year we’ve noticed a huge increase in interest. In Saskatchewan heat pumps are a relatively new thing, but because it’s not a new technology to us it’s fun to be able to help people out. Our electricity is about five times the cost of natural gas here, so we’ve got to be conscious of what things are going to cost to operate as well.”
Aquatemp Radiant Heating Solutions also installs hydronic systems, which Wall says are some of his favourite projects. “Originally our focus was on steering the company towards being the hydronics experts in our area, and I think we’ve accomplished that. There’s a lot of moving pieces in a hydronics system that can cause different issues, so it does make my mind work a little bit harder when I’m troubleshooting stuff like that.” He also enjoys the challenge of working on complex boiler systems. “It’s fun to go into those, take a step back, and be able to look at the system as
a whole and try and figure out the root of the problem rather than the immediate issue.”
Wall has had the opportunity to service geothermal systems in the surrounding rural area. “The systems I’m looking at are in the 10- to 20-year-old range, so there’s quite a few interesting problems to try and sort out with those. It’s kind of a tricky balance because with the geothermal your only option for backup really is electric. When we move to an air-to-air heat pump, we’re able to pair it with a gas furnace and have a little bit more efficient system that way. The cost of putting geothermal in now is fairly astronomical, so I think what we’re going to end up seeing is subdivisions putting in geothermal. And then instead of them bringing in your gas, they would put two pipes in your basement for your geothermal.”
Wall says that in an effort to continue finding energy efficient solutions for customers, the company has also expanded into solar energy. “We’re trying to offer a complete solution on the energy side for a house,” he explains. “Saskatchewan does have the highest daylight hours of sun in all of Canada, but we probably have the least amount of solar. But it’s one of those areas that there’s a lot going on in now. And it’s a pretty exciting opportunity to be able to offer somebody a complete solution of moving to a heat pump system where they’re on electricity, as well as being able to produce their own electricity and be at a zero-emission point.”
In the mechanical industry since: 2013
Schools and programs: Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Red Seal journeyman plumber 2017, general gas fitter 2018
Advice for young people considering entering the trades: Come in with an open mind and don’t assume you understand something. Ask lots of questions and learn as much as you can
The current work ride: 2019 Nissan NV
Favourite car of all time: Chevy Suburbans from the 1970s and 80s, they’re pretty cool
Service area: Our local service area is Warman and area but we service all of Saskatchewan when it comes to more specialized equipment
Any area you like to get dispatched to, and why? No specific area but I enjoy being dispatched to homes with complex heating and cooling systems, especially ones that have had a history of problems, and getting the opportunity to correct that for clients
Favourite part of the job? installing high-end heating and cooling systems
The most useful tool in your toolbox: Combustion analyzer … it allows us to pin point issues without a doubt
Your favourite tool in your toolbox: Wera Tool-Check
Tool that you wish you had? Hard drawn copper tubing bender
Favourite band/performer: Halestorm
Favourite TV show: Cobra Kai
Favourite food: Lasagna
Favourite snacks: Jerky and Hawkins cheezies
Favourite outdoor activity: Going out hunting and walking through the river hills … I get to see so many things that I would miss driving by
Favourite sport: Hockey Biggest pet peeve: Giving up on something
One place in the world you would like to visit: It would be pretty cool to go to Europe and visit a boiler manufacturer such as Viessmann because the plant is fully automated
One phrase that describes you:
If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?
Are you part of a sports Hockey team, the Waldheim Warriors, I
My rule of thumb is ... never stop learning
If I had a million dollars ... I would have a home butcher shop in the back yard
When I was a kid, I wanted to be ... anything but a plumber
If I had a super power it would be ... super strength to pull these old oil furnaces out of basements
The construction industries view 2022 as a year with a more normal landscape than 2021. This “new” normal will have lingering challenges with higher inflation, supply chain issues and a pandemic still pervasive in parts of Canada and abroad. All of this adds up to cautious optimism.
As COVID settles down, a challenge plaguing the construction industries including the HVAC/R sector long before the pandemic has come back into the spotlight; the shortage of skilled workers in the trades.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada in a January 2022 release, “Now more than ever, as Canada recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, skilled tradespeople are in high demand to fill well-paying jobs and build rewarding careers. The most recent projections estimate about 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire between 2019 and 2028, creating an ever-growing need to recruit and train thousands more.”
Has COVID affected the skilled labour pool? The good news is pandemic shutdowns and lost jobs did not significantly affect the pool because most of the trades continued to work throughout COVID. The bad news is the pool continues to shrink as retiring trade workers annually exceed the number of new workers and the “baby boomers” reach the end of their working careers.
This decreasing labour pool highlights the importance of finding a better approach to recruiting workers into the skilled trades. Along with recruitment, technology and its ability to assist companies that cannot find skilled workers must be recognized as a vital part of the solution.
Specific employment and labour force forecasts for HVAC/R are difficult to find because the sector is typically grouped with other trade groups. A good data alternative is the Buildforce Canada stats that look at construction as a whole.
The 2022 Buildforce labour report has fundamentally changed with the previous 10 year forecast replaced by a six year forecast (2022 to 2027). The new report shows construction employment picked up in 2021, will peak in 2022 and then fall back gradually to 2021 levels by 2027.
The report forecasts skilled labour in construction will increase by 15,900 workers by 2027. Add this to the 156,000 workers forecast to retire and the construction labour force needs will exceed 170,000 workers by 2027. While the construction industry feels it can recruit nearly 80 per cent of these workers, the 20 per cent labour shortfall adds up to 30,000 workers.
HVAC/R needs will be only a small percentage of this shortfall even if the retrofit/service area needs for skilled workers are included. However, the industry still has a daunting task to attract workers over the next six to 10 years. The industry should focus on technology and upgrading skills and creating pathways to address this issue.
The most important forecasts came in the labour force section. This section indicated, “Although employment over most of the forecast period will be retreating from the peak levels achieved in 2022, labour force management during this period will be challenging. Industry retirements are expected to reach their highest levels over the next two years as large numbers of workers from the baby-boom generation exit the industry.”
Using technologies can reduce the skilled workers needed and help bridge a labour shortage gap, however increasing technology has an inherent challenge. To optimize technology, workers must be trained to get the desired results. A Royal Bank report entitled Powering Up: Preparing Canada’s Skilled Trades for a Post Pandemic Economy stated, “25 per cent of the 4 million trades workers in Canada will need to upgrade their skills within five years [and] demand for digital and ‘soft’ skills like creativity and problem solving is expected to rise significantly in critical trades.”
COVID increased the use of technology in the HVAC/R sector due to government restrictions. This technology acceleration needs to continue to be enhanced in future to both assist with the labour shortage and to stay competitive in the marketplace.
Experts in the workforce field say career promotion succeeds when a long term commitment is made by the industry, employers and governments and career pathways are created for recruits. Recruitment activities should target young people, people looking for new careers and underrepresented sectors such as women, Indigenous Canadians and new immigrants.
Buildforce statistics indicate that women represent only 4.7 per cent of the trades and 13 per cent of the total construction workforce. Immigrants are only 8.7 per cent of apprentices in Canadian trades despite being more than 20 per cent of the total Canadian population. Because of COVID, the federal Skilled Trades New Immigrants program has experienced an obvious shortfall in the last two and a half years. Even before COVID, the federal government failed to meet its program target of 3,000 skilled trade immigrants per year with only 2,365 such immigrants in 2019.
Indigenous Canadians make up a larger percentage of apprentices than their population percentage. The fastest growing sector of Canadian youth entering the trades, they could become the largest presence in the skilled trades’ workforce in the future.
New technology being used in HVAC/R installation and service, such as sustainable and SMART HVAC/R systems, virtual reality training and mobile friendly technology, makes workers and processes more efficient and effective.
Industry, trade educators and government bodies also must address sagging numbers entering the trades programs. The serious drop in new apprentices during COVID has put trade industries even further behind in solving the skilled labour problem.
The direct effects of COVID on the skilled labour shortage are dwarfed by the challenge created by the widening gap between retiring workers and new workers. There are no easy solutions to this issue. There are however steps to move industries in the right direction. These include (a) long term recruitment resource commitments by industry groups, governments and educators with emphasis on underrepresented sectors of the population and (b) individual companies implementing technology to help “bridge the gap” in the skilled labour shortage.
Without aggressive recruitment, the skilled labour pool will continue to decrease and significantly affect the long-term success of industries including HVAC/R in Canada. As noted above, the federal government is starting to “get the message” and taking the lead in recruitment efforts for the trades.
HVAC/R industry groups and their employer members must join with other industries to bring provincial and municipal governments into the fold and recognize the high priority of solving this crisis and the immediate need to put resources into attracting new workers into the trades.
Moving the skilled trades’ shortage in the right direction
1. Increase governmental support to promote trades in primary and secondary schools.
2. Work with stakeholders to ensure apprenticeship training stays current with workplace technology.
Taco’s CAF flow-through expansion tank can help reduce bacteria causing environmental conditions in domestic hot water systems. The expansion tanks provide precise flow channeling to minimize pressure loss and erosion, and discourage short cycling. The heavy-duty butyl bladder is removable for inspection. The tanks are certified to ASME Section VIII Div. 1 and can be retrofitted to meet ASHRAE Standard 188 on existing designs. www.
tacocomfortsolutions.com
Watts introduces monitors designed to ensure optimal performance of key water quality systems. The monitors now come standard on the Big Bubba BB-S101 whole home filtration system and the OneFlow OFRES-K & OFCOM-EK Series antiscale systems, and are designed to send notifications when routine maintenance is needed. The BB-M101 smart volumetric flow monitor and the U-M311 time elapsed monitor will also be sold separately for retrofitting existing systems.
www.
watts.ca
The Zurn Wilkins 900XL3 series small backflow preventer from Zurn Elkay Water Solutions is designed for fast installation and easy maintenance, with low installation costs and a long lifecycle value. The unit is comprised of two valves the 950XL3, a double check valve assembly in 3/4- to 2-in. sizes, and the 975XL3, a reduced pressure principle assembly in 1/2- to 2-in. sizes. www.
zurn.com
Hot-Shot 320 and Hot-Shot 400 pipe thawing machines from General Pipe Cleaners thaw pipes in minutes without having to dig around pipes in frozen ground or use blow torches.
The Hot-Shot 320 generates 320 amps of power to thaw up to 100 ft. of 1 1/2in. pipe, and the Hot-Shot 400 generates 400 amps of power to thaw frozen lines up to 175 ft. long. The units plug into a 115-volt outlet. Safety features include thermal overload protection and circuit breakers. www. drainbrain.com
The Sanicubic 2VX lift station from Saniflo offers above-floor drainage for multiple plumbing fixtures for an entire residential or commercial structure, removing the need for pit installations. Featuring two 1.5-hp motors, the unit can discharge effluent through a 2- or 4-in. rigid pipe and offers a 43-ft. shut-off head. www. saniflo.ca
Sharkbite/Reliance
Refrigeration pros want to know – in this issue I provide answers to the questions I was asked most often during the past year. The questions and answers are not in any particular order.
Generally, the concept of evaporator and suction superheat are taught in refrigeration training programs. However, since the transition to HFC refrigerant and POE oil combinations several years ago, the discharge superheat has become a very important concept that must be considered during system commissioning and service.
Discharge superheat provides the technician with a metric that will help them determine the effectiveness of the lubrication system while ensuring there is sufficient suction superheat to support safe and long-term compressor operation.
Some manufacturers publish minimum discharge superheat values for their compressors. Ensuring that these minimum values are met is essential for long-term, reliable operation. For a given suction superheat, the resulting discharge superheat will be a function of the compressor design, the refrigerant type and the operating conditions.
A low discharge superheat provides us with a clear indication that the lubrication system will be considerably less effective since the oil will contain excessive refrigerant. High amounts of refrigerant in the oil reduce the oil viscosity, oil pressures and contribute to crankcase foaming, even with superheat present at the suction to the compressor.
The discharge superheat is checked by comparing the dew point of the discharge gas (pressure converted to dewpoint temperature) to the actual temperature read on the discharge line within three to four inches downstream from the discharge service valve.
An efficient way to meet the minimum discharge superheat requirement is to install a liquid-to-suction heat exchanger, which is sized to add enough superheat to the suction gas to ensure the discharge superheat will exceed the minimum.
If the CO2 is above its critical pressure, but below its critical temperature, the CO2 will be in a liquid state. If the CO2 is above its critical temperature but below its critical pressure, it will be a vapour state. If the CO2 is above its critical pressure and critical temperature, it will be in a supercritical state
To answer this question, let’s first discuss the purpose of the P-trap and inverted trap. The P-trap is intended to collect some oil. As the system load decreases, oil tends to separate from the stream of vapour refrigerant travelling up the riser. This oil then drops to the bottom of the riser, effectively reducing the cross-section of the area above the oil. This results in an increase in velocity, which promotes oil travel up the pipe. The inverted trap is installed at the top of the riser, to prevent oil from draining back down into a vapour riser.
If there is no P-trap installed at the bottom of the riser, then the horizontal section of pipe just ahead of the riser will
1. Why is discharge superheat important and how do I check it?
2. Must R744 (CO2) be above both its critical pressure and critical temperature to be in a supercritical state?
3. With vertical vapour lines, can I omit the trap if it is only a short rise, that is less than one foot?
become the trap. The longer the length of this horizontal section, the more oil will be collected before the velocity increases enough to entrain the oil.
Note that some equipment manufacturers may state that P-traps are not needed for certain combinations of refrigerants and oil. However, it is very important that the capacity turn-down of the system be taken into consideration.
Generally, we can unload a compressor or drive it with a variable frequency drive, but not at the same time. The main reason for this is there is a minimum mass flow requirement through the compressor to promote sufficient motor cooling.
If we were to unload a four-cylinder compressor by 50 per cent and then reduce the speed of the compressor to 730 RPM or 25 Hz, then the mass flow rate will drop to 20.8 per cent. This will likely not produce enough motor cooling, especially in higher compression ratio applications.
On another note, the lower limit for the speed of a compressor is also due to the limits of the lubrication system. Oil pumps and centrifuges need to operate at or above the manufacturer’s minimum speed to ensure sufficient lubrication of all moving parts within the compressor.
The amount of unloading tends to be applicationspecific while the VFD can generally vary the speed of the compressor through the full allowable range. Never unload a compressor more than what the compressor manufacturer allows for a given compressor, refrigerant type, and for a given set of operating conditions.
The amount of compressor unloading tends to be applicationspecific.
pipe traps
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never assume a typical evaporator superheat value of 10R or 5.6K is acceptable for a subcooler application. To achieve stable operation of the subcooler expansion valve or desuperheating expansion valve, the superheat must generally be higher than this. For example, a 35R to 40R total superheat entering the compressor’s interstage suction port may be required. Subcooler expansion valve hunting may take place if the superheat is set too low. This can also induce hunting of the expansion valve feeding the main evaporator if the amount of subcooling is also varying.
To check superheat on the interstage of the compressor, it is necessary to locate the correct interstage pressure port on the compressor. Generally, compressor manufacturers will provide a drawing with all the ports identified by location and description. Checking the interstage superheat is much the same as checking evaporator superheat. Converting the interstage pressure to a saturation temperature and subtracting this from the temperature read on the interstage pipe, where the sensing bulb is located, is the correct way to check the interstage superheat. Never check the temperature at the subcooler outlet because the refrigerant at this point has not been mixed with discharge gas from the low-stage cylinders.
Compressor manufacturers generally provide a drawing with all the ports identified by location and description.
4. Can I operate a variable speed drive down to a low speed while unloading a reciprocating compressor?
ISuction
Handcuts are one of the most common work injuries in the trades, but luckily, they’re also one of the most prevent able. “Hand injuries are the number-one preventable accident in the workplace,” says Shane Nider, hand safety specialist with Superior Glove. “Most hand injuries really take place when the glove is not on the hand. So just by having the glove on the hand reduces the probability of a hand injury, and then from there its about choosing the right PPE for the application.”
Gloves should be part of a company hand safety program aiming to reduce hand cut injuries. There’s a wide range of gloves available on the market today in a variety of materials and palm coatings that are designed specifically for certain tasks, and that offer the right amount of protection while remaining dexterous enough for finer work.
“Hand protection has really made leaps and bounds over the last few years, the innovation into some of the yarns, the technology products are more dexterous, they’re lighter, they’re more breath able, they’re less cumbersome, but the perfor mance levels are going up through innovation and technology,” says Nider.
An assessment of on-the-job hand cut hazards will help determine the amount of hand protection workers need. “Level four, I would say is the sweet spot in construction,” says Nider, “but nothing is going to supersede doing a proper hazard assessment, because every work environment is different.” He says level four gloves usually offer flexibility and dexterity, and are good for multiple tasks in construction and maintenance, site cleanup and material handling, while level five is good for box cutting and general HVAC work. “At the top level of the spectrum, a seven to a nine, that’s going to be your high risk, the highest extreme cut that you can see,” he says. “So, HVAC applications where you might be doing ductwork or handling sheet metal. If you have a very dynamic environment, and you’ve got a lot of different applications from low moderate to high risk, you might need two or three different options and you may need to change those gloves based on that application.”
Most manufacturers assign a performance rating to PPE, and gloves are no exception. The ANSI Standard for glove ratings uses a scale from one to nine, which refers to the protection level from different hazards, including cuts, punctures, impact, abrasion, heat and cold, with higher numbers generally indicating higher performance.
“But we don’t want to over protect, because there’s some drawbacks with that,” says Nider. “The products can be a little bit cumbersome, and they just may not be practical for that work. So, it’s really about finding the right glove for the application.” Nider adds that no glove is 100-per cent cut or puncture proof, but are instead rated for resistance level. The gauge of gloves indicates stitches per inch – the higher the gauge the thinner the glove.
The ANSI Standard for glove ratings uses a scale from one to nine, which refers to the protection level from different hazards.
Ultimately, Nider says the right glove is the glove that employees will actually wear, because if they don’t allow workers to do their job, they’ll take them off. “And that’s where we usually see hand injuries take place,” says Nider, adding that today’s gloves are made with technology in mind, so workers aren’t required to remove gloves to operate a touchscreen or scroll through instructions on their tablets.
“If you’re looking at building a hand safety program, we always recommend engaging your employees. You’ve got to have them as part of the process or you might get pushback,” says Nider. “So one of the biggest things when it comes to buy in with employees is their consideration. They’re the ones doing the tasks day in and day out, so have a consultation making them part of the process. Most employees can tell you within an hour if the glove is going to work for their applications.”
By Aaron Nobel
Regarding control valve sizing and selection, Valve Flow Coefficient (Cv) gets a lot of attention as it is the flow capability of a control valve at fully open conditions relative to the pressure drop across the valve, but this is only part of the picture (see mechanicalbusiness.com, digital issues, May/June 2021, p83). If we look deeper into valve control characteristics, the terms rangeability and turndown ratio are used. While the terms are sometimes interchanged, there is an important distinction.
Rangeability defines a predicted minimum flow through a control valve at low loads expressed as a ratio of maximum controllable flow to minimum controllable flow. Globe valves serve as a good example to explain the concept. A globe valve stem has a contoured plug and a disc that operates against the seat. The major diameter of the plug is always slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the seat to keep the valve from sticking. This clearance creates the “minimum controllable flow,” below which flow would stop. The valve can only control from the maximum flow down to this minimum flow. The important point to remember is rangeability is a characteristic of the valve itself, measured under specific laboratory conditions, following recognized industry standards.
Take two valves, the first valve with a rangeability of 100:1 and the second with a rangeability of 300:1. The expected result is that the valve with the higher rangeability would provide a much smaller minimum flow than the valve with a rangeability of 100:1. In practice, this is not necessarily true. To fully understand this concept, turndown and actuator resolution must also be factored into the discussion. By definition, rangeability refers to the valve body only. The turndown factor of the valve refers to the operation of that valve (with actuator) installed in a system as a ratio of the maximum usable flow to the minimum controllable flow.
Instead of a predicted value (such as rangeability), turndown provides an actual measure of the valve’s ability to control flow by rating the maximum usable flow instead of the full controllable flow. The system where the valve is placed may not use the maximum controllable flow available with that valve. It will only use what is needed – therefore, the maximum usable flow. It is still good to have a high turndown ratio for a valve. However, a crucial fact to consider is that the turndown ratio is limited by the resolution of the actuator. Electronic direct coupled actuators typically have a maximum resolution of 100:1. This typically is the best resolution of any actuator whether it is electric or pneumatic. If the actuator resolution of 100:1 is coupled to a valve body with a rangeability of 300:1, the result is 100:1 turndown. The valve/actuator assembly is limited by the limiting factor of the actuator resolution. Therefore, the best turndown ratio with a valve/actuator combination is typically 100:1.
Knowing the actuator’s resolution is necessary to determine how it will operate in the system. 2- 10 VDC control range = 8-volt span
volt = 8000 mV 8000 mV/80 mV = 100:1 resolution
An actuator requiring 80 mV to advance in the same direction will not respond to infinitesimal changes in voltage, which reduces excessive movement and prevents premature failure.
Aaron Noble is a product specialist with Belimo.
An enthusiastic crowd of over 190 hydronics novices and pros headed to the World Trade Center Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, SK for the Canadian Hydronics Conference. Held September 27 to 28, the event featured educational sessions along with exhibitors showing the latest hydronics technology and sharing their expertise.
The recurring messages centred around simplifying systems, working cooperatively with others in the industry, and understanding the customer’s expectations and drivers.
Managing those expectations can be tough but it must be done said Mechanical Business columnist Good Cooke. Cooke, who attracted a full house to his CHC session, notes that homeowners are more motivated to avoid waste than being sold on energy savings. “People want to make a sustainable difference.” He also said that “we have to take a stab at existing houses” to meet efficiency and emissions requirements.
Other speakers on the program included Steffen Werner of Wilo, Jean-Claude Remy of Uponor, Mike Miller and Rick Mayo of Taco Comfort Solutions, keynote Robert Bean, and Tom Gervais of Bradford White Canada, among others.
It was announced that Paul Stevenson, formerly profit centre manager for EMCO Corporation based in Victoria, BC, is the recipient of the Canadian Hydronics Council Award of Merit. Stevenson was unable to attend the conference and accepted the award at a later meeting in BC.
A closing panel presentation provided a review of updates to SaskEnergy incentive opportunities, the national plumbing code, and building code issues in Saskatchewan.
Details of the 2024 Canadian Hydronics Conference are to come. ciph.com
1. Attendees check out Wilo’s booth.
2. Mechanical Business’s July/August Road Warrior, Terence Chan of Impetus Plumbing and Heating, stopped by MB’s booth for a visit.
3. Kirk Nagus of Axiom Industries discusses chemical and non-chemical water treatment options.
4. Equipco’s Cliff McNeill outlines the capabilities of an instantaneous indirect hot water heater to delegates.
5. CHC chair Jerry Leyte of Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. noted that CHC would be focusing on promoting designer and installer memberships.
Fieldpiece has introduced two combustion analyzer models, CAT85 and CAT45, which allow technicians to assess heating system emissions, draft pressure and temperatures. The units have a large touchscreen display interface, new sensor technology that maximizes uptime on the jobsite, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to seven hours. They are compatible with the Fieldpiece Job Link System App, with a 1,000-ft. wireless range. www. fieldpiece.com
Marley Engineered Products now offers its Qmark MUH unit heater and Berko HUHAA unit heater in ready-to-install PRO Series bundles. Pro+ bundles include the SmartSeries Plus thermostat, B10 mounting bracket, and a 24VAC transformer for immediate connection to a low voltage thermostat. The thermostat provides connection to BACnet MS/ TP building management systems. www. marleymep.com
Canarm Jet Fans generate a high-speed and high-pressure directed air jet, and are suitable for general purpose ventilation in low ceiling applications. Able to thrust between 15 and 80 N air flow up to 6,000 cfm, the units feature an impeller with backward curved steel blades, and EC variable speed motors (single-phase fans) or single, two-speed or EC motors (threephase fans). Fans mount to the ceiling with supplied brackets. www. canarm.com
Daikin has upgraded its Pathfinder air-cooled screw chiller to offer greater energy savings in the same footprint. Enhancements include a higher efficiency compressor, especially at part-load conditions, the option of adding factoryinstalled pump packages, and ECM condenser fan motors. The new motors enable a RPM sound reduction mode for quieter operation at night or where noise ordinances are in place. www. daikinapplied.com RS Cool’s
www.rscool.com
RectorSeal has added products to its RSH Series of surge protection devices and voltage range monitoring kits. The VRM60A voltage range monitoring device supports 120/240 single phase, 60 Amp double pole capacity relays for loads between 15 to 60 Amps, and can be used with ductless and ducted HVAC systems. Features include push button cut-off setpoint adjustments, a voltage read out screen, LED digital display and LED diagnostic indicators. www. rectorseal.com
The renovation frenzy that began during the pandemic has continued, although at a slower pace, as consumers look for ways to add value and enjoyment to their time spent indoors. While we’re no longer confined to our homes, consumers still view their residence as their refuge from the world, and are investing in personal and practical upgrades that improve their lifestyle and mental wellbeing.
A key design trend still going strong is personalization. Past years have seen maximalism taking the lead, with bold patterns, dramatic colours and statement fixtures in kitchen and bathrooms. Now consumers are also embracing the clean lines, neutral colours and simple shapes of minimalism. Bright accents of colour and backsplashes can successfully combine the two design trends.
Boutique renovation company Black Walnut Kitchen and Bath in Ottawa, ON, notes on its website that “Homeowners are now more conscientious of striking a harmony between streamlined minimalism and luxurious comfort in their interior design choices. The minimalist kitchen makes use of the positive energy created by a simple, uncluttered environment with only a handful of treasured, high-functioning items. Sustainable, functional, and efficient living are at the heart of this design ethos.”
Homeowners also want to know that their choices can be customized to suit their personal tastes, so are looking for fixtures with unique handles or colours. Companies are responding with products featuring smooth and sleek lines, in popular finishes like matte black and brushed metals. “We’re seeing that today’s consumers truly value how their personal expression is manifested and reflected within their homes, looking for customization options to express their own unique aesthetics including a desire for innovations that offer versatility to personalize experiences in the kitchen and bath as well as meet the needs of multigenerational homes,” says Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager for Moen. “We’re also seeing a trend of biophilic design, with impactful design solutions that connect and preserve our relationship with nature, above and beyond bringing plants into the interior space.”
Personalized touches, nature-inspired design and physical and mental well-being inspire bath and kitchen trends for 2023.
American
sDuravit North America’s Duravit No.1 bathroom collection has a minimalist design, and is customizable. The line includes washbasins, bathtubs, toilets and furniture. duravit.us
Kitchen and bath design is increasingly being inspired by nature, or biophilia – the desire to commune with nature. Designers are bringing the outside into homes with organic and natural materials such as wood and stone, and a range of colours found in the natural environment – rusty red and burnt orange, light to deep brown and terracotta, and muted golds, greens and blues. Shades and shapes that give the impression of ocean waves are reflected in rounded baths and faucets.
“Luxury baths are reclaiming priority and even square footage from bedrooms and closets.”
Eco-friendliness is also being prioritized, and customers want to know that products are sustainably made without plastic waste. They’re also looking for ways to save money and decrease their own carbon footprint, so want products designed to use less water and energy.
Hygiene is still a concern for consumers, but they’re also placing increased importance on their mental health and wellness. Using natureinspired colours and design elements helps create a calming environment, and designers are bringing in natural light and transparent features like glass and acrylic to make our private retreats more calming. The National Kitchen & Bathroom Association’s (NKBA) Luxury Bath Report, released this June, reveals that consumers are leaning into luxury fixtures to help transform their primary bathrooms into spacious wellness spas. The report notes that “luxury baths are reclaiming priority and even square footage from bedrooms and closets,” as bathrooms become one of the most valued rooms in the house.
Consumers are also turning to technology to add convenience and simplicity to their lives, including smart appliances, appcontrolled faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom to control water temperature and fill level, touchless faucets, and whole home systems that can be adjusted to create a personalized environment. According to the NKBA’s 2023 Design Trends report, bathroom technology on the rise includes heated flooring, thermostat smart controls, humidity/ venting detector, water conservation tech, and mobile-apps to start the shower and/or heat the bathroom.
“Consumers continue to gravitate towards innovations that simplify their daily routines, including smart technology,” says Anny Ang, marketing manager for Moen. “Whether it’s a touchless kitchen faucet or smart shower, homeowners are seeking options that integrate
their space and provide more control and customization.”
Grohe’s Blue Chilled & Sparkling 2.0 Kitchen Faucet features a highperformance filter, cooler, and carbonator to deliver filtered still or sparkling water from the tap grohe.ca
NKBA’s 2023 Design Trends report shows interest in sustainable kitchen design has increased substantially, including for:
• Electric radiant flooring (up 32 per cent)
s• EPA Energy-Star certified appliances and ventilation (up 57 per cent)
• Alternative energy efficient water heaters (up 48 per cent)
• 100 per cent LED lighting (up 82 per cent)
• Increased natural light though low-E windows and doors (up 62 per cent)
sThe Monrovia kitchen collection from Delta includes faucets that can be touched anywhere to start or stop the flow of water. deltafaucet.ca
seamlessly into
The concept of protecting open doorways with an air curtain has gained traction over the last half of the 20th century and into the 21st, especially as the world became more energy conscious. Air curtains (or sometimes called air doors) consisted mainly of a rectangular metal box, motorized fan and air nozzle for distributing an airstream down across a doorway opening to separate the indoor and outdoor environments.
The air curtain’s fundamental operation remains the same today, but manufacturers have added more innovations in the last 10 years than the previous 60 years combined. Changes include aesthetics, IoT operation, simplified installation, air curtains for revolving doors, and a host of other modernizations that have revolutionized the category. Features that were inconceivable at the turn of the century are now possible, such as monitoring/controlling with a smart phone, automation through BACnet building management systems, and powering fans with EC motors, just to name a few.
Those features and innovations, from aesthetics to performance, make it easier for contractors and engineers to present air curtains to building owners as a positive solution for increased air comfort and energy savings.
Work culture changes, especially the trend toward increased employee comfort and health, have recently given air curtains a new purpose. A comfortable work environment has become top of mind for employees and potential employees. The air curtain’s role in that might include the prevention of insect infiltration, or the provision of keeping idling vehicle emissions outdoors.
Air curtains also:
• De-stratify room air by reducing built-up thermal layers.
• Reduce airflow dead zones by mixing room air.
• Support thermal comfort by reducing a space’s hot and cold spots, while protecting the indoor air from outdoor elements.
• Assist in the air handler’s fresh air (supply air) distribution.
The most recent technological advancement is controlling and monitoring air curtains through app platforms, the Internet, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, BACnet interoperability, and proactive air stream automation based on current weather sequences and doorway temperature.
The advent of adaptive settings is particularly revolutionary. Adaptive settings boost energy efficiency by automatically calibrating the airstream performance every 20 minutes, according to real time weather data. Pinpointing the most energy-efficient of 10 available air curtain fan speeds in real-time helps buildings better meet energy conservation, sustainability and carbon footprint goals, while also supporting thermal comfort.
Another beneficial air curtain innovation is an application for revolving doors, which are common in hospitals, hotels, office buildings and other commercial buildings with heavily trafficked entrances. While revolving doors are designed to significantly reduce a building’s energy consumption, they are often misconceived as airtight. The revolving door acts as an air lock, however it still allows traces of outside air and fumes to enter the lobby with the people. Furthermore, if there are wheelchair-accessible collapsible panels in the revolving doors outdoor air and contaminant infiltration is exacerbated.
Revolving door air curtains match the contours and metal finish of the revolving door design, a radial plenum with air nozzles is fabricated, while the fan and blower hardware are hidden from view to maintain the aesthetics of the entrance.
Air curtains can be specified to also provide space heating at the door with steam, hot water or electric heat. Previously, the conventional placement of the electric heating element in the air discharge caused a disruption of the airstream’s velocity, volume and uniformity balance. Today a Venturi-style heater design offers a more aerodynamic electric heater with improved air performance efficiency. Air is drawn through the heating element via the blower inlet before entering the discharge airstream. Thus, the heated discharge airstream velocity remains unobstructed and nearly 100 per cent of the emitted thermal energy is transferred. The unimpeded air flow also results in a full laminar pattern designed to create a near perfect, environment-separating air seal across any open doorway.
The hemispherical heating element array is mounted at the blower inlet.
For decades the air curtain resembled a metal box when mounted above doorways. Now, manufacturers are offering more high design models that complement the architectural appearance of buildings and doorways. Architectural trends have helped create a demand for aesthetics, such as triangular designs or refinements such as rounded corners and powder-coated finishes. Few patrons will notice these air curtains upon entering through the establishment’s doorway, because they angle upward out of peripheral view. Anodized aluminum and other high-fashion finishes match most aluminum doorways and accompanying window glazing and help the air curtain blend into the interior environment.
Cont’d from pg. 67
Air curtains are also changing building architecture.
ASHRAE Standard 90.1 now allows for AMCAcertified air curtains as substitutes for a vestibule. Research has led to air curtain technology’s inclusion as a vestibule substitute in ASHRAE 90.1-2019, ASHRAE Standard 189.1, the International Energy Conservation Code, and the International Green Construction Code.
A construction cost-reducing innovation from air curtain manufacturers is single length construction using heavy gauge, welded steel, and internal beam construction.
Previously, the industry only offered shorter lengths requiring them to be bolted together to cover doorway widths greater than six feet. Now single lengths come in a maximum of 12 ft. long for commercial air curtains with custom longer single lengths available. The longer lengths are advantageous because these single lengths don’t create airstream disrupting obstructions. They also reduce labour and mounting hardware costs.
Innovations are an important step forward for the industry, but only if the fundamentals of returning 70 to 80 per cent of the indoor energy back into the space are maintained. Air curtains should be properly sized and certified under criteria in accordance with Standard 220 established by the Air Movement & Control Association – International.
The volume, velocity and uniformity of the air stream are critical performance factors in air curtain effectiveness. Air velocity is critical to air curtain application success and should typically be a minimum of 400-feet-perminute when the air reaches six inches above the floor for environmental
Sustainability is not about off-grid or huge solar/wind fields that apply to the few. It’s about reducing the impact of every component used by the many.
Make Oxford Energy’s OLPP™ solar kit the next step in your customer’s corporate stewardship journey. With plug-and-play simplicity, it can be added to any system easily and efficiently. The solar option ties into the main power supply of each unit and automatically ‘sheds’ power as it harnesses free energy from the sun.
OLPP solar is ready as an off-the-shelf option for any system, or to enhance the efficiency of any Oxford Refrigeration system already in the field.
Call us today to find out more.
It’s an Amana® brand.
Select Amana brand condensing units feature Inverter compressor technology. So now, you can sell your customers the best of both worlds: technology and American pride. Inverter compressor technology, designed to provide precise indoor temperature control, offers enhanced comfort solutions to you and your customers. To learn more about the Amana brand, America’s brand for comfort, talk to your Amana brand distributor today or visit www.amana-hac.com.
The EV Series Premium – Model S energy recovery ventilator from RenewAire is designed for residential, light commercial and other small applications requiring outdoor air. With 1.82-CFM/watt efficiency, the unit is suited to homes under 2,500 sq. ft. and has a sensor-activated boost mode to offset indoor air quality challenges. Features include variable fan speeds supplying 30 to 130 CFM, and a space saving impellor fan that helps reduce its footprint.
www.
renewaire.com
The FLIR One Edge Pro is the fourth-generation of wireless dual thermal-visible camera for mobile devices. The redesigned camera offers maximum flexibility for thermal inspections, and can connect wirelessly via WiFi and Bluetooth up to 30 metres away. Other updated features include ergonomic design, detachable form, 160x120 resolution radiometric Lepton thermal imaging, extended battery life with battery indicator, and VividlR technology to deliver a sharper final image. www.
teledyneflir.com
The Gruvlok Fig. 70 SlideFLEX flexible coupling from ASC Engineered Solutions is designed for installations in mechanical systems with an operating pressure up to 1,000 psi. The lightweight coupling can be used with linear and angular defection, and allows for fast, low-cost installation on roll or cut grooved steel pipe and Gruvlok grooved-end fittings and valves. The coupling’s patented SlideLOK gaskets in two to eight-in. sizes provide four separate sealing surfaces for added protection. www.
Trane has updated its IntelliPak 1 HVAC rooftop unit to include the Trane Symbio 800 controller, while maintaining its part-load efficiency rating of up to 18.5 IEER. Available in 20- to 130-ton sizes, it offers three tiers of efficiency for most tonnages to meet specific application and regulatory needs. www. trane.com
Continental Fan’s CMI motorized centrifugal impellers have a compact design to minimize space requirement, with vibration-free operation, making them suited to applications with limited space. The backward curved impellers are speed controllable, have a permissible ambient temperature range of -22°F to 140°F, and come with matching capacitators and inlet rings.
www.
continentalfan.com
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The FieldPro installation app from Aquatherm gives technicians installing its piping systems quick access to manuals, technical bulletins, and design and planning guides. The free app includes a fusion timer that incorporates multiple timers, pressure times and logging capacities; a hanger spacing calculator; and a pressure test assistant to provide guides, timers and system integrity checks that can then be submitted to Aquatherm.
aquatherm.com
Project MEP from Trimble offers a construction management solution to help contractors achieve greater workflow efficiency and collaboration in all areas, including estimating, change management, project management, detailing and fabrication. Designed for electrical, mechanical, HVAC and plumbing operations teams, the software manages drawings, documents, budgets, and field productivity, allowing managers to identify issues earlier and reduce rework. The software solution is available as part of a connected cloud-based construction management platform.
trimble.com
Milwaukee Tool introduces the M18 FUEL 1/4-in. Lockbolt Tool with ONEKEY, a cordless tool allowing technicians to perform lockbolt installations without needing compressors and hoses. The tool can install up to 1,200 lockbolts per charge, and is compatible with ONE-KEY, which enables users to track, manage and secure it. A conversion kit enables the tool to be converted to a blind rivet installation tool capable of installing 3/16-, 7/32-, 1/4-, and 9/32-in. aluminum, steel and stainless-steel blind rivets. www.
milwaukeetool.ca
The Honeywell Miller H700 full body harness is ergonomically designed for improved safety and comfort. The harness features a patented release mechanism for quick deployment of the One-Pull Trauma Relief Steps to avoid serious injury or death. Leg straps can be customized for better fit, and the pivot strap adjuster allows for better mobility and adjustment of the back webbing. Multi-layered padding and 3D knitted fabric is designed to keep workers cool and dry. www.
honeywell.com
Toughbuilt’s Reload utility knife has a patented quick-reloading blade mechanism that allows users to safely reload a pack of blades with a flick of a switch. The knife comes with two blade magazines, and can hold 15 blades in the chamber and the magazine reservoir. Other safety measures include non-slip grip with safety-release button, and a finger-guard ridge. www.
toughbuilt.com
wands, locking 1-7/8-in. hose, crevice tool, locking accessories, fine dust filter, and utility, wet and car nozzles. www.
ridgid.com
The V20 Brushless RP line from Craftsman, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is designed to offer professionals more runtime with better performance compared to Craftsman brushed tools, by combining brushless motor technology with Craftsman V20 cordless power solutions. The V20 Brushless RP line includes the cordless 1/2in. hammer drill with up to 20 per cent more power; cordless 1/4-in. impact driver with 30 per cent more runtime; cordless 3/8-in. impact wrench featuring 2,800 RPM (no-load)/3,500 IPM; and cordless 1/2-in. impact wrench with up to 26 per cent more runtime. www. craftsman.ca
www.hotwatercanada.ca www.amana-hac.com www.aquatech-canada.com www.daikincomfort.com
www.desco.ca
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www.reedmfgco.com 73 Mechanical Business 12.22
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Aswas discussed in Mechanical Business July/ August 2021 (see “Add water treatment solutions to your offerings” at mechanicalbusiness. com), the first step to educating your municipal water customers on how in-home filtration can benefit them is helping them understand what’s in their tap water. While most Canadians are familiar with chlorine in their drinking water, chloramines and disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes) are far less recognizable or understood. Trihalomethanes (THMs) occur when chlorine or chloramines react with natural organic matter (NOM) in water.
Canada’s two main sources of raw water for treatment, surface and ground water, both contain NOM with surface water almost always having a higher NOM content than ground water. Chloramines produce significantly lower levels of THMs in drinking water than chlorine because they are less reactive with organic matter. The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water do not have maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs) for chlorine or chloramines because of their proven effectiveness as disinfectants and their low toxicity at the levels required for water treatment.
Trihalomethanes (THM), however, have a MAC of 0.100 mg/l based on the health effects of chloroform. This MAC takes into consideration three forms of THM exposure in tap water: ingestion (drinking), inhalation (showering) and absorption (bathing). The Guide states that: “utilities should make every effort to maintain (TMH) concentrations as low as reasonably achievable without compromising the effectiveness of disinfection.”
Unless homeowners have a health sensitivity to chloramines or THMs it is unlikely they would detect them. The only reliable way to detect the presence or know the concentration of any of these chemicals is to have the water tested on-site or look at their municipality’s water testing records.
For homeowners who want to remove chlorine, chloramines or trihalomethanes (if present) from their water, the first step is deciding on their filtration goals. Do they want chlorine-free, chloramine-free water throughout their home or just for cooking and drinking?
The benefits of whole home filtration are: great tasting, healthy drinking water; protection from corrosion (if chloramines are present); longer lasting softener resin; and no chlorine/ chloramine exposure from showering or bathing.
Drinking water or point-of-use filtration systems can be the right solution for homeowners who want a lower upfront investment or want the added security of membrane filtration for their drinking water. These systems can also be simple for the homeowner to maintain if they offer quick-change cartridges.
To remove chlorine or chloramines from water, the contact time required between the incoming treated water and the carbon bed, the home’s water flow rate, as well as the type of carbon, are all crucial considerations in choosing the right solution. Granular activated carbon is the most effective media for chlorine removal and catalytic activated carbon is most effective for chloramine removal. Choosing a system that is third party certified to NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine removal is also important.
Whole-home carbon filters are best placed before a water softener to remove the chlorine or chloramines so they do
both contain natural organic matter but surface water almost always has a higher NOM content than ground water.
not degrade the softening resin leading to early media bed replacement. Some systems offer carbon filtration and softening in a single unit through dedicated carbon and softening resin tanks (which is ideal) or as a mixed bed unit. If you’re recommending a mix-bed unit, be sure that the carbon bed offers enough contact time to effectively remove the chlorine or chloramines for the whole-home and take the time to understand if the carbon media and softener resin have different required replacement lives. For example, if the carbon needs to be replaced in two years but the softener resin should last 10 years, your customers could end up re-bedding their softener resin far more often than necessary or relying on carbon that is no longer working.
Another consideration is choosing between backwashing and non-backwashing carbon filters. Backwashing filters are more expensive upfront but can handle higher flowrates than non-backwashing filters. They also extend the life of the carbon by fluffing it during backwashing, which prevents it from packing. Non-backwashing filters are suited to customers looking for upfront affordability. However, non-backwashing filters tend to have a shorter carbon bed life so the media will need to be replaced more frequently. Smaller, cartridge-based whole-home carbon filters are also available. While they have a lower upfront cost, they have the added cost of frequent cartridge replacements which, can result in a higher annual expense than a tank-style filter over the life of the system.
who are sensitive to chlorine or chloramines (in which case, they will also want a whole-home carbon filter) or who want the best possible removal of contaminants from their drinking water. Before installing a RO for your customer, be sure they understand that a separate drain line is required. Ultrafiltration offers a very high level of filtration but does not require a dedicated drain line. Again, checking that the system you recommend has third party certification for chlorine and/or chloramine removal is the only way to ensure the system will deliver on its claims.
When recommending a cartridge-style point-of-use filter, be sure that the carbon media matches the chemical (chlorine vs chloramines), that it’s properly sized for the flow rate (the contact time is sufficient for chlorine and chloramine removal), and that the homeowner understands how often the cartridge(s) will need to be replaced.
Customers who have decided
Warranty and certification differences between units should always be presented to the customer before purchase.
The answer goes back to the homeowner’s goals and the water composition. Whole-home systems are great solutions for homeowners who want the benefits of chlorine-free or chloramine-free water throughout their home, who have chlorine or chloramine sensitivities, who do not want the hassle of annual maintenance, or who consider the lifelong cost of the filter more important than the upfront cost.
Homeowners who are primarily concerned about ingesting high-quality water or who are looking for an affordable way to remove chlorine or chloramines from their water will be most interested in point-of-use filtration such as RO, UF or cartridge systems.
Helping your customers find the right carbon filtration system for their home will build your reputation as a water expert and help your customers feel good about the water they use every day.
The marketing world moves quickly and for that reason, we have a bit of a love-hate relationship. These changes mean learning and adapting, which leaves a lot of marketers living on their toes. In just the last few years, marketers embraced digital transformation at a faster pace than ever as we adapted to changing virtual and hybrid business landscapes thanks to the pandemic. QR codes are back. DIY video rules. Content is warmer and fuzzier. What’s next?
I get a lot of questions about marketing. What’s dying? What’s coming? How do I this, or that? Mostly I scratch my head and say “if only I knew” but occasionally I can draw on my team’s knowledge and experience to share a nugget or two.
All in all, stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay curious. I’d love to hear more questions and explore the best answers in fut ure editions. Feel free to fire over an email to doug@letterm.ca.
It’s easy to think that Facebook has run its course. Who even uses it anymore? Isn’t it all old people? Well, no. With 29.8 million active accounts in Canada, it’s a lot of people – more than double the nearest platform (its sister company Instagram sits at 14 million). Facebook still holds its most significant marketing advantage: scale. It’s the world’s third most-visited website, only topped by Google and YouTube. If somebody is online, chances are they’ll check Facebook. Facebook is more a consumer targeting tool rather than a B2B targeting tool. Using Facebook’s targeting abilities, you can pinpoint who will see ads, and equally as important, who you don’t want to see your ads. By targeting the right people, you’ll get higher conversions and more qualified leads. The numbers have it: Facebook is still very much in. As with anything else in marketing, it comes down to audience goals: who are you trying to reach, and with what message? It’s a fallacy that Facebook skews older. While older folks are still a growth demographic, the largest single audience age group on Facebook is millennials: those in their late 20s to early 40s.
Print, in fact, is on a quiet resurgence: as the pandemic dragged on and people started to experience digital fatigue, tactile experiences with print material regained popularity. The global print media market grew about three per cent in the past year, reaching $316 billion in 2022. The odds are you’re holding this magazine, or at least leafing through a virtual version that provides the same experience (and shows you the same ads). Magazines such as Mechanical Business and other specialty publications tend to have higher trust and more loyal readers than web content. Readers spend more time with print publications and pass along readers expand like minded audiences far beyond claimed circulations. According to News Media Canada, 86 per cent of Canadians read newspapers over the course of a week in print and digital formats. The same study shows that newspaper content –editorial and advertising –is the most trusted of all media.
with DOUG MACMILLAN
Doug MacMillan is president of The Letter M Marketing in Guelph, ON. To reach him, email doug@letterm.ca.
In my experience, the best strategy is a mix between traditional print and digital options. Studies have shown that print has a higher brand recall rate than digital media counterparts (77 per cent compared to 46 per cent, according to one study). Printed mailers generate a response rate that can be up to 30 per cent higher than email. Print should be in the marketing mix, but ideally used in conjunction with digital.
Incorporating storytelling into your marketing efforts is a lot less daunting than it sounds. You might think you need to be some kind of author to produce effective narrative-centred content. The good news is that this really isn’t the case.
Storytelling in marketing is essentially bringing a personal feel to your content – applying real-life scenarios and experiences to related information. Instead of simply explaining the benefits of a new high-efficiency furnace or sophisticated air purification system, mix in a story about how it’s helped someone in the past, or paint a picture that helps consumers relate to the information. It’s also pretty easy to have other people tell your story for you: employees and customers can speak of an experience with your business. We used to call them case studies, which is one of the oldest forms of testimonial-focused marketing, so in many ways storytelling is nothing new. Build a short questionnaire that captures the case study in story form: what was the problem, how was there drama or conflict, who are the main characters who solved it, how did they do it, and what was the result? Thread those answers together and voila, you are telling a story.
Fifty-four years ago, partners Bill Ohe and Alex Allen realized their dream to legitimize the refrigeration trade and provide an unmatched personal level of service to customers. Armed with an entrepreneurial spirit, a generous dose of tenacity, and a single service vehicle, they opened Gateway Refrigeration in Edmonton, AB in 1968.
From one truck to more than 250 vehicles and over 20 locations, Gateway Mechanical Services (as it is known now) has become a leader in the HVAC/R industry. The company also offers electrical and plumbing services. It handles new construction and retrofits, along with service and maintenance in the agricultural and ICI sectors. They also do artificial ice surfaces for recreation
facilities, including the 400-meter speed skating oval in Salt Lake City, UT for the 2002 Olympics. The ice surface is still frequently referred to as “the fastest ice on Earth.”
Everyone’s saying I need to do moreMark Ohe, chairman (left), Bill Ohe (centre), founder and Jackson von der Ohe, CEO, in front of the timeline graphic created for Gateway Mechanical Service’s 50th anniversary. The 400-meter speed skating oval in Salt Lake City, UT. BRINGING REFRIGERATION TO THE FOREFRONT Alex Allen (L) and Bill Ohe in 1968.
171,495
Number of applicants for Canada’s Greener Homes Grant program received through Natural Resources’ national portal, as of June 8, 2022. An additional 50,000+ has been received through Quebec and Nova Scotia portals.
700,000
Number of total grants the federal government expects to release under the $2.6-billion program.
38 million
Dollar amount in grant payments released to 10,300 homeowners as of June.
40
20
Per cent that new registrations in plumber trade programs fell between 2019 and 2020, according to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF-FCA) 2022 Results Report.
32
Per cent drop of female new registrations in the 15 largest Red Seal programs in Canada. That compares to a 27-per cent decline for males.
394
Per cent of Canadian subcontractors’ margin erosion that can be tied to rework, according to the 2022 Top Business Issues for Specialty Contractors Report from Dodge Construction Network.
39
Average per cent of revenue Canadian subcontractors lose due to change orders that are not invoiced. That compares to a 30 per cent global average.
53
Per cent of Canadian subcontractors who say more than half their projects are being impacted by labour shortages.
20
Per cent of time subcontractors report their employees spend on lowproductivity administrative tasks.
42
Per cent of Canadian companies who say they will have to turn down work due to shipping and supply chain constraints over the next 12 months.
1,520
Estimated dollar amount Deloitte Canada says the average Canadian household will spend during the holiday season this year. That’s a 17-per cent decline from 2021 spending.
76
Per cent of Canadians who say they’re reducing their holiday spending due to higher food prices; 67 per cent say they’re spending less due to inflation worries, and 60 per cent blame economic concerns.
41
Per cent of Canadians who say they plan to only buy what their family needs this holiday season.
Calories in one cup of traditional eggnog, with 19 g of fat and 150 mg of cholesterol.
