September 2015

Publication Mail Agreement #43029513. Return postage guaranteed Marked Business Media Inc. 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario M9W 5C4

Fall Heating

Inside

Looking beyond the appliance

n Oil heat industry tackles challenges n Make prompt payment an election issue, groups urge

September 2015

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n Progress reported in hydronic trade talks n A common sense approach to digital media

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Fall Heating Issue

n Contents

Departments Hot Seat..........................................5 Promises, promises, promises

Industry News ...............................7 Oil heat industry tackles challenges

People & Places............................49 Four generations at drain tool manufacturer

Shop Management......................50 Cautious approach needed when borrowing money

Coming Events.............................54 MEET show dates announced

7

Products & Technologies Heating.........................................12 Ventilation....................................22 Air Conditioning...........................27 Refrigeration................................30 Water Treatment..........................34

All hands on deck

Oil heat industry tackles troubling issues

Features

Faucets & Fixtures........................37 Plumbing.......................................39 Pipes, Valves & Fittings................43 Tools & Instruments.....................47 Reverse osmosis

A popular and profitable water treatment solution

Cover: As temperatures cool it pays to look

beyond the heating system itself when doing an installation. See our article on page 12.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 3

Healthy hydronics

Planning ventilation in radiant design

22

34

Direct Energy becomes Enercare 44 Massive undertaking for major Ontario service company

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n Hot Seat

September 2015 Volume 25, Number 6 ISSN 1919-0395

Publisher Mark Vreugdenhil (416) 614-5819 mark@plumbingandhvac.ca Editor Simon Blake (416) 614-5820 simon@plumbingandhvac.ca

A letter from the publisher

Under new ownership On August 17, 2015 I was thrilled to acquire Plumbing & HVAC magazine from Newcom Business Media Inc. I have been publisher of the magazine now for 11 years and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the industry and have made a lot of friends. Editor Simon Blake and I have made a great team and, along with our writers and support staff, have enjoyed creating a magazine for you, our reader. We will continue our commitment to unbiased editorial focused on helping you build your business.

Simon will continue his role as editor but our team is growing. Mark Mierkalns was recently hired as national sales manager to help grow both our print and digital products. We will be looking to add more digital products in 2016. Dorothy Lai has been named circulation director. I will continue as publisher.

Plumbing & HVAC is nothing without our great

readers. We always welcome your comments and suggestions on how we can make the magazine better for you. Please support our advertisers, as they are the companies that allow us to bring you the magazine.

Buying Plumbing & HVAC is my personal commitment to the industry. Thank you all for being a part of Plumbing & HVAC magazine thus far and I look forward to meeting and working with you for many years to come.

National Sales Manager Mark Mierkalns (416) 614-5832 markm@plumbingandhvac.ca Design and Production Tim Norton/Janet Popadiuk production@plumbingandhvac.ca Production Manager Lilianna Kantor (416) 614-5815 lily@newcom.ca Circulation Manager Dorothy Lai

Mark Vreugdenhil, Publisher/Owner Marked Business Media Inc. Plumbing & HVAC Magazine is published eight times annually by Marked Business Media Inc. and is written for individuals who purchase/ specify/approve the selection of plumbing, piping, hot water heating, fire protection, warm air heating, air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, controls and related systems and products throughout Canada.

Marked Business Media Inc. 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5C4 Tel: (416) 614-2200 • Fax (416) 614-8861

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POSTMASTER: Send all address changes and circulation inquiries to: Plumbing & HVAC Magazine, 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5C4. Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 43029513. Postage paid at Toronto, ON. Annual Subscription Canada: $40.00 plus applicable taxes, single copy $5.00 plus applicable taxes. Annual Subscription United States: $60.00 U.S. Annual Subscription foreign: $90.00 U.S. Copyright 2015. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

A member of: • Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating • Canadian Circulation Audit Board • Mechanical Contractors Assoc. of Canada • Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association • American Society of Heating Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers • Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada • Refrigeration Service Engineers Society of Canada

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“Would you like to hold my pet lobster?” A boat tour of Halifax Harbour proved a highlight for delegates.

All hands on deck!

Oil heat industry tackles troubling issues

By Simon Blake “It’s great to see the oil heating industry back on the east coast where the oil heat industry is strong, healthy and thriving,” remarked Stephen Koch, president of the Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA) to delegates and companions at the organization’s annual conference – Cleaner Heat 2015 – in Halifax June 16-18.

It was an upbeat start for an industry that is facing numerous challenges. There is competition from other fuels and, increasingly, heat pumps. Oil spills are down but the cost of remediation is up. And the new regulations and technologies that are reducing spills add costs for home and building owners.

“If you’re not careful, the industry might see itself in a death spiral,” warned Michael Lio, an engineer and president of buildAbility Corporation of Toronto, which has been helping COHA find solutions through its advisory council.

“This is the time to get mobilized. Everyone needs to participate,” he added.

Costly spills

While oil tanks, oil lines and installation practices have all improved in recent years, when an oil spill does occur the costs can be astronomical, said Lio, who added that spill prevention technologies are slow to be installed.

The cleanup for one Ontario spill was estimated at $18,000 by one contractor and $300,000 by another.

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PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 7

the final cost ended up being $1.4 million. Because of incidents like this, some insurance companies are either not taking on homes heated with oil or they are refusing to provide spill coverage.

One of the biggest problems is lack of oversight of companies doing remediation, said Lio. Remediation experts are “out there like cowboys,” he added.

And costs are much higher in Canada, noted Koch.

In the U.S. the average cost for a residential oil spill cleanup is about $5,000 with the maximum of about $25,000.

Developing solutions

Last year COHA created an advisory committee to come up with solutions. A panel of 19 experts made about 100 suggestions, which were narrowed down to six critical initiatives for the industry:

One of the biggest problems is lack of oversight of companies doing remediation.

These include expanding the COHA GreenTech training for technicians and creating a best practices certificate, similar to the wood heating industry’s WETT certificate. Oil delivery drivers need to be trained not just to prevent spills, but how to react when one occurs. “We have to convince insurers that we are trying to control risk,” said Koch.

The second priority is customer education to ensure

that required maintenance is actually done. “We do a poor job of informing consumers of what their responsibility is,” said Lio. Thirdly, COHA will encourage provinces to more rapidly adopt the latest version of the CSA B-139 oil heating code and to update education for technicians to reflect the latest version.

The fourth critical initiative is to work with authorities and insurance companies to reduce mitigation response time when a spill occurs. A U.S. study showed that when cleanup began within 24 hours of the spill the costs were reduced by 30 percent, reported Koch.

The fifth initiative is to put an end to the conflict of interest where the remediation “expert” visiting the site and recommending what needs to be done is also the person or company doing the work.

Finally, the sixth initiative is to create a database or “information hub” on spills – documenting locations, causes and solutions. “You can’t make the right decisions unless you have the information,” said Lio. “Environment Canada has no data – only that a spill occurred,” added Koch.

This initiative would include urging government environmental officials to create a reasonable remediation standard. One of the industry’s issues is that it is often the remediation company and/or courts that determine the extent of the cleanup.

Education

College cutbacks on oil burner training are also causing problems, delegates heard during a panel session on education. However, Humber College in Toronto reports getting 800 applicants for 120 positions every year.

The reason is simple, said instructor Bernie Jackson.

The college combines oil, gas and refrigeration into one program. Ontario has a residential HVAC ticket that covers all three areas. Students come out of the course with their oil and gas tickets and Jackson reports 100 percent employment.

One of the appeals for students that the industry needs to promote, he added, is that oil heating in Ontario is primarily a rural technology. “People like the rural lifestyle. (Oil training) means they are not tied to Toronto.”

The conference also included a trade show where the oil heat industry’s key suppliers displayed their latest technologies. However, it wasn’t all work. Golfers competed for the COHA Cup at the beautiful Glen Arbour Golf Course and delegates also went on an ocean cruise in search of whales.

For COHA, the way forward is clear and the organization has already started working on its key initiatives. “If we can solve just a few of these problems, we will have turned the corner,” said Koch.

He also urged members to contact politicians at all levels and present the plight of the oil heating industry as a jobs issue. “You have a duty to make yourself heard. It’s a real shame if consumers are deprived of a reasonable fuel choice.”

The discussion will continue next year at the 2016 COHA Conference, scheduled to take place at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel in Charlottetown, P.E.I. June 7-9.

For more information, visit www.cleanerheat.ca. : September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

7 15-09-21 11:51 AM

n Industry News

Make prompt payment an election issue, groups urge The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) and the National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada (NTCCC) are urging contractors and other industry personnel to get prompt payment on the radar screen of their local candidates in this fall’s federal election.

The groups have prepared tools and background information that members and others can use when meeting with local candidates to impress upon them the urgency of this issue.

Canada is one of the few countries that doesn’t have prompt payment requirements for the construction industry. The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and 49 states in the U.S. have implemented the legislation, which ensures that contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers are paid promptly for construction projects. As a first step, MCAC and NTCCC want this to change now through the implementation of prompt payment legislation in government contracts.

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In June, MCAC and NTCCC launched a petition to be presented to the federal government.

Visit www.promptpayment.ca for more information.

Huge losses for industry

When contractors don’t get paid within a reasonable time, the effect ripples through the entire construction industry and the Canadian economy. A study conducted by the Coalition Contre Les Retards De Paiment Dans la Construction in Quebec showed staggering losses in that province alone.

Each year payment delays cost the Quebec industry $7.2 billion, or roughly 15 percent of all annual construction spending, reports the association made up of construction associations including mechanical contractors (CMMTQ) and air conditioning contractors (CETAF).

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Contractors sticking with proven vehicles General Motors and Ford still dominate the HVAC/R vehicle market despite the many new cargo vans introduced by other manufacturers in recent years.

GM accounted for 44 percent and Ford for 31 percent of vehicles that contractors prefer for their field personnel, according to a survey of members conducted the Contractors Division of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada.

The Mercedes Sprinter accounted for five percent while Dodge Ram, which only just introduced a new full-sized van, accounted for 3.3 percent.

Nissan and Toyota were first choice for less than two percent.

HRAI received 121 responses from contractors.

Seventy-five percent of those have between one and 10 service vehicles in their fleets and 76 percent have one to 15 employees working in the field.

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Air conditioning sales are up this year, reports the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

Of course, given that 2014 saw a cool summer in many parts of the country and 2015 wasn’t much better, that may not be saying much. Nevertheless, so far in 2015 commercial air conditioning shipments are up 26 percent while residential air conditioning shipments are up 19 percent. Chillers are up 12 percent and ductless split systems are up five percent.

On the heating side, unit heater shipments are up eight percent and residential furnaces are up seven percent over 2014. Only air handler shipments decreased, down nine percent from the previous year.

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Hydronic trade ticket progress reported Progress is being made towards the creation of a residential hydronic heating certificate of qualification in Ontario.

“There is a disconnect between regulated trades programs and the needs of the hydronic heating sector. This disconnect has become more glaring in Ontario over the past year, as the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) has stepped up its enforcement of the regulations,” remarked Martin Luymes, director of programs and relations for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

HRAI has been working with the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC), the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) in B.C. and the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics (CMMTQ) in Quebec to find a solution for the residential hydronic industry.

The challenge is that, technically, hydronic heating can only be done by a licensed steamfitter or plumber in most provinces.

“The challenge arises in part from the lack of effective enforcement of the trade certification regulations – which means that many of these systems are in fact installed by non-licensed tradespersons – and in part from the fact that these certification programs have not effectively kept up with the technologies and practices employed in modern hydronic heating systems,” said Luymes.

In early July, HRAI and CHC representatives met with OCOT senior staff and representatives from the

OCOT Plumbing Trade Board. After considerable discussion, they agreed that it would be worth exploring the development of a new trade designation within the plumbing trade focused on residential plumbing and hydronic heating only, with some limitations on the scope of practice, said Luymes.

The model for this solution is the Ontario residential air conditioning trade (313D) that exists under the same regulation as the full refrigeration and air conditioning trade (313A) but is limited in scope to residential

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Wolseley Industrial sells Engineered Pipe Group to Emco On July 13, Wolseley Industrial Canada Inc. announced the sale of its Engineered Pipe Group (EPG) to Emco Corporation.

With the purchase, Emco, headquartered in London, Ont., acquires Wolseley Industrial’s (Burlington, Ont.) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, fittings and flanges, and fabricated vessels business.

Wolseley retains the remainder of its industrial business, which includes industrial valves, specific application valves, valve actuation, and pipe, flange and fitting products.

“This acquisition adds a considerable knowledge base to our company and opens new opportunities for us to serve more customers nationwide,” remarked Kevin O’Reilly, vice president and general manager of Westlund, Emco’s industrial division. “We welcome the new teammates to our family and look forward to building on their proud history and co-inventing an exciting future in growing our HDPE business in Canada together.”

Over the years Emco has seen significant growth by acquiring existing businesses and opening new locations. Today, Emco has a network of more than 220 “profit centres” (branches) and showrooms across Canada. Most of Emco’s acquired businesses continue to operate under their original names. www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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applications and can be completed in half the time.

A similar approach is now taken with the sheet metal mechanic trade.

Plumbing trade board members agreed to take this back to their board for discussion.

A decision will have to wait until a review of the College of Trades currently underway is completed at the end of they year.

“Though this practical solution may require some time to implement, it holds the potential to form the basis for the development of a national (red seal) trade certification program that would be a big boost to the hydronic heating sector,” said Luymes.

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HVAC insulation

Energy efficiency, safety issues push pipe and duct wrap into the spotlight

By Bruce Nagy

insulation at Toronto’s Union Station for the past several years.

“At one point the union encouraged people to bring family members into the business,” says Smiley. “But I guess times have changed and I think they are going to start to discourage it.”

It’s not the only change being contemplated in the industry. There are new products in pipe and duct insulation, new safety precautions, new code requirements, new installation practices, software for quickly calculating insulation energy savings, thermographic audits and X-rays for determining the health of insulation on pipes, valves and HVAC equipment and, of course, a lot of training available for everyone involved.

In this age of energy conservation, insulation offers a significant return on investment and quick payback. As a result, the industry is seeing substantial growth.

According to the National Insulation Association (www.insulation.org), the North American industry earned about $13 billion in 2008, then lost ground during the global recession. But in the last three years it has expanded by about 27 percent and will return to an all-time high by 2017.

Historic rail station project Michael McRitchie and Derek McQueen in the mechanical plant at Sunnybrook Hospital.

12

Plumbing & HVAC – September 2015

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 12

I

nsulator Bill McAleese comes from a family of insulators. His father, grandfather and seven brothers were all in the insulation business. His grandfather installed insulation on the Titanic at the Belfast Shipyards back in 1912.

“The joke is that there was so much asbestos, it sunk the ship,” says McAleese, who works as a project supervisor for All Temperature Thermal Insulations Ltd. in Colborne, Ont. The company just completed a four-month project at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.

Steve Altseimer and Jim Smiley also come from families of insulators. Each has a father, an uncle and a brother in the business. Altseimer works as operations manager for Custom Insulation Systems in Vaughan, Ontario; which did insulation during the recent rebuilding of Women’s College Hospital in Toronto.

Smiley is a foreman for Dewpoint Insulation Systems, in Flesherton, Ont. Dewpoint has been working on

Toronto’s historic and massive Union Station complex has been undergoing a major renovation. And like many complex projects, it features a mix of insulation approaches for HVAC ducts, generator exhaust ducts, pipes, and mechanical equipment, said Smiley. “We used 3M Fire Wrap plus VentureClad jackets around ducts that serve as smoke exhaust from a loading area for trucks. In another area we used the same product for kitchen exhaust for a food court. For the smoke duct the fire wrap required a single layer, but for the food court they needed two overlapping layers with everything pinned and banded.”

Two-hour fire wrap was also required for an exhaust duct for a backup generator because it runs through a conditioned public space. “Safety is emphasized more now and design temperatures in each space have to be pretty exact because engineering for energy savings is sophisticated.”

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Cramped hot tunnels with tightly spaced piping under Sunnybrook Hospital proved a challenge. its peak, 25 workers and trucks bringing in material every day. “We used about 60,000 square feet of fire wrap and about 120,000 square feet of duct board,” says Dewpoint owner Johnny Speer. New insulation was added to ducts, chilled water systems, hot water, backup generators, pumps, heat exchangers, and other mechanical equipment.

New materials

These new insulation materials are significantly different from those of the past. “Everything has changed over the years,” says Speer “Back in the day we used to wrap it with raw fiberglass, add vapor barrier and tie it on with string. Now it’s engineered. It’s peel and stick. It goes on easily and it fits.”

For example, 3M Fire Wrap is lightweight but rated for 1200ºC (2192ºF). VentureClad jackets resist more than 40 kinds of acids, alcohols, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, esters, salt solutions, organic solutions and miscellaneous substances like chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. “Everything is fire resistant and formaldehyde-free,” remarked Speer. “Life safety issues are at the forefront.”

This job was challenging too because Union Station remained open to the public and operating throughout the renovations. As the primary Toronto railway station and intercity transportation hub, it serves 250,000 people per day. Selected work sections were closed in phases, and “we had to wait for other trades and try to maintain schedules. We lost some product because of delays and flooding,” added Speer.

“We had to work closely with the asbestos abatement group,” says Smiley. “It’s such an old building (built in the 1920s) and you never know what’s inside a wall until you open it up.”

Hospital upgrade

Like the train station, Women’s College Hospital in downtown Toronto could not be closed during construction. Unlike the station, the entire hospital was rebuilt new (in phases). “We did mechanical room fiberglass board, pipes, ducts, boilers, plus all the piping in the hospital, hot and cold domestic, chilled water, and ductwork on eight floors using air core fiberglass wrap,” said Altseimer. “Then everyone moved into phase one and we started phase two.”

Armaflex was used for the chilled water systems. It www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 13

New state-of-the-art insulation at historic Union Station will significantly improve energy efficiency, reports Jim Smiley. is a nitrile rubber insulation system used extensively in Australia because it is very good at mitigating energy losses and controlling condensation. It’s moisture resistant and has a built-in vapour barrier. “You can just wipe it down and you don’t get any mold,” says Altseimer.

“The new products save about twice as much energy as they did in the old days and they are usually easier to install. That’s good because safety is a constant concern for our team. We work in confined spaces and on lifts high up in the air. We have a safety committee and a third-party safety auditor. We take safety seriously,” added Altseimer.

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Numerous safety precautions and different insulation solutions were needed as well in early 2015 at Sunnybrook Hospital, also in Toronto. It’s a high traffic facility accommodating between 400,000 and 500,000 patient days each year. There are 15 or 16 main buildings with service tunnels running beneath them across the campus from the boiler plant.

“One of the reasons for upgrading insulation in these tunnels is that this is a busy, expanding hospital with complex systems that require regular attention,” reported Michael McRitchie, Sunnybrook director of plant operations, maintenance, security and biomedical engineering. “We need to be able to isolate these systems and expand them quickly and efficiently.”

Life safety issues in hospitals relate as much to employees and contractors as to patients. “Sometimes people are crawling over the equipment down there.

Because there was asbestos involved, this was a significant safety issue that required various timeconsuming procedures.

“There were different kinds of asbestos too, so there were different safety protocols that had to be followed,” noted plant manager Kevin McQueen. The T-shaped tunnel system runs for about a kilometre across the hospital campus. It contains steam lines, condensate, chilled water, medical air, medical vacuum, oxygen, nitrous oxide, compressed air and natural gas.

From the contractor’s point of view, Sunnybrook was filled with challenges. The pipe systems run close together, making it difficult to remove asbestos and install new insulation. And there was a lot to do. McAleese estimates they installed about 2800 linear feet of steam

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Removing asbestos

When the asbestos was removed from the steam lines, the temperature in the tunnels shot up to between 50 and 70ºC (122-158ºF). The floors were so hot that doctors, nurses and patients in the corridors above thought the building was on fire. The plan was to remove and replace in 50-foot sections. Reinstallation alone took about one week per 50-foot section.

Because of the confined space and high temperatures, they would work about 15 minutes on and then 15 minutes off, wearing full facemasks and Tyvek protective suits. Safety meetings were held daily to discuss heat stress and heat exhaustion; and a buddy system was used so that no one was ever left working alone in the tunnels.

“But the schedule was pretty tight because the government provided funding and the project had to be complete by a certain deadline,” says McAleese. “So we worked six days a week, which was hard on the guys, but the money made up for it.”

Tightly spaced piping

Because the steam lines were so close together a relatively new product called Pyrogel was specified.

It is designed to meet modern energy standards with about half as much thickness required. It’s applied in layers and comes in blankets so that it can be cut to fit anything. It’s dusty to work with, so segregated cutting areas were created.

Like other new systems Pyrogel is highly engineered, reported company principal Randy Sloane, who works with McAleese. It provides a high level of insulation, repels water but is still breathable enough to release vapour and prevent corrosion. It can be easily removed and re-used for maintenance.

Like his friends in the business, Sloane’s father was an insulator and now his son has joined the trade and worked on the Sunnybrook job. The insulation industry may be undergoing significant transition but apparently, for the moment, some things stay the same. :

At Armstrong Air,™ we design with you in mind. That’s why our new products are enhanced with Precision Service Technology, a set of features that help save time and effort on every job.

These service-friendly design features include: • Inducer motors on all new gas packaged units that are easily removed by loosening just three screws • Removable louvered panels on all four sides of new cooling units that simplify service and coil cleaning • Corner-mounted service valves that are raised off the ground to provide more convenient brazing • Smart touches, such as Schrader cores on pressure switches and common-size, forward-facing screws, that help save time and effort Choose a partner who will give you unparalleled commitment. To learn more about becoming an Armstrong Air dealer, visit www.armstrongair.com/become-a-dealer.asp.

Bruce Nagy is a Toronto-based freelance writer that reports on green technologies and solutions. He can be reached at bruce.nagy@rogers. com. ©2015 Allied Air Enterprises LLC, a Lennox International Inc. Company

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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n Heating

Getting it right critical for efficiency and comfort

By Bob Bettles and Brian Guttormson

Combustion

venting

B:13.5”

S:13”

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F

This vent system contains a number of problems such as a water trap in combustion venting. www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 17

rom the beginning of our time and the discovery of fire, the control and disposal of the products of combustion to the outer atmosphere has been an issue.

When we brought the fire indoors, an open fire with a flap over the hole in the roof controlled the exhaust to the outdoors. That didn’t work too well. Later designs resulted in a stone hearth with a vertical chase to direct the smoke and fumes out of the structure. This new development was called a chimney.

As time moved on, we saw stone chimneys evolve to brick, then with a clay liner added. With equipment efficiency improvements evolving, these clay liners were found to be condensing within the oversized chimney chase and a stainless steel liner was added for oil appliances or aluminum for gas appliances.

As gas-heating appliances became more common, different methods for flue product exhaust were tried. In the early to mid-1950s a new “Type-B” vent was approved. The UL approval notes described the product as “consisting essentially of cement and asbestos fiber built up in cylindrical and oval form; supplied with couplings, elbows, tees, joint cement, etc.” B-vents all had a listed maximum inlet flue temperature, usually in the 450-500ºF ranges. None had a minimum stack temperature.

Over time, lower flue temperatures from more efficient gas products resulted in condensing within the B-vent. Delamination occurred as the cement soaked up the water, plugging the chimney. However, the B-vent we have today came into being about the same time as the cement/asbestos material, but has become the mainstay of the non-condensing gas vent industry for the last 40+ years.

The contractor will come across many older installations that used ABS DWV piping for venting, which is no longer allowed.

Early B-vent materials could delaminate with condensation.

Higher efficiencies

In the mid 1980s furnace, manufacturers were under the gun to provide a more efficient system of combustion to reduce operating cost to the end-

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n Heating

Common vent problems Continued from page 17 user. Standing continuous burning pilot lights gave way to spark and hot surface ignition systems. The open draft hood assembly was replaced with a power vented exhaust system. These units were deemed as “mid-efficient” furnaces. They used the original vertical B-venting systems.

condensate to control. ABS /DWV vent materials were approved for venting some condensing products, but there were some premature failures.

(Manufacturers of styrene ABS drain, waste, vent pipe never intended it to be used for combustion venting – Ed.) As of Jan. 1, 2007, the CSA B-149.1 gas code was revised to require only ULC S636-95 vent materials for use in

Every fall heating season homeowners report problems; obviously with a good installation there are no issues or callbacks.

The design engineers determined if they were to remove more heat from the flue products and transfer it to the airstream of the forced air furnace, stack temperatures were reduced below “dewpoint” temperatures and the high efficiency furnace evolved. This created another issue – the control and disposal of the condensate from the exhaust.

Chimneys became a high temperature “PVC” material and sidewall venting became the norm.

In order to provide a less expensive pro du c t , s e v e r a l p l a s t i c v e nt manufacturers came up with high temperature plastic venting that allowed mid-efficiency products to be sidewall vented, similar to the high efficient condensing equipment PVC vented product in the market. After six years, this product was banned. Split pipes and separated joints were among the issues.

Some product did not fail, but many installers did not read the instructions, which didn’t help.

Canada. This product is available in two temperature ranges: PVC for flue temperatures up to 65ºC, (140ºF) while CPVC is acceptable up to 90ºC (195ºF).

High efficienc y gas furnaces commissioned with the proper gas pressures and temperature rise will deliver venting pipe flue temperatures ranging from 90 to 130ºF. These lower flue temperatures result in high volumes of condensed water with a level of under two percent acidic within the vent system. History has taught us that, in this application, plastic piping is better for drainage. The water we speak of comes from two places, within the secondary heat exchanger and draining out through a collector or transition box and then forward out to a trap assembly.

But condensate is also manufactured in the external venting; the vent motor assembly extracts the cooling flue combustion gases and sends it towards the vent termination on the exterior.

Warm-up and cool-down

Every fall heating season homeowners report problems; obviously with a good installation there are no issues or callbacks. Most homeowners can count flash codes and the main one is usually related to a pressure switch fault code.

In most cases, this is caused by the improper installation of the vent system, not the pressure switch being bad. The service tech has heard from his dispatch message of a pressure switch fault. After changing the switch several times over two or more days, the manufacturer or wholesaler’s tech support line receives a phone call. A dry trap or a double trap of the drain may also be the culprit.

High efficiency condensing products of the first generation were rated at 90 percent efficiency levels during “steady state” operation. The warm-up and cool-down periods were not taken into account. Exhaust temperatures were such that the vent materials required higher temperature PVC materials.

Improved equipment and new testing protocols for annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings took into account the full start-toend heating cycle, resulted in values above the 90 percent level but also lower stack temperatures and more www.plumbingandhvac.ca

The biggest problem we see is usually excessive vent length or elbows that add additional resistance to the system.

Remember to check with the installation manual for maximum vent length and correct vent diameters. Many installers have been caught by not checking the manuals for equal length of fittings. If you are close to the maximum allowable length, try to use 45-degree elbows rather than 90-degree elbows. If an offset will be less than two feet of horizontal run, you will end up with a flat spot that will not drain.

The old rule –measure twice and cut once – applies to venting materials.

Support the vent tubing every three to four feet with a suspension strap. The vent needs to slope a minimum of ¼” per foot towards the furnace. More is better where possible.

This exhaust vent piping is a two-way street; not only must exhaust pass to the outdoors, but condensate water must run back towards the furnace. A pipe less than the ¼” slope will have a wider puddle path attempting to reach the

drain. This increased surface area of the return puddle will actually form a wave running with the flue products. This vent exhaust tube is monitored by the air switch in some cases with less than 0.05” water column (WC) tolerance between a go or no-go situation! : Bob Bettles HVAC author and trainer Robert (Bob) Bettles is technical service adviser and product trainer for B&B Trade Distribution Centre. He can be reached at bbettles@bandbtrade.com.

Brian Guttormson HVAC author and trainer Brian Guttormson is technical service advisor for Trent Metals Ltd. (Supply). He can be reached at techsupport@tmlsupply.com.

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n Heating Contractor friendly packaged units

Packaged vertical units

Boiler controls enhanced

Ultra-efficient boiler

York LX Series packaged units by Johnson Controls are designed to heat and cool residential and light commercial buildings and feature a contractor-friendly design. They are 29 percent more efficient than the previous version, earning a 14 SEER rating. Features include single-cabinet design versus the previous three cabinet model, exact fit gas and electric hookups, proven copper/aluminum coil, front and top access to the compressor, refrigeration controls and blower.

Johnson/York Div. u www.yorkhvacdealer.com

Next generation hybrid DHW

The next generation Voltex hybrid electric heat pump water heaters from A. O. Smith are designed to reduce the heating bill by about 70 percent over a conventional electric water heater. The improved line includes 50, 66 and 80-gallon versions. They are 208 and 240 VAC capable and are quiet at 51dBa. Four operating modes match heating requirements to environmental conditions, including a vacation mode programmable up to 99 days.

A.O. Smith u www.hotwater.com

Laars has added a large colour touch screen to its commercial NeoTherm boilers, allowing quick access to all the control’s features. As well, a new variable speed boiler pump control option, “VARI-PRIME,” optimizes efficiency by matching boiler input modulation to pump flow. The fully packaged, 95 percent efficient commercial NeoTherm line is available from 285 through 1,200 MBH sizes as a modulating boiler or volume water heater.

Laars u www.Laars.com

Magic-Pak single packaged V-Series vertical units from Allied Air are designed for multi-family and mixed-use environments. Available in gas/electric and electric/electric configurations, they are aimed at the Canadian market with thermal efficiencies of up to 95 percent and cooling up to 11.0 EER. A small footprint minimizes space requirements while a minimal wall opening reduces building penetration for external louvers. They offer a fully ducted system and individual metering and control for each unit.

Allied Air u www.alliedair.com

The new 95 percent AFUE Evergreen gas boiler from Weil-McLain is adaptable for most heating needs including light commercial or large residential applications and for single or multi-boiler installations.

Three multiple-boiler sequencing options include smart mode, series mode and parallel mode. Other key features include stainless steel heat exchanger, 10-1 turndown ratio, Modbus communication, setup wizard and interactive diagnostics. It is available in 200, 299 and 399 MBH sizes.

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B:13.5”

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PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 21

September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

21 15-09-21 11:52 AM

n Ventilation A FULL HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM WITH A BOILER TO SUPPLY HOT WATER TO THE HEATING SYSTEM AND AN INDIRECT DOMESTIC HOT WATER HEATER. VENTILATION SUPPLIED BY AN HRV NOT COUPLED TO A FORCED AIR SYSTEM

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Keep your

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Make sure their hydronic heating upgrade includes an adequate ventilation system

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SUPPLEMENTAL EXHAUST FAN

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HRV

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WE STILL HAVE A PROBLEM! HOW DO WE PREVENT CONTAMINANTS FROM OUTSIDE AIR FROM COMING INTO OUR HOUSE?

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This, from an article I wrote in 2006 - “I have to admit that my personal opinion is – the more fresh air ventilation you give a space, the better. From a health and comfort standpoint, supplying generous amounts of properly tempered fresh air can do nothing but good.”

I haven’t changed that opinion at all – “the nose knows.”

During my latest search for a house, I developed a quick and simple way to “yea or nay” a prospective house. Pause outside the house before you open the door for the first time, take a deep breath in, exhale – then walk in and take a whiff. Repeat this procedure inside the house as you move from room to room, especially checking out basements or crawl spaces.

Many houses can be eliminated right away using this method – even some new ones. The quality of decorating and appliances slides down the list of importance super fast if the air is foul. When I do find a house with no obvious indoor air quality (IAQ) problems – if there’s no HRV in the place, one gets installed pretty quick.

I recently re-discovered two important documents written

by J.C Haysom and Dr. J.T. Reardon of NRC that provide great background for this topic: • Current Approaches for Mechanical Ventilation of Houses • Why Houses Need Mechanical Ventilation Systems Both were published in 1998. I remember reading them back then and taking them to heart – as more people should have done. Type either title into your search engine and you will see what I mean.

Good air quality is a right

I get passionate about this topic. Good air quality is a big deal – a basic human right, I believe. The indoor air quality (IAQ) of

22

Plumbing & HVAC – September 2015

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 22

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

15-09-21 11:52 AM

CHANGING TO HIGH EFFICIENCY? UTILIZE YOUR EXISTING VENT!

s

y and happy originating way back in 1998, that got it mostly right. I’ll stop now, short of a full-blown rant and get to the topic at hand. What are my recommendations for providing ventilation to a hydronically heated house?

What to do

In today’s tightly sealed homes, some form of mechanical ventilation is a must. many of the houses I recently looked at (all built in the last three decades) was simply appalling. Some of these houses had literally entered a self-destruct sequence as they were being built – moisture and mould problems primarily (leading to odours and often significant structural damage).

Many of us warned about this stuff when the R2000 program was first introduced – the upcoming problems being obvious. It’s hard to introduce stricter requirements to building codes, but meaningful revisions are finally starting to come into force that will help produce healthier and happier homes for most Canadians. Stop trying to suck the bad air out and hope the good air somehow finds a way to sneak in – balanced ventilation is becoming the law for new construction in most jurisdictions, kinda-sorta.

The industry has been pussy-footing around this issue for a long time – and still is. Every year, I see building code revisions from various jurisdictions moving slowly in the right direction. Last year, in B.C., the building code finally announced the end of “exhaust only” ventilation.

BUT - I don’t know of any jurisdiction that has yet made a full commitment to the CAN CSA F326 - a code www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 23

Requirements are complicated by the many different cold and hot climate zones in this big, big country and by the need to keep swarms of vicious biting insects out of our houses. The latest insulation and air sealing requirements have led us to virtually air-tight structures – some people think we’ve made a mistake. I think we just have to deal with it better.

Effectively controlled, variable volume mechanical ventilation that can temper and filter incoming fresh air is the only proper way to keep our modern energyefficient houses healthy. In much of Europe they just open windows for fresh air, but in Canada, that often isn’t an option.

One size does not fit all, but there are two basic concepts that should work everywhere. Balanced ventilation is an absolute must, but we still have work to do on the effectively controlled and variable volume parts. Houses should not be subject to significant negative or positive pressure. This can be harder than it looks and it doesn’t come cheap. We have to get used to it though and push forward. Remember that seat belts and air bags in cars were once considered far too expensive.

My two basic rules for IAQ: • Home-owners deserve to breathe clean air • Their houses shouldn’t stink, or rot from the inside out.

There are only two ways I know of, right now, to make it right with hydronic systems: 1) use an air handler for heating / cooling / ventilation and include an HRV/ERV - or, 2) Use an HRV/ERV for ventilation only systems.

Both methods exceed the minimum code requirements

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Please see ‘Variable’ on page 25 September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

23 15-09-21 11:52 AM

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n Ventilation

Variable exhaust fans Continued from page 23 of most jurisdictions – please confirm this is true for your location.

I base my opinion on the performance standards introduced by the CSA F326 ventilation standard (which I guess is another shot at the often poor performance of prescriptive, minimum standards).

The biggest headache in trying to provide balanced ventilation is to actually ensure the system is balanced.

Although balanced intake and exhaust can be attained with an individual fresh air supply system when coupled with a separate exhaust system, the technology still needs development. That is why I believe the baseline minimum system should always use an HRV or ERV. To use CFL metaphors, these devices still don’t get us all the way to the goal line, but they can get us into the red zone. A good technician with the right test equipment can balance the intake and exhaust airflow for either device to within 10 percent - close enough for now, and far better than we get with most prescriptive methods.

Controlling when we ventilate, and how much is still the bit that needs the most work. My kitchen fan

can exhaust 400 CFM. I know that my new HRV can’t keep things balanced for very long when that bad boy is cranked up, so I have to figure out what to do (crack a window open for now). What we really need to develop, are air make-up strategies to vary the air intake volume with variable exhaust.

The industry has been pussy-footing around this issue for a long time – and still is.

Noisy fans are the number one reason you normally see de-humidistat fan controls set to “off ”. Your ventilation system is then useless.

The development of effective controls to trigger and vary ventilation systems when needed is crucial in order to get that touchdown. Humidity, occupancy, CO2 sensors we have now – but the sensor list can go on to include any chemical that might degrade IAQ in any given structure. With the right sensors, software can be developed to control ventilation precisely – or shut it down temporarily if the outdoor air quality takes a sudden nose dive (smoke from wildfires, open burning, and your neighbour’s wood stove come to mind).

And for the two-point convert? Developing variable volume air make-up devices that can work in lock-step with variable volume exhaust devices will get us one.

With ECM motors and current control and sensor technology, we can do this right now. But getting the price down to an affordable level has to be added to the playbook. :

Variable exhaust

Roy Collver is an author and consultant on hydronic heating based in Parksville, B.C. He can be reached at hoth2o@shaw.ca

Variable exhaust fans are coming on the market fast and furious. John Dennis, HVAC guru at Andrew Sheret in Parksville B.C., recently told me about a new ceiling exhaust fan with an ECM motor that can add occupancy sensors, humidity sensors and more to vary its speed automatically. It is also real quiet. Quiet is a big deal.

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PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 25

September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

25 15-09-21 11:52 AM

n Ventilation Expanded cooling tower line

Product Profile Quiet retrofit fan Bathroom fans have come a long way.

Homeowners no longer have to put up with the noisy inefficient units of the past. Today some versions even include lighting and motion sensors that turn the fan on whenever someone enters the room. But retrofitting one of these modern fans into the space occupied by an older fan can be a royal pain.

Pansonic’s new WhisperFit EZ offers the contractor a way to quickly install a modern fan with all these features from below the ceiling. It is designed to use the existing duct and a low profile (5-5/8”) housing design allows it to fit into virtually any ceiling. The company’s Flex-Z-Fast mounting bracket has articulating joints for simple positioning through a ceiling cavity. A detachable installation adapter provides additional flexibility when wiring and attaching the duct.

Available in three models, non-lighted, lighted, and non-lighted with motion sensor, each model includes Pansonic’s Pick-A-Flow speed selector

Evapco has expanded its AT (advanced technology) line of factory-assembled cooling towers with more than 200 new models with a more efficient design to reduce energy consumption through decreased horsepower using induced draft, counterflow technology. These models cover a capacity range of 33 to 5,141 nominal tons. Standard construction consists of G-235 (Z 700 metric) galvanized steel with Type 304 or 316 stainless steel upgrades available.

EVAPCO u www.evapco.com

Reversible fans that allows the user to shift between 80 or 110 CFM with the simple flip of a switch.

The motion sensor has a 20 minute delayoff timer. Once the settings have been applied, the fan becomes truly automatic, making it ideal for families with young children, people with disabilities, hospitality, as well as assisted living environments such as nursing homes and retirement communities, reports the manufacturer.

Panasonic u www.panasonic.ca

The “XCHANGER” fans from Tjernlund are designed to automatically rid basements or other areas of stale air while simultaneously drawing in fresh outside air. They come in two styles – one for mounting next to an outside wall and the other ducted to the outside intake/ exhaust hood. Two reversible 90 CFM fans can be positioned to move air in either direction.

Tjernlund u www.tjernlund.com

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Plumbing & HVAC – September 2015

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See warranty certificate for details.

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www.plumbingandhvac.ca

15-09-21 11:53 AM

bibby-ONE-3RD-PAGE-IRON-MAN-3x11.875 copy.pdf 1 2/27/2015 2:21:32 PM

n Air Conditioning

While it’s possible to do a whole building with only one indoor unit, one unit per zone or floor makes a better installation.

C

M

The

Y

heat pump

CM

MY

CY

CMY

sales explosion

K

Atlantic Canada finds a new way to heat and cool

By Art Irwin Heat pumps and air conditioning have been around for many years, but the introduction of ductless systems in recent years has been a major breakthrough. This has resulted in massive increases in the manufacturing and installation of these units.

As an example, Efficiency Nova Scotia cancelled a rebate incentive program when they realized the demand for these systems was so great that an incentive program was no longer necessary. The number of installations went from 3,000 units per year to 20,000 per year in Nova Scotia.

Historically, installing an air conditioning system meant installing a duct system to all sections of the structure, which was disruptive and quite expensive.

While heat pumps have been around for a long time, the equipment has become much more efficient and has now reached the point where it is a wise investment for the home or building owner with a reasonable payback. www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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Air-to-air or air-to-water

We are discussing ductless air-source heat pumps that draw heat from the outside air during the heating season and reject heat outside during the summer cooling season. There are two basic types. The most common is the air to air-heat pump. It extracts heat from the air and then transfers heat to either the inside or the outside of your home depending on the season.

The other type is the air-to-water heat pump, which is used in homes with hot water heating systems. They work well with low temperature applications such as radiant floor heating. However, hydronic baseboard systems, for example, require a much higher water temperature and do not perform very well with the water temperature a heat pump would provide.

Please see ‘Heating’ on page 28 September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

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n Air Conditioning

There are many mounting options for the outdoor unit.

Heating, cooling in one unit Continued from page 27

Heat pump basics

Heat pumps consist of two major components – the outdoor condensing unit and the indoor evaporator unit, which is usually wall-hung with an internal blower. There are systems that can handle up to eight evaporating units.

Efficiency is measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). This is the measurement of the total cooling required for an average cooling season. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency. The actual rating is shown on the EnerGuide label on each unit.

You should advise your customer to purchase a heat pump that has an Energy Star Rating. These units are about 20 percent more efficient than the conventional units. The top SEER ratings run as high as 33. The cost of operating a SEER 20 system is about 35 percent less than that of a SEER of 13. The payback on the more efficient equipment is roughly five years.

In Nova Scotia, depending on the capacity of the unit and the manufacturer, contractors typically charge between $3,000 and $4,000 for a basic installation with one inside head. A dual zone system will cost approximately $6,000, again depending on the capacity and the manufacturer.

How it works

The air-source heat pump has three cycles: the heating cycle, the cooling cycle and the defrost cycle. The heating cycle means the heat is taken from the outdoor air and

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pumped indoors. The liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion device, changing to a low-pressure liquid /vapour mixture. It then goes to the outdoor coil, which acts as the evaporator coil.

The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and boils, becoming a low-temperature vapour. The vapour then passes through the reversing valve to the accumulator, which collects any additional liquid before the vapour enters the compressor. The vapour is then compressed, reducing its volume and this causes it to heat up.

The reversing valve sends the gas, which is now hot, to the indoor coil or condenser. The heat from the hot gas is transferred to the indoor air and the refrigerant then condenses into a liquid, which returns to the expansion device and the cycle is repeated. The amount of heat that is transferred indoors varies with the outdoor temperature. As the outdoor temperature drops, the amount of heat transferred also drops.

The heat pump can provide the major portion of the required amount of heat, but supplementary heat is required as a backup.

For the cooling cycle, the process for the heating cycle is reversed. The heat energy in the indoor air is transferred to the outdoors. The sizing of the heating and cooling loads should be calculated by a recognized method. If the heat pump is sized to match the heating load, it will be too large for the cooling requirement and will operate only intermittently and not de humidify in an efficient manner.

An air source heat pump should be sized to provide no more than 125 percent of the cooling load, which will result in the heat pump being capable of meeting 80 to 90 percent of the annual heating requirements.

The popularity of heat pumps has grown at a fantastic rate. Many homeowners have reduced their annual heating costs by as much as 50 percent. One heating contractor in the Halifax area claims to have installed 6,500 units in recent years.

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Special features

Many new features have been developed in recent years. A hand held remote control is provided with each evaporator unit and they can be programmed to operate as required. For summer cooling, each unit can be programmed to operate late in the afternoon instead of all day, reducing operating costs. Another feature, if an area is unoccupied for a specific amount of time, the fan system will reduce its speed until a motion detector picks up movement from somebody entering the room.

There have been a small number of instances where inexperienced moonlighting installers have botched an installation, leaving the homeowner with endless problems. This, of course, is a problem for the legitimate contractors. A legitimate contractor will have training, liability insurance and a workmen’s compensation package.

One should also be concerned about the sound level of the outside condensing unit. The sound level is measured in Bels. One should select a unit with a sound level in the vicinity of 7.6 Bels. The lower the Bels rating, the quieter the unit.

The ductless heat pump system could be classed as a whole new industry with high demand and great success for those in the sales and installation business. :

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Arthur A. Irwin operates Irwin Energy Consulting Services in Halifax. He can be reached at irwin.a@ ns.sympatico.ca.

A tidy professional installation means the customer will get excellent long-term performance from the heat pump. www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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n Refrigeration

Rooftop

economizers

Correct setup critical to achieving comfort, energy savings

By Greg Scrivener

Rooftop unit economizers can be a great way to save energy and provide additional occupant comfort – when they work. The problem with economizers is that they are rarely set up correctly and failures are often unnoticed for long periods of time.

An economizer in a rooftop unit performs two functions. It provides ventilation and it allows for ‘free’ cooling of the space when the outdoor air conditions are adequate to meet at least part of the cooling load.

These two functions are completely separate from each other, but are often controlled by the same controller or circuit board.

or timers that control the fan operation. The fan is programmed to run all the time when the space is occupied and cycles with heating and cooling when it’s not. Unless you perform detailed calculations for your particular space, you aren’t necessarily meeting the code requirements during the unoccupied time but it’s probably close. By adding an economizer and providing proper ventilation you are adding an energy cost to have occupant comfort and to comply with codes.

‘Free’ cooling

The second function an economizer performs is ‘free’ cooling. In this mode of operation, the unit uses either Meeting ventilation requirements the outdoor air temperature or enthalpy to determine First, let’s take a look at the ventilation – ventilation whether or not it can use the outside air to cool the requirements can differ dramatically by space and space. This is a very useful feature in the shoulder occupancy and should be determined by using seasons and essential if the space has a cooling load appropriate codes and standards, usually ASHRAE all year. This mode of operation saves energy because Standard 62. This is outside of it reduces the amount of time the what we can deal with in this article mechanical refrigeration system is but you’ve probably heard a rule running. of thumb that we should provide There is a set point on economizers 10 percent outside air to occupied that is often denoted by an A, B, C spaces. With a precautionary note and D, which is depicted on Figure that the 10 percent is usually not 1 using a psychrometric diagram. accurate for many buildings, we will These settings tell the controller go ahead and assume that’s we want. what an acceptable air enthalpy (or We accomplish this by setting the temperature) will cool the space minimum position of the damper, and how you choose this setpoint which means the position at which depends on the design of the system the damper is open any time the fan and how the space is used. is running.

Fig. 1: This graph shows one Before we get into details about This is a bit of a trouble spot manufacturer’s enthalpy settings setting the economizer, it’s important for complying with ventilation for economizer installation. to understand the difference between requirements b ecause if the an enthalpy sensor and a temperature thermostat has the fan set to ‘auto,’ sensor. In many cases, either type then it only runs on a call for heat or cooling and not can be used to control a rooftop economizer. when the space is occupied. So two issues arise, you An enthalpy sensor measures both the latent can’t provide the proper ventilation without the fan on (humidity) and sensible heat content while a and the fan uses energy and adds a load to the space. temperature sensor measures only the dry bulb The second issue is that the minimum ventilation temperature. This is important because it is possible requirements (at least using AHRAE 62) are different to have outdoor air that is colder, but with more water when the space is occupied and when it’s not. There is content than the indoor air, which can result in actually absolutely no reason to have anywhere near as much adding energy to the space instead of decreasing it, outdoor air when the space is unoccupied. which is the goal of comfort cooling.

The solution is often to use occupancy sensors In these cases, using only the dry bulb temperature

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The outdoor air section of an old economizer on a rooftop unit. to decide whether to use the economizer either would add a load to the mechanical cooling system or decrease the occupant comfort by making the space muggy. In almost every case an enthalpy sensor will provide better more efficient operation.

Controlling costs

Controls on this old economizer were visually set to 10 percent but it was allowing significantly more outdoor air.

So why do we even bother with temperature sensors?

Cost of course. They are typically much less expensive and therefore are used as replacements frequently. In dry climates, like most of northern Canada, it can be difficult to notice the difference so you can often get away with using the temperature sensor even though I wouldn’t recommend it.

Determining the economizer setting is easier than the minimum position setting because it’s simply a decision about how high of outdoor enthalpy you think will still cool the space. Take a look at the line labeled A in Figure 1. If your economizer controller was set to this setting it would use free cooling any time the outdoor conditions were to the left of the line. So 82°F and 10 percent RH, 75° and 27 percent RH, 65°F and 80 percent RH … you get the picture.

While this setting is probably high for most comfort cooling applications it would likely be just fine for a storage warehouse and would yield the maximum energy savings. Most typical air conditioning applications will need the economizer set around C or D.

Control strategies

Consideration also needs to be given to the control strategy of the unit. If you have a single stage roof top unit with a single-stage thermostat that can’t operate the mechanical cooling, you will need a lower setpoint.

Some units, however, use multiple stages and can operate the mechanical cooling at the same time as the economizer, which can result in increased savings because you can often set the economizer a bit higher.

Setting the minimum position is usually done by looking at the damper, which of course doesn’t work

Please see ‘Economizers’ on page 33

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n Refrigeration

Economizers Continued from page 31

and can yield some pretty terrible results. I’ve seen economizers that looked about 10 percent open allowing over 30 percent outdoor air – talk about a waste.

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Setting the minimum position is usually done by looking at the damper, which of course doesn’t work and can yield some pretty terrible results.

The best way to know how much outdoor air is going through the dampers is to measure it using high quality air flow sensors, but this is usually not an option for most people. Alternatively you can simply measure some temperatures and calculate the outdoor airflow rate based on the following formula.

Mixed Air Temp-Return Air Temp Outdoor Air Temp= *100

Outdoor Air Temp-Return Air Temp

The problem with this method is that if the temperatures are relatively close together the calculation isn’t very accurate because our temperature measuring equipment and methods are usually not precise enough.

Play around with the formula using 68ºF outdoor air, º 70 F return air and 69ºF supply air. What would happen if your supply air temperature measurement was off by half a degree? (Hint: it’s a pretty different answer).

The temperature method works best when it’s very hot or very cold out. You can improve on this method by using the same formula and replacing the temperature measurements with CO2 measurements instead.

Because of the large variance between typical return air CO2 (providing the space has people in it, of course!) and outdoor CO2, we don’t have the same problem with sensor precision.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to spend much time examining economizer operation to discover that although they add a lot to comfort in the form of better temperature control in the shoulder season and proper ventilation, they often don’t use less energy than the same unit without an economizer. : Greg Scrivener is president of Cold Dynamics, Meadow Lake, Sask. He is a journeyman refrigeration mechanic, holds RSES CMS designation in commercial refrigeration and is a mechanical engineer in training. He can be reached at greg.scrivener@colddynamics.com

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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These service-friendly design features include: • Inducer motors on all new gas packaged units that are easily removed by loosening just three screws • Removable louvered panels on all four sides of new cooling units that simplify service and coil cleaning • Corner-mounted service valves that are raised off the ground to provide more convenient brazing • Smart touches, such as Schrader cores on pressure switches and common-size, o wa d ac g sc ews, that a help e p save time and effort forward-facing screws, ®

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©2015 Allied Air Enterprises LLC, a Lennox International Inc. Company

September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

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n Water Treatment

A popular and profitable water treatment solution

Reverse

By Simon Blake

osmosis

Reverse osmosis water treatment systems have become relatively inexpensive and widely used in recent years. For the homeowner, they offer a source of pure water for drinking and cooking. Commercial operations, like coffee shops, use RO to neutralize the water’s taste so it doesn’t affect the taste of the product.

“It provides a comfort level to those people who want to make sure they aren’t taking any chances with their water supplies,” remarked Peter Cartwright, technical consultant for the Canadian Water Quality Association (www.CWQA.com).

In its most basic form, reverse osmosis is a simple technology. It takes advantage of the natural process of osmosis in which a weaker saline solution naturally migrates towards a stronger solution. In reverse osmosis, the liquid is pumped against the natural osmosis process through a semi-permeable membrane that allows the passage of water molecules but not the majority of dissolved salts, bacteria, organics and pyrogens (fever inducing substances).

It is widely used for process water, to create beverages and, of course, bottled water, noted Vikas Thusoo, product manager and technical specialist for Envirogard Products Ltd. (www. rainfresh.ca), Richmond Hill, Ont. Many coastal cities are using it purify seawater for drinking. In the past two decades, undersink RO systems have gained popularity for residential use.

Quality drinking water

“In residential use, reverse osmosis systems basically replace bottled water,”

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remarked Cartwright. RO reduces contaminents such as sodium, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nitrates, copper, fluoride, selenium etc.

Most RO systems also include an activated carbon filter that removes chlorine – and its taste – from municipal water.

The first thing to determine is whether RO is the most appropriate system for the application.

Choosing the right unit

Where the homeowner asks the plumber to help them choose the right unit for their home, the first thing to determine is whether an undersink RO is the most appropriate system for the application, says Thusoo.

“Are there any specific contaminants that have been identified in the water that RO can remove, such as heavy metals, nitrates, high total dissolved solids, etc. If, for example, bacteria or chemicals have been identified in the water, RO is not a recommended choice in such cases.”

As well, undersink RO systems are designed for single-family use. If used for situations that have high water usage, such as an office of 15 people, RO may

However, Thusoo cautions, undersink RO systems should not be used if the primary purpose is to reduce chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOC), trihalomethanes (THM) and MTBE, etc.

“One criticism… is that RO takes out the beneficial minerals,” added Cartwright.

“That’s true, but in the developed world everybody gets more minerals than they need from the food they eat… you don’t need to get any nutrition from water, period. The physicians say you only need to keep hydrated.”

How it works

The key part of virtually every RO unit today is a thin-film composite membrane.

Wikipedia reports: “This consists of a thin polyamide layer (<200 nm) on top of a polyethersulfone or polysulfone

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porous layer (about 50 microns) on top of a non-woven fabric support sheet.

The three-layer configuration gives the desired properties of high rejection of undesired materials, high filtration rate, and good mechanical strength.

The polyamide top layer is responsible for the high rejection and is chosen primarily for its permeability to water and relative impermeability to various dissolved impurities including salt ions and other small unfilterable molecules.”

For every one litre of water that is treated about four or five litres washes away the contaminants and goes down the drain. It sounds like a lot but it’s really only equivalent to a few toilet flushes a day, noted Cartwright.

A tidy professional RO installation will provide the home-owner with a reliable source of fresh water for cooking and drinking.

The plumbing is straightforward and typically everything required is included in the RO kit.

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not be able to keep up. A point-of-entry system should be used in these cases.

That being said, sizing is not that critical, remarked Cartwright. The typical membrane in today’s RO units would purify 50 gallons a day if the water ran continuously. It’s more than adequate for the drinking and cooking needs of most families.

Water pressure is a key factor. RO systems typically require a minimum of 50 psi inlet pressure. If the customer is on a pump and pressure-tank system and the cut-in and cutout pressures are 28 and 40 psi, RO will not work and will run continuously to drain without producing any water.

“The plumber needs to confirm that cut-in/cut-out pressures can be re-set. Generally, the higher the water pressure, the faster the production rate,” said Thusoo.

There must be adequate water too. Given that 4-5 liters go to drain for every litre produced, RO isn’t the best choice in regions where water shortages occur.

replaced periodically. The homeowner can do this, but many prefer to have their unit serviced by a plumber periodically, typically every four to six months.

The duration is a function of feedwater quality. “If you’ve got a lot of crap in the water, particularly if it’s surface water with a lot of solids, the pre-filter, at least, might have to be changed every three months,” Cartwright.

RO membranes typically last a long time. He has checked 15-year-old membranes with a conductivity monitor and found them still good. RO units on well or municipal systems tend to need considerably less maintenance than those drawing from a river or lake.

Point of use versus point of entry

Most RO units are point of use systems installed under a sink. However, in certain cases it makes sense to use a point-of-entry system and treat the water for the entire home. This is typically a case where total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water supply make it unsuitable for washing clothes, dishes or any other task.

But that is a story for another day. For the plumber, becoming a water treatment expert can be a benefit to your customers and provide a profitable sideline. :

Certification key

In Canada, undersink RO systems are certified to the CSA B483.1 standard for drinking water systems. They are tested for material safety, structural integrity and contaminant reduction performance in accordance with NSF/ANSI 58. It is highly recommended that plumbers recommend and install only RO systems certified to CSA B483.1, said Thusoo.

There are also additional requirements for compliance with plumbing codes.

A quality installation

Installation is usually straightforward. RO units are designed to work on cold water only; hot water can severely damage the membrane. Many come with a fitting that goes into the cold water feed to the faucet. If not, the plumber may have to put a “T” into the cold water line.

An air gap is required in the drain line to prevent the sewer from backing up into the RO pressure tank.

“Most RO systems will have an air-gap faucet but some require separate air-gap installation,” said Thusoo.

If total dissolved solids are above 1,500 parts per million (PPM), an RO booster pump may needed on the supply side of the RO unit.

In some cases, an RO system can be installed in the basement with only the filtered water tubing running to the kitchen sink, he added. In such cases, the tubing is recommended to be at least 3/8” and the length should not exceed 15 feet. Longer lengths will require a demand/delivery pump that comes on only when the faucet is opened and supplies water from the storage tank under pressure.

RO systems are typically supplied with a two-gallon pressure tank. The tank is needed because the RO system creates treated water at a low flow rate, so the tank ensures there is always treated water available. Typically the preset pressure is about six psi. Increasing it will create a higher back pressure against which the RO has to make water, wasting water without any benefit.

The RO system should be flushed as per manufacturer’s recommendations prior to use.

Maintenance

RO units have a set of pre-filters that should be AD_PlumbingHVAC_SDHX_MUA_0915.indd 1

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n Faucets & Fixtures

Product Profile Articulating arm kitchen faucets A new collection of articulating faucets from Brizo provides a clever twist to the classic pulldown kitchen faucet. The spray wand can be easily docked and undocked so water is directed where the user needs it. Installation is straightforward with a number of mounting options. Brizo offers its articulated faucets in two distinct kitchen collections. The more traditional Artesso version is available in chrome, polished nickel, stainless and Venetian bronze. The modern Solna style is available in chrome, stainless and matte black.

Brizo u www.brizo.com

Electronics above or below

Moen Commercial Division’s M•Power water conserving sensor-operated faucets offer easy above or below-deck installation of the electronics. Advanced electronics eliminate reflectivity and false sensing.

There is a 30-second auto-off function in case the sensor eye is obstructed. They are available in four-inch centreset or single hole mount lavatory faucets or higharc, gooseneck deck mount and wallmount. Power is by AA batteries or AC adapter.

Moen Canada u www.moen.ca

Hockey faucet

With hockey season almost upon us, Aquabrass offers its Hockey lavatory faucet with a handle inspired by the familiar hockey stick form.

Aquabrass also offers engraving so the homeowner can have their faucet emblazoned with their team’s name or their favorite player. It is available in chrome and 21 other finishes.

Aquabrass u www.aquabrass.com

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Younger homeowners tend to prefer the modern lines of the Solna collection.

Efficient commercial toilets

The new Sloan 1.1 gpf toilet systems combine a vitreous china toilet fixture with a high-efficiency 1.1 gallon per flush (gpf) flushometer. They flow 31 percent less than the six litre low flush standard and contribute to LEED credits. There are three flushometer options – Royal manual valves and ECOS and SOLIS electronic valves – all paired with Sloan floor-mount, floor-mount ADA and wall-hung bowls for nine combinations. Sloan products are distributed in Canada by Dobbin Sales.

Sloan u www.sloanvalve.com

Table leg hose reel

T&S Brass and Bronze Works have introduced a heavy-duty stainless steel table leg hose reel swing bracket for commercial kitchens.

It is designed for convenient right or left-hand mounting on table leg and lower cross member.

Compatible with most T&S hose reels, it offers 210 degrees of rotation with multiple locking positions. It installs quickly and comes with all mounting hardware for both the bracket and the hose reel.

T&S Brass u www.tsbrass.com

The Artesso articulated faucet provides a functional conversation piece in the kitchen.

Minimalist style

Gessi North America has introduced its new Italianmade Fascino faucets in six stylish finishes. All Fascino faucets are made of solid brass to ensure durability, integrity and a flawless finish. They are available in single-handle or widespread models for bath sinks, tubs and showers. Finishes include chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel, black metal and a rich copper.

Gessi N.A. u www.gessi-usa.com

Single handle lav faucet

The American Standard Fluent Monoblock single lavatory faucet is designed for style and p er for mance wit h e asy installation. In fact the manufacturer guarantees that it is the easiest lav faucet to install with just four parts in its Speed Connect drains. The drain seals tightly the first time and the lift rod comes set to the correct height. Flexible stainless steel cable installs effortlessly in tight spaces. These faucets are lead-free and feature the company’s Multiport Ceramic Disc Valve Cartridge.

American Standard u www. americanstandard.ca

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NRCP

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n Plumbing

The inside of this copper pipe is showing signs or erosion and scaling.

High-rise

DHW recirculation

Erosion issues may suggest a different design direction

By Michael McCartney, P.Eng.

When I conducted forensic investigations I took a look at several failed domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation lines in Toronto-area condominiums and apartment buildings.

The investigations were ordered by the building’s insurance companies to ascertain the cause of the failure and determine who, the designer or installing contractor, was to blame for the occurrence.

Because the failure happened in one of the upper floors of the complex, the insurance claim was substantial, as were the individual unit owners’ subsequent claims for damage done to floors, walls and furniture.

Substandard piping

A section of the line had been replaced due to its failure and was made available to me for viewing.

What I saw was a 1-5/8 inch diameter copper line with what looked like a slash along its length, extending about eight inches, tapered at each end and about a half inch wide at the middle.

The most glaring aspect of the pipe was the fact that it was Type M copper tubing. Type M was developed during the Second World War as a means of allowing quick, cheap construction to take place without straining reserves of copper, which was used in wiring and munitions. It is thin wall stuff and I do not allow it to be used on any of my projects as it is too prone to premature failure. For example, 1-1/4 inch diameter Type K pipe has an internal diameter of 1.245 inches; Type M, 1.291 inches, a significant increase in diameter and, one would assume, fluid carrying capacity but at the expense of wall thickness and quality.

The opening in the pipe section had very sharp edges all along its length and at the ends, indicating that although it had burst under pressure, it had also been subjected to erosion.

Whenever the water has to change direction, the erosion is typically worse. www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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Susceptible to erosion

When applied to a domestic hot or cold water system, copper tubing serves well, as it is resistant to the sort of internal corrosion and rusting of galvanized pipe. Many older high rises in Toronto and elsewhere have had to have their risers replaced at great cost; a well-known fact that needs no further discussion in this article.

Copper does oxidize, but in a thin layer like that which appears on copper roofs, green in color and microscopic in thickness. Under fairly slow, intermittent flow, this green layer will remain intact. However, constant high velocity flow or sudden surges and turbulence, especially in hot water lines, will result in the oxide layer being scrubbed off. As each molecular layer gets scrubbed, another layer of oxide forms, then gets scrubbed off, and so on until the pipe becomes, finally, too thin to bear the internal pressure and gives way.

Type M, with its thinner walls, is the least suitable type to be used in a constant-flow system such as a recirculation line.

The most glaring aspect of the pipe was the fact that it was type ‘M’ copper tubing.

As far as why type M was used in that particular building, one would have to look to the plans and specification used for tendering purposes. If it was not allowed per the specifications then someone must have overlooked it during an inspection, in which case the responsibility for the claim could be attributed, in part, to the consultants.

Please see ‘Lower’ on page 41

Over time, the pipe’s wall gets thin and it cracks.

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n Plumbing

Lower flow rates may help Continued from page 39

Demographics make a difference

The demographics of a building can have some bearing on the life of a recirculation line. For example, where the population follows standard work hours they will rise and shower first thing in the morning, creating a high flow rate within the risers. When they shut off the showers there is a likelihood of excessive flow being caused within the recirculation lines due to the velocity pressure of the flow within the risers. A greater than designed - for flow will result in greater turbulence and enhanced, premature failure.

The way to prevent or at least slow down the process of erosion due to sudden pressurization is to have a series of orifice plates installed at the end of the recirculation lines, which will restrict the flow. Due to the fact that they too will be subject to erosion, they must be installed in such a manner as to be serviceable and easily replaced.

All of this, of course, begs the question as to what sort of materials would be better suited to application in a recirc line.

Alternatives to copper

My first thought was to turn to PEX tubing as an alternate; however some types of PEX have exhibited problems resulting in substantial lawsuits against manufacturers.

PEX can become eroded when exposed to chlorine, and as most water supplies are disinfected to some degree with chlorine gas bubbling, there could be failures. Chlorine causes oxidation of the inner wall of the pipe. Sunlight, also, affects PEX as ultraviolet light causes molecular breakdown. This is not a factor in lines installed inside a building, but it can occur if such pipe is stored outdoors for a length of time.

PVC piping works well but will also suffer from exposure to ultraviolet light and should not be exposed, in storage, to the sun.

in all that time no pin-holing or failure of that line was observed.

The purpose of a recirc line is to reduce the amount of time it takes to get hot water to the outlet of a fixture.

Constant, low flow through the recirc system should be sufficient to keep the temperature in the mains high enough to meet that requirement. Most buildings supply domestic hot water at 120ºF. Tenants blend that

down to a more tolerable level for showering, so is the loss in temperature within a slow moving main riser not sufficiently minor as to promote a re-think of recirc line sizing?

One has to ask, what is more important: instantaneous 120-degree water or water that feels hot but is at a lower temperature? The point of installing a hot water recirculating system is to reduce the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach the fixture located farthest from the source, so is a ½ inch line at 1 foot per second flow not sufficient for any building?

We invite readers’ responses! :

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Sizing recirc lines

As to the design and sizing of recirc lines, there are any number of equations and formulae that can be applied, most relating to the number of fixtures served by the mains.

For myself, I recollect the recirc line installed in a 1976-era condominium complex whose boiler room I redesigned a few years back. The entire 11-storey complex had a single ½-inch recirc line served by a tiny ¼ hp pump. The flow rate was very low and

• Product Specification and Selection Services • Value Engineering such as accommodating system movement, vibration attenuation, system flexibility, alignment ease etc.

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www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 41

8285 REV A 09/2014 VICTAULIC IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF VICTAULIC COMPANY. © 2014 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

41 15-09-21 11:53 AM

Viega press systems

Multiple materials, many solutions One provider

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Meeting and exceeding industry standards with every installation For more than 115 years, Viega has been the global leader in pipe joining technology.

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By combining different materials and sealing elements, Viega systems are approved for use in gas, compressed air, flammable fluids or hydronic applications including everything from natural gas and hydrogen, to diesel fuel and chilled water. With secure connections made in less than seven seconds, installation time is reduced by 60%. Find peace of mind on the job with Viega products that include the Smart Connect速 feature, allowing installers to easily identify unpressed connections during pressure testing.

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G L O B A L

L E A D E R

I N

P L U M B I N G ,

H E AT I N G

A N D

P I P E

J O I N I N G

S Y S T E M S

8/11/15 9:43 AM 15-09-21 11:53 AM

n Pipes, Valves & Fittings

Fig. 1: A number of cross-connections were found in this Quebec hospital morgue.

Cross-connection

horror stories A trade college in Alberta held a photo contest where contractors were invited to send photos of potential backflow problems. “It’s photos of the worst case scenarios of cross connections found in the field,” reported Danny Wilson, trades innovation co-odinator for Medicine Hat College and organizer of the Cross Connection Control Bad and Ugly photo contest.

“We didn’t want names and addresses of where these things are located; it’s all for educational awareness,” he added. “It was quite successful and we are going to continue it.”

Also in the same room, there’s a sink with a disposer to grind body parts. There was a direct potable water connection to it!

Three winners were chosen from about 30 entries.

“Some people had lots of pictures. I think they were quite actively looking for these (cross-connections).”

The Western Canada Section, American Water Works Association Cross Connection Control Committee, judged the photos and came up with three winners. www.plumbingandhvac.ca

The photo in Fig. 1 came all the way from Quebec and it’s a real horror story. “It’s a morgue in a hospital.

You can see the cross connections at the morgue’s table.

Also in the same room, there’s a sink with a disposer to grind body parts. There was a direct potable water connection to it! Thankfully, the situation has been corrected,” reported Eric Gagnier, a plumbing inspector with Régie du bâtiment du Québec – the provincial building department – in Montreal.

Simon Joly of Ye Olde Plumber Ltd. in Edmonton submitted Fig. 2, which shows an example of “irrigation de vices w here t he contractor uses the hose bibs to blow out the water from the device and main before winter. This could cause some very serious issues as compressors would normally run Fig. 2: The farmer that anywhere from 100-120 owns this will have to psi and could potentially find a different way to push air back up the blow out his irrigation water main if not isolated system. from the city main, as well as maintenance staff attaching a hose to water grass etc. We had no choice but to offer to remove the hose bib and cap the line (or preferably remove the tee altogether),” said Joly.

Clint Patrick of DMT Mechanical in Lethbridge submitted the third winning entry, Fig. 3, of a flushometer installed incorrectly with the critical level ignored. “We re-piped the water line to raise the flushometer to the proper height,” he reported.

The winners received differential pressure (PD) Fig. 3: This flushomegauges donated by Watts, ter had to be re-piped C onbr a c o a n d Z u r n . to correct the critical Because Gagnier doesn’t level. actively test backf low devices, he donated his back to the college to train future backflow technicians.

Medicine Hat College offers cross-control training in all three years of the Alberta plumbing apprenticeship program. “We spend a little more time in third year,” said Wilson. Graduates can then return for crosscontrol specialist training, which allows them to market their testing services.

“Cross connection is one of those things that can sometimes be identified easily and sometimes it can’t, so there’s a bit of a concern that something might go by unnoticed. We want to train people so that they’ve got an eye for these things.” : September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

43

5 9:43 AM PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 43

15-09-21 11:53 AM

n Industry News

Direct Energy becomes Enercare

Massive undertaking for major Ontario service company

By Simon Blake One of Ontario’s largest players in both HVAC/R residential contracting and rental water heaters is operating under a new name. Enercare Home and Commercial Services is also expanding the scope of its business into all aspects of building systems including plumbing and controls.

In October, 2014 Enercare, which began as the home services division of Ontario gas utility Enbridge Inc., bought Direct Energy Marketing Limited’s home and commercial services business in Ontario. Direct Energy provides water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and other HVAC rental products, protection plans and related services in Ontario to over 1.2 million customers.

It’s been a long road for the company, reported Enercare CEO John Macdonald. In May, 2002 Enbridge Inc. sold its home services division to Centrica Plc of Great Britain for a billion dollars. In Dec. of 2002

Centrica spun out the water heater rental portion as an income trust, known as the Consumers Income Water Heater Fund, but retained the customer relationship and service portions, which became Direct Energy.

In 2011 the income trust became a corporation and rebranded as Enercare.

“The spin-out company effectively bought the Canadian parent company in 2014,” explained Macdonald. “We thought it was really important to reunite the customer relationship and customer service portion of the business with the financial aspect of the business.”

The move allows quicker decision making and growth along with better control over customer service and, ultimately, a better deal for shareholders, he added. Everything is done in Canada now. In the past, with several different companies involved, simply introducing a new product could be complicated and time consuming.

Matt Klecki, HVAC technician with Enercare franchise Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning in Toronto, displays the company’s new uniform and van graphics.

44

Plumbing & HVAC – September 2015

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 44

The whole home business is here to stay, says John Macdonald.

A massive undertaking

On June 25, Enercare unveiled its new brand identity including a new logo, rebranded fleet and uniforms and a redesigned new website. The change from Centrica ownership and the integration of Direct Energy dealers and contractors under the Enercare umbrella is a massive undertaking.

It involves about 2,000 people who are either directly or indirectly – franchisees and sub-contractors – employed by the Enercare home and commercial services division. Dealers and franchise holders rebranded their trucks. The company’s information technology (IT or computer) systems are going through a changeover that is expected to take 18 months.

It cost $23 million to integrate the two companies and about one third of that went to rebranding costs, reported Macdonald. This included rebranding about 650 vehicles, buying new summer and winter uniforms for the technicians. The change involved almost 50,000 pieces of clothing, he added.

The new website at www.enercare.ca is “adaptive” meaning that the content changes to suit the computer or small screen like a telephone or any other device.

That alone took many months to complete, added Macdonald.

The company needed Toronto city council approval to change the name of the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place to the Enercare Centre. This major exhibition and conference centre hosts, among other things, the Toronto Home Show, making it an ideal fit for Enercare, noted Macdonald. www.plumbingandhvac.ca

15-09-21 11:53 AM

Multiple revenue streams

The company describes itself as “the country’s premier provider of home and commercial services and energy solutions.” Enercare is quickly moving beyond being a water heater rental and HVAC service company.

It has a significant presence in electrical contracting as a result of buying the water heater business of a number of electrical utilities. It expanded into plumbing, and whole home protection plans years ago.

“We do plumbing, electrical and appliance repair in addition to heating and cooling.”

The company also has a sub-metering business –

The move allows quicker decision making and growth along with better control over customer service… which involves billing individual tenants or condo owners in multi-unit residential buildings for utility usage rather than having the utility bill go to the building owner or condo corporation and then having the building manager divide up the costs.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 45

Another major step for Enercare was to bring its call centres back to Canada. At peak periods, there are about 350 people employed in call centres across Canada and, until recently, two call centres in the U.S. There proved little cost benefit to outsourcing call centres. “We really felt it was more cost effective to do it in Canada and I also think it’s the right thing to do,” said Macdonald.

Protecting the business

One major challenge for Enercare has been protecting its water heater rental business as homeowners are inundated with “door-knockers” trying to trick homeowners into changing out their water heaters, said Macdonald.

“We often found there was misleading information being provided such as: ‘We’re here from Enbridge and we own the water heater and we’re here to replace it.’ People were lied to, signatures were forged, there was a real set of issues,” he added. “Water heater complaints were among the highest number of complaints received by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs for a number of years.”

Enercare has tackled this on a number of fronts.

In 2009 it launched a major consumer education campaign. As well, it worked with Enbridge and the Ontario Energy Board to increase the standards for companies to get on the utility bill. (In Ontario, many rental water heater customers are billed on their utility bill.)

The third major initiative was to work with

governments to introduce better consumer protection laws. New Ontario regulations that came into force April 1 give consumers new rights including the ability to back out of deals made on the doorstep. “We think it will have a dramatic effect in protecting consumers and it will help our business as well,” said Macdonald.

What’s next?

In the past year, Enercare has been focused on integrating the Direct Energy business with its existing business. That work is nearing completion, said Macdonald. In future the company looks forward to continued growth and to expand the business outside of Ontario. “I think the most attractive market to us is Western Canada,” he added.

The company will continue to expand its services and product range to cover the entire home or building.

“We think that the whole home business is a trend that’s here to stay. We’ve got a great position in the industry because we have over a million long-term consumer relationships and we’ve got a great workforce, but we are trying to expand our value proposition for the consumer by getting into home automation.”

More and more, communicating controls on water heaters, furnaces and other appliances have the ability to notify the contractor when there’s a problem. The contractor then sets up a service visit. “In ten years, I think that will be commonplace,” remarked Macdonald. :

September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

45 15-09-21 11:53 AM

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15-09-21 11:53 AM

n Tools & Instruments Heated gear evolves

Milwaukee Tool continues to expand its line of M12 (12-volt) heated gear. The 2015 line includes the threein-one Ripstop Jacket, Ripstop Vest, a redesigned women’s jacket and improved run-time on all heated jackets. The three-in-one jacket pairs a Heated Hoodie with a tough ripstop shell for warmth and durability.

The Heated Hoodie integrates three heating elements between a water repellant shell and insulating liner to distribute and maintain heat across core body areas.

Milwaukee Tool u www.milwaukeetool.com

Zero Clearance Grease Duct Introducing the superior factory-built grease duct design.

Security’s new design is sure to be the industry’s choice for new restaurant construction or custom remodelling.

Pipe freezing kit

1

The Cold-Shot Pipe Freezing Kit from General Pipe Cleaners allows the repair of an operating water system – without draining water lines, sprinkler systems or hot water systems before cutting the pipe. It uses carbon dioxide (CO2) in dip-tube cylinders to freeze liquids in steel, copper, cast iron, aluminum or plastic pipes from 1/8” through two inches in diameter. The plumber simply places the freeze head around the pipe, attaches the hose and opens the CO2 cylinder valve. An ice pack in the pipe capable of withstanding 7000 psi forms quickly.

General Pipe Cleaners u www.drainbrain.com

Powerful impact wrenches

T h re e n e w 2 0 V MAX brushless cordless high torque impac t wrenches from DeWalt are designed for heavyduty applications.

They are available in ½-inch with hog ring or detent pin anvils, ¾-inch with hog ring/retention pin hole anvil and a 7/16inch quick release chuck specifically designed for utility applications. Brushless motors and a lithium ion battery pack for power and a long run time. The ½-inch (DCF899) hog ring or detent pin anvil impact wrench, for example, delivers 700 ft-lbs of max torque and 1200 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque. Three speeds allow application-specific control.

DeWalt u www.dewalt.com

Sensitive CO2 leak detector

The SCL2 new hand-held carbon dioxide leak detector from Fieldpiece is designed to be exceptionally responsive, economical, easy-to-use, and easy-to-handle for the HVAC/R field service technician. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts eight hours and an IR sensor designed to last up to ten years. It has three sensitivity levels to avoid false readings and can locate R744 refrigerant leaks. The highest sensitivity level can locate CO2 refrigerant leaks with rates as small as six grams (0.2 ounces) per year.

Fieldpiece u www.fieldpiece.com

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 47

2 5

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Boiler tube expanders

Esco Millhog rolling motors and tube e x p a n d e r s a r e a i rpowered and feature a torque control setting which stalls the tool when it reaches the desired tube expansion to prevent over-under expansion.

Enabling users to create a uniform and tight mechanical seal, these tube sheet expanders are easy to adjust and allow precise torque control from 25 to 325 ft.-lbs. They are available with 90, 190, and 280 RPM motors. Kits are available for tubes from 3/8” to 4-1/2” O.D. and tube sheets to 5-3/8”.

Esco Tool u www.escotool.com

Mini-split cleaner

RectorSeal Desolv ductless mini-split air condit ioner chemical cleaner is now available in 16-ounce aerosol cans. A two-stage spray nozzle is designed to quickly wash away dirt, biological contaminants, debris and films with a spray that penetrates deeply into minisplit evaporator coils and blowers. A non-caustic formula doesn’t degrade indoor air quality in sensitive environments such as clean rooms and data centers.

Rectorseal u www.rectorseal.com

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n People & Places

Four generations at General Pipe Cleaners

Danfoss Turbocor Compressors Inc., Tallahassee, Florida, has appointed Jose Alvares as vice president of sales and marketing and global customer support.

The

Companies Emerson Climate Technologies, St. Louis, will integrate its White Rodgers and Flow Control businesses into a single organization effective Oct. 1.

Second generation Art Silverman (known as Pop-Pop to his grandchildren) stands in the middle of his sons and grandsons, from left, Jeff’s sons Abe (named for founder Abe Silverman) and Mendel, David’s sons Ethan, Jacob and Ari, Mike’s sons Korey and Wyatt, and Bob’s sons Gabe and Isaac.

A fourth generation of family members has joined drain cleaning equipment manufacturer General Pipe Cleaners in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. An enthusiastic group of nine high school and college age young people – all great-grandchildren of General founder Abe Silverman – are working this summer at General. “And, believe it or not, that’s not all the kids in Abe’s fourth generation!” remarked Marty Silverman, vice president of marketing.

It’s part of an 85-year industry legacy for the

The

People Ken Roberts has been appointed president of Masco Canada, Mississauga, Ont. Roberts has been with the Delta Faucet Company for 22 years and most recently held the position of vice presiKen dent-international. Roberts and his family, Roberts longtime Indiana residents, will be relocating to London, Ont. Wolseley Canada, Burlington, Ont., has appointed Brian Scott as the new general manager of Wolseley’s waterworks business in Ontario. As well, Jim Jim Powers has been named Brian Powers the new regional manager of Scott Wolseley’s waterworks business in Atlantic Canada.

S & P Ventilation Products Canada, Mississauga, Ont., has named Tim Sutton as its new sales manager.

Sutton has considerable experiTim Sutton ence, having spent the past 29 years with www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 49

company. Over 40 percent of General’s work force remains multi-generational – with children often working side-by-side with parents and even grandparents.

Some of the company’s products, with names like Handylectric, Super-Vee, Sewermatic and Speedrooter cable drain cleaning machines, have served multiple generations of contractor families too.

“Some individual machines have even served their owners for two or three decades!” said Silverman.

Canarm Ltd/Delhi Blowers.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority of Ontario (TSSA), Toronto, has appointed Mike Adams as OE chief officer. He was previously statutory director for both the boiler and pressure vessels and operating engineers safety programs .The new appointment follows the retirement of John W.B. Coulter on July and consolidates both chief officer functions into one role.

The Master Group, Boucherville, Que., welcomes Greg Gamble as regional vice president for central Canada (Southwestern Ontario). Gamble joined the HVAC/R industry in 1982 with his faGreg ther’s company, Frontier Commercial Gamble Refrigeration, and spent the past eight years as vice president and general manager for the Wolseley HVAC/R Group.

Jaga Climate Systems, Waterloo, Ont., has appointed Alex (Abdallah) Naja to head business development for the eastern regions of Canada and U.S. Centrotherm Eco Systems, Albany, N.Y., announces the hiring of Peter Jenkins as regional sales manager, Alex Naja Dennis Ellis as production supervisor and Melissa Baldwin as staff accountant.

HeatLink Group Inc., Calgary, has opened a new Western North America warehousing operation in a new 22,000 square foot facility in Calgary.

In August, Fairview Fittings and Manufacturing Ltd. hosted an employee appreciation BBQ at their new Oakville, Ont. distribution facility at 1170 Invicta Drive, Oakville.

WeatherKing furnaces and air conditioners by Rheem, Brampton, Ont., are now available at Noble, Concord, Ont., wholesale outlets.

Stanley Black & Decker Canada, Mississauga, Ont., joined the Habit for Humanity Adopt-a-Day Challenge on Aug. 18, giving employees a day to work on a Habitat build site in Brampton, Ont. Emerson-Swan, Milton, Ont., represents IMI Hydronic Engineering/Flow Control products in Ontario (not all of Canada as reported in the last issue). In Manitoba, these products are represented by Hydron-Aire, Grande Pointe, Man., in Saskatchewan

by Vortec Mechanical Sales, Saskatoon, in Alberta

by Cactus Hill Mechanical Sales, Edmonton and by Olympic International, North Vancouver, for B.C. September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

49 15-09-21 11:54 AM

n Shop Management exceeding those limits. As well, the leasing interest rates tend to be higher than loan rates.

I have seen successful companies go both routes.

They lease because they always want relatively new vehicles and it is easier on cash flow; they buy because it is less costly and they have greater control.

Usually leases for equipment have a purchase clause that means the ownership of the equipment transfers to the purchaser for a nominal amount at the termination of the lease. Again this is easier on cash flow as a business can get 100 percent lease financing; again the interest charges on a lease are often higher than on a straight loan.

Capital loans

Working capital loans are harder to get, particularly for construction companies because of the exposure to the Trust Acts. Trust claims can significantly weaken a lender’s security. If you are trying to borrow $50,000 or less you may be better off borrowing the money personally and loaning it to the business and putting a security against the business assets to protect your loan.

The reasons for this approach include the fact that the personal loans are less expensive than commercial loans I was asked this question recently and thought the (often about two percent cheaper) and the amount of answers would be of interest to PHVAC readers. ongoing fees and compliance with the lender’s terms are “I am a successful contractor and need to borrow much easier and less expensive to meet. money to expand my business. Some of the money will be For larger sums, the commercial loan is often for additions and replacement of vehicles and equipment the better approach. Again the commercial banks, and some to finance our growth in operations. What do caisse populaire and credit unions usually offer the you recommend?” most favourable interest rates. However, the Business First of all, there is no “one answer fits all” which is Development Bank of Canada usually requires less why this contractor is asking in the way of personal the question. guarantees and will often You may be better off There are a variety of loan greater amounts. The borrowing the money options that can be tailored BDC will also work with to his needs. your financial institution to personally and loaning it to the First of all, avoid anything make a deal work for you. In to do with merchant lenders. business and putting a security fact the BDC has an online They are uncontrolled and process for applying for the fine print can really against the business asloans of up to $50,000. cause you grief. They sets to protect your loan. should be considered only Handling debt when all conventional Debt in itself is not bad. In methods of financing have been exhausted. Stick with fact most businesses need debt to be successful. When the mainstream lenders. These include the Canadian you can get a higher return on the money you borrow commercial banks, the credit unions, caisse populaire than what you pay it makes a lot of sense to borrow. and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

For example if you buy materials for a job and your supplier offers you a two percent discount to pay in 10 Lease or purchase days instead of 30 days, you are way ahead even if you The first decision to make with regards vehicles and have to borrow the money to get the discount. equipment is “do you lease or do you purchase?”

Example: Leasing tends to be easier on cash flow but can have Supplier 100,000.00 some negative impacts. When the lease term is up on a vehicle what do you do? Do you buy out the vehicle, Pay in 30 days 100,000.00 no savings do you send it back or do you renew the lease? You are forced into making a decision. With a purchase you Take 2% off don’t have that issue.

Also under a lease you may have difficulty with Pay in 10 days 98,000.00 modifications to the vehicle as the vehicle has to be returned to its normal state at the end of the lease and Savings 2,000.00 discount there are kilometer limits with severe penalties for

Borrowing money

By Ron Coleman

50

Plumbing & HVAC – September 2015

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 50

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

15-09-21 11:54 AM

n Shop Management Cost of borrowing for 20 days @ 5% interest and amount saved

Amount borrowed

98,000.00

Annual interest

5%

Cost for 20 days

268.50

Gain

1,731.51

20,778.08

Do each month

Fair for the employee and employer

is to buy their own buildings. Now is a good time to do that as interest rates are low and commercial property prices in the from main urban Continued page areas 37 have not increased in price like the single-family residential properties. forhave contractors is to own the n The Doesstrategy the saleshere person any influence over markbuilding outright when they retire so they have that as ups? If so, make part of the commission based on getting an income stream.

Make sure you buy the building in a the higher mark-ups. separate company. n Do different types of sales have different margins?

Debt can to be encourage healthy or the fatal. sure you can If so, adjust saleMake of higher margin manage your repayments comfortably. If you get turned products. down for acreate loan maybe for the theaccount lender n If sales residualit’s value, takebest. that If into feels you don’t qualify maybe you want to avoid that when determining commission.

Doing this with $100,000 of payables each month could increase your profits by over $20,000 a year.

commitment. The commitment is not being made just by your company, but by you personally. If that loan is called for non-payment No single answer you may be forcing yourself into serious personal difficulties. : I did ask a few HVACfinancial contractors how they rewarded their sales people. There wasn’t one consistent answer.

Five HVAC contractors toisme on a brief Ronaldresponded Coleman a Vancouversurvey on how they deal with commissions.

Here are based accountant, management the results of those surveys: con­sultant, author and educator Contractor no. spe­ 1: “We offered a high base commission cializing in the construction and no salary. Ourindustry. sales target $800,000 and commission Heiscan be reached by e-mail at ronald@ronaldcoleman.ca. is built into our selling price. Equipment sales generate a commission of eight percent as these are lower margin

WORK LESS MAKE MORE

Government backed

Here are two specific loans to consider: Canada small business financing loan (CSBF) This federal government guaranteed loan provides the financing you need to get a business started or help an existing business grow. The CSBF Loan is designed to help businesses purchase, install, renovate and modernize business equipment and other fixed assets.

It is offered through the commercial banks and is available up to $500,000.

Use your search engine for CSBF Loan and you will find the link to the government website, or ask your banker. Because the federal government backs the loan, it is easier for the financial institutions to offer it.

Market Expansion Financing is offered through the BDC. If your business qualifies, you can get up to $100,000 in long-term financing to do things such as participate in trade shows, develop ecommerce, create and implement a marketing plan or even purchase additional inventory. And just to make it even sweeter, BDC can re-advance any repaid portion of the loan starting at a minimum of $10,000.

Success Group International is a North American organization dedicated to providing the tools necessary to help mechanical contractors succeed.

Tools include: Financial Control Systems • Employee Hiring & Retention Turn Key Marketing • Financial Guidance

Purchasing real estate

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Another reason why contractors want to borrow money

Before I called Success Group International in 1999,

The

I was $250,000 in debt. I didn’t know how I was going

banker’s

to pay the bills. Darrel met with me and helped me transform

danger signs

my business and my life. By 2005, I had no debt, a thriving business, and the systems that Darrel helped me put in place have transformed me from working 6 days a week, 12 hours

1 Large increase in sales with little or no increase in bottom line 2 Inventory expanding faster than sales 3 Poor inventory control/records 4 Old inventory at current market value 5 Poor inventory turnover 6 High level of debt to equity 7 Reliance on one manager, particularly if older or in poor health 8 Poor monitoring systems 9 No regular reports and late year-end reports 10 Receivables and payables over 90 days

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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sales. Other sale Contractor percent comm Contractor a base of $35,0 his performan performance is Contractor $82,000 in com earns five perc service or plan a company veh Contractor price and gets price is shared under book pr the company. A reduced by the As you can is little consi commission (p I believe in Be flexible and are looking fo to develop a Remember tha sell the busines sales team on b

a day to 4 days a week, 8 hours a day. Calling Success Group International was the best business decision I ever made.”

– Jack Devetten, Ace Plumbing, Calgary, AB Call us today to book a no obligation presentation of how we can help you take control of your business!

Success Group International 888.307.1114 • www.yoursgi.ca Canada’s oldest mentorship group

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September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

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n Shop Management typical buying process will always bring the best results.

Let’s look at the typical process someone goes through before purchasing your services.

They begin a Google, Bing or Yahoo search, looking for a local company to serve their needs. This search often looks like “Service + City”, for example, “Emergency Plumber Toronto” or “Air Conditioning Repair Ottawa.”

From there, they will be presented with a list of companies and websites on the search engine’s first page results. This is where they begin the research phase.

Many people associate first page search engine results with a reputable business. They may feel if Google trusts the company enough to put them on the first page, they must provide a valuable service.

This research often includes looking into a company’s reviews, looking at the website images and videos and reading through the website’s content for information on services and costs.

Making contact

Finally, they’ll make a decision to contact the business to get a quote or book an appointment. This typically happens in one of two ways. First, many people will simply pick up the phone. This is the most common way people will contact a business through the web. Second, people will fill out a form or leave their contact information to have someone call them back. This is still very common and typically one in three people prefer to use this method.

It’s important to know that you’ll want both a phone number and form that stand out on your website for your visitors to contact you. People that find you when researching your business and website from their mobile device are much more likely to call.

These three steps outline the most common buying process online. Everything else you hear about is just noise and secondary to those steps.

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook and activities such as blogging and content marketing can work well, but should only be used in addition to the process outlined above. Once your website is being found in the search engines for local search terms and people are calling you from your website and filling out your forms, you can shift your attention to other digital marketing methods.

If you’re looking to get started in digital marketing and want more exposure online, following this proven strategy is the best place to start.

The best part is it has a compound effect that builds over time and will bring in leads for months and years to come. Just remember to keep it simple. :

Digital marketing A simple approach guarantees the best results

By Ken McLauchlin In today’s world of digital marketing and advertising, it often seems impossible to get a clear understanding of what works, what doesn’t work and most importantly how to get real results and sales for the money you spend.

Online marketing becomes even more confusing from all of the noise and never ending updates that seem to take place every day. Whether we’re talking about social media, search engines or smart phones and tablets, keeping up can be overwhelming.

In this article, we’re going to simplify everything and discuss the power of digital marketing in 2015 and how it will bring in more phone calls and customers for your HVAC or plumbing business.

Changing landscape

Let’s start by focusing on the obvious. Things have changed. Few people are looking in the yellow pages to find phone numbers, cold calling provides poor results and television ads are quickly becoming irrelevant as people use Netflix and TiVo to avoid having to watch advertising.

The landscape of how people purchase services has shifted entirely. The internet has made business very transparent for customers. This is especially true when it comes to local service contractors. This is not a bad thing.

The shift in technology has simply allowed customers to get a better insight into the quality of service a www.plumbingandhvac.ca

PHVAC-Sept2015_MASTER.indd 53

business provides. Instead of looking in a phone book, reading a creative headline and dialling a phone number, customers are now thoroughly researching your business.

These three steps outline the most common buying process online. Everything else you hear about is just noise and secondary to those steps.

Along with this change comes the need for a shift in your marketing strategy. For example, 85 percent of consumers now use the internet to find local businesses.

This statistic alone proves the power behind online marketing. However, it doesn’t end there. More than 50 percent of all local service searches now come from a mobile device and this number is expected to grow to well over 70 percent in the coming months and year.

It’s pretty clear that people are now using their laptops and phones to find your business and call you, but this still leaves you with many different options.

Getting results

So what’s the most cost effective online marketing strategy that will bring results?

The biggest misconception with digital marketing is that it needs to be complicated and complex. In fact, following a simple strategy that’s tailored to a customer’s

Ken McLauchlin is the founder and owner of HVAC Marketing in St. Catherines, Ont., an online marketing agency specializing in the HVAC and Plumbing industries. He has worked with many mechanical contractors and is also the author of the HVAC Online Marketing Handbook. He can be reached at Ken@HVACMarketing.ca.

September 2015 – Plumbing & HVAC

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n Coming Events

Moncton MEET Show dates announced Atlantic Canada’s largest trade show and industry social event will return to the Moncton Coliseum May 18 and 19, 2016, organizers have announced.

The 2016 MEET (Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology) Show will be the 22nd. Over 6,200 people attended the 2014 show.

“MEET had its highest attendance in over two decades and we are expecting an even bigger crowd this time around,” said show manager Shawn Murphy. “It’s a great opportunity for the end user to be able to talk with manufacturers to find out everything there is to know about existing and brand new products,” he added.

The event will once again feature the ever-popular Industry Dinner. As well, a comprehensive seminar program is planned and manufacturers will compete with their latest technologies in the Fourth MEET Innovation Awards.

Produced by Master Promotions Ltd., MEET is sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, Atlantic Canada Mechanical Exhibitors, the Illuminating Engineering Society, Maritime Sections and the Electro-Federation Canada.

For more information, visit www.MEETSHOW.ca.

Events

Calendar OCT. 15:

OCT. 20:

CIPHEX Edmonton, Ramada Edmonton Hotel, Edmonton, 1 p.m. Call 1-800-639-2474 or visit www.ciphexroadshow.ca for more information.

OCT. 22:

CIPHEX Burnaby, Delta Burnaby Hotel, Burnaby, B.C., 1 p.m. Call 1-800-639-2474 or visit www.ciphexroadshow.ca for more information.

CIPHEX Regina, Queensbury Convention Centre, Regina, Sask., 1 p.m. Call 1-800-639-2474 or visit www. ciphexroadshow.ca for more information.

Index to Advertisers

Honeywell Genetron............................................ 10 ICP Canada.......................................................... 26 John Wood............................................................ 6 Liberty Pumps...................................................... 46 Mitsubishi Electric.......................................... 14, 20 Mobilio.................................................................. 5 Napoleon............................................................. 24 Navien................................................................... 9 Noritz.................................................................. 38 NTI....................................................................... 32 RIDGID................................................................. 56 Saniflo................................................................. 36 Security Chimneys................................................ 47 Stelpro................................................................. 35 Success Group International................................. 51 Uponor................................................................ 55 Victaulic............................................................... 41 Viega................................................................... 42 Viessmann........................................................... 18 Zoeller................................................................. 21

AHR Expo............................................................ 52 Allied Air ....................................................... 15, 33 Bibby Ste. Croix............................................. 27, 29 Bradford White.................................................... 25 Brant Radiant....................................................... 19 Camus Hydronics................................................. 11 CIPHEX Road Show.............................................. 48 Cash Acme............................................................ 8 Chrysler............................................................... 16 Duravent.............................................................. 23 Eco-King.............................................................. 54 Fieldpiece............................................................. 13 Flir Systems.......................................................... 31 Ford....................................................................... 2 General Pipe Cleaners............................................ 4 Hilmor................................................................. 40 Holdrite............................................................... 45

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Plumbing & HVAC – September 2015

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