Easy Plug-and-Play Hydronic Electric Heating

Introducing Vitotron 100 Electric Boilers

Experience Viessmann reliability with the convenience of electric heating.

+ No combustion with only electric heating elements

+ Plug-and-play small appliances that can be installed practically anywhere

+ Fast and simple installation with no venting and gas connections required

+ Low maintenance with fewer moving parts than gas/oil boilers

+ Various output ranges & sizes (4 to 14.4 KW) make an ideal solution for energy-efficient homes

+ Quiet operation can be installed in the most noise sensitive areas

For more information

By Michael Ridler

Designing, installing, and selling hydronic heating systems come with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest adjustments that needs to be made is understanding that very soon our boilers will be hydronic heat pumps. It is important that we realize this when we get sticker shock if an air-to-water is $20,000 and a boiler is $12,000.

“With the rise in costs for fossil fuels due to supply constraints, regulations and taxation, it is only prudent for a design to include heat pumps to deliver at least a

Continued on page “19”

Continued from page “19” portion of the heat and cooling required for a system,” explained Gabor Milisics, owner of GTAHeat.ca.

Onceuponatime,ifyouwantedahydronic heat pump, your only real viable solution was a geothermal water-to-water. Nowadays, with major players launching or about to launch air-to-waterequipment,weare abouttoseeamajordisruption in our industry in a positive way

With these coming disruptions to the industry, there are some that aren’t a fan of the lingo used around this wave of new technology, “I don’t like using the word innovative in this industry. It scares more people than it attracts,” explains Mathew Pottins, president and owner of Laylan Hydronics and HVAC Sales. “I try to spin any design from a perspective of using tried-and-true technologies in a way that suits the needs of each client. Having said that, I’m particularly enamoured with a variety of modern air-to-water heat pumps.”

Installation and integration challenges

culprit for this busted myth. If the job has been done right, the temperature of the floor should never be noticed. When we do this correctly, you won’t feel the floor.

One of the biggest integration challenges arises when hydronic heating systems need to be integrated with existing HVAC systems or other building components. It’s important to consider factors such as added weight on a structure and loss of ceiling height for upper floor overpours in new builds, according to Csaba Gal, principal at Rhella. For retrofits, the challenge lies in heatingthefloor without sacrificing too much ceiling height and exceeding thresholds.

End-use education is a key factor in addressing installation integration challenges and busting those misconceptions associated with hydronic systems.

Alternative solutions

of power at the panel is a significant challenge for heat pumps and electric boilers, especially when installing a hydronic snow melt system, explains Gal.

Picking the right supplier

Logistical challenges in hydronic system installations include equipment delivery and supply chain reliability. It is very important to have an in-house hydronic designer and partnering with reliable suppliers that have a very strong technical team to prevent problems, suggests Milisics. The focus should be on problem prevention rather than problem-solving. Partnering with a

End-use education is a key factor in addressing installation integration challenges. By educating clients about system features, comfort, and energy savings, concerns about higher initial costs can be mitigated. One of the most common mistakes I run into is the expectation of the radiant floor heating system being too hot on the feet.

I suspect flawed industry messaging and consumers not being properly educated is the

Educating the end-user is such a vital asset for hydronic experts; there are many dry panel solutions that don’t require structural changes or building engineering changes to install radiant heating systems. One example I have experience with would be Rehau’s RAUPanel. This system is under 5/8inch thick and can deliver over 28 BTUs per sq. ft. with 110-degree water. We don’t need anywhere near that many BTUs in most designs, so in my own home, I heated it with 90-degree water.

The panels are more money, so often contractors dismiss it, but the reality is that when you use a dry panel system, you don’t need any structural changes to the building, which is major money. When you look at it from a BTU per dollar standpoint, you pay a small premium upfront to pay less each month for the rest of that home’s existence.

When considering a hydronic heat pump, it is important to be aware that the availability supplier that puts people before profits, has engineers or technical experts on staff, and doesn’t just rely on the manufacturer can be the largest on-site cost saving tool at your disposal.

One of the key aspects of a successful hydronic heating system installation is understanding and addressing client concerns. Effective communication and setting clear expectations with clients right from the design and quoting stage is highly

Continued on page “23”

Continued from page recommended by both Milisics and Gal.

Start by explaining the significance of the installation process and system workings to clients. By providing detailed explanations, clients can better understand the benefits and operation of hydronic heating systems, explains Milisics.

Renewable energy integration

There are plenty of benefits that can go into installing advanced control systems, such as smart thermostats and zoning controls, explains Andrew Wilcox, principal designer for Filament Energy. He cautions against overcomplicating controls and emphasizes the importance of simplicity for user satisfaction. There are many different combinations that can be put together to create a highly efficient hydronic system. For Gal, he prefers air-towater. “Air-to-water definitely. Geothermal not really because of its long return on investment and the fact that most of our projects don’t have the space required for ground loops or roof area required for solar panels to make a difference.” He advocates for considering community-based geothermal as a successful example for broader adoption.

Water quality and treatment

Water quality comes up all the time for hydronic systems. Remember folks, water quality can be a very expensive mistake to make. “I started learning about the concerns of water quality about seven years ago. Then two years later it became the biggest issue we were facing,” explains Pottins. “It seemed like it went from zero to 100 overnight, and it was the part of the system we paid the most attention to. We had a bunch of boiler and pump failures because of the magnetic particles floating around older systems and we needed to find solutions really quick.”

Client education and maintenance

Client education plays a crucial role in promoting the benefits and operation of hydronic heating systems. Providing ample information on company websites and encouraging clients to ask questions and voice concerns helps dispel misconceptions. Effective client education involves clear explanations, system drawings, and comprehensive component lists. “By teaching our clients about air handlers, low-temperature floor heating, the quality of hydronic heat, comfort, and energy savings that hydronic heating offers, we help them look beyond the higher initial costs,” explains Gal.

Industry experts collectively highlight the importance of avoiding common mistakes, such as under-sizing pipes and circulators, and mis-piping. Proper education, accountability, and relying on reputable companies can help prevent these issues.

The easiest way to figure out who the good installers are is to go on social media and look in the comments. If there is one thing about tradespeople, we love to constructively hate on each other. If you see a boiler install online and the comments from tradespeople fall somewhere in the “great job” category, you know the installer or designer is worth collaborating with. :

Water quality issues are often encountered when using well water, explains Gal. Treatment chemicals can render dissolved calcium and magnesium harmless, and installing filtration systems can address hardness and sediment concerns. Propylene glycol filled systems can eliminate the need for tap or well water.

Michael Ridler is a technical services manager at Eden Energy Equipment. He started out working for a Ont-based HVAC company and now focuses on providing field support and technical training to contractors, engineers, and builders on heat pumps, boilers, and all things hydronics. He can be reached at edenenergymike@gmail.com

All-in-one pump

Bell and Gossett, Morton Grove, Illinois, debuts its series e-90E Smart Pump to market. The e-90E is a fully in-house integrated system that offers a pump, motor and variablespeed drive all in one. It is available in 12 combinations of high RPM e-90 models combined with the Xylem Smart Motor ranging up to 3HP. Twelve standard e-90E Smart Pumps models are available, featuring Xylem’s IE5 permanent magnet smart motor. Three phase models are 460V, 3HP (2.2kW). Motors contain integrated VFD capable of operating at multiple speeds ranging from 800 to 3,600 RPM.

Bell and Gossett u www.bellgossett.com

Push-to-connect solution

Uponor, Apple Valley, Minnesota, announces its TotalFit push-toconnect fitting is available to customers. The TotalFit is an engineered polymer push-to-connect solution that provides value for residential projects with the same versatility and speed as brass push-to-connect fittings for PEX, PE-RT, CPVC, and copper piping systems. The TotalFit helps eliminate the need for torches and solvents.

Uponor u www.uponor.com

Hydronic system sealant

Oatey, Cleveland, Ohio, introduces its new Hercules Base Hit II hydronic system sealant to market. The Hercules sealant seals and prevents leaks in ferrous, non-ferrous and radiant tubing. Hercules Base Hit II hydronic system sealant’s silicone formulation serves as a lubricant, remedying most cases of squeaking pumps, eliminating the risk of a small leak becoming larger. It is safe to use in systems with plastic or rubber components and is compatible with Hercules Cryo-tek or other types of propylene glycol-based anti-freeze products, chemical additives and boiler treatment compounds.

Oatey u www.oatey.ca

Commercial butterfly valves

Mueller Steam Specialty, North Andover, Massachusetts, introduces the Series 90 butterfly valve to enhance its commercial butterfly valve package. The Series 90 is designed for commercial and industrial applications and works with twoto 40-inch pipes. The butterfly valves are ideal for water supply applications in hydronic cooling and fire protection systems and can be used to control the flow of liquids, gases, and slurries. It also complies with API 609 and MSS-SP-68 standards. Mueller Steam Specialty is a Watts brand.

Mueller Steam Specialty u www.watts.com

Snow and ice melting approved

New mechanical valves

Danfoss Climate Solutions, Baltimore, Maryland, announces a new product line of mechanical thermostatic radiator valve operators. Replacing the RA2000 series, the new line will include the Aveo thermostat, which features unique gas bellow technology and tactile temperature setting, providing a subtle click feeling for every 1 F change in temperature. The Aveo has built-in temperature limitation options and also features an anti-theft plug-in accessory.

Danfoss u www.danfoss.com

Rehau, Leesburg, Virginia, expands its ProBalance manifold adapter selection with the introduction of the BSPP to copper press adapters for one and 1-1/4-inch. manifolds. The new adapters connect directly to the ProBalance manifold supply/return header with a BSPP threaded connection and transition to copper distribution piping using a copper press or solder connection. The BSPP to copper press adapters are especially suitable for snow and ice melting applications with an onsite manifold vault separate from the boiler room.

Rehau u www.rehau.com

Whenever Piping Is Involved

Power clean clogged sinks, tubs and laundry drains

General Pipe Cleaners, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, announces the launch of its Model DRZ-PH power drain cleaner. It is ideal for clearing clogged sinks, tubs, and laundry drains in 1-1/4-inch to three-inch lines. General’s four ft. guide tube and pneumatic foot pedal minimizes operator contact with wet, spinning cable during drain cleaning. It can be operated horizontally on kitchen counters or vertically on the floor. The rust resistant aluminum drum carries up to 50 ft. of 1/4inch or 5/16-inch, or 35 ft. of 3/8-inch Flexicore wire rope center cable. Operators can quickly switch to a different diameter cable without pulling old cable from the drum. The Model DRZ-PH also comes with the new Band-It splashguard to minimize excess water spray from the General Pipe Cleaners u www.DrainBrain.com

Lighted tape measure

DeWalt, Mississauga, Ont, introduces its all-new Toughseries 25 ft. LED lighted tape measure. The tape measure has a 100 ft. drop rating to withstand the most extreme job sites. It has a runtime of three hours of continuous use with an auto-shutoff feature after 60 seconds of inactivity. The blade delivers 17 ft. of max reach and is double-sided printed for overhead measurements. Included with the lighted tape measure is a USB charging cable and belt clip to allow the measuring tape to be easily accessible when needed.

www.DeWalt.ca

All-new pipeline inspection reel

Milwaukee Tool, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, continues to expand its modular pipeline inspection system, which now includes its 100 ft. flexible pipeline inspection reel. It is engineered to navigate tight bends and traps, joining the 120 ft. mid-stiff, 200 ft. mid-stiff, 200 ft. stiff, and 235 ft. stiff reels. All reels are powered by the M18 500GB control hub with OneKey. The 100 ft. flexible pipeline inspection reel has a flexible push cable built to navigate tight bends and traps in 1.5-inch to four-inch lines, up to 100 ft. It is compatible with either a carry strap or removable backpack straps for hands-free carrying. The 25mm, 1080p self-leveling inspection camera head can live stream or capture pictures and video.

Milwaukee Tool u www.MilwaukeeTool.ca

Expanding press tool line

Ridgid, Elyria, Ohio, announces the expansion of its RP 241 compact press tool with the addition of RLS Press Jaws for HVAC/R applications. Designed to press 1/4-inch to 1-3/8-inch copper, the Jaws, when paired with the RP 241, cuts down on installation time. The latest tool in the Ridgid compact press tool family, the RP 241 has a low-profile design and features an ergonomic design to help users easily work in tight spaces. Bluetooth connectivity connects the tool to the Ridgid Link app, which allows users to track the number of cycles and collect battery information. Along with RLS Jaws, the RP 241 is compatible with all Ridgid compact series jaws, rings, and actuators and can press up to 1-1/4-inch on copper and stainless steel, and up to 1-1/2-inch on PEX.

Ridgid u www.Ridgid.com

Quickly bend plastic pipe

Bosch, Mississauga, Ont, introduces its new GHG18V-50 18V heat gun (bare tool). It can provide a max temperature of 930 F and can heat up to 570 F in six seconds. In addition, the heat gun features a lockout switch, which prevents accidental activation when travelling or when not in use. It features a reduction nozzle, which provides concentrated heat flow. It also has a hook nozzle, which supplies directed hot air around surfaces for even heating. When paired with the Core18V 8.0 Ah battery, it provides a runtime of up to 21 minutes at 570 F. It provides a max airflow rate of 175 litres per minute for efficient heating. The heat gun is ideal for electricians, automotive technicians and others for heat-shrinking wires, removing labels, softening adhesives, and bending plastic pipes.

Bosch u www.BoschTools.com up to 18.0 SEER2 & 8.7 HSPF2

Meets the NRCan Greener Homes Grant requirement