March 2016

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

DUCTLESS

9L[YVÄ[ Victoria heritage project requires different approach

INSIDE Q Geothermal industry on verge of breakthrough Q Shakeup in Canada’s home improvement landscape Q Working with today’s electronic boiler controls Q Staying below Revenue Canada’s radar

MARCH 2016

WWW.PLUMBINGANDHVAC.CA

Looking for the missing link between HIÀ FLHQF\ SURÀ WDELOLW\" HeatLink is a leading supplier of potable water and radiant hydronic heating/cooling and snow melt systems. For over 20 years we’ve led the industry in creating efficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems for residential and commercial construction.

All our systems are easy to install and backed by a full warranty. Our innovative products are engineered to set the highest standard in energy efficiency and increase installation and system operating effectiveness. You can’t beat the HeatLink systems for efficiency, quality and price.

Whether you are installing a residential plumbing or heating system, or designing a large commercial installation HeatLink has the products, systems, and design capabilities to meet your needs.

6\VWHPV IRU OLIH www.heatlink.com

Q Contents

CMPX Show Issue Departments Hot Seat .........................................5 The importance of trade shows

Industry News ..............................7 Geothermal breakthrough imminent

People & Places ...........................72 Museum project completion celebrated

Coming Events ............................73 MEET Show returns to Moncton

Shop Management .....................74 Customer newsletter nuts and bolts

Products & Technologies Air Conditioning..........................20

Stretching the limits Larger projects go ductless

Heating ........................................26 Hot Water Heating ......................40 Pipes, Valves & Fittings ...............49 Plumbing......................................51 Faucets & Fixtures .......................55

Features

Tools & Instruments ....................57 Refrigeration ...............................65

Combo wood furnaces

26

Catering to the rural heating customer

Cover: VRF heat pumps provided a solution for this Victoria heritage building.

Please see our article on page 14.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Specialized plumbing tools Constant innovation makes job easier

57

Unwritten rules

51

Bathroom etiquette and urinal installation March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

3

www.ibcboiler.com

DĞŶƵ

Express Setup Load Status

User Setup

Booth # 716 Installer Setup Diagnostics Back

EXPRESS SETUP x Program your boiler in seconds with an interview style, quick start menu

4:30

IBC

Building on the success of our industry-leading 5 button boiler control launched in 2003, the new Touch Screen Controller makes it even easier to set up and monitor your IBC boiler.

With intuitive features like Express Setup, Easier Diagnostics & Intuitive Alert System, plain English Warnings & Error Messages your VFC or SL Series boiler has never been easier to use.

x User-friendly interface for contractor and home owner

COMPLETE REMOTE ACCESS x Built-in internet connectivity x Remote monitoring & diagnostics

EASY USB PROGRAMMABILITY x USB Port for software updates and copying settings to the next boiler

TRUE NATIVE BACnet x Seamlessly integrate IBC BACnet enabled boilers into your current building automation system

MORE FLEXIBILITY

Express Setup

x Ability to manage up to 4 different loads and 5 pumps x Automatic altitude adjustment x Intuitive alert system with plain English warnings & error

Load combining features

Color coded error notifications

Immediate input feedback

messages

x Pre programmed values for all load types

x Load Combining to allow 2 loads to operate at the same time

x All boilers fully capable of directly connecting to most automation systems

DDC

building

Better Boilers

Q Hot Seat

March 2016 Volume 26, Number 2 ISSN 1919-0395

Publisher Mark Vreugdenhil (416) 614-5819 mark@plumbingandhvac.ca

The importance of trade shows We are heading into show season in what we, around here, call a show year. CMPX 2016 takes place in Toronto March 16-18, followed by the MEET Show in Moncton, N.B. May 18-19 and then the CIPHEX West Show in Vancouver Nov. 2-3. CIPHEX West alternates between Calgary and Vancouver; hopefully it will be in Edmonton at some point.

These, along with MCEE in Montreal, which occurs in alternate years, are the major trade shows for the Canadian mechanical industry.

There are other smaller shows, but I always encourage people to attend the major ones not just to see a wider variety of new equipment, tools, etc., but because it’s a rare opportunity to speak face to face with the manufacturers.

And while I’m sure that ever y manufacturer would like to talk to contractors about their latest products and technologies, it also gives the contractor an opportunity to ask questions about existing equipment, warranties, etc. and get answers to any problems they may be having.

It doesn’t hurt to put together a list of manufacturers you want to see along with a few notes on what you want to talk about.

I’ve seen time-challenged contractors running around, list in hand, trying to cover the show as quickly and efficiently as

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

possible so they can get back to the office or jobsite.

There are many other reasons to go to shows. I’ve noticed over the years that both the quantity and quality of educational seminars and sessions has improved.

The shows are also a major social event for the industry, with numerous opportunities to get together with other contractors, wholesalers and manufacturers. Many manufacturers host social events for their customers. The Industry Dinner in Moncton is always attended by virtually everyone from the Atlantic industry. In 2014 it drew 800 people.

Of course, shows tend to be well attended when the industry is slow and not so much so when people are busy. It can be difficult to justify taking a day to go to the show when you are busy with paying work. But chances are that the ideas and knowledge you pick up will more than make up for the lost cash.

If you are at one of these shows, please drop by the Plumbing and HVAC booth and say hello! See you there!

Editor Simon Blake (416) 614-5820 simon@plumbingandhvac.ca National Sales Manager Mark Mierkalns (416) 614-5832 markm@plumbingandhvac.ca Design and Production Tim Norton/Janet Popadiuk production@plumbingandhvac.ca Circulation Manager Dorothy Lai

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 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 2016. 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

Member

Canadian Business Press

THERMOSTATIC CARTRIDGE

ADJUSTABLE LIMIT STOPS

TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT

ABOVE THE DECK CONVENIENCE. T H E R M O S TAT I C C O N F I D E N C E.

The new Delta hands-free thermostatic lavatory faucet is the smart choice for applications requiring thermostatic temperature regulation. The mixing valve and solenoid are contained within the body of the faucet and the supply lines are factory-installed, making installation quick and simple. Outlet temperature limits can be set easily from above the deck by the installer and a top mixer allows the user to adjust the water temperature to comfort.

Now that’s smart.

DEMD-611LF

Backed by an exceptional 5-year limited warranty. deltacommercialfaucets.com

Q Industry News

Geothermal breakthrough imminent At top of list to battle climate change, says Ont. environment minister

By Simon Blake Recent years haven’t been kind to the geothermal/ground source heat pump industry as government rebates dried up and natural gas prices dipped. However, that is on the verge of changing, delegates heard at the Ontario Geothermal Association Conference Feb. 4-5 in Kitchener, Ont. “Geothermal is at the top of the list for noncarbon producing technologies,” said keynote speaker Glen Murray, Ontario minister of the environment and climate change.

The government, which spends millions of dollars every year to repair damage from extreme weather like floods, ice storms, etc., sees geothermal, along with solar thermal, as a key part of the solution to rapidly advancing climate change.

The maximum climate change the province can endure without significant damage is 1.5C, but if nothing is done the average temperature is expected to increase by 4C within the next 30 years, he told delegates.

In addition to extreme weather, an earlier “false” spring has a dramatic effect on crop pollination and germination. Three years ago a warm March followed by a cool April wiped out over 80 percent of Ontario’s apple crop.

Ontario produces almost 40 percent of the country’s apples.

A refreshing change Delegates were pleased to hear an environment minister speak who actually knew about geothermal technology and is an active supporter.

The government is looking at starting a program to promote geothermal within the next nine months. Earlier that day Murray had announced a $100-million home retrofit program designed to help homeowners update their furnaces, water heaters and insulation in partnership with Enbridge Gas and Union Gas. He suggested a similar program could be made available to the geothermal industry.

Another alternative would be to create a “thermal utility” which would provide the underground loops and home and business owners would pay to be connected.

“We don’t have time for small ideas,” said Murray.

Onus on industry The next step is up to the industry, said Martin Luymes, director of programs for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

“We need to develop solid ideas and proposals that we can bring forward to the minister.” He added that the OGA, which currently has about 40 members and is working to double that, is better off now

that it is working with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change rather than through the Ministry of Energy.

The energy minister’s primary focus has been gas and electric and, to date, geothermal hasn’t really found a fit, added Luymes. He noted that Hydro One (and other electric distribution companies around the country) seem to love air source heat pumps, which increase their share of the energy market, while they see geothermal as something “for rich people.

“The geothermal sector is up against this all the time.” He noted that having an environment minister that is an enthusiastic supporter of geothermal may be “a game changer for the industry.”

However, he added that the $100 million program announced Feb. 4 was “ill-advised” because the government created it without consulting industry and provided no details or timeline. The industry has grown weary of rebate programs because they can play havoc with the marketplace. Home and building owners tend to put off purchases if they believe a rebate program is coming. The U.S. has long offered a 30 percent tax rebate on geothermal equipment, which has been quite successful.

However, along with the cap and trade program the Ontario government plans to implement in 2017, the government’s shift in policy to address climate change will be a tremendous boost to the geothermal industry.

(Cap and trade is a system where the government implements pollution limits for industry, but those that exceed the limit can buy credits from those that pollute less than the maximum allowable level. The Ontario government expects to announce details within four weeks, the Canadian Press Please see ‘Industry’ on page 9

Jim Bolger with panelists, from left, Stan Marco, Derek Satnik and Brian Pescod, led a discussion on net-zero homes.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Ontario Environment Minister Glen Murray believes geothermal will play a key role in battling climate change.

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

7

Refi filla llable cy y lli lin nders der available in Cana C anada.

Make the Switch to Solstice® N40

Solstice N40 (R-448A) is the most exciting new refrigerant in commercial refrigeration for new supermarkets and for R-404A and R-22 retrofits. Its GWP of 1273 is 68% lower than R-404A, and demonstrates a 5-16% lower energy consumption in medium-temperature refrigeration.

Learn more at honeywell-refrigerants.com.

Refrigerants ©2016 Honeywell International Inc.

Q Industry News

Industry has work to do

Having an environment minister that is an enthusiastic supporter of geothermal may be a game changer for the industry.

Continued from page 7 In addition to working with the Ministry of Environment, the OGA’s priorities for the coming year are to educate home and building owners about geothermal, define a role for utilities and to explore financing options.

OGA president John Bosman (Bostech Mechanical, Listowel, Ont.) urged members to

provide input for the OGA’s presentation to the Ontario government.

“There is lots of work to do in the next few months,” added Luymes.

For more information, visit www.ontariogeothermal.ca.

AT H US OT IT BO VIS PX 424 CM 1

reported Feb. 17.)

These opportunities are over and above the province’s Long-Term Energy Plan, said Luymes.

He also noted that while the natural gas industry is rightly worried about the government’s new direction, the utilities might have a role in creating a market for geothermal utilities because their mandate now allows them to to invest in technologies that help the environment.

Quality assurance The new opportunities bring a responsibility for the industry to ensure that installations are done properly. It needs to invest in training and system inspections need to become mandatory.

Part of the problem is that there is currently no geothermal trade. Installers are supposed to have a refrigeration license, but many don’t, noted Luymes. The OGA and HRAI are currently talking to the College of Trades, which is in charge of trade apprenticeship and licensing in Ontario, about refining current trades to better accommodate geothermal.

Many would like to see a geothermal trade established. However, noted Luymes, if solutions are to be found within a reasonable timeframe, it will be best to work within existing regulations, adapting current programs to meet the needs of the sector.

As well, the geothermal industry could suffer from its lack of representation on building code committees, remarked Stan Marco (GeoSmart Energy Inc., Cambridge, Ont.) during a panel session on net-zero homes. “With one stroke of a pen, (a code change) could help the geothermal industry or it could hurt us.”

Derek Satnik, a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Net Zero Energy Committee, remarked that smaller heat pumps will be needed for the smaller heating and cooling loads with net zero housing.

OGA vice president Jim Bolger (Waterloo Energy Products, Breslau, Ont.) noted that manufacturers already have smaller equipment down to ½ ton. “We need to go to variable speed pumping,” added Marco.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

DESIGNED FOR USE ON COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL STEAM APPLICATIONS

Eliminate the need to weld steam systems •

Available in 2 – 8" | 50 – 200 mm sizes

•

Pressures up to 150 psi | 1034 kPa

•

Components designed in accordance with ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3 and ASME B31.9 codes to ensure technical confidence and reliability

•

Reduce total installation costs and improve jobsite safety

For more information visit victaulicsteam.com/mbusiness

9138 REV C 02/2016 Victaulic and all other Victaulic marks are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Victaulic Company, and/or its affiliated entities, in the U.S. and/or other countries. The terms “Patented” or “Patent Pending” refer to design or utility patents or patent applications for articles and/or methods of use in the United States and/or other countries. © 2016 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

9

Q Industry News

Lowes buys Rona Low Canadian dollar helps U.S. retail giant sweeten its offer On Feb. 3 U.S. home improvement giant Lowes announced that it had reached an agreement to purchase Rona Inc., the largest Canadianowned home improvement retailer.

Boards of directors of both firms have approved the deal, in which Lowes, headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina will pay $3.2 billion dollars – double the share price – for Rona, which is based in Boucherville, Quebec. Rona shareholders must still vote in favour of the $24 per share offer at a special meeting prior to the end of March.

Lowes made a previous offer for Rona in 2012, which was rejected. At that time if offered $14.50 per share, or $1.8 billion dollars. With the Canadian dollar then worth a little more than its U.S. counterpart, the deal was valued at $1.86 billion U.S.

However, today’s low Canadian dollar has meant that buying Rona didn’t require Lowes to increase its offer as much as it would first seem. On the day of the announcement, with the Canadian dollar at O.73 cents U.S., the offer is worth $2.3 billion U.S., half a billion higher than the first offer, reported the Globe and Mail.

Lowes Canada will establish its head office at the former Rona headquarters in Boucherville, Que. with current Lowes Canada president Sylvain Prud’homme managing the combined operation.

The move substantially increases Lowes’ presence across Canada and particularly in Quebec, where it had no stores. Rona operates almost 500 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores and nine distribution

Rona previously had a considerable presence in the plumbing and HVAC/R wholesale business … centres across Canada. It has more than 17,000 employees along with more than 5,000 employees in its independent affiliate dealers and generates annual sales of $4.1 billion.

Rona previously had a considerable presence in the plumbing and HVAC/R wholesale business after buying Noble, based in Concord, Ont., in 2007. However, it subsequently sold Noble to Emco Corporation, London, Ont., in 2013.

for the brands you trust.

Robertshaw is proud to be your HVACR partner. You know our brandsstaples in the HVACR controls industry for over a century. We understand distributor and OEM needs for quality, technology and delivery excellence.

See us at booth 840/842 for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

For more information, call Troy Tingling at 630-220-5784 or visit www.robertshaw.com

®

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Robertshaw®, Uni-Line®, Ranco®, Paragon® SmartSense® and PerfectSense™ are trademarks of Robertshaw, its subsidiaries and/or affiliated companies. All other brands mentioned may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

11

Quality. Reliability.

Serviceability.

VITODENS 100 2016 Thank You Contractor Reward Program 1

Buy

Vitodens 100 boilers

2

Get

• Volume rebates for Vitodens 100 purchases • FREE professional hockey team jerseys for registrations

Call your local Viessmann Sales Representative for details today!

Visit us at booth #507 at the CMPX Show Viessmann - Waterloo 750 McMurray Road Waterloo, ON, N2V 2G5 519-885-6300 viessmann.ca

Q Letters Extended warranties helpful for contractor, customer Dear Editor, I just re-read your article (“Slippery Slope,” P&HVAC Jan/Feb, 2016 and P&HVAC E-News, January).

I do agree that the customers have become used to doing nothing because they have an extended warranty. But I don’t agree with them being offered less warranty as the correct solution .

Warranty and servicing should go hand in hand on every installation.

If homeowners do not understand the need for regular service, manufacturers will continue to carry the load of non-faulty material being replaced at their cost because they do not wish to have a bad report or reputation in the marketplace. That is just not fair or right.

While some contractors definitely use the excuse that lack of maintenance means no warranty, I do feel that customers who do regular maintenance should be rewarded with extra coverage. If an item does fail, why should a manufacturer or contractor be held responsible for an owner’s lack of servicing, but the customer who does everything right should be rewarded or looked after.

We have been to three job sites in the past month and a half where the boiler heat exchangers were plugged solid. (One even had the rollout switch relocated six inches away from the original spot instead of having the boiler repaired correctly.) If these units had been installed and had a warranty/service agreement in place, these boilers may have never deteriorated to the state they were in.

I find a very big disconnect with homeowners when it comes to home maintenance. Why is it that a person will purchase a $9000 to $12,0000 heating or cooling system, but pass on the extended warranty or servicing plan at $250 to $350? And yet they will buy a $600 phone and spend $100 for its warranty plan. I can live without my phone at

I do feel that customers who do regular maintenance should be rewarded with extra coverage. minus 10 in the winter, but I can’t live without heat.

While there are merits to your comments, the real issue is contractors not doing themselves and the product they sell justice. Many warranty providers offer good coverage for labour and even offer an allowance to cover loss of mark-up on the replacement parts supplied under warranty. In this day and age, we need to offer more to our customers to build up business and profits. Going to their homes once a year or more allows us the chance to do so.

The really tough part is, I feel you probably agree with me about a lot of this and anyone who reads the trade magazines will also, so how do we get this to the general public so that they can see that their opinions on warranties are often misguided?

Harvey Burrows, Hilltop Plumbing & Heating Ltd., White Rock, B.C.

35 YEARS

Control unit can be mounted to reel.

MULTIPLE INSPECTION SOLUTIONS, ONE PROVIDER: RATECH. Elite SD or USB

Mini Crawler with Pan n’ Tilt

We also carry

Ultra Micro© Cameras

Troubleshooting needs to be taught Dear Editor,

Pan n’ Tilt Push Camera (Includes Reel and Remote Control)

I cannot really disagree with your comments (in the editorial “Diagnostic Difficulty,” Plumbing and HVAC, Nov./Dec. 2015) other than asking this question: If we all agree that what you have said is true and I believe that the vast majority do, why in the apprenticeship programs is there not one minute of education given to delivering “systematic troubleshooting?” How do people learn how to solve problems that arise each day?

They have been taught the fundamental basics… we can teach systematic troubleshooting if we really want to solve the problems you mention. So why does the industry not place a higher value on this?

D. Brian Baker, president Custom Vac Limited Winnipeg

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Made in Canada

ELECTRONICS Video Pipeline Inspection Systems

Ratech is an industry leader in the development, manufacturing and servicing of CCTV systems and equipment. From wifi, tablets, iPhone and Android applications to DVD, USB, SD, and more, Ratech offers more flexibility and reliable products than anyone else. So no matter the problem, Ratech has an innovative solution. And has for over three decades.

For more information on these or other products call toll free: 1-800-461-9200 or 905-660-7072 www.ratech-electronics.com Upload your inspection videos to

Ask us HOW?

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

13

Q Building Green

Historic

CHALLENGE From left, the team behind the Rithet Building HVAC project – Jay Bull, Tom Pederson, Tim Sykes, Tyler Little and Steve Chamut – gathered for a photo in front of the building.

14

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

VRF heat pumps provide a solution for Victoria heritage building

By Rachel Ruhl www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Two rooftop air handlers were custom-built for the application.

Packaged multi-zone systems thrived primarily between 1960 and 1980.

These large heating and cooling beasts typically consisted of rooftops in cool and temperate regions of North America.

Many can still be found in place today.

However, present-day counterparts consume far less energy.

Usually, packaged multi-zone air handlers are installed at institutional facilities or commercial buildings, selected based on their ability to provide simultaneous heating and cooling to different zones within the structure.

These hot deck/cold deck air handlers use a large supply fan (and often a return fan as well) to force air through a chilled water or refrigerant coil and a hot water coil. On the supply side of the stacked coils, zone dampers on each takeoff control and mix air for each zone.

Heritage building, vintage system Victoria, B.C. has a climate well suited to multi-zone, rooftop air handlers. The area is known for temperate winters and mostly tolerable heat and humidity during the summer months. Long shoulder seasons also mean that heating and cooling requirements between the north and south side of a building can

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

vary substantially: perfect for a system that can serve dissimilar zones.

One of the oldest structures in Victoria, the Rithet Building, was constructed in the late 1860s. It has, at the very least, two claims to fame. The prominent external cast iron columns make it one of British Columbia’s finest examples of West Coast Iron Front architecture. In the lobby, the focal point is a brick well that served as early Fort Victoria’s only fresh water source.

In the mid-1970s, ductwork was added to the 25,000 sq. ft. brick building and three Lennox multi-zone packaged units, each roughly 30-feet long, were installed on the roof. One of these multi-zone units served only the upper floor and was recently replaced with multiple packaged RTUs. The other two packaged units remained in service, each serving seven zones. A boiler downstairs provided ample hot water for the big heating coils. Each unit had an integral DX (evaporator) coil served by a multi-stage compressor.

Last year the building’s current owner, Hobo Holdings, approached Avalon Energy Management, a mechanical engineering and energy consulting firm in Victoria, about replacing the remaining two multi-zone units.

“The Rithet Building now contains offices with some retail space below and it needed to remain fully occupied for the duration of any HVAC retrofit,” reported Tom Pedersen, engineering technologist at Avalon. “The fact that it’s a Landmark Heritage Building further reduced our options when it came time to select a new system.”

Instead of overhauling the existing multi-zone rooftop units or replacing them with new versions of the same technology, Avalon designed a multi-zone air handler that employed air-to-air heat pumps.

Drop-in replacement “After looking at a few different options, we determined that new, custom-built air handlers would be best,” said Pedersen.

“Unlike the originals though – which had only two coils – the seven fan coils inside the new units are served by VRF (variable refrigerant flow) condensers with a heat recovery feature for load sharing. The cost increase over a new factory multi-zone unit was marginal, but the difference in energy consumption was impressive.”

Once settled on VRF equipment, Please see ‘Selecting’ on page 17

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

15

R H O M A R W AT E R “SOLVES�

G LYCOL AND H YD RONIC S YSTEM P R OBLEMS !

VISIT US AT CMPX - BOOTH #241 RHOMAR WATER offers proprietary blended glycol and inhibitor formulations that solve specialized heat transfer fluid and hydronic problems. PLUMBING WHOLESALERS and GEOTHERMAL/ HVAC/PLUMBING contractors nationwide benefit from RHOMAR’s technical and production expertise that allows glycols, proprietary corrosion inhibitors and DI water to be brought together in a package that provides freeze/burst protection and long term corrosion control. RHOMAR offers these solutions in tanker, tote, drum, pail and retail packaging.

We pride ourselves on being positioned to be the business partner that earns your business and brings true value by one-on-one customer service. Let RHOMAR WATER’s in-house Chemist and lab give you the clinical expertise to compliment your mechanical knowledge and experience.

ter a W r a m Let Rho VE’ your ‘SOL !! e l z z u p ic hydron

( 5RFNKXUVW 6SULQJČ´HOG 02 Č? Č? ZZZ 5KRPDU:DWHU FRP

Q Building Green

Selecting the equipment Continued from page 15

Pedersen’s biggest design hurdle was static pressure; could the fans on the evaporator coils provide the air movement needed?

Much of the existing ductwork was concealed and the mechanical “as-built” drawings were outdated and unreliable. After calculating the pressure loss based on these old drawings, Avalon took the extra precaution of hiring an air balancing company to determine the true pressure drop. Both the calculated pressure drops and the measured pressure drops fell within the manufacturer’s published capabilities for their high-pressure fan coils of 0.4” to 1.0” wg. for each duct run.

Narrowing the choices Of the six or seven VRF manufacturers that Avalon was considering, the field was narrowed to three; the only locally available VRF systems that could meet the static pressure requirements in the fan coil sizes required.

Ultimately, the coil dimensions reduced the choice to a single manufacturer. Pedersen selected a Fujitsu Airstage system. The evaporator coils, which range from two-anda-half to five-tons, were narrower and higher

The cost increase over a new factory multizone unit was marginal, but the difference in energy consumption was impressive.

1 1. Each box contains seven independent evaporator coils.

2. Tim Sykes performs system checks. on previous ductless applications. Using the high-static fan coils on this job was a first, though.”

Avalon produced the initial design for the two air handler boxes. Each box contains seven independent evaporator coils, which draw from a common return air plenum.

The plenum includes a single, VFD-powered return air fan simply to maintain neutral pressure behind the coils.

Three, nine-ton VRF condensing units serve each of the two big multi-zone units.

The entire system fits directly onto the existing roof curb.

Writing the book than those offered by the other manufacturers.

This profile better suited the existing, rooflevel duct takeoffs that Pedersen needed to transition into.

“I was glad that the Fujitsu systems fit,” said Pedersen. “We’ve been pleased with them

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

2

“I’m not aware of any other retrofits quite like this one, said Pedersen. “We issued a conceptual design bid, knowing that the fabricator would need to improvise on many of the details.” Capital City Refrigeration, Victoria, won the bid. They worked closely

with JB Sheet Metal during the ground-up build of both new units.

“This was a bid-spec job, but it progressed like a design-build,” said Tim Sykes, who founded Capital City Refrigeration with Tyler Little. Work on the new air handlers began in March at JB Sheet Metal. The timeline was tight in order to have both units ready to install during the spring shoulder season.

Owner Jay Bull and other fabricators at JB Sheet Metal built the frame, cabinet and duct takeoffs, while Capital City technicians filled the boxes. With the return fan and filters on one side and ductwork on the other, coils, power components, controls and refrigerant lines made for a tight fit in the middle.

Despite the adequate static pressure capability of the Fujitsu units, Avalon wanted an insurance measure that would eliminate the risk of inadequate flow. A small box was Please see ‘Crafted’ on page 19

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

17

1874

1936

1996

2014

C.J. Smith establishes the company

A. O. Smith Patents the glass-lined water heater

Launches the Cyclone速 Commerical Water Heater

Cyclone速 Mxi Launch

Continues to Lead Come see the Cyclone速 Mxi March 16th - 18th at booth #2023 at the CMPX Show!

UP TO 98% THERMAL EFFICIENCY

Provides fully modulating combustion to precisely meet demands. Exclusive advanced LCD electronic control, with built-in diagnostics.

Top mounted components include new spark ignition, quiet operation burner and blower combination.

Enhanced PermaGlas速 glass lining process that provides superior tank protection against corrosion.

For more information, please visit www.hotwater.com.

Q Building Green

Crafted for the application Continued from page 17

installed just above each duct elbow leading down through the roof. Here, a knockout could facilitate the addition of a booster fan in the future. “Now we know it was an unnecessary precaution, but it was cheap insurance,” said Pedersen. “With the systems up and running, there’s even better flow than before the retrofit.”

Sykes would periodically check with Tim Young, sales engineer at Fujitsu, on certain aspects of the build, especially in the beginning when they were figuring out how to fit everything into the unit. Support came from the distributor, too. “Steve Chamut, at Refrigerative Supply was a big asset, as he always is,” said Sykes. “On this job we leaned on him a little harder than usual, considering

the nature of it.”

The units were tested and commissioned off site with a generator before being delivered and lifted by crane onto the Rithet building; the first one in April and the second a month later.

Controls Before delivery, Kerr Controls Inc. completed building control rough-ins while Houle Electric did the power rough-ins. Once on the roof, it took about a day-and-a-half for Capital City Refrigeration to put the units into service. “We made a few set-point adjustments after the install and that was about it,” said Sykes.

The new air handlers tied into the existing DDC control system with BACnet hardware

and software supplied by Fujitsu, allowing offsite control and monitoring. Kerr Controls installed a 3D traffic interface.

“This was not a cheap alternative,” said Sykes. “But given that the building couldn’t be disturbed and that the exterior had to meet Heritage guidelines, I think it was the very best alternative, especially considering lifecycle costs.”

Rachel Ruhl, based in Manheim, Pennsylvania, is a writer whose work focuses on the plumbing/mechanical and HVAC trades. She can be reached through this magazine.

Models 803-805-807

SHARK ATTACK! Using proven Tri-SliceTM Cutter technology, the fractional HP U ® Grinder Series handles an entire household of flushable Shark S materials.

All cast iron series offers ½ HP, ¾ HP, and 1 HP m models for applications where ejectors struggle. m 100% factory tested.

1

YYOUR PEACE OF MIND IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.® Votre tranquillité d’esprit est notre priorité absolue™ VVo

1-877-710-7867 | www.zoellerpumps.com

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

19

Q Air Conditioning

Stretching theLIMITS Commercial, residential projects adopt VRF technology

By Bruce Nagy

In the same way that compact phones now do more than big computers once did; small HVAC equipment is hitting high efficiency levels. Ductless is one of the fastest growing sectors of the North American mechanical industry.

Retrofits, new construction, detached houses, multi-unit residential, and commercial buildings are all part of the conversation about smaller units. Lennox, Carrier, LG, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Panasonic, Daikin, Fujitsu – many of the industry’s major manufacturers are riding the wave. They’re introducing mini splits and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) units in numerous models that can precisely match load requirements, while saving energy, space and installation time.

Heating and cooling efficiency ratings keep rising and so do sales. Navigant Research, a U.S.based market research firm, predicts compound

“What on earth is that thing?” Why, son, it’s the indoor unit for the heating and cooling system!

20

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Despite two of the most brutal winters ever, our energy bills dropped from about $6000 to about $2000.

This 143-room Chicago hotel recently installed a new LG ductless system.

V

V

annual growth of about 14 percent in North America to 2020. It says the market will be worth $9 billion, making up about one third of energy-efficient HVAC equipment sales.

A weather housing protects this New Brunswick installation from snow buildup.

Better cold climate performance In recent years key weak spots have been addressed. “Ductless products now offer more heating and cooling efficiency and enhanced low temperature capacity,” reported James Honyotski, residential AC sales manager for LG Electronics Canada. “Smart phone connections and quieter operation have improved the end user experience.”

Pressed about cold weather performance, he admits defrost cycle shut-offs were a concern with early models until they finetuned their logic algorithms. “Minus 22 and 80 percent humidity in Moncton was the torture test – and we passed. Our biggest booming market is the chilly Atlantic now and there are no comfort complaints.” Today, there are fewer defrost cycles and they last only a few minutes.

He mentions a building in New Brunswick consisting of a 9,000 square foot medical warehouse (10 ft. ceiling) and 6,500 square feet of offices. An oil-fired boiler system was replaced with two 4.5 ton multi-zone outdoor units and four two-ton air handlers, two two-ton ceiling mounted units, two oneton ceiling cassettes and two one-ton wall mounted units.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

The building’s owner, John Robichaud, said he knew about mini-splits because he had purchased a new 2,000 square foot house and just two units provided the primary heat for the entire home. When his company took over the warehouse, they added more ceiling insulation and replaced the oil boiler with ductless systems (with electric backup in the old ducts). “Despite two of the most brutal winters ever, our energy bills dropped from about $6000 to about $2000,” he reported.

Base pan kits are offered by manufacturers to prevent freezing in colder climates. In the case of the New Brunswick project, special covers were built to keep snow from piling up on top of the outdoor units. “They almost never go into defrost mode,” said Robichaud.

received an ASHRAE technology award in the residential category and was named Project of the Year by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Designed by engineering firm Ecotope, also in Seattle, the Stack House Apartment LEED Platinum project became part of an outcome-based energy code compliance pilot project that required post-occupancy proof of efficiency levels. It has recorded a 50 percent energy reduction and 60 percent water use reduction from ASHRAE baselines for multifamily buildings, reported Jonathan Heller, engineer and Ecotope president.

A quick install

Technology award

Outdoor compressor units on the roof are connected to indoor wall mounted fan coil units with small diameter insulated refrigerant pipes. Mini-splits are a fast install.

One manufacturer describes it as “a threeinch hole and a picture frame holder.”

“Seattle is a little warmer than it once was and people have been moving up from California and other parts of the country

A ductless system in the much more temperate climate of Seattle, Washington recently

Please see ‘Ductless’ on page 23

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

21

Q Air Conditioning

Ductless and reverse cycle chillers Continued from page 21

(Spike Mafford photo)

“Consumers love mini-splits because they feel new, modern, and high-tech,” said Heller.

“They’re quiet and they do both heating and cooling. They can turn them on easily with the remote (or their phones) and they can see when they are working. They save money on energy and they feel like they’re helping with climate change.”

Reverse cycle chillers The Stack House apartment building has won several awards for energy efficiency. and they expect air conditioning. We used Mitsubishi M-series mini-splits for about one third of the units, mostly on the south and west sides of the building,” says Heller.

Offering AC allowed the developer to increase the rent slightly for these units. The premium covered the added cost of the equipment.

“In winter, mini splits reduce the energy load by about a factor of three compared with electric baseboard heating commonly installed in the city. Tempering of ventilation air for the residential corridors in a typical new Seattle apartment with double-loaded corridors consumes as much energy as all of the apartment heating put together,” he added. This is due to relatively large quantities of ventilation air being continuously conditioned by rooftop make-up air units; typically more than double the air required by ASHRAE Standard 62.

The Stack House project targeted this energy and the primary circulation stairs and elevator core are unconditioned and separated from the double-loaded corridors by weatherstripped doors. This created a transition buffer zone between inside and outside for primary circulation, reduced envelope heat loss, and eliminated leaky stair and elevator towers from the heating load. The ventilation in the fully conditioned portion of the corridors is limited to 150 percent of the ASHRAE minimum and the corridors are conditioned with ductless heat pumps.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Not all the savings came from the minisplits. The Stack House mechanical design also stretched the limits of reverse cycle chiller technology for domestic hot water; which might not normally achieve strong performance on the coldest days. To overcome this limitation, the chillers are located in the below grade parking garage.

It remains above 10ºC (50ºF) year round, benefitting from building heat loss, garage lights, plumbing, ground contact and thermal mass. This reduced the energy required to generate hot water by two thirds, compared with electric tanks in each unit, or natural gas. Centralized hot water also saves on unit space and maintenance. With 300 apartment units, typically about 24 hot water heaters are replaced each year, reported Heller.

Ductless showcase The ductless section at this year’s AHR Expo in Orlando was like a circus, with big shiny exhibits, new models, and a continuous stream of technology announcements. It was inevitable that HVAC equipment would become more compact and smarter.

The population of big western cities is growing, dwelling units are shrinking, and energy efficiency is becoming more important. As life becomes increasingly crowded, it’s a small world after all.

Bruce Nagy is a Toronto-based freelance writer that reports on green technologies and solutions. He can be reached at bruce.nagy@rogers.com.

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

23

Q Air Conditioning

New Coleman mini-splits

Light commercial AC

Johnson Controls has introduced seven new Coleman duct-free mini split product lines, offering more indoor options, additional multi-zone products and light commercial applications.

Single and multi-zone systems are available and feature efficiencies up to 30 SEER, Wi-fi, hard wired and central control options and capacities from 3/4 to four tons. Lines include the 30.5 SEER Z Series single zone system, the entry level P Series, the 20 SEER R Series, and the 22-SEER multi-zone W Series.

Coleman www.colemanac.com

The new P8SE three-phase electric/electric packaged cooling system from Nortek Global HVAC (formerly Nordyne) delivers 14 SEER cooling in capacity ranges from three to five tons. Available in Reznor and Mammoth brands, it features aluminum micro-channel coils in the condenser and evaporator, a five-speed ECM blower and TXV-control.

High-pressure switches protect the Copeland compressor. Filter racks with panels for filter change-out are factory installed.

Nortek www.nortekhvac.com

Cover those line sets Franklin Electric Co., Inc. offers its new Little Giant SpeediDuct line set duct and accessories to cover, protect and aesthetically hide refrigeration line sets for mini-split and ducted air conditioner systems. Now available in white or ivory, they are designed to blend in against structures of similar colors or can be painted to match. Multiple sizes of straight duct along with elbows, bends, caps, and joints provide a flexible solution.

Little Giant www.littlegiant.com

MAGIC-PAK® V-SERIES.

INDUSTRY-LEADING RELIABILITY IN THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS High-efficiency V-Series™ units are engineered with advanced dvanced technology and features that deliver dependable performance. rformance.

• Patent-pending Freeze Shield™ technology prevents any blockage of condensate water in the drain trap • Internal thermostat maintains temperatures inside drain hoses at 35-40° F in ambient conditions below 20° F • Front or side condensate drain connection offers installation flexibility on new construction and replacement jobs

See every Magic-Pak advantage at www.magic-pak.com/vseries.

24

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Q Heating

COMBO

wood FURNACES Catering to the rural heating customer

By Simon Blake Many people in rural areas heat with wood, but some form of backup heat is almost always required. As a result, combination wood/oil and wood/gas furnaces make a lot of sense and have become increasingly popular. For the heating contractor, there are a few things to keep in mind when installing these units as compared to a conventional furnace.

Step one for the contractor is always to ask a lot of questions about things like wood supply and how comfortable the homeowner is with keeping the furnace supplied with wood and cleaning ashes, etc.

“It’s not something everyone would be wanting because there’s work involved. But if they enjoy the comfort of the heat and they have the wood, (it’s great),” remarked Brian Walker, technical trainer for Napoleon, Barrie, Ont. The technology has come a long way and

26

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

today’s units are clean and efficient. While it’s a niche market, manufacturers also include Benjamin Heating Products, Springhill, N.S.; Newmac (U.S. Stove), Debert, N.S.; and Granby Industries (Kerr), Granby, Que. Today’s wood gasification units, meaning they have a secondary heat exchanger in which the gases from the burning wood are themselves burned, maximize the use of energy from the wood and minimize or eliminate smoke. They burn 30 to 50 percent less wood than a conventional wood furnace or stove.

That is particularly important for the customer that must buy their wood. The home or building owner needs a secure supply – either they own a wood lot or they have a nearby supplier that can deliver good dry wood at a reasonable price. Some customers just like the idea of heating with wood and

are not that concerned about the cost, added Walker.

Installation considerations There are a number of differences in installing a wood/oil or gas combo furnace compared to a conventional furnace. And depending on whether it’s a wood/oil or wood /gas/propane unit, the configurations and the venting are considerably different.

With a gas unit, it is essentially two separate furnaces with common ductwork and separate combustion venting. With oil, it’s one furnace with common ducting and combustion venting. Napoleon’s unit, for example is basically a high efficiency wood furnace with an oil module added.

One of the biggest things to be aware of in either case – and it’s spelled out in the installation instructions – is the clearance

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Today wood/oil and wood/gas combination furnaces provide clean, comfortable and efficient heat.

from combustibles both for the furnace and the ductwork, noted Walker. Because it will continue to burn during a power failure, the ductwork will get hot. It becomes a gravity furnace with the hot air rising through the ductwork naturally.

This also makes ductwork sizing and layout critical. Both combustion venting and ductwork must go up because, in a power failure, the hot air will be trapped and cause damage to the heat exchanger if there is a dip in the venting or ductwork.

Under-sizing the ductwork is one of the most common faults, reports Bruce Langille, president, Benjamin Heating Products. “Don’t undersize. Make sure you have enough air circulation through the blower to cool the air you are drawing through.” Contractors tend to run into problems in a small house without adequate room for the plenum and ducting or

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

in a retrofit where they need to use existing ductwork, he added.

Combustion venting must be Class A designed for wood-burning appliances. If combined with oil heat, the oil side of the furnace can use the same venting. If combined with gas or propane, the Class A chimney is used for wood burning but the gas/propane side of the unit can be sidewall vented.

Sizing for two fuels While we know the Btu/h output for oil and gas, there are a number of variables on the wood side. Generally, the wood will have the higher Btu output, said Walker. “It depends on how they burn it. It depends on the cycle of the burn.”

However, step one with sizing is the same as with any other heating appliance and that is to determine the heat loss of the building.

Every house is different and each unit has to be sized according to the needs of the homeowner. Will wood be their primary source of heat, or do they expect to use oil or gas much of the time?

The size of the firebox has a direct relationship to burn time and the quality of the wood will also have a significant impact. These units are designed to burn continuously, unlike a traditional wood stove where the homeowner would throw a few logs in every couple of hours. When the door is opened the heat in the firebox is lost, along with the efficiency, and it will take 15 to 20 minutes before the heat builds up enough for the secondary burn to occur.

“If you’re burning a good hardwood, you can load it up and get 12 to 14 hours of burn Please see ‘Educating’ on page 29

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

27

Q Heating

Educating the homeowner Continued from page 27

time, but if you burn softwood or have the smaller firebox, you are going to have shorter burn times,” noted Walker.

Wood should have less than 20 percent moisture content to burn well. Wet wood will not get hot enough to get the secondary gas burn, said Walker. “All the heat is used up boiling the moisture out of the wood.” The homeowner can check this with a moisture meter.

The contractor has to be careful not to undersize the unit because it just won’t heat the home during the colder days. Oversizing makes the furnace less efficient, but the occupants will stay warm. And while the wood burning side of the furnace will eventually produce more Btu’s than the gas or oil side, it takes considerably longer to bring the house up to temperature. Wood makes its maximum heat in the secondary or gasification stage. “With gas or oil, the furnace is producing its maximum temperature within 15 minutes while wood takes longer,” noted Walker.

Maintenance The gas or oil furnace should be serviced once a year by a professional HVAC tech like any modern furnace. “With wood, you want to do an annual maintenance on it as well just to ensure that everything is set properly,” said Walker. Some homeowners prefer to do that themselves, “but a lot of insurance companies want a qualified person to do it,” he added.

On the wood side, the technician would clean out the heat exchanger, clean the venting from the furnace to the chimney and the chimney itself.

It’s important for the contractor to talk to the homeowner and make sure they know what they need to do. And, above all, leave the manual with them, noted Langille.

Regular maintenance for the homeowner is primarily a matter of brushing the ashes in the ashpan and emptying it on a regular basis. If it’s burning all the time, it should be done every three days or so.

That can be a chore, but many rural homeowners thrive on it, laughs Walker. “You get heated up cutting the wood. You get heated up stacking the wood, you get heated up burning the wood and you get heated up taking the ash out. There’s four types of heat with wood!”

Controls The gas or oil furnace is located upstream of the wood furnace. The wood is the last line of heat and there are individual thermostats. If the wood is the primary furnace and gas is backup, the customer might have the wood thermostat set at 21C (72F) and the gas unit set at a couple of degrees cooler. If they are gone for the day and the wood heat starts cooling down, the gas or oil will automatically kick in.

Burn time also depends on outside temperature. As it gets colder, the thermostatic control will introduce more air into the heat exchanger, making it burn hotter for longer.

Coaching the customer Because creating comfortable and efficient heat with a wood burning appliance is largely down to having dry wood and using it properly, it’s up to the contractor to educate their customer.

“Most people are not educated. They burn wood. They say ‘its sat out all summer’ and now they’re ready to burn it. But it can still be 30 to 35 percent moisture content,” said Walker.

“That customer will say ‘I’ve been burning wood for 30 years; don’t tell me how to burn wood’, but it’s not the same animal (with a high efficiency wood furnace).”

“These do take some practical experience. They do take explanation on how to operate them.”

“I grew up with wood on a farm as a kid. We’d go in and we’d throw in a big log to make it through the night. With these (high efficiency wood furnaces), you throw in four and six-inch logs and you load it up full. When you open that door, you want to fill it up, so you don’t open it again for six, eight-plus hours, depending on the heat loss of the house. It will burn longer, stay hot and stay efficient.”

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

29

THE BEST FOR 10 YEARS.

NOW EVEN BETTER.

REMOTE CONNECT

KNIGHT庐 BOILERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE WITH CON路X路US庐 FOR WIRELESS BOILER CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE.

Learn more at Lochinvar.com

Fo or KNIGHT boile er trraini n ng & more, vissitt Lochin nvarU.ccom

|

300 Maddox Simpson Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37090

|

615 -889 - 8900

Q Heating

Packaged geothermal units

Low temperature tube heater

Streamlined thermostat

Enertech has announced seven new models of the GeoComfort, Hydron Module, and TETCO Compact Vertical Packaged geothermal units. Available in a variety of residential and commercial voltages, single stage models have a standard PSC blower motor and optional ECM, while two-stage models have a standard ECM blower motor. A hinged control box tilts up and out of the way for access to internal components. The inner front panel allows for refrigerant and electrical service work while the unit is operational.

Enertech ‹ www.enertechgeo.com

The new Series 750 low temperature tube heater from Superior Radiant is designed and CSA approved to meet requirements for CNG/ LNG-fueled vehicle maintenance facilities in accordance with NFPA 30A 7.6.6. It maintains tube temperatures of less than 750°F (399°C) while providing even heat distribution. It is available with Model LA single�stage or Model LTX two�stage burners with a specialty tube pack system. Burner rates up to 100,000 MBTU are available.

Superior Radiant ‹ www.superiorradiant.com

The new White-Rodgers 80 Series thermostats are designed to help contractors navigate an increasingly complex set of thermostat options.

Standard features include easy installation and set-up featuring a built-in level indicator, pluggable terminals and a streamlined set-up menu, a large backlit display, options like keypad lockout and temperature limits and other professional grade features on all models.

White-Rodgers ‹ www.EmersonClimate.com

The Original – Still the quietest and the most efďŹ cient Jet Towel high speed hand dryer, invented by Mitsubishi Electric in 1993, is the obvious choice for business owners, property managers and end-users. The latest 8th generation features industry-lowest operating sound at 58 dB(A), lowered power consumption at 570W, and fast hand-drying time of 9 - 11 seconds. Available No waste paper

in standard and mini-type, Jet Towel exhibits WKH TXLHWQHVV TXDOLW\ DQG HĎ„FLHQFLHV WKDW \RX would only expect from Mitsubishi Electric.

Low operating cost

For more information, visit www.JetTowel.ca Easy maintenance

User friendly

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

31

Viega system solutions

The right choice for commercial properties

“Our standard is Viega ProPress®. It’s turned out to be one of the best plumbing innovations I have had the pleasure to work with.”

The Smart Connect® feature provides installers added confidence in their ability to ensure the integrity of connections

Fred Morissette Southland Industries

Cylindrical pipe guides ensure proper alignment Press fittings are available in multiple materials, configurations and sizes

Finish your next repair or installation faster with Viega ProPress systems.

With system-matched tools and jaws, no calibration is required and connections are made in less than seven seconds, making them ideal for large commercial or residential properties such as hotels, apartments and condos. Viega ProPress is the original copper press joining solution and is also available in stainless.

• Fast installation and repairs in occupied facilities with minimal shutdown time • Confident connections with the patented Viega Smart Connect feature • No soldering means connections are made without burn permits or fire watches For more information, call 800-976-9819 or visit www.viega.us T H E

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

Visit us at CMPX Booth# 845/944 J O I N I N G

S Y S T E M S

Q Heating

INSTALLING

condensing

OIL FURNACES

New technologies require updated training

By Bob Bettles and Brian Guttormson

We do not get much feedback in today’s fast moving product development world about changes or slight adjustments to gas heating or cooling equipment. However, when a change to an oil product occurs the service and installing technicians tend to sit up and make noise about their dislikes. Older techs do not enjoy change in comparison to the younger group now entering service. Installation techs seem to embrace change easier and adapt to it.

But the number of new oil heat technicians is getting smaller each year, so service falls back to the more experienced mechanics.

A simple, reliable product As we remember (some of us older dudes), www.plumbingandhvac.ca

the earlier furnaces were simple – a barrel shaped steel heat exchanger with 90ºF-plus temperature rise and high stack temperatures.

The filter section in front of it had a one-inch low velocity see-through glass cell media.

There was a squirrel caged blower section with a belt driven motor, a fixed blower pulley and a minimal adjustable motor pulley.

Safety controls consisted of a basic temperature activated fan and limit control switch to bring it all on, based on the rising and falling temperatures. Early flame safety was a simple helix driven bi-metal stack switch to prove burner operation. Earlier products were not air conditioning ready; therefore an added field installed combination relay/fan centre was

This condensing lowboy furnace includes a mechanical air cleaner. Note the spacing of the cooling coil above the heat exchanger.

(All photos courtesy of Bray’s Fuels, Bradford, Ont.)

installed by the AC tech. Simple, right?

However, many annual inspections found the high limit safety switches bypassed by the AC installer!

Major improvements Over the years, the oil furnace lines have improved immensely. Heat exchanger designs have improved with better heat rejection Please see ‘Better’ on page 35 March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

33

More Hyper-Heat options, more satisďŹ ed customers.

*

s MODELS AVAILABLE

Say hello to the new Zuba from Mitsubishi Electric. The ďŹ rst name in home heating

s n "45 H

now offers more exibility than ever before. Whether your project requires ducted

s #ENTRAL &ORCED !IR SYSTEM

or ductless, single-unit or multi-zone solutions, our enhanced Zuba line-up

s 5P TO DUCTED DUCTLESS INDOOR UNITS

delivers powerful heating in sub-zero temperatures using energy-efďŹ cient heat pump

s #OMPATIBLE WITH THE LATEST SMART THERMOSTATS

technology. The legendary quietness and quality you expect from Mitsubishi Electric, now with the range of Hyper-Heat solutions you need – that’s the new Zuba.

*Models MXZ-2C20/3C24/3C30NAHZ heat down to -25°C, including tolerance in which typical units can operate in heating mode down to -27°C, depending on conditions.

ZubaHome.ca

Q Heating

Better oil heating technology

1 Continued from page 33

and lower more efficient temperature rises.

Limit safety systems have been improved. Air filters and racks are now designed to make air cleaning more efficient. The introduction of PSC direct drive blower motors eliminated the high maintenance of the belt driven designs. Ongoing improvement of solidstate electronic boards has, in some cases, simplified life for the service tech. Most of the solid-state controls are similar to the gas designs with familiar terminals and sequence operations.

The challenge is to get some of the senior curmudgeons into a classroom to learn

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

2

1. A Tigerloop de-aerator removes air bubbles in the fuel in this condensing lowboy installation.

2. Condensing oil furnaces are vented with ULC-636 vent pipe, just like condensing gas furnaces.

about the new products; they will be left in the proverbial dust by techs that complete constant updates.

Condensing technology arrives Today’s oil furnace lines took a huge step forward with the arrival of condensing technology, but not without issues along the way. High sulphur levels in fuel meant that the condensate from a condensing oil furnace was

highly corrosive. Heat exchangers have to be of a much more corrosion resistant material to prevent early failure.

Condensing equipment also requires new vent procedures. Gone are the heavy stainless or brick masonry chimneys. Today’s condensing products are approved for use with ULC S-636 PVC-40 vent materials Please see ‘Different’ on page 36

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

35

SECURITY CHIMNEYS

SECURE SEAL SINGLE, DOUBLE WALL AND DOUBLE WALL INSULATED STRINGENT STANDARDS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE A perfect fit every time. Viton® pressure gasket ensures a leak free system.

INSTALLER FRIENDLY Secure Latch system allows for a fast and tool-free installation.

AVAILABLE UP TO 36” DIAMETER

Q Heating

Different venting requirements Continued from page 35

similar to those used by gas furnaces. These units may be vertically vented through masonry chimney, as a single pipe through a sidewall or thorough a concentric termination.

Clearances to building openings and other vents are similar to the gas fired products.

The B139 oil heating code has the complete listings in section 5.3.2.2.

As the name indicates, the flue products of these products have their latent temperatures reduced below the dew point. This liquid must be directed through a neutralizer prior to disposing into a drain. The neutralizer media must be replaced every year.

When comparing the burn sequence of a natural gas furnace to the high efficient oil burning furnaces, the oil contains only half of the hydrogen that natural gas has. The addition The concentric vent terminal is similar to of a secondary heat exchanger made of heavy gas versions, only gauge stainless steel boosts the longevity. slightly larger.

Further, a lower inner core temperature results in improved efficiency. However, this can result in an even higher level of acidity due to the dew point being lower. Perfection Ongoing would dictate if we could get the beginning of the unit’s improvement of solid-state cycle to produce all of the heat, combined with cleaner fuel, electronic boards has, in and if we could condense less and have less spent by-products some cases, simplified life with less corrosion present, the for the service tech. furnace would last longer.

Commissioning

For more information scan QR Code, follow us on social media or visit securitychimneys.com

Member of

M&G Group

securitychimneys.com 800-361-4909 US 800-667-3387 Canada Security Chimneys © 2016

Commissioning a condensing oil furnace starts with a review of the installation manual. Set-up procedures will vary. As with any product, confirm correct nozzle sizing and recommended pump pressures. Oil pump pressures may vary from 100 PSIG to 150 PSIG depending on the firing rate desired and the burner manufacturer’s procedures.

Confirm the correct nozzle based on Btu input and install it in the burner drawer assembly. Check and adjust electrode settings according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Each manual will contain suggested air and smoke adjustments to initially fire the burner. A starting point is to set the smoke to a no.1 value. Further air adjustments must be monitored with your electronic flue gas analyzer to achieve a zero smoke value. Remember, the zero smoke level must be adjusted down from the no.1 level; failure to do this may result in a sharp level Please see ‘Doing’ on page 39

36

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

MITS AIR

TM

PROUDLY DISTRIBUTING QUALITY HVAC PRODUCTS FOR OVER 29 YEARS Mits Airconditioning Inc has excelled as a high end, full service distributor of HVAC and Hydronic products for Residential & Commercial applications, offering free design for projects.

Ductless Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

Multiple Split Type Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

Small-Duct Central Heating & Air Conditioning

Side Discharge Condensers for Central Air

Tankless Water Heaters & Boilers

Tankless Water Heaters

Gas Fired Combi Boilers & Water Heaters

Low Ambient Central Air Cooling and Heating

Wall Mounted Condensing Boiler

Chillers, Heat Pumps and Fan Coils

Q Heating

Doing it by the book Continued from page 35

beyond the zero setting.

Check your temperature rise and compare the results with the rating plate or installation instructions. The installation manual will have a section to record the details of your testing and adjustments. Fill in all of the blanks on the form, as your favourite TSSA inspector (in Ontario) will ask for it during their in-house audits.

Double filters With the lower input higher pressure nozzles used in these appliances, it is necessary to double filter the oil with a conventional filter cartridge at the tank as well as a 10-micron assembly mounted at the burner.

Reports from the field tell us that these units, when commissioned “by the book,” will

require only oil nozzle and filter changes for the annual maintenance procedures. Units in their third season with low-sulphur oil may require an internal dusting but nothing major, while still holding the efficiency levels of commissioning.

In every unit, you will find an installation manual usually in the 35 to 40 range of pages.

This document is also available on-line from every manufacturer’s website; take the time to

download and read these manuals before the install day!

On several occasions, we have found the “goody bag” still in the return compartment unopened! The comment from the installer is typically: “I don’t need that; I’ve done this for ** years”.

A thought; “Why is there never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it again?”

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.

DOMESTIC HOT WATER

SCALDING WATER PREVENTION

HIGH EXHAUST TEMP CUTOFF

GAS LEAK DETECTION

HOME HEATING

SELF REGULATING FLOW CONTROL

® www.noritz.coM/COMBI

38

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

COMBI BOILER

INTEGRATED GRUNDFOS® PUMP

BUILT-IN OUTDOOR RESET CONTROL

up to 9.2 gpm up to 199k btuh DHW up to 120k btuh heating

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Q Heating

The interior folds out to reveal the company’s products and a classroom.

‘LAB-ON-WHEELS’ TOUR ANNOUNCED U.S. HVAC manufacturer Modine is celebrating 100 years in business with a training tour across North America. The company spent a year developing a massive, 53-foot long “learning-lab-on-wheels” that made its debut at this year’s AHR Expo, held in Orlando Florida Jan. 25-27. After the show, the rig began its 10,000-mile cross-country tour, which includes stops in Toronto Aug. 8-10 and Montreal Aug. 22-24.

The Innovation Tour is designed to give contractors, engineers and others the opportunity to participate in training on Modine equipment.

“After its premier at AHR Expo, the rig moved out on its 2016 North American tour of 46-cities,” said Ray Schaffart, marketing and sales support manager. “The Innovation Tour is designed to showcase Modine’s complete line of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, solutions we’ve been hard at work on for 100 years.”

The company has made considerable effort to diversify its product range.

“As the company celebrates its 100th anniversary, it’s a perfect time to promote our broader technology,” added Schaffart.

“We’re well recognized when it comes to unit heaters, but it’s time for new outreach among prospective buyers and specifiers. We want to be top-of-mind for our engineered solutions as well.”

The trailer unfolds in “Transformer” style into three stages and a slide-out classroom.

It includes an Atherion packaged rooftop ventilation system, an operating school HVAC unit, an interactive controls system module, the newly AHRI-certified geothermal systems and the company’s Effinty and Hot Dawg unit heaters.

The Modine training rig will make two stops in Canada.

For more information or to register, please visit www.modineinnovationtour.com.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

39

Q Hot Water Heating

MODERN

boiler CONTROLS Making the right choices

By Roy Collver Last month I said that with many boilers today, you often can’t pick and choose control options – you get what you get. You need to be able to quickly assess all the various functions in order to choose the right boiler with the right control. Here are some tips on how to go about it: Keep in mind that it is your system, first and foremost. Either you’ve designed the system yourself, or paid someone else to do it based on your customer’s needs, wants and budget constraints. So don’t let the boiler control push you around. If it won’t do the job, you have three choices: a) Choose another boiler with a control that will do the job, b) Add supplementary controls to make up for the boiler controls shortcomings, or c) (always my last choice) – you may have to go back to the drawing board and redesign parts of your system.

get it right, and the other steps are easy: Q Does your system have heating loads? If yes, you will want outdoor reset.

Q Do you have a DHW load? Then you need to decide if you want DHW priority or not.

Q Does the boiler require a primary pump?

If so, the control should have a boiler pump output.

Q How many loads do you have? The answer will determine requirements for secondary pump outputs and inputs.

Q Do you need multiple water temperatures?

Then you have to see if the control can deal with that.

You get the idea. System functions are about providing the right amount of heat to where it is needed, when it is needed there. Make a list – check it twice. Rank the importance of each function, because you may often have to go back and re-think your control strategy.

Choosing the right functions

Elimination diet

Based on your system design requirements, what system control functions do you need?

This is the most important step in the process –

A picture is worth a thousand words – try my elimination diet. My favourite trick is to use the boiler company’s own diagrams

to clearly see what functions are available.

Many manufacturers now provide a pictorial diagram showing the various control inputs and outputs. It is a type of drawing I helped develop in this industry twenty years ago and it’s gratifying to see them being adopted by more companies. You can also take an electrical schematic and mark it up to highlight the inputs and outputs, or do your own sketch. This gives you a clear visual representation of what you have to work with. You will still have to follow up with a tour through the boiler manuals to confirm that the control has the functionality you need. Important point – remember this!

Just because a control has a particular pump output, for example, don’t automatically assume the control will operate when and how you want it to.

Know your control

40

Plumbing & HVAC – January/February 2016

Step 1

– Get to really know your control! (See Step 1 drawing) Create your control “map” and do a tour of

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Rank the importance of each function, because you may often have to go back and re-think your control strategy.

can’t operate three pumps, then you may be finished looking at that boiler. Or not.

I encourage designers to pick a “stable” of favourite brands to work with. Choices can be based on many criteria: Price, how good the supplier is to deal with, how expensive they are, quality, durability, reliability – all that. If your favourite brand and model won’t work, there are often many things you can do to make it work – call the Rep. and talk about it.

Focus on design functions

Step 2

– Ignore the “housekeeping” components! (See Step 2 drawing) Look at each input or output and cross out the things that are there to allow the boiler to do the job of safely burning fuel and getting rid of the products of combustion. You can’t mess with this critical stuff, but you can ignore them as they are not really pertinent to the job of controlling system design functions.

Boiler controls have come a long way in recent years.

the control inputs and outputs. Learn what things are possible with the control. Does it have an outdoor sensor? Then it likely has outdoor reset functions (but going forward you still need to confirm this in the manuals #1 System Circulator

#2 System Circulator

DHW Circulator

and technical data sheets). Does it have more than just one pump? Identify the pumps it controls and what the control “thinks” the pumps are for. Really take your time on this step. If you need three pumps, but the control

Boiler Circulator

DHW Aquastat

Combustion Fan

#1 System Circulator

#2 System Circulator

Please see ‘Design’ on page 43 Boiler Circulator

DHW Circulator

DHW Aquastat

Ignition GAS VALVE

T

T

DHW Temperature Sensor

DHW Temperature Sensor

Room #1 Tstat

Room #1 Tstat

Room #2 Tstat

Room #2 Tstat

Disconnect black white

Simplify for Clarity

LWCO

Boiler Control Inputs / Outputs

T

Which ones matter to your system design?

Water High Limit Switch

T

Vent High Limit Switch

VP Vessel High Limit Switch

Water Pressure Sensor

Return Water Temp.

Sensor

T

T

Flue Vent Temperature Sensor

T

Outdoor Air Temperature Sensor

T

Return Water Temp.

Sensor

Supply Water Temperature Sensor

VP Water Flow Proving Switch

Blocked Vent Switch

Step 1: Map out the various control functions.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Select the control functions required in Your specific system design

Supply Water Temperature Sensor

VP Fan Air Pressure Sensor

Water High Limit Switch

Water Pressure Sensor

Water Flow Proving Switch

T

Outdoor Air Temperature Sensor

Step 2: Focus on the functions that have an impact on system design.

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

41

Buderus GC144 Floor Standing Gas Boiler AFUE 85%

Bosch Greenstar Combi or Heat-only Boilers. Wall Mounted or Floor Standing AFUE 95%

Bosch Greentherm Tankless Water Heater .95 Energy Factor

#1 System Circulator

#2 System Circulator

Boiler Circulator

DHW Circulator

DHW Aquastat

Q Hot Water Heating

T

DHW Temperature Sensor

Room #1 Tstat

Design versus critical functions Continued from page 41

You may think some things can be eliminated, but before you ignore the high limit, for instance, you had better check the technical data to see what its maximum setting is – it could be lower than what your system might need at design.

It gets even trickier when there is a software triggered high limit in addition to a mechanical fixed high limit – back to the tech data sheets and manuals again.

You can see in the Step 2 drawing that I have left a number of switches and sensors that may create trouble if you don’t check them thoroughly. Water pressure sensor?

When does it kick in? Water flow proving switch? How much flow do you need? Supply and return water temperature sensors? Does the control have electronic limit functions like high limit and Delta-T protection that may get in your way? Outdoor air temperature sensor?

Is there a warm weather shutdown function that may cause trouble? DHW aquastat AND DHW sensor? Which one do we want to use?

Room #2 Tstat

Simplify for Clarity

Step 3: Decide which functions are necessary for the particular installation.

Select the control functions applicable to the system design

Water High Limit Switch

T T

Return Water Temp.

Sensor

Supply Water Temperature Sensor

VP

T

Water Flow Proving Switch

Water Pressure Sensor

Outdoor Air Temperature Sensor

The Total Rough-In Plumbing Solution We understand the challenges you face and have designed a complete plumbing system that delivers the quality, performance and durability that your customer’s demand, while giving you a fast, easy way to install or complete repairs.

PEX Pipe

Ball Valve

Push-to-Connect Fittings

Stops & Supply Fittings

Cut to the chase

Step 3 – Cut to the chase – Yea, Nay, or Maybe? (See Step 3 drawing) Cross off the things you really don’t need and make sure what is left will do the job. Here we use a simple system example that requires a boiler primary loop pump, a heating loop pump and an indirect DHW pump. Heating is controlled by a single-room thermostat and, for the DHW indirect, we will use a sensor in the tank. Simple right? Not so fast – you should know me better than that.

You now have to really get into that 20-page control section in the manual and look at the manufacturer’s piping and wiring schematics as well.

I was surprised to find out a while ago that many boiler manufacturers today have Please see ‘Focus’ on page 45 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Thermostatic Mixing Valves

Outlet Boxes

Pressure Regulating Valve

Flex Hoses with Integrated Ball Valve Temperature & Pressure Relief Valves

Check Valves

Manufactured and Distributed by Reliance Worldwide Corporation

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

43

Advantus™ Series

Dynaforce® Series

DynaFlame® Series

FORWARD THINKING Camus® Hydronics is taking a leading role in the development of environmentally friendly products through innovative engineering as we incorporate the very latest technologies designed to create higher efficiency levels while lowering emissions. Our high efficiency units either meet or surpass the standards of both the Canadian and US Green Building Councils. Camus® is continually setting new benchmarks of excellence through skillfully engineered and solidly constructed high-efficiency products designed to provide years of reliable service.

The Camus® Certified seal assures you that quality, efficiency, serviceability and reliability are built into every single unit. Representation of our products is coast to coast as well as internationally through a growing list of knowledgeable and professional distributors.

Manufacturing Two-Pass counter flow Fire Tube Commercial Boilers and Gas Fired Commercial/Industrial Copper Tube and Stainless Steel Boilers for Hydronic Heating and Hot Water Supply.

WWW.CAMUS-HYDRONICS.COM

Proudly Canadian

Q Hot Water Heating

Focus on the application

Fig. 4

This chart will help you through the decision-making process.

Continued from page 43

List Your Heating System Design Requirements: - Total Input (min./max) - Water Temps. (min./max) - Flow (min./max) - Discreet Loads = number, type, temps., flows - Budget, noise, install restrictions, etc.

Pick your favourite boiler brand and model

Yes

Compare your system design to the Boiler’s control functionality

No

Pick a different model or brand Write it up: - Sequence of operation - Compiled wiring diagrams - Confirm compatibility of auxiliary components with the control’s inputs & outputs - Document required control settings

Do they have your size?

No

Are you willing to modify the system design or add other controls to suit the boiler?

No Yes

On Budget?

Boiler conforms to installation limits?

No

Incorporate Supplemental control(s)

Can the control do what you want?

Yes

Yes Modify the system design to suit boiler control capabilities

Decision Flow Chart for Boiler / Control Selection I was surprised to find out a while ago that many boiler manufacturers today have decided that you MUST have DHW priority with their boilers – no other option.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

decided that you MUST have DHW priority with their boilers – no other option. I had one Rep. ask me “why would you want to run DHW and heat at the same time? That’s dumb!”

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t respond well to being called dumb by a boiler Rep. I proceeded to give him numerous examples where simultaneous operation of the heating and DHW would be desired or required. At about example number six, his eyes glazed over and he told me he would check it out – never heard from him again.

There are many ways I could have used his boiler and finagled a way to make it work – but the “dumb” thing? I recommended a

different brand with a control that would do the job.

Last but not least – to make life easier I have built a nifty little decision chart (Fig. 4) to help you decide when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em when it comes to using a particular boiler and control with your systems – happy hunting.

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

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

45

Hydronic water treatment filling units Water is the “life-blood” of hydronic systems. Just as we strive to maintain the health of our own circulatory systems, it’s important to maintain the “health” of water and water based solutions that circulate through the hydronic systems we construct and maintain.

HYDROFILL™ portable water treatment filling units remove “hard water" scale producing minerals, such as calcium and magnesium from job-site water. Salts and other soluble minerals are eliminated to prevent premature equipment malfunction including reduced efficiency or component failure due to scale formation.

HYDROFILL™ is a convenient tool for installers to use job-site water to produce ideal grade demineralized water at an economical cost per gallon.

Components for today's modern hydronic systems

Heating & Cooling www.caleffi.com - Milwaukee, WI USA

Q Hot Water Heating

Snowmelt smart control Expanded tankless lineup Rinnai has expanded its Ultra Series condensing tankless water heater line with the new RUCS/ RUS75 and RUCS/RUS65 models. These offer condensing efficiency and a lower price point for installations that don’t require high BTUs, such as smaller single family homes and multifamily residential projects. They are available in 130,000 and 160,000 Btu/h sizes with concentric or dual pipe venting, a status monitor control and an energy factor of up to .93.

Rinnai www.rinnai.us

Rehau introduced an advanced weather-sensing module for use with the company’s hydronic snow and ice melting systems at the AHR Expo, held in Orlando, Florida Jan. 25-27.

The Rehau Smart Controls snow and ice-melting module allows the system the unique ability to “listen” to the weather forecast via web-enabled access to Environment Canada. Using the weather data and temperature sensors installed within the melting area, the control chooses an automatic idle temperature setting to warm the slab, readying the system to melt at the first sign of snow or ice. To save energy, the control turns the system off once the surface is dry.

The control module’s web-enabled feature also allows the system to be controlled remotely from any internet-accessible device. It is flexible, scalable and programmed to meet a range of requirements including unlimited snow melting zones and priority scheduling to clear crucial areas such as walkways and entrances first. It can be used independently or integrated with a Rehau Smart Controls indoor comfort control system.

REHAU www.na.rehau.com/sim

Add speed to your jobs with our PEX and Expansion PEX valves!

EXPANSION

3(;

Alexandre Tagliani NASCAR racer

DISCOVER THE

PEX ADVANTAGE

3(;

PEX and Expansion PEX valves: No need to weld inside walls Eliminate the risk of water damage 3 to 4x faster to install Also available, NPT or sweat valves

SINCE

1995 riobelpro.ca

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

137

Visit us at the CMPX show in Toronto, booth 314-316 and meet Alexandre Tagliani, NASCAR racer, on March 16, between 9 am and 4 pm.

Try to beat his time at the pit stop challenge!

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

47

Bradford White’s Combi1™ and Combi2™ Series

Combi™ Series models are well-suited for supplemental

models are available in both atmospheric and power

heating applications as well as installations that utilize

vented configurations and are perfect for combined

fan coils, space heaters, and radiant panels.

space heating and domestic hot water applications.

Combi™ models also feature the Hydrojet® Total

The Combi1™ features a single-wall heat exchange

Performance System, Vitraglas® tank lining and heat

coil while the Combi2™ features a double-wall

exchange coil coating, the ICON System™ intelligent

heat exchange coil. Both are Vitraglas® coated for

gas control, and offer up to a 10 GPM flow rate with

corrosion resistance and long life.

less than 5 ft. of head loss.

Contact your Bradford White Representative for more details

Built to be the Best

™

©2016, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

www.bradfordwhite.com

Q Pipes, Valves & Fittings Digital sump pump switch The moving parts in a sump pump level switch can get gummed or seized up, resulting in a flood. The Ion digital level control switch from Metropolitan Industries addresses that problem with solid state sensing technology with no moving parts to wear or fail. It is also available as the Ion+ with a high water alarm. It is rated for use in both sump and sewage pump applications and can be used with Ion pumps or those of most other manufacturers.

Metropolitan Industries www.ionproducts.net

Explosion proof pumps New X-Series Explosion-Proof Pumps from Liberty Pumps are designed for use in hazardous locations. The heavy cast iron XFL and XLE-Series sewage and effluent pumps, available in ½ and ¾ hp, are certified to Class 1, Division 1, Groups C & D and Class 1, Zone 1, Groups IIA and IIB. Both series feature a dual-sized discharge, two-vane semi-open cast iron impeller (bronze optional), epoxy powder coat finish, dual silicon carbide shaft seals with seal fail sensor and stainless steel fasteners.

Liberty pumps www.libertypumps.com

Anti-scale system The Watts OneFlow anti-scale system replaces a traditional water softener, but uses no salt, generates no waste water, requires no backwashing, regeneration or electricity. It uses a water treatment technology known as TAC (templateassisted crystallization). When water comes into contact with the OneFlow media, calcium and magnesium minerals in the water collect and combine, forming microscopic crystals. These inert crystals break away as they grow and remain suspended in the water and move harmlessly through the plumbing.

The OneFlow is available in 8, 12 and 16-gallon-per-minute models.

Watts www.watts.com.

Two flow paths These ProPress double drop elbow fittings from Viega maintain water quality by reducing stagnation. The elbows are designed to keep fresh water close to each fixture.

They are flow-through style fittings, designed with threaded fixture connections and integrated mounting brackets, to be used in series or ring installations for hot or cold water systems.

They are available in ½ and 3/4-inch sizes.

Viega www.viega.us

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

49

John Wood Powered

by Takagi 540H

Tankless water heaters from the brand I trust.

At John Wood we support all our products the same way, with expert knowledge and training, great customer service, and in-stock inventory you can count on. You can expect all those great qualities from our tankless water heaters too. In addition to being ENERGY STARÂŽ qualified, our tankless models are easy to install and easy to service.

Visit us at the CMPX Show March 16th - 18th at booth #2023!

To find out more visit www.johnwoodwaterheaters.com With Contractor Rewards, you earn points from John Wood water heating products you install.

Points you can use towards a new set of golf clubs, a big screen TV, tools and more. It doesn’t cost anything to join; it just pays off. Enroll easily at www.ContractorRewards.com.

Q Plumbing

UNWRITTEN

RULES Bathroom etiquette and urinal installation

By Mark P. Evans

The unwritten rules of bathroom etiquette have greatly influenced our culture and have elevated us to a level of restroom refinement admired across the globe. Unlike many developing countries, we live in a society where indoor plumbing and flush toilets are mandatory for all residential, commercial and industrial buildings. It is in these places that we develop the subtle yet significant mannerisms that make us the world leader in lavatory elegance.

I assumed it was common knowledge that a gentleman lowers the toilet seat after use in a co-ed environment and that bathroom fans make for good roommates but, like common sense, maybe common knowledge isn’t so common. Maybe it’s time for someone to write these unwritten rules down because we all know what happens when one assumes … don’t we?

The list is long but it seems logical to start with number one, or more specifically, the use of urinals to go number one.

Men’s restrooms The men’s restroom has changed greatly over the years and so the rules of etiquette have changed also. Back in the days when the men would crowd along the trough urinal between hockey periods, personal peeing space was unheard of. We just wedged ourselves into any available slot and did our business before the next period started and that was it.

Nowadays we don’t install troughstyle urinals and modern men must make culturally acceptable choices in their urinal selection. For instance, when a man enters an un-occupied bathroom with a bank of three urinals, it is considered improper for him to use the middle one. It is advisable to leave at

least a one-stall buffer between yourself and the next available fixture.

I tested this theory at a function recently and was called on it by my good friend Adam up in Bancroft, Ontario. Close friends know you well enough to publicly correct you but strangers may not speak up and your un-couth actions may go unchecked.

Embarrassing indeed.

Plumbing considerations Many public washrooms use dividing walls between urinals, which negates the need for a culturally motivated choice by the user, but forces the rough-in plumber to make a more

Above: Considerable thought needs to go into the installation of urinals in public restrooms.

Please see ‘Understand’ on page 53

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

51

POTENTIAL AIR LEAK

WORK FASTER. ACT FASTER. WORK SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY with the new FLIR® CM174 clamp meter with built-in thermal imaging camera. Featuring Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM) technology, the CM174 visually points you to the precise location of duct leaks, inefficiencies and potential electrical issues. You’ll find problems faster, get more done, and boost your credibility.

To see IGM in action go to www.flir.ca/CM174

®

Q Plumbing

Understand the layout Continued from page 51

informed choice as to the clean-out location.

When I rough in a bank of urinals, I make sure to understand the layout of the room to allow for future installation of dividing walls so they don’t end up blocking access to the clean-out. I service a lot of urinals and can’t stress enough how important it is to keep those drain lines clear.

It’s not so much the cigarette butts blocking the line anymore, but dissolved minerals in the urine that lose suspension and collect in the waste pipe immediately downstream of the outlet. The effect is a mass of crystallized matter that blocks and corrodes the pipe and quickly rots right through the piping material just inside the wall. I am curious to learn the long-term effects of the new waterless style urinals.

running. Well, we all laughed about it later, but for those few brief seconds all of our hearts skipped a beat and we realized just how important bathroom etiquette really is.

Next time I will make sure to practice another very important rule‌ always lock the door.

Happy World Plumbing Day!

Mark P. Evans is a contractor, master plumber and heating technician based in Waterloo, Ont. He can be reached at mark.evans@live.ca

Who says you can’t Zone Forced Air? Solve the problems of rooms that are Too HOT and Too COLD

Professional challenges Outside of the installation and service of the women’s bathroom, I have little first-hand knowledge of the acceptable modus operandi there in. I do know that it is important which way the toilet paper hangs and that feminine hygiene products should never be flushed, but not much else. There is one bathroom policy that could be considered universally known though – “Knock before entering�.

I was conducting a back-flow test at a commercial building recently when a very embarrassed female tenant broke this fundamental rule.

The device I was testing was located in the tiny employee bathroom and I was using the only available seat while completing the test reports. The room had been renovated since my last visit so I closed the door to limit the spread of drywall dust when I cut out a section of the wall for access to the device.

Suddenly my privacy was violated when she flung the door open then shrieked at the sight of me sitting on the throne. Everyone in the place heard the commotion and came

ZÄžĆ?Ĺ?ĚĞŜƚĹ?Ä‚ĹŻ EÄžÇ Ĺ˝ĹśĆ?ĆšĆŒĆľÄ?ĆšĹ?ŽŜ ZÄžĆšĆŒĹ˝Ä¨Ĺ?Ćš Ĺ˝ĹľĹľÄžĆŒÄ?Ĺ?Ä‚ĹŻ 7KHUPRVWDW FRQWUROOHG PRWRUL]HG GDPSHUV LQ WKH GXFWV FRQWURO WKH IORZ RI FRQGLWLRQHG DLU NHHSLQJ \RX FRPIRUWDEOH LQ HDFK ]RQH ZKLOH VDYLQJ HQHUJ\ 1RW RYHUKHDWLQJ RU FRROLQJ RWKHUV

Damper Systems start at Less than $1,000 for Two Zones

Z Z Z ] R Q H I L U V W F R P ^ĞĞ ĆľĆ? Ĺ?Ĺś ŽŽƚŚ ϭϳϭϯ Ä‚Ćš DWy͘

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

The location of this cleanout access prevents the installation of dividers.

The location of this cleanout is awkward for the service plumber.

)ROORZ XV RQ

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

53

Q Faucets & Fixtures

Freestanding faucet installation kit The Rough and Ready concrete floor installation box by Riobel is designed to make installing a freestanding faucet in a concrete floor easy. The plumber installs the box and PVC piping in the floor and pours concrete. Once the concrete is dry, he removes the adhesive tape from the box and inserts the rough-in containing the preinstalled pipes.

Riobel www.riobel.ca

Concealed trapway

Modular bathroom system

Gerber’s latest residential toilet features a stylish one-piece design that is quicker to install for the plumber and easier to clean for the homeowner.

Part of the company’s Wicker Park Suite, the smooth sides of the elongated bowl cover a concealed trapway. The Wicker Park Suite also includes pedestal lavatory sinks, two-piece toilets, wall hung and undermount sinks and faucets.

Gerber www.gerberonline.com

The ModulR system from MAAX allows the contractor to offer a wide variety of configurations for bathtubs, shower bases and doors that best suit the dimensions and designs of a bathroom. A simple to use webconfiguration tool is available to create the perfect combination, as well as to customize the products’ colour, dimensions, frame finish, drain position, options and accessories.

MAAX www.maax.com

A trusted brand.

IQQRYDWLRQ DQG FRPIRUW DW \RXU ÀQJHUWLSV

Condensing

Hybrid TTX

Tankless

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

GI-AD162En-0216

Water heaters built by Canadians for Canadians!

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

55

SAVE MORE TIME.

BE MORE PROFITABLE.

When you choose thermoplastic systems from IPEX, you get more.

MORE

The peace of mind of knowing our technical support staff is there for you whether you’re an installer on-site, an engineer designing a system or when you’re working with inspectors.

MORE

Only IPEX offers complete Potable Water, Drainage, and Flue Gas Venting Systems of Pipe, Fittings, and Cements.

MORE

In addition to technical literature we provide detailed information on product attributes, uses, and installation procedures – everything you need to know.

POTABLE WATER PIPING SYSTEMS

So, do you want more? Contact us today and get the IPEX Advantage.

1-866-473-9462 ipexinc.com

Mechanical Piping Systems

Products manufactured by IPEX Inc. AquaRise®, System 15®, System XFR®, and System 636® are trademarks of IPEX Branding Inc.

Q Tools & Instruments

Constant innovation makes the job easier and more profitable

SPECIALIZED PLUMBING TOOLS

By Simon Blake Plumbing tool technology has taken a dramatic leap forward in recent years with considerable input from plumbers in the field.

We asked manufacturers to share with our readers some of their unique tools that solved a particular need for the plumber. The responses, as you will read below, are not necessarily the most expensive or technically advanced tools, but they all help the plumber do the job better and quicker:

Different pipe material, different tools Tools change as technologies evolve. “We

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

changed our focus a few years ago, specifically for the plumber, because the plumbing industry was the first to go through a massive change in piping materials,” remarked Matt Harvey, Canadian regional manager for Reed Manufacturing Co., Erie, Pennsylvania.

The introduction and widespread adoption of materials like PVC, CPVC, ABS, polypropylene, etc. required a different approach. Solvent/cement connections required a square cut and a bevel. The company’s field research and work with plastic pipe companies revealed quality control problems related to sloppy cutting and joining.

“Because plastic is a softer material (than metal), a lot of guys think that they can grab whatever they have in their toolbox – reciprocating saw, hacksaw, anything they can find – cut their pipe, slap some glue on it and shove it into a fitting and it will hold,” said Harvey. Callbacks proved otherwise and showed a real need for precision tools.

REED came up with its Solutions kit, V A plumber can make holes all day long with Milwaukee’s cordless Super Hawg.

Please see ‘Expanding’ on page 59

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

57

TEAM DRIVEN. CUSTOMER DEDICATED.

Morris Lee, Ltd. represents only the highest quality non-residential manufacturers.

Experience. Knowledge. Service. For Our Valued Customers and Manufacturers.

Morris Lee, LTD. headquartered near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer TGRTGUGPVCVKXG HQT URGEKÆ‚ECVKQP QTKGPVGF EQOOGTEKCN RNWODKPI OGEJCPKECN CPF KPFWUVTKCN RTQFWEVU 1WT EWUVQOGTU KPENWFG GPF WUGTU CTEJKVGEVU GPIKPGGTU EQPVTCEVQTU CPF YJQNGUCNGTU

Visit morrisleecan.com for your local representative.

r .1%#. 6'. r (#:

%KV[XKGY $NXF 7PKV r 8CWIJCP 10 . * / KPHQ"OQTTKUNGGECP EQO

Visit us at the CMPX Show. Booth #2037/2039.

Q Tools & Instruments

Expanding market for PEX Continued from page 57

which includes a PVC cutter, a beveling tool and an internal cutter. It’s simple and allows the technician to make perfect square cuts in plastic tubing or pipe every time.

The cutter tightens as it turns for a fast square cut, said Harvey. Add one rotation of the beveling tool and the pipe is ready to be glued and joined.

Commercial PEX applications Plastic pipe tools are also a priority for Milwaukee Tools, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In fact they partnered with PEX manufacturer Uponor to develop tools specifically for expansion type fittings.

While PEX has been widely used in the residential market for some time, its use is becoming more widespread in commercial construction. Joining methods and installation tools had to be developed to deal with higher flow rates and pressures.

Milwaukee recent ly introduced a cold expansion PEX expander designed to work with pipe up to three inches in diameter, reported Corey Dickert, director of plumbing and electrical products. It’s cordless and uses Milwaukee’s M18 (18-volt) technology.

The potential for a plumber to do a run of up to 300 feet of threeinch pipe with only two connections instead of being restricted to 20 ft. lengths has the potential to bring the same labour and cost savings to the commercial market as it did to residential, said Dickert.

“If it is successful, it’s an industry changing event. Getting large commercial buildings, multi-family, hotels and hospitals to adopt PEX, which has been mainly residential up to this point, is a pretty big feat.”

As well, Milwaukee’s recently introduced a cordless version of an old favorite for plumbers. The new Super Hawg offers all the advantages of Milwaukee’s long running www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Larger pipe sizes and new tools will help expand the use of PEX in commercial buildings.

This kit from Reed Tools assures quality joints in plastic pipe.

corded Hole Hawg, which can make 2-9/16” holes for drain lines all day long. “The notion that you could do that cordless – do a whole house on one battery pack – would have been scoffed at a year and a half ago,” he remarked. In fact the new Super Hawg can do holes up to six inches in diameter.

With a fully charged Milwaukee M-18 Fuel nine-amp/hour battery and a 2-9/16” bit, the plumber can make “hundreds of holes” in a day, said Dickert.

Simple but useful Every plumber has a basin wrench and, regardless of manufacturer, they all look pretty much the same. Ridgid, located in Elyria, Ohio, decided it was time to make

improvements. Plumbers suggested a number of things, reported Gina Hartman, tool designer and global marketing manager for hand tools.

The new Ridgid Basin Wrench has a built-in LED light so the plumber doesn’t have to struggle with the wrench in one hand and a flashlight in the other.

An ergonomic textured handle rotates 180 degrees to move it out of the way in tight spots. If it’s really tight, the handle can be removed and the basin wrench turned with a 3/8” driver, ratchet or breaker bar. “You can apply the extra torque or leverage to get that tight fitting off if you have a really old sink that you are trying to replace,” noted Hartman.

A limiter in the jaw protects the spring from breakage – a common problem with basin wrenches. The jaws have been improved for better grip.

It took a lot of testing to ensure the tool would be reliable over the long-term, noted Hartman. It has to withstand extreme heat and cold and the initial material used for the handle had to be replaced. “If you’re in northern Canada and you leave the tool sitting Please see ‘Rapid’ on page 61 March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

59

WE HAVE ALL YOUR BASES COVERED

Join the Join e big g lea agu gues es.

Na ap po ole l on o Hea eati ting ng & Coo oliling ng g produ duct cts s ar are e builtt wi with th the hig ghe est qua u liity com om mpo one ent nts fo for qu quie ie iet, et, t at Ex E ch chan ange an gerr ge re reli el ab a le operation n in n th he ha h rs rshe he est s env viron o me ment nts, s, and our Vorrtex te ex Turb Tu urb rbul u ator orr Hea HQVXUHV V PD PD[L [LPX PXP P HIÀFLHQF\ LV DFK KLH LHYH HG 2II IIHU HULQ LQJ J \R \RXU FXV XVWR WRPH WR PHUV PH UV D FRP R SOHW HWH HW H VW\ H W\OLLVK SUR W\OL URGX GXFW GX F OLQH JXD XDUD UDQW QWHH HHV V \R \RX X D KRPHUXQ Q HYHU H \ WLPH PH :L :LWK WK 1DS D ROHR HRQ Q \RX ZRQ R ¡WW EH WK KUR URZL ZLQ DQ\ ZLQJ ZL \ FXU XUYH YH YH EDOOV V MXV XVWW VW VWUD UDLJ LJKW KW SHU H IR IRUP UPDQ D FH Z ZLWK KLJKHU HU PDU DUJL J QV JL QV TM M

Gas Furnaces | Hybrid Furnaces | Wood Furnaces | Central Air Conditioners | Central Heat Pumps Ductless Packaged Units | Condo Pack | Air Handlers | Indoor Air Quality Napoleon Vortex Turbulator

TM

napoleonheatingandcooling.com

Q Tools & Instruments

Rapid drain cleaning Continued from page 59

These new Freud blades cut tough materials like stainless steel and cast iron.

in your truck overnight and it gets to minus50, you can’t bring it into your customer’s home and have it crack.”

Ridgid makes many hand tools for the plumber. The faucet and sink installer, for example, speeds that task. The plastic body fits over supply lines. Inserts on either end help to remove the stringer basket. Different tabs fit different basin nuts. At the other end is a reversible insert for shut-off valves and the other side is for angle stops.

Plastic pipe manufacturers always emphasize the importance of a square cut to achieve a solid joint. Ridgid’s Plastic Drain Pipe Cutter, designed for cutting tailpiece extensions, cuts, bevels and deburs all in one step, typically in six rotations or less, reported Hartman.

Quick drain clearing The Kinetic Water Ram is not particularly new and wasn’t originally a General Pipe Cleaners product – the company is known more for its drain cleaning machines, cables and cameras.

But the water ram offers the plumber a very simple and inexpensive way to clear clogged drains when speed is critical, reports Dave Dunbar, assistant sales manager.

It uses a burst of compressed air to send a kinetic shock wave down a pipe – taking advantage of the fact that water doesn’t compress – to clear solid blockages in pipes up to four inches, travelling around bends without

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

We changed our focus a few years ago, specifically for the plumber, because the plumbing industry was the first to go through a massive change in piping materials. losing its force. Dunbar explains how it works: “If you had a hundred-foot pipe completely filled with water with a cork on each end, if you hit the cork on one end with a hammer the cork on the other end will pop out.”

If the pipe is only partially blocked the shock wave will find a way around the blockage. Likewise, if the pipe is not totally filled with water it won’t work either. “The perfect application for this is where you have a solid column of water between you and the obstruction – a tub that’s not draining at all, for example,” remarked Dunbar.

The plumber simply pumps up the unit and pulls the trigger. A self-contained pump and pressure gauge allows the plumber to adjust

Ridgid has made the lowly basin wrench a whole lot more efficient.

the pressure as needed.

Hydraulic Manufacturing originally manufactured the Kinetic Water Ram. General bought the company in 1971 and has updated just about every part.

Heavy-duty blades A reciprocating saw may not be the best tool for square cuts in plastic pipe, but it’s still good for quick cuts in walls, floors, etc. Running into nails, rebar and other obstructions can really slow things down.

Freud Tools Canada, Mississauga, Ont. has introduced carbide tip technology to its Please see ‘Cutting’ on page 62

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

61

Q Tools & Instruments

Cutting through tough obstructions Continued from page 61

Diablo reciprocating saw blades. It wasn’t easy – the tiny carbide tips are welded to each tooth at the company’s manufacturing plant in Switzerland. But doing that typically extended blade life about 20 times that of a conventional bi-metal blade and allowed

cutting through materials that would have been unthinkable before – hardened steel concrete nails for example.

“It had a big impact for rough-in plumbers and remodeling contractors,” remarked Steven Penn, director of product development for North America. “Instead of walking into a job site with one or two five-packs of blades,

now they can take one or two blades and complete the job. It doesn’t matter whether they are cutting nail-embedded wood, gusset plates, any kind of straps or anything they might get into.”

The next step was to create a metal cutting blade specifically for things like cast iron, stainless steel and schedule 40 black pipe.

A division of Metropolitan Industries, Inc.

V General’s Kinetic

Water Ram offers quick clearing of solid drain blockages.

Ridgid’s faucet and sink tool minimizes the time the plumber has to spend in an awkward position.

A dual pump controller? You bet.

SELL MORE PRODUCT WITH THE NEW ION GENESIS The new Ion Genesis controller makes operational changes easy with innovations you (and your customers) will appreciate.

Run two pumps in tandem or one pump at a time.

Newly designed, compact Ion Sensor for more durability.

Questions?

Displays information at the touch of a button.

Control liquid level without even entering the pit.

Introduced last year, the metal cutting blades are now available in sizes from four to 12 inches.

“Of course the blades are at a more premium price that the standard bi-metal, but the productivity and efficiency they deliver allows the plumber to work faster and work smarter,” remarked Penn.

Innovation in plumbing tools won’t stop anytime soon. If you have an idea, it never hurts to plant the seed with one of the manufacturers at the next trade show!

We’re here for you. 416-670-7961 or www.ionproducts.ca

62

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

See our full line of products ntiboilers.com

The craftsmanship and innovation of our products is modeled after the tough demands d and raw determination for the people who install them everyday.

75 years of pure salt of the earth ingenuity is what allows us to help you strengthen your craft and expand your business. | littlegiant.com

Q Refrigeration

Developing a comprehensive plan is step one

Commissioning by design

Moisture can be difficult to detect in an ammonia system.

By Greg Scrivener

In the last issue we briefly discussed the new meaning that the word ‘commissioning’ is taking on. Now we are going to look at some of the main technical issues associated with commissioning a simple refrigeration system.

No matter how detailed or thorough the process is that you plan to use, developing a plan for how to commission your refrigeration system is the first step; developing this plan is also where you will run into a lot of challenges.

ASHRAE has published a free Refrigeration

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Commissioning Guide and it’s a really good place to start.

If you go through the guide you will have a much more thorough understanding of the formal commissioning process than I could possibly explain in a single article. The guide does an excellent job of explaining commissioning but it doesn’t have much technical content and frankly, there is not a lot of technical guidance available anywhere.

Owner requirements There are a few different ways of approaching a commissioning plan. To start, let’s look at the most basic owner requirement.

Is the cooler or freezer cold enough?

In many cases, temperature is the only owner requirement (or at least the only one that they communicate to you). Owners may not care about energy usage, they may not care about noise, and more often than I would Please see ‘Building’ on page 67

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

65

Any way you add it up, the solution is 33.

1 14 14 4 11 7

6

9

8 10 10 5 13 2

3 15

Introducing

The World’s Most Efficient Mini-Split

33 SEER Fujitsu’s ductless wall mounted 33-SEER 9RLS3H is the solution to the problem that is energy inefficiency. This system is 2.35 times more efficient than the government minimum standard and qualifies for the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient category in 2015. System 9RLS3H provides heating in outdoor temperatures as low as -15°F with an HSPF of 14, all adding up to year-round comfort and savings. To solve your heating and cooling needs, visit www.fujitsugeneral.com.

Q Refrigeration

Building a checklist Continued from page 65

like to acknowledge, they don’t even really care that much about extending equipment life.

In refrigeration, there is not a lot of room for error when it comes to temperature. In most situations, especially those concerning food, the systems simply must meet temperature requirements all the time. So how do we generate a checklist to make sure the system that was installed is meeting this requirement?

What do we need to check?

In many cases, a technician, who may or may not have installed the system, simply turns it on and makes sure it reaches temperature and cycles off. We need to start way before this.

Why? Because there are many things leading up to the start-up of a refrigeration system that affect its ability to meet set-point.

Assuming that the person who sized and selected the equipment did so correctly with all the necessary information from the owner at the time of design (generally speaking this is a bad assumption to make, but for the sake of brevity we are going to make it anyway), we would need to develop a checklist of things to inspect or check that would impact the equipment’s ability to meet set-point.

This list will be different for different types of installations but might include some items such as:

Building/box envelope The construction of the walk-in box, warehouse envelope or refrigerated space can have a very large impact on load. The peak load of a 10’ x 10’ walk-in freezer with three-inch insulation is approximately 20 percent higher than if fiveinch insulation was used. Twenty percent is a big deal – and there is a decent chance that this freezer wouldn’t maintain temperature at peak load. Since peak load rarely actually happens, the chances of this being discovered during start-up are very low.

The condition of the installation makes a big difference as well. I once installed a walk-in freezer that was so poorly constructed at the factory that even with all the panels level and true and locked together properly there was a 1/2” gap between the ceiling and wall behind

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

There is not a lot of technical guidance available anywhere. the evaporator.

You couldn’t see it from inside the cooler because the evaporator was hiding it. What if I forgot to seal it or the job got turned over to someone else and they didn’t notice it? We all make mistakes. The building/box envelope section of your check list would probably include some of these items and would include the requirement that inspection happened before any equipment or product was installed: Q Insulation thickness correct Q Panels installed level and true Q Joints caulked and sealed Q No damaged panels Q Door seals adjusted correctly Q Door closures functioning

Refrigerant piping We don’t usually think too much about how the piping installation might affect the ability

of a system to meet temperature, but there are at least two things to look a bit more closely at here. Pressure drop is not only an efficiency killer, it’s a capacity killer.

Fig. 1 shows a section of a manufacturer’s capacity tables for a R407a condensing unit.

At -15F the suction pressure would be about 11 psig and the unit would have a capacity of 40,800 Btu/h. If the piping was installed in such a way that there was a 2 psi pressure drop more than planned, then the compressor would have to operate at 9 psig suction pressure which would decrease the capacity to 35,900 Btu/hr. That’s a 12 percent decrease in system capacity.

The next thing we might look at is how our piping installation affects the operation of the unit. Obviously we need to ensure oil return in halocarbon systems; otherwise we will have compressor failures. This does certainly affect the system’s ability to maintain temperature, but we are focused in this article on issues other than catastrophic failures.

What about moisture in the system? In a direct expansion system, water can cause intermittent and difficult to troubleshoot problems by freezing and plugging expansion valve orifices. This obviously reduces the evaporator capacity.

In flooded ammonia systems water does not

-40

(-40.0)

14800

(4340)

13

0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40

(-17.8) (-20.6) (-23.3) (-26.1) (-28.9) (-31.7) (-34.4) (-37.2) (-40.0)

58800 52300 46300 40800 35900 31300 26900 22600 18400

(17230) (15330) (13570) (11960) (10520) (9170) (7880) (6620) (5390)

56 50 44 39 34 29 25 21 16

0

(-17.8)

73800

(21630)

71

Fig. 1: The capacity of a condensing unit at different evaporator temperatures Please see ‘Pressure’ on page 69

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

67

FLEXIBLE BY NATURE Two brands. One goal.

Gastite, leading brand of flexible gas piping, saves time and money routing easily around obstacles. Thermaflex leads the industry in widest range of “Code Compliant” quality flexible ducting products offered for residential and commercial applications. We offer a wide range of system components, world-class customer service, and expert technical support. Our solutions make your installations superior. Contact us today.

Gastite • Flexibility and durability allows for simple routing through complex structures.

• Pre-marked by the foot for easy measuring and installation.

• Fitting offers a tool-less flare design; no special tools are required.

gastite.com | 800-662-0208

• Metal-to-metal seal, with no split rings, O-rings or gaskets.

• Patented Jacket-Lock‚ fitting eliminates exposed stainless steel beyond the nut.

• First to comply with CSA/ULC S102.

Thermaflex Pro SeriesTM flexible duct products • The most reliable and durable products in the HVAC industry.

• All products are GREENGUARD Certified and feature a 10 Year Pro Warranty.

• Code Compliant Flex-Vent flexible duct line ®

• Specially tailored to the residential market.

• Insulated and non-insulated to meet virtually any performance or budget need.

• Code Compliant

thermaflex.net | 1-800-459-4822

Q Refrigeration

Pressure drop kills capacity present in nearly as obvious of a way. Water and ammonia bond to form an aqua ammonia solution, which has a reduced freezing point.

This solution collects in the low side of the system and changes the temperature/pressure relationship of the ammonia by increasing the temperature at a given pressure. This means that the suction pressure must be reduced in order for the system to have the same capacity.

This effect is particularly detrimental in direct expansion systems. They are more susceptible to efficiency losses due to pressure drop in dry suction lines. As with any decrease in pressure there is a capacity decrease in the compressor.

We are used to evacuating systems to remove moisture and it’s important that we do it correctly. We’ve discussed in a previous article the time and effort required for a proper

Continued from page 67

These refrigeration panels don’t quite line up and the box looks like it was used when it was installed.

Please see ‘Moisture’ on page 70

Air Movement Solutions

Fit Series Residential Heat/Energy Recovery Ventilator

Residential Heat Recovery Ventilators

Commercial Heat/Energy Recovery Ventilators

Make Fantech your source for high quality residential and commercial ventilation products. You’ll find a wide range of products to fit any application. Each one engineered for quality and dependability.

That’s simply better™.

Come see us at the CMPX in Toronto March 19-21 Booth 1431 www.fantech.net 800 565 3548

DPV22-2 Dryer Exhaust Duct Power Ventilator

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

FKD EC Inline Mixed Flow Fans with EC-motors

Inline Centrifugal Fans

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

69

Q Refrigeration

Dealing with moisture Continued from page 69

evacuation so I won’t belabour that here, but this certainly should end up on a checklist if we were commissioning a system and were concerned about the system meeting load requirements. Your piping checklist would have some of the following and you would

probably want to ensure that the evacuation was witnessed.

Q Piping length and route as expected Q No additional control valves in suction line Q Evacuation to 500 microns (following specified procedure) We’ve only looked at two specific areas that might affect the ability of a refrigeration

R-22 is best for R-22 equipment.

If you need to change,

Arkema has your R-22 Retrofit Solution

407C

427A

407A

R-407C Air Conditioning R-427A All around solution for both A/C and refrigeration

system to meet a single owner requirement; there is obviously way more involved than this, but I hope that you gained a bit of insight into one way of working through a commissioning plan by relating check list items to owner requirements.

There is a lot of complexity involved and the process can be challenging. At the end of the day however, good commissioning systems and procedures make systems work better. As this process becomes more familiar to people and as more owners request third party commissioning, I hope the industry sees this as a good way of delivering a better product to end users.

In refrigeration, there is not a lot of room for error when it comes to temperature.

R-407A Refrigeration

For more information call 416-614-3610 or 1-800-567-5726 x 230 or visit us on the web at

www.R22retrofits.com

70

Failed door heaters may have resulted from a warning label that was ignored.

The commissioning checklist should have included a current measurement from door heaters to prevent such failures.

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

Visit us at CMPX 2016 Booth #2435

Greg Scrivener is a refrigeration consultant for Cold Dynamics in Edmonton.

He is a professional engineer, journeyman refrigeration mechanic and holds RSES CMS designation in commercial refrigeration. He can be reached at greg.scrivener@colddynamics.com

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Looks like it belongs in your home-

not in an RV! Adding a bathroom is made easy when no gravity lines are convenient! The quiet and powerful Ascent II gives you the freedom to pump up to 25' vertically and 150' horizontally in a high-quality attractive toilet.

Liberty’s exclusive RazorCutTM technology for superior shredding of waste, sanitary pads and other difficult solids.

Safe, removable access cover for easy service.

(System is de-energized when cover removed.)

Standard built-in alarm and manual override/run switch.

High efficiency toilet is ADA compliant.

Available in elongated or round front, the system ships complete with toilet seat and all necessary components.

Macerator box can be hidden behind a wall with optional extension pipe and decorative trim ring.

U.S . Pate U.S. atent n #82 nt 23 353 35 5 16,, #87149 #87 149 9 17, 7,, #8 # 8 769 769730 730 a nd Paa ten and e ts Pen en n din ding g

Two extra inlets for addition of a sink, tub or shower.

8 0 0 . 5 4 3 . 2850500. 5 4 3 . 2 5 5 0 libertypumps.com

Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2016 All rights reserved.

Q People & Places

Museum project celebration On Nov. 29 the Federation of Women’s Institutes of Ontario held a dinner at the Casablanca Inn in Grimsby, Ont. to honour those involved in the Erland Lee Museum project. Organized by the HRAI Golden Horseshoe Chapter, the project involved replacing the HVAC equipment and much of the electrical in the museum located in Stoney Creek, Ont. A number of manufacturers and wholesalers donated equipment while Golden Horseshoe contractor members supplied labour. The project was expected to take four months, but ended up taking six, “so that’s right on schedule,” laughed project organizer Ron Robinson (AtlasCare). Attending the celebration were, from left, John Bosanac (Bosanac Heating & Electric), Tom Melanson (Mits Air Conditioning), Peter Kinsey (IBC Technologies), Clive Carr (Mitsubishi Electric), Joanna Woo (McKeough Supply), Jerry

Leyte (Uponor), Mario Bernardi (Climate Care), Tom Vasilak (Hamco), Warren Heeley (HRAI), Paul Anderson (York), Andrew

The

The

Companies

People

Leo Vaillancourt

Gilles Legault

Paul Deneve

Navien, Irvine, Calif., has hired Leo Vaillancourt as trainer for Western Canada. He will be based in Vancouver.

Gilles Legault has joined Viega, Witchita, Kansas, as its district manager in Quebec.

ECCO Supply, Langley, B.C., has named Paul Deneve director of sales, branch operations.

Kevin Fullan of Wolseley Canada has been elected vice chairman of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada Associates Council.

72

Vasilak (Hamco), Ron Robinson, Lou Ulbinas (Langton Climate Care), Ken Bartley (B&B Trade Distribution) and Todd Downey.

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

Taco, Cranston, Rhode Island, announced Feb. 1 that it is going global with a new name and a major re-organization. Taco Inc. is now Taco Comfort Solutions, a Taco Group company. The privately owned company also includes Hydroflo Pumps/Fluid Solutions, of Fairview, Tennessee, Askoll/Taco Flow Solutions of Sandrigo, Italy and Taco Trading/Supply Chain Solutions Ltd. of Kowloon, Hong Kong. It includes operations and sales offices in the U.S., Canada, Panama, Italy, Dubai, South Korea, China and Vietnam. Taco Canada is headquartered in Milton, Ont. The reorganization will allow Taco to diversify and move into new markets, said owner and chairman John Hazen White, Jr. Wolseley Industrial Canada Inc., Burlington, Ont. has acquired the assets of Medallion Pipe Supply Co. Ltd., Saskatoon, Sask. Eight Medallion employees have joined Wolseley including general manager Gerald Guinan, who will serve as branch manager. As well, Wolseley has opened two new branches in Alberta. Mitch Decoteau has been named manager at the new downtown Edmonton plumbing and HVAC/R branch located at 10523 108 St. NW. Wolseley has also opened a new plumbing and HVAC/R branch at 127 Kingsview Rd. SE in Airdrie, Alta., 25 km north of Calgary. Ivar Vaag has been appointed branch manager.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Q Coming Events Few visitors to the MEET Show in 2014 will forget going home with a loaf of bread. At one time plumbers used it to plug pipes for emergency repairs. Viega’s Mark Evans, left, explains the concept.

Atlantic show returns Atlantic Canada’s largest mechanical trade show returns to Moncton, N.B. this spring.

The MEET Show (Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Show) will take place May 18-19 at the Moncton Coliseum Complex.

Held every second year, the event brings together mechanical and electrical exhibiting companies from throughout Canada and the U.S. to showcase their latest products and services.

The ever-popular Industry Dinner also returns with top British stand-up comic James Mullinger providing the entertainment. It takes place at the Delta Beausejour Hotel May 18. A major social gathering for the industry, about 800 people attended in 2014.

Education seminars A number of seminars are being offered.

Wednesday sessions include a report on the ASHRAE headquarters renovation. When your organization sets the standards for energy efficiency, one can bet the spotlight will be on your own project to make sure you follow your own advice.

This is followed by two sessions for the electrical trade; the first covers the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code and the second looks at opportunities in LED lighting.

The final session Wednesday – “The hidden risks in emergency response” – looks at emergency showers and eyewash equipment and how those specifying this equipment can help their customers minimize risk. This

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

session will be presented again on Thursday.

Also on Thursday, ASHRAE will present a session on “Advanced energy design guides – going beyond minimum standards.” For the electrical trade, the first Thursday session will “demystify the design light consortium” and the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code session will be repeated.

Innovative products The fourth MEET Innovation Awards will be presented. These awards recognize innovative products from exhibiting companies. One award from each of the show’s four sponsoring associations will be presented.

The Skills New Brunswick competition for electrical installation will take place at MEET. HVAC/Refrigeration and Plumbing competitions, which have occurred at MEET in the past, are taking place in alternate locations. For the first time ever, the Canadian National Skills Competition will take place in Moncton June 5-8.

In 2014, the MEET show drew 6,200 visitors over its two-day run. Master Promotions, Saint John, N.B. organizes the show, which is sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, the Electro-Federation and Atlantic Canada Mechanical Distributors.

Events

Calendar MARCH 17: RSES Canada 77th Annual General Meeting, Metro Toronto Convention Centre (during CMPX).

Visit www.rsescanada.com for information.

JUNE 7-9: Cleaner Heat 2016, Canadian Oilheat Association Annual Symposium, Delta Prince Edward Hotel, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Call 1-855-336-8943 or visit www.cleanerheat.ca.

JUNE 26-28: Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Annual Business Conference, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alta.

Call 1-800-639-2474 or visit www.ciph.com.

For more information, visit www.meetshow.ca.

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

73

Q Shop Management

Creating

A SUCCESSFUL CUSTOMER NEWSLETTER

By Ken McLauchlin

An Engineer’s JANUARY 2016

I

Lennox does it best

n our previous e-newsletter article, we went into depth on a variety of topics

Exclusive promotion ends February 12 Timing, as they say, is everything. A little over two years ago, I installed a whole home generator six weeks before an ice storm knocked out power in our neighbourhood for seven days. This past fall, AtlasCare became a dealer for the Lennox line of heating and cooling products. I used the opportunity to replace my home furnace and air conditioner with a 98% efficient furnace and a 25 SEER high efficiency heat pump/air conditioner. With all the mild weather this fall and winter, it has been perfect “heat pump” weather. I have reduced my energy costs since I put it in by over 50%.

including the importance of online newsletters and how they can help your

bring in sales. In part 2, we’re going to cover the nuts and bolts of creating your own successful newsletter.

When starting your newsletter your goal is to create value for your readers and customers.

The best way to offer value in 2016 is through a combination of email marketing and high quality blog posts.

Your newsletters can be sent to your subscribers in a variety of ways, but the most effective way to communicate is with autoresponder software, which provides an automated way to send emails to your entire list of subscribers. It acts as a database that holds your subscriber’s information – name, email, phone numbers and addresses.

I would suggest keeping it simple in choosing auto-responder software. I would recommend programs such as GetResponse, Aweber and Constant Contact. If you’re looking for something with more options, Infusionsoft is a great choice, but comes with a steeper price tag.

Building a subscriber list Now that you have an auto-responder pro-

74

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

Yes, that’s me standing next to my heat pump!

gram in place, you need to build your subscriber list.

Let’s look at some of the most cost effective ways to build your list:

1

Reaching out to current and previous customers. There’s a good chance you have a relationship with a customer base that would be happy to receive valuable information from you on a regular basis. You can contact them by email, phone or sign them up during the next service call and let them know about the newsletter you’ve started to keep your customers more informed on the latest industry news.

2

Have your technicians speak with homeowners. When a technicians or plumber is finishing up with a homeowner make sure they inform them of the newsletter. They can even write down the customer’s email and add it to the auto-

We are excited to represent this technological leader in the HVAC sector. Lennox has the broadest and deepest lineup of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and air cleaners available. This allows us to present the best range of options to our customers and deliver the solution that best fits your needs. These advanced systems can be connected with intelligent thermostats that you can control with your smart phone (more on that later).

To celebrate the Lennox line, we have a promotion available that provides up to $1,700 in rebates with no payments for three months. Always remember that with your purchase you get the famous AtlasCare 17 point perfect furnace installation process delivered by licensed professionals who are dedicated to creating a fantastic customer experience with every interaction.

This is a very short term program that requires a new system to be purchased and installed by February 12, 2016.

There is plenty of time to get yours before the promotion ends.

Wi-Fi thermostats deliver convenience and savings A few years ago, I got a call from a fledgling entrepreneur asking ng me if AtlasCare would help him design and develop a new type of Wi-Fi thermostat. Some pretty big players were firmly entrenched in the ccess ssful. controls space and I was mildly skeptical that they could be successful. o orn.

After research and development, the ecobee thermostat was born. ey are Ecobee is now a leader in the market for Wi-Fi thermostats. They successful because they start with the needs of the user and thee interface ments of they are familiar with on their phones, rather than the requirements the furnace or air conditioner. The industry forecast is that overr the t t next five years, 80% of homes will be connected to a Wi-Fi thermostat.

At AtlasCare we like the reliability of the ecobee thermostat over some other popular models.

The latest version of the ecobee thermostat is called the ecobee3. Besides being attractive and easy to use, the ecobee3 connects to your smart phone so you can control it wherever you are. You can get a five-day weather forecast right on the thermostat, and for maximum control you can install remote sensor(s) in your home to measure temperature, allowing the thermostat to better balance the comfort in the rooms you are using.

This is comfort and convenience taken to a whole new level. A couple of weeks ago, I was on my way to Montreal and remembered that I had forgotten to turn down my thermostat. I went on my iPhone, clicked on the app, and up came a likeness of my thermostat. I clicked on the ‘away’ icon, dragged my finger over the screen to set the temperature I wanted in the house, and I was done.

Always have your thermostat installed by a professional. Should you purchase it at a retailer and install it yourself and later have a problem, you have to take the thermostat back to the store to get a replacement. If AtlasCare supplies and installs it for you we take full responsibility for making sure it works.

We are pleased to offer our customers the ecobee3 thermostat for an installed price of $399 (reg. $499).

It won’t take long for some customers to realize a payback in improved efficiency that results in lower home comfort costs.

responder manually, with the homeowner’s consent. Another great strategy is to create a brochure or pamphlet with information on your newsletter and how customers can sign up for it.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

3

Have a sign-up form on your website. The form on your site should sit on the right hand side with a simple call to action to have a user sign up.

You might offer an incentive, such as a downloadable report or guide, but make sure they understand they’re also signing up for an ongoing newsletter. This form will be connected to your auto-responder so, as soon as someone fills out the form, their information will

example of a subject line that incorporates all of these elements: Three telltale signs you need a new furnace this year I always suggest putting a call to action at the end of the post with a phone number. This can be a free quote or an offer to book an appointment, but always include it at the bottom of the post. Keep in mind you won’t get all of your phone calls right away, but people will return

The Pressures You Need NOW LE AB AVAILNADA IN CA

(Our newsletter) has met with a very good response.

Part of the reason is that I write it from the first person about my own experience with products. That seems to resonate well with homeowners. As always, I include a personal letter setting up the newsletter. The combination – ROGER GROCHMAL, CEO, ATLASCARE, OAKVILLE, ONT. works well.

SDMN6

be stored in your autoresponder database.

Once you’ve built your list the final step is to send informative content for your subscribers.

Sending your newsletter Newsletters that have the best results often link to a blog post on the website that goes into full depth on a topic the reader will enjoy.

The blog post does not need to be fancy; you simply want to share your expertise and educate the reader.

Once again the goal of the blog post is to build trust with the reader. It doesn’t need to be long; just a few hundred words can work great.

You’ll also want to have an intriguing email subject line to make sure your newsletters get opened and read. We also find using numbers works great to increase open rates. Below is an

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

to these posts several times. When a problem does arise, they will know who to call.

Implement these strategies into your online newsletters and you’ll see great returns from a cost effective and long-term marketing source.

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.

Dual Port Manometer & Pressure P ressure Switch Tester

t 4UBUJD (BT %JòFSFOUJBM 1SFTTVSFT t 5FTUT 1SFTTVSF 4XJUDIFT t $BMJCSBUFT "EKVTUBCMF 1SFTTVSF 4XJUDIFT

Test Tools HVACR Pros Trust

Toll To ll Fre ree e 11-85 555-99 999 9-18 1844 44 March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

75

Q Shop Management

THE one AND two MAN BUSINESS – PART 2 –

Keeping on top of taxes, WCB payments, critical for success

By Ron Coleman

In part one of this article we explored the key elements that a small contractor should be focusing on in order to be successful.

As small business owners, we get pulled in so many directions and all at the same time.

As a result many critical tasks do not get done and that makes it even more difficult to complete the elements we will explore in this part of the article. Most of the time the Canada Revenue Agency will leave you alone unless you raise flags. This is usually done by missing deadlines, not making timely payments or filing inaccurate information.

There is a big difference between something being urgent and something being important.

You can spend 40 hours per week doing urgent and important work, like quoting jobs, scheduling and doing the work. The next urgent thing we do is the invoicing. Suddenly your 40-hour week has become 60 hours and you still haven’t looked at many items that are important but less urgent. And that’s where we get into trouble.

The things that we can put off tomorrow rarely get done. In part one of this article I explored a number of very important (but not so urgent) items you should be implementing in your business. Have you spent any time implementing any of those ideas or did other urgent matters get in the way?

Staying current with the CRA There is no great sense of urgency in dealing with those items, but they are critical to

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

your future success. If the urgent

Most of the time the Canada Revenue Agency will leave you alone unless you raise flags. matters are taking all your time, then the important but less urgent matters get left behind. Not only will this stop you from growing your business but it will likely get you into big trouble, particularly with The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Their issues only get urgent when you have fallen behind in filing and paying the required amounts to them.

You need to ensure that you stay current with CRA or else much of the good work you have done in becoming self-employed is for naught. Penalties, interest, accounting fees and the time taken to bring yourself and your business into compliance will be significant.

By the time CRA starts to play hardball, you will likely be more than one year in arrears and won’t have the cash to pay them.

Structure for success There are only three types of business structure for contractors: Q Companies/corporations Q Sole proprietorships Q Partnerships

We will deal with the latter two. Sole proprietorship and partnerships are the same with one exception; instead of one owner there are at least two owners. In the partnership, the owners share the revenue and expenses in accordance with their share of the ownership. Let’s look at what you need to do to stay in compliance with the CRA and workers compensation (WSIB/WCB).

You do not get a choice of year-end. Your year-end is Dec. 31 and the information is included in your personal tax return along with all the other relevant information.

The form used for providing the business information is called a T2125 – Statement of Business or Professional Activities. For each business or profession you must complete a separate T2125. In order to reduce your accounting fees, you should print out the form and provide the information to your accountant in the same layout as the form.

A T5013 is for partnerships where annual income plus expenses are $2 million or more or where assets are over $5 million.

If your annual billings are greater than $30,000 you must register for GST/HST. As a registrant you claim back the GST/HST you paid and collect the tax on your sales, remitting the net figure.

The personalized GST/HST return (Form GST34-2) will show the due date at the top of the form as part of the pre-printed personal information. The due date of your return and Please see ‘Reduce’ on page 78

March 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

77

Q Shop Management

Reduce audit risk Continued from page 77

payment is determined by your reporting period. If you file annually, you may have to pay equal quarterly instalments, payable within one month after the end of each fiscal quarter.

With employees, you have to follow the normal rules for payroll. This does not apply to the proprietors. Their income tax is based on their portion of the net income and will likely be subject to quarterly remittances.

Your tax return is due by June 15 because you are self-employed; however, the tax due is payable by April 30, interest will accrue from that date. Try to complete your return by April 30 or at least pay the tax.

Payments to subcontractors T5018 is a form for proprietorships and partnerships where more than 50 percent of income is derived from construction and you must complete and file with CRA regarding payments to sub-contractors. If you are a

subcontractor, the contactors you work for will file T5018s with the CRA advising them of the income you earned.

It is essential from day one to set aside money for income tax and GST/HST or at the end of the year you may fall into arrears. It often takes several years to catch up and, in the interim, penalties and interest will build and likely so will your accounting fees.

Reduce the risk of an audit by always filing your returns on time and pay the amounts due on time. If you can’t pay, you should still file and avoid the penalties.

If your spouse is a partner in the business then you both split the income in accordance with whatever ownership you each have.

However, if you decided to pay your spouse or children a salary then put them on salary the same way you would other employees. There is no age limit for deducting EI premiums, they apply to all employees except for family members as you are likely not dealing at arm’s length (double check with your accountant for

INDEX to ADVERTISERS A.O. Smith . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 18 Allied Air . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 24 Arkema Canada . . . . ...................... 70 Aztec Washer . . . . . . . . ..................... 49 Bibby Ste Croix. . . . . . ................. 23, 25 Bosch Thermotechnology ................ 42 Bradford White . . . . . ...................... 48 Brant Radiant . . . . . . . . ..................... 29 Caleffi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 46 Camus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 44 CMPX 2016 . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 76 Cash Acme . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 43 Delta Faucet. . . . . . . . . . ...................... 6 Duravent . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 36 Fantech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 69 Fieldpiece. . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 75 Flir Systems. . . . . . . . . . ...................... 52 Franklin Electric . . . . . ...................... 64 Fujitsu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 66 Gaz Metro+ . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 16 General Pipe Cleaners .................... 10 Giant Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 55 Heatlink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 2 Hilmor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 54 Honeywell/Genetron Div................... 8 IBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 4 IPEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 56 John Wood . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 50

78

Plumbing & HVAC – March 2016

Liberty Pumps ............................. 71 Little Giant Pumps ........................ 64 Lochinvar .................................. 30 Magic-Pak ................................. 24 Metropolitan Pump ....................... 62 MITS Air Conditioning.................... 37 Mitsubishi Electric ................... 31, 34 Morris Lee ................................. 58 Napoleon .................................. 60 Noritz ...................................... 38 NTI ......................................... 63 OS&B ...................................... 79 Ratech Electronics ........................ 13 Redmond Williams * ..................... 22 Rhomar+ .................................. 16 RIDGID .................................... 80 Riobel ...................................... 47 Robert Shaw .............................. 11 Smiths ..................................... 68 Stelpro ..................................... 39 Taco Canada .............................. 28 Victaulic .................................... 9 Viega ...................................... 32 Viessmann ................................ 12 Zoeller Pumps ............................. 19 ZoneFirst .................................. 53 *Ontario only

+National excluding Quebec

your particular case). However, CPP premiums are only deductible starting at age 18.

Are you registering for WSIB/WCB benefits?

It is most likely that you have to provide coverage for your employees. Also as a proprietor you should try to get coverage as this is the most inexpensive type of disability coverage available.

Check with your provincial authority.

Claiming expenses Talk to your accountant about what expenses you can write-off. Most deductions you can claim are easy to identify. An expense directly related to your business is straightforward.

Capital assets, over $500 in cost, should be set up and depreciated. Your accountant can do that for you.

Look for the marginal expenses to get the best write-offs. Making up expenses or claiming expenses that have obviously nothing to do with your business is fraud. However, there are certain expenses that you can claim that might not be so obvious.

The biggest concern for sole proprietors and partnerships is that there is no legal distinction between the individual and the business. All the business liabilities and exposure are yours personally. If you are in a partnership and your partner goes broke then you will likely be liable for all the debts of the business, not just your portion. If you are going to stay in business you should seriously look at incorporating in order to limit your personal exposure.

Avoid letting these very important, but less urgent, activities of your business fall behind and your chances of success increase significantly. They are critical to your success.

It’s not too late to make this your 2016 New Year’s resolution!

Ronald Coleman is a Vancouver-based accountant, management consultant, author and educator specializing in the construction industry. He can be reached by e-mail at ronald@ronaldcoleman.ca.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

DI MOND SERIES C-108 SERIES

,16 7$

48$57(5 7851

6 //

9(57,&$//<

P-164 SERIES

+25,=217$//< or

C-144 SERIES

400 SERIES

6

)8// 7851

$57 78 0

1 5

+$/) 7851

D Style 1/2” MIP x 1/2” SWT

X Style 1/2” Crimp PEX

W Style 1/2” Wirsbo® PEX

T Style 3/4” MIP x 1/2” FIP

QUARTER TURN, HALF TURN & FULL TURN OPTIONS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE WITH ALL POPULAR INLETS AND LENGTHS RELIABLE USA PRODUCT WITH 3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1.877.314.6040 or visit www.osb.ca

©2016, RIDGID, Inc. The Emerson logo and RIDGID logo are registered trademarks of Emerson Electric Co. or RIDGID, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.

INSPECT. REPORT. DONE. CREATE AND DELIVER DETAILED INSPECTION REPORTS ON THE JOB WITH THE RIDGID® CS65 DIGITAL REPORTING MONITOR.

DUAL USB DRIVES FULLY INTEGRATED KEYBOARD

1TB INTERNAL HARD DRIVE SEE HOW IT WORKS OR REQUEST A FREE ONSITE DEMO AT RIDGID.COM/CS | 800.769.7743