November/December 2014

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INSIDE Q Calgary show well attended Q U.S. protectionism on Canadian soil Q Gov’t initiatives threaten HVAC industry Q Buyer’s market for HVAC businesses

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Q Contents

Tools & Trucks Issue

Departments Hot Seat .........................................5 Warding off the winter chill

Industry News ..............................7 U.S. protectionism on Canadian soil

People & Places ...........................35 Green distribution centre recognized

Coming Events ............................37 2015 show schedule announced

Shop Management .....................38 Buying a business

Products & Technologies Trucks for the Trade....................12 Heating ........................................16 Tools & Instruments ....................23

Cold weather and propane Funny things started to happen as the temperature dropped

Features

Refrigeration ...............................27 Product Roundup ........................31

Busy Calgary show

7

Trade show and hydronics conference proves popular

Cover: Today’s contractor has more

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choice than ever in trade vans.

Please see our article on page 12.

New facility designed to boost manufacturing

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Effective evacuation

27

Critical refrigeration installation step often overlooked November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Hot Seat

November/December 2014 Volume 24, Number 8 ISSN 1919-0395

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

Winter chill Much of the country experienced a brutal winter last year and it looks like we may be in for more of the same this season.

In fact the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting “the T-Rex of winters” from Alberta east through Ontario and Quebec and into the Maritimes. Other experts say perhaps it won’t be quite that bad, but just about everyone is predicting lots of snow.

Of course, this isn’t particularly bad news for our industry. HVAC, refrigeration and plumbing service techs will be busy.

One thing we saw last year, however, was that while systems in colder parts of the country are designed to function in very low temperatures, those in places that don’t traditionally get a lot of snow or very cold temperatures like Southern Ontario ran into problems.

Roy Collver writes about some of the issues with propane in very cold temperatures in this issue.

The message that contractors need to get out to their customers as we get into winter is to ensure their systems are protected and configured correctly to deal with the cold and snow of a severe winter. Customers on fuel oil and propane need to be advised against letting their tanks get too low. One issue that we saw last year was lack of adequate pressure in propane tanks that were still a quarter or more full. One also hopes that propane suppliers have taken steps to prevent the shortages and price spikes of last winter.

The weather gurus are also talking about the possibility of another “ice incident” like that suffered

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in several parts of the country last winter, so that is worth keeping that in mind too. There may be calls for emergency backup heat or power supplies.

Contractors and wholesalers know only too well that we went through a number of mild winters that didn’t help business. One has to wonder if these colder winters are simply a return to normal, or just a shortterm change.

The environmental gurus don’t use the term “global warming” anymore. The new term is “extreme weather,” which is more accurate. This means extreme cold, extreme heat, high winds and generally unstable weather. If true, it’s not a good thing for the planet, for people, for farmers.

For those that repair plumbing and HVAC/R systems, it means they will be busy and sometimes dealing with situations they haven’t encountered before. It’s difficult to prepare for the unexpected, but it’s worth thinking about, planning and preparing for as much as possible.

And with that, I would just like to wish all of our readers and advertisers a wonderful Christmas and all the best in 2015!

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Design and Production Tim Norton production@plumbingandhvac.ca Production Manager Lilianna Kantor (416) 614-5815 lily@newcom.ca Circulation Manager Pat Glionna Corporate Services Anthony Evangelista

PLUMBING & HVAC Magazine is published eight times annually by NEWCOM 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.

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

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

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Q Industry News

In Brief U.S. protectionism extends to Canadian projects

Doug Dexter demonstrates pipe cutting to a group of Medicine Hat College students at the Reed Manufacturing booth.

Calgary show draws record numbers A recent trade show in Calgary drew record numbers of contractors.

By the time doors closed after two days, over 3,100 visitors had passed through CIPHEX West, held at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park Nov. 5-6, reported the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), which organized the show.

While total attendance was up only slightly from the 2012 event in Vancouver, the number of contractors attending increased by 20 percent, reported show manager Elizabeth McCullough. Over 200 manufacturers exhibited products.

As well, because the show was co-located with the Buildex Calgary trade show, a large number of additional engineers, builders and designers checked out CIPHEX West exhibitors and their products, she added.

One significant draw this year was the new CIPHEX West Hydronics Conference, with sessions by hydronic luminaries including Robert Bean, Dan Holohan and John Siegenthaler. Over 350 people put down their money to attend the workshops.

The free technical and business seminars held on the show floor were also well attended, she added.

An industry dinner with hockey great Dennis Hull proved popular. Hosted by the CIPH Calgary Region at the Delta Bow Valley Hotel downtown, about 200 attended.

Over 60 products were featured in the New Product Gallery, with seven of them being named “most

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innovative” in their category by a panel of industry experts.

Winners in the following categories were: Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Design Envelope Parallel Sensorless Pump Controller Armstrong Fluid Technology Alternative Energy RAUGEO Ground Loop Heat Exchanger - Rehau Controls and Instrumentation ME8395 Automatic Changeover Wireless Control Valve Actuator - Spartan Peripheral Devices Heating and Ventilation IPEX System 636 Testing Tee - IPEX Inc. Hydronic Heating Lochinvar FTXL Fire Tube Boiler AquaTech Sales & Marketing/Lochinvar LLC Plumbing and Piping Island Tub Drain (Rough-in) - OS&B Tools and Equipment M18 Fuel 11/8 SDS Rotary Hammer – Milwaukee Tools The next CIPHEX West show will take place in Vancouver in November 2016.

U.S. protectionism is expanding into Canada.

Bidding/proposal documents for the recently announced redevelopment of the Prince Rupert Ferry Terminal in B.C. require that all bids comply with Buy American provisions, which mandate that all iron and steel products used for terminal construction must be manufactured in the U.S. This completely shuts out Canadian firms, reports the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC).

The terminal is owned by the Alaska Marine Highway System, but sits on Crown lands owned by the Canadian government and leased to the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

CISC is gravely concerned that this will set a precedent for implementation of Buy American legislation on Canadian soil.

“This creates a domino effect that cascades down our entire supply chain - negatively affecting investment and growth, stifling innovation, and ultimately causing job losses across a wide spectrum of Canada’s manufacturing industries,” remarked Tareq Ali, CISC director of marketing and communications.

Ont. government launches scope of trades review The Ontario government has launched an independent review of the College of Trades, the new body administering trade training, licensing and enforcement.

On Oct. 23 Tony Dean, a University of Toronto professor and former head of the Ontario public service, was named to head up the review.

His focus will be the scope of trades, an area that has been causing concern among Ontario contractors since the College started sending enforcement officers to job sites to check qualifications. Several contractors have reported these officers take a very narrow view of trade qualifications that doesn’t reflect today’s realities.

Dean’s investigation is expected to take one year after which he will make recommendations to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and to the College of Trades.

Education council reorganized The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) has reorganized the Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation and brought it in house. It will become a council within MCAC, operating as the Construction Education Council (CEC). The main objective is to bring ownership of the council closer to the group’s provincial and affiliate MCAC divisions in an effort to increase membership participation in education.

CEC’s primary role will be to assess the education and training needs of the industry and to promote and deliver programs to meet these needs. For more information, visit www.constructioneducation.ca.

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

7

Q Industry News

HVAC Coalition battles shifting priorities at energy board

By Simon Blake The Ontario HVAC Coalition is bracing – and raising money – to fight what it expects may be its toughest battle yet.

Created 20 years ago to fight encroachment by the gas utilities into the HVAC equipment sales and service marketplace, the group now finds itself having to protect market share for HVAC contractors from a much bigger foe – the Ontario government.

The government’s Green Energy Act requires the province’s 80 electrical utilities to find ways to conserve energy, reported HVAC Coalition chairman Roger Grochmal at the group’s annual meeting held in Vaughn, Ont. Sept. 30. And their first inclination is to go after the largest energy user in any building – the HVAC equipment.

So while the HVAC Coalition has made peace and now works in harmony with gas utilities, it finds itself battling electrical utilities that are being pushed reluctantly into the HVAC market by government legislation.

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And the HVAC Coalition also finds itself “the only voice for fair competition at the Ontario Energy Board,” he added. Not only must it battle utilities to maintain an open marketplace and a level playing field, but must also battle environmental, anti-poverty and other groups that want anything but.

On bill financing The HVAC Coalition is also worried that a plan by the provincial government to allow consumers to purchase energy efficient HVAC equipment by financing it on their utility bill will allow the utilities back into the HVAC industry.

The group began after the Ontario government allowed utilities to start a rental hot water heater business. “That foot in the door led 20 years later to a 98.5 percent market share,” remarked Martin Luymes, director of programs for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

He noted that similar on-bill financing programs in B.C. and Manitoba haven’t proven successful in large part because homeowners have little difficulty in getting financing through other sources. And the utilities don’t like the idea either, Luymes told P&HVAC after the meeting. They fear they will become the lender of last resort to high-risk customers.

Gas utilities in Ontario are currently planning their demand side management (DSM) strategies that will guide energy conservation efforts through 2020. There will be a new DSM framework for electrical utilities too, added Luymes, noting that it is critical that the HVAC Coalition makes its voice heard.

“We have a strong interest in getting this right… We just cannot afford not to be there,” he added.

Changes at OEB Topping the list is an over-riding concern that the OEB is moving away from its courtroom-like independence and becoming a policy arm of the Ministry of Energy.

“There is movement afoot away from being an independent adjudicator to a top-down regulation by bureaucracy approach,” remarked Luymes. These changes appear to be occurring “by stealth to free the utilities from the shackles of regulation,” he added.

The OEB also seems to be deciding issues with consumer surveys rather than consulting with experts and industry. “They control the information and the questions,” noted Luymes, adding that the process offers more potential for political interference.

“This is a whole new flavour,” remarked Grochmal.

“We’re not even sure how we are going to fight this.”

He expects the HVAC Coalition will “have to intervene at the highest political level.”

Once the lawyer’s fees and other expenses are tallied up, fighting these issues will be expensive, he added.

The HVAC Coalition hopes to raise $50,000 during its fall fundraising campaign.

That effort received a major boost when the Greater Toronto Area chapter of HRAI, which hosted the HVAC Coalition meeting, donated $10,000 to kickstart the campaign.

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Q Letters

Hydronics under steamfitter trade in Ontario Dear Editor: I have been employed as a steamfitter for 42 years in the Greater Toronto Area and am a proud member of Local 46, Plumber and Steamfitters. Your article in the October issue, “Bring Harmony to Hydronic Training”, was upsetting to say the least. The skill set you are lamenting about is already defined in the Ontario Certificate of Qualification of a steamfitter. Plumbers have no business or qualifications to be doing this type of work. There is just more of them so they have a louder voice.

I have spent my working career working on the type of work you are outlining (hydronic heating) and I guess a few others – i.e. pneumatic controls at Honeywell and Robertshaw back in the day.

As a steamfitter, it has always been frustrating making people aware of what we are capable of. I have worked with 1/4” tubing up to 72”pipe at the nuclear

plant. It has been a terrific way to make a living. I am pro union but I know dozens of non-union fitters who have done really well also.

I am so happy they (the College of Trades) are checking certification. To me that is the crux of the problem. We need to educate who does what as it stands right now. Don’t add more bureaucracy. Add education and enforcement.

I loved being asked to see my ticket. At times I felt a

chump for bothering to get a ticket. I have a somewhat jaded view – it’s about money. If everybody gets qualified the wages will go up and, particularly in small outfits, that will be a hard sell.

The weak part in the steamfitting apprenticeship is the lack of an electrical component.

I recently retired and feel very fortunate to have been a steamfitter.

Sincerely, Brian Dawes, Cobourg, Ont.

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Dear editor: For the last two issues of Plumbing and HVAC you have insinuated that plumbers are qualified to do hydronic heating.

Unless apprenticeships have drastically changed (in Ontario), the only people certified for heating and boiler work were steamfitters. I am very surprised a lot of these steamfitters who carry this certification have not corrected this misunderstanding for you.

I fully agree that a lot of so-called contractors are causing problems with manufacturers as well as the public because of poorly designed systems that do not properly work. If the contractors have enough sense to get the manufacturer to help, they have been excellent in providing help to make sure the product is installed properly. (Unfortunately), some contractors are so know-it-all that they do not bother and, hence, cause many problems.

I believe you are right on when you say residential was not taken into account and because of government requirements for having an employee or apprentice we are seeing more and more one-man trucks doing all aspects of residential including sheet metal, plumbing, air conditioning, hydronic heating and gas fitting.

You touched on another aspect that a lot of trades people do not understand and that is the dramatic change each year in technology and how we, as trades people, need to attend these manufacturers seminars just to try and keep up. It’s not at all easy for us older folk, but necessary if we are to keep up with the changes. The problem of wrapping our heads around “continuing education” is overwhelming at times, but if people plan on staying in the trade and take pride in their work, they have to try and stay current with new methods and equipment.

Ron France, Sauble Beach, Ont.

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November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

11

Q Trucks for the Trade

V Four-wheel-drive gives the Sprinter better winter driving capabilities.

Making sense of an increasingly crowded cargo van market

By Simon Blake

while unloading larger items. Both doors open 180 degrees. There is also a sliding side door.

Power is supplied by the company’s 2.4 litre 178 horsepower four-cylinder Tiger Shark engine through a nine-speed transmission. Safety features include electronic stability control, backup camera and ParkSense – an audible parking warning system.

Full-sized ProMaster Just a few years ago contractors had few choices in new cargo vans. Today, with a number of new manufacturers in addition to the traditional “big three,” that’s no longer the case. And contractors can also choose between new European style vans versus traditional North American and small versus large versus and, well, huge.

Back in the market The Ram Truck division of Chrysler is back in the commercial van market in a big way with three separate model lines for 2015 – the new ProMaster City small van, the full-sized ProMaster cargo van and the longrunning Ram Cargo Van. Like the large ProMaster van, the compact City version is developed from a European model, in this case the Fiat Doblò.

Front wheel drive allows a low flat cargo floor and an optimized two-seat cab space. The City has unibody construction with a wheelbase of 122.4 inches (311 cm).

It features a large cargo area – for a small van – with a floor length of 87 inches (221 cm), width of 60.4 inches (153 cm) and a width between wheel wells of 48.4 inches (123 cm). Payload is 1,883 lbs. (854 kg) Vertical side panels allow easy outfitting with shelving, etc.

Barn style rear doors are split 60/40, with the larger door on the driver’s side to avoid blocking the sidewalk

12

The full-sized Ram ProMaster van was introduced last year and returns with a new engine option and several other features.

Based on the European Fiat Ducato van, it too features unibody construction and front wheel drive, providing an unobstructed cargo area with vertical walls for easy outfitting. It is available in two roof heights, three wheelbases and four body lengths.

Manufacturers have made large strides in fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs.

The unibody construction makes it lighter than a conventional van, allowing a payload of up to 5,145 lbs.

(2,334 kg) and a maximum towing capacity up to 5,100 lbs. (2,300 kg).

There is a standard sliding door on the passenger side, with a driver’s side cargo door available as an option. Rear doors open up to 260 degrees, which puts them almost flat on the side of the van.

For 2015, the ProMaster is available with the

Plumbing & HVAC – November/December 2014

company’s 3.0 litre 174 horsepower EcoDiesel. It develops 295 foot pounds of peak torque at just 1,400 rpm, which helps with the fuel mileage. As well, oil changes are required only every 30,000 km.

The standard engine is Chrysler’s 3.6 litre Pentastar V-6, rated at 280 horsepower and 260 ft. lbs. of torque.

Oil changes are required at 16,000 km.

The V-6 drives the front wheels through a sixspeed automatic, while the four cylinder engine operates through an “automated manual” six-speed transmission. Basically, it’s a standard transmission, but clutching and gear shifting are accomplished with a software driven electronic/hydraulic actuation system.

The software adjusts shift logic according to load and grade steepness.

A trailer tow program is standard with either transmission. Electronic stability control is also standard and Chrysler’s U-Connect system is available.

Yes, cargo vans are getting pretty high tech Martha!

Ford Transit, big and small Ford introduced its large European style Transit van in 2014, replacing the long running E-Series. There are few changes for 2015.

It is available in three body lengths, two wheelbases and three roof heights. The standard engine is a 3.7 litre V-6. The 3.5 litre EcoBoost engine from the F150 and a 3.2 litre “Power Stroke” five cylinder turbocharged diesel are also available.

One of the first things a contractor will notice is that the new Transit steers like a car thanks to its power rack and pinion steering system.

Rear doors open 270 degrees. The interior is designed for easy outfitting with shelves, etc.

A full range of electronics is available, including a 6.5” touchscreen display with navigation and “SYNC” with MyFord Touch, the company’s voice activated communications and entertainment system.

The small Transit van returns as well. In 2013 Ford launched the completely redesigned version of its small van, which is longer but not quite as high as the European version of the Transit Connect that it replaced.

Contractors will welcome the 180-degree rear swingout doors. Not so much perhaps the standard dual sliding side doors, which limit shelving options.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

V Full-sized Ford Transit vans go together on the company’s Kansas City assembly line.

V The new Chevrolet City Express brings GM back into the small van market.

It is available in 105-inch (267 cm) and 121-inch (307) cm wheelbases. Payload is 726 kg (1,600 lbs.) and it can tow 907 kg (2,000 lbs.).

The standard engine is Ford’s 2.5 litre 169 hp Duratec four-cylinder. The company’s 178 hp 1.6 litre EcoBoost engine is available as an option. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Ford Work Solutions Crew Chief vehicle tracking/ monitoring system is available on all Transit vans.

New small GM van V Like an old friend, GM’s conventional Savana and Express vans return for 2015.

V Front wheel drive in the full-sized ProMaster van allows a low cargo floor.

V

Introduced at the CMPX Show in Toronto last March, General Motors launched its new City Express small van this fall. As we reported previously, this new van is the result of an agreement between GM and Nissan in 2013 that will see the Nissan NV 200 sold through GM dealers in Canada and the U.S. as a Chevrolet.

The cargo capacity is 123 cubic feet (3.5 cubic metres). The wheelbase is 115 inches and the carrying capacity is 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).

There are integrated mounting points for shelving, sliding doors on both sides and 40/60 split rear doors that open to 90 and 180 degrees. Six floor-mounted D-rings make it easy to tie down cargo.

A 2.0 litre 131 horsepower four-cylinder engine drives the front wheels though a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Many contractors will be relieved to know that GM will continue to offer the full-sized GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans for 2015, the last North American style cargo vans on the market. They are available in ½, ¾ and one-ton versions in 135 (343 cm) and 155 (394 cm)-inch wheelbases.

A 4.8 litre 285 hp V-8 is standard. A 6.0-litre 342 horsepower V-8 and the 6.6 litre Duromax turbo-diesel V-8 are also available.

Diesels have had a reputation for being difficult to start in cold weather. However, the Duromax is designed to provide a gas-engine like starting time of three seconds in temperatures as low as -29C without a block heater thanks to micro-processor controlled glow plugs.

A fuel-operated heater is also available on diesel versions to quickly provide heat to the interior –

The new ProMaster City from Chrysler offers contractors another option in small vans.

Please see ‘New’ on page 15

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Trucks for the Trade

New vans for 2015 Continued from page 13 particularly useful if you are using your van as a mobile workshop.

For contractors that need to carry a crew, a three passenger rear bench seat is offered.

Of course, it comes with barn style rear doors. Side doors are 60/40 split swing-out style on the passenger side with a sliding door as an option. It can haul a trailer up to 4,535 kg. (10,000 lbs.).

GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all models.

Four-wheel-drive The big news from Mercedes-Benz Canada for 2015 is the new four-wheel-drive Sprinter cargo van. This option, which adds $8,600 to the base price, will be a welcome addition to contractors who need to answer winter no-heat calls in some of the more rugged areas of the country.

The four-wheel-drive model will sit just over three inches or 85 mm higher than the conventional Sprinter.

As a result, the super high roof option is not offered.

Four-wheel-drive is activated by a simple push button, sending 35 percent to the power to the front wheels and the remainder to the rear. The new

drive train adds only 271 lbs. (122 kg) to the weight, minimizing payload loss.

All 4x4 models are equipped with the company’s OM642 V-6 turbo-diesel engine. Mercedes’ OM651 2.1 litre four cylinder diesel engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, is standard on rear-wheeldrive models.

Maintenance intervals have been extended to 30,000 km on all Sprinter models. Crosswind assist, that uses the brakes to intervene and correct if the vehicle is hit by a crosswind at over 80 km-h, is now standard on 2500 models.

Mercedes-Benz Canada also intends to launch a new smaller van in 2015. (Stay tuned!)

Extended warranty The Nissan NV cargo van and NV200 compact van will return for 2015 with few changes. However, the warranty on the NV200 compact van has been extended to five years or 160,000 km, up from three years and 60,000 km.

“While we’re relatively new to the world of commercial vehicles in Canada, we’ve already proven our mettle with vehicles that endure harsh conditions that passenger cars will never see,” remarked Steven Rhind, Nissan Canada director of marketing. “This warranty re-affirms our confidence in the quality of our vehicles, as some NV200

V Ford’s second generation Transit Connect returns for 2015. vehicles we’re aware of in Europe have already accrued 880,000-plus kilometers of real-world use.”

The specifications for the NV 200 are basically the same as the Chevrolet City Express, above.

Few if any changes are expected to the full-sized NV cargo van for 2015. Power for this rear-wheel drive van is by either a 261 hp 4.0 litre V-6 or a 317 hp V-8 through a five-speed automatic transmission.

Rear doors are split 50/50 and open 243 degrees for easy loading. There are numerous interior and exterior mounting points to make upfitting easy. It is available in standard and high roof versions.

For the contractor, it’s worthwhile to look at all the different options, features and pricing. Many things have changed from a few years ago. Manufacturers have made large strides in fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs.

There is still no obvious replacement for the much-missed GM Astro and Safari mid-sized vans, but with all the choices now available contractors have a better chance of finding a cargo van that is going to work for them.

Compact wall hung and utility electric water heaters from Bradford White save valuable floor space and offer installation flexibility when your options are limited. Perfect for point-of-use or intermittent draw applications; both models feature the quality components you expect in a Bradford White water heater.

• Available in eight sizes from 2 – 30 U.S.G. • Vitraglas® – An exclusive enamel lining provides unsurpassed tank protection.

• Wall Mounting Bracket – Factory installed bracket for easier installation allows for secure worry-free fastening to the wall

• Alternate Connections – Six and 12 gallon utility models have alternate • Immersed Elements – Copper heating connection tappings on top elements transfer heat directly and efficiently to water • Heat Traps – Reduce potential noise and save energy • Dielectric Waterway Fittings – Factory-installed fittings are plastic lined to prevent corrosion ©2013, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Built to be the Best ™ 866.690.0961 | www.bradfordwhite.com

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

15

Q Heating Cold temperatures can cause problems for buildings on propane.

The contractor needs to ensure their customers are protected.

&

Cold weather propane Tank sizing, regular fills, critical to ensure your customers have heat

By Roy Collver

L

ast year John Raymond, a long-time friend and manufacturer’s agent in Ontario, called me up and said: “You gotta do an article on propane tank sizing – it is a real problem and it is driving the whole industry nuts how many people are getting it wrong.” I have known John for some 30 years and have never heard him so frustrated – what was going on to twig him off so badly?

An exceptionally cold winter A bit of background first. Last winter there was a shortage of propane in North America. Many propane distribution companies in Ontario and elsewhere had no choice but to try and ration the supply so that their customers didn’t run out. As you will learn in this article though, “run out” is a relative term; getting “low” can be a bigger problem.

The problems that arose were by no means all because of the shortage, but it certainly added to the usual coldseason problems that gas fitters encounter every year.

One big complication with diagnosing cold weather propane problems is that the trouble can go away when the temperature warms back up. Intermittent problems can eat you up, so hopefully you can remember this one when the strange stuff starts happening.

16

Plumbing & HVAC – November/December 2014

Unfortunately, this situation also normally happens in the coldest weather when the need for maximum vaporization is required.

Gas supply pressures All gas appliances are designed to operate at minimum and maximum gas supply pressures. A typical residential propane appliance receives its fuel from a storage tank through a dual-cut regulator that takes the tank pressure from over 10 PSIG down to around 10-14” W.C. (water column). In really hot weather, the tank pressure can get as high as 250 PSIG before the relief valve pops, which is one reason we need the regulator. When the temperature drops into the subzero ranges on the other hand, the tank pressure can go as low as zero – no fuel delivery at all. Before it gets that low, many problems will start to occur.

If a tank goes below 10 PSIG, the restricting element (orifice) in the regulator starts to impact the downstream pressure, causing it to “droop” below the regulator setting. If the appliance does not get its minimum required pressure, we can see backfiring, flame flashback into the inside of the burner, and flame extinguishment, just to name a few problems.

These can be dangerous and damaging conditions. I have often thought a low gas pressure shut-off switch should be standard on propane appliances.

Tank pressure changes with temperature The concepts are pretty simple, but not necessarily very intuitive. You can have a really big propane tank, but in the wrong conditions, it could be less effective than a

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much smaller one. The contractor needs to advise the homeowner how empty they can let the tank get before they are going to have problems.

There is a common problem in trying to understand how tanks work.

The amount of propane that can be vaporized and delivered from any given tank is not a constant – it changes dramatically with varying conditions.

As you can see from the graphics, propane is a liquid and doesn’t start to boil off and produce gas under pressure until its temperature gets above -40C or so. The warmer it gets, the faster it vaporizes. In a closed storage tank, the propane will evaporate until it reaches its stable static pressure. That pressure increases as the temperature gets hotter.

Looking at the chart, you may be shocked to see how little vaporization takes place in cold conditions when a tank is only partially full (the chart shows a tank only 25 percent full). For years, I was under the impression that the surface area of propane at the top of the tank helped determine how much vapor you could evaporate from said tank; in reality, it doesn’t really have that much influence. It is actually the amount of “wetted” surface of the tank wall that does the job. The tank walls are the heating surfaces that make the vaporization happen.

Think about boiling water on a stove – it’s the same deal. The bigger the kettle, the more water you can boil at the same time.

A tank can look big enough, but as the liquid level starts getting low, the wetted surface becomes smaller and smaller and the volume of propane vaporized gets less and less. Unfortunately, this situation also normally happens in the coldest weather when the need for maximum vaporization is required.

When the weather gets really cold, it’s Mother Nature turning the flame down on your kettle just when you need to turn it up higher.

temperature versus maximum continuous load) and make sure the tank is going to be big enough. And figure out how low the tank level can get under the above conditions before problems occur - then advise your customer to take steps to ensure it stays full enough.

Explain to your customer the symptoms of a depleted tank. Instruct them what they should do if lowpressure problems start to appear (clear snow off the tank, reduce DHW usage, turn the thermostat down, etc.).

Despite your best engineering, there may be another fuel shortage some day, and there are ways to get through it with minimal pain.

The customer needs to consult with their propane provider regarding their delivery arrangements/schedules.

Regulators should be changed every ten years as a precaution against malfunctions.

• Vapor pressure gets lower and lower.

• Heating loads get higher and higher – you need more vapor.

• The “refrigeration effect” increases (vaporizing propane will suck-up an additional 184 Btu/h per lb.), cooling the tank even further – reducing vaporization even more.

• Tanks can ice-over as a result of this extra cooling, adding an insulating layer to the tank – reducing vaporization even more.

• Snow covering the tank can insulate it – reducing vaporization even more.

• Customers feel colder and turn up the thermostat – increasing the vapor draw on the tank and reducing vaporization even more.

• And to top it off, tank volume (wetted surface) gets smaller and smaller as the propane is used up – the final nail in the coffin.

So what to do – what to do?

The wrong cards Think about how the deck is stacked against you. The ambient temperature is the only heat-source available to make the propane vaporize. As the ambient temperature gets colder, all of the bad things pile up:

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size of tank you can install on certain sites. There are direct-fired propane vaporizers that use the fuel supply from the same tank – and there are indirect vaporizers that use another heat source (a separate propane tank, electric resistance heat, hot water, etc.) – but these devices are a real specialty item. You may need expert advice beyond my level of expertise to determine successful sizing, selection, and utilization.

My hope is, that this article will remind you to alert your customers to the potential problems they may encounter as the temperature drops. When the next “Arctic vortex” descends, we are all going to be busy enough. If this piece prevents unnecessary call-outs, I will be happy.

Better vaporization If you are regularly dealing with really extreme conditions, you may want to investigate adding an approved vaporizer to the system. This is seldom done in residential systems. I don’t normally recommend adding extra components, but there are limits to the

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

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November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

17

HEATED WORK JACKETS

4

3

HIGH MEDIUM LOW

D EWALT HEATED WORK JACKETS. DESIGNED FOR CONSTANT WEAR The jackets, when used with a DEWALT 20V MAX* or 12V MAX* battery, are capable of providing hours of core body warmth and continuous heat†. Each jacket offers a water- and wind-resistant outer shell, an LED controller with 3 temperature settings plus pre-heat mode, and at least 3 core body heating zones. The heating power is transferred from the battery to the jacket by a USB power source that is also capable of charging up to 2 electronic devices that are USB-compatible. Tailored Tough to DEFROST any Worksite.

* With respect to 20V MAX*, maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18. *With respect to 12V MAX*, maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 12 volts. Nominal voltage is 10.8. † Actual run time varies depending on battery type and heat setting Copyright ©2013 D E WALT. The following are examples of trademarks for one or more D E WALT power tools and accessories: the yellow and black color scheme; the “D”-shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box configuration; and the array of lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool.

Q Heating

Today’s service tech needs a number of test instruments.

Checking airflow is a must.

This kit allows easy testing of ECM motors.

Residential HVAC diagnosis 101 Keeping up with today’s heating/ cooling technology

By Bob Bettles and Brian Guttormson We as the “guy from the factory” or some other magical location receive support inquiries from field technicians for help with problems in the field. In most cases they have changed the control board, pressure switches – anything that can be replaced with a nut driver and a spade connector or two. However, it still does not operate.

In an effort to assist this pro in trouble, a few simple questions are asked! What

about it. It did not take long for these to become known as “idiot” lights.

With the complexity of our current heating equipment and computer board controlled systems the design engineers have added blinky lights to assist service techs in their diagnosis. Our field tech sees a flash count for a pressure switch fault and proceeds to change the switch.

Common sense should lead the service tech to check the pressure switch circuit and sequence of operation.

Every season we are inundated with the same basic issues and have to do the basic furnace 101 or A/C 101 training on the phone! These mini one-on-one classes start the same way each and every time with, have you checked the product out and found where the power starts and stops? The answer is met with much confusion for us due to the lack of instrumentation with the contractor. If

labs. But the big hidden secret is to always to remember the product’s sequence of operation and how it works from its beginning to the end of each cycle.

Older service and installation technicians will snicker when reading this, but somewhere between today and yesterday the products changed drastically and become more complicated, full of algorithms and computer logic.

Having the right tools will bring an average technician to the next level and give him or her more confidence in the

task at hand and when calling into a technical service advisor (TSA). With the correct tools, the TSA can assist you in the placement and the readings from those tools to rectify an issue that is preventing a heating or a cooling cycle.

It should also be brought to the attention of the dwelling/building owners that all service and install manuals must remain on site for the service technician to confirm the installation was completed correctly.

These manuals contain most of the technical information such as flash codes, volt readings and parts used in the product in question. If not available, most of the manufacturer’s web sites will have these documents available for download.

The right tools Following are some of the basic tools needed to diagnose today’s HVAC equipment: • multi meter and a clamp on meter complete with leads • magnahelic gauge and or digital manometer with access fittings

Please see ‘New’ on page 21

Today’s typical service tech must be knowledgeable in not only the fuel codes, but also plumbing, electrical, carpentry, sheet metal, refrigeration, landscaping, masonry and, most of all, common sense. was the problem when you got the call?

What was the flash code if any from the board or other diagnostic info emitting from the furnace when you arrived? Has it changed since you put in all these new parts? Usually the answer is “Nope!”

you own it or have accesses to it, HAVE IT WITH YOU at the job site; you will probably need it. Service technicians need to understand that the issues can vary but the tools to find the problem are always the same.

“Blinky” lights

The ‘secrets’ of diagnosis

Back in the day, the automobile manufacturers deemed that rather than install a heat gauge or oil pressure indicator, a simple light bulb on the dash would be a suitable replacement. These bulbs usually would indicate a problem has occurred too late to do anything

People ask us our secrets for diagnosis and how we can fix items in the field without feeling or touching them. Don’t kid yourself; we do have to drive out and touch many of them. Secrets involve a lot of paying attention and reading up on products. We check things out in our

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

19

- MADE IN CANADA FOR CANADIAN WINTERS -

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napoleonheatingandcooling.com

Q Heating

New equipment, new tools Continued from page 19 • static tips and hoses • Ductilater and other manufacturer charts for sizing ductwork • velocity instruments • combustion analyzer, serviced and up to date • CO monitor, zeroed before entrance • Two temperature probes or multi-channel digital thermometer • ECM motor testers – can be basic or full series types • refrigeration gauges for the gases you work with • recovery system with bottles and extra hoses • pressure temperature charts • refrigerant scale • refrigerant detectors, digital or liquid • vacuum pump • vacuum micron gauge

type of training should be given fees based on class materials presented.

A very different industry Our HVAC industry has changed from the days of thermocouples and belted fan motors to sophisticated computer driven high efficient products.

Licensing and regulations cover the fuels side, but

beyond the gas/oil fuel codes they run out of steam.

Today’s typical service tech must be knowledgeable in not only the fuel codes, but also plumbing, electrical, carpentry, sheet metal, refrigeration, landscaping, masonry and, most of all, common sense.

Can you imagine a split system a/c and furnace installation with all these different trades, each with an apprentice? We hope that before the turn of the century a certified trade designation will be decided with registered apprentices, mandatory classroom hours and field training within the scope of this industry.

These newer style instruments will help detect issues much faster then tools of the past. Things like an ECM motor tester are very specific to today’s HVAC products.

And today’s tools can record your readings and findings, which can then be copied to the invoice. These details will help explain the repairs to the building owner.

Upgrading your skills The best way for mechanics to upgrade skills and product knowledge, including possible problems and field corrections, is through training offered by wholesalers and local trade colleges. These classes are typically kept to a minimum expense just covering material and food/drink costs. Unfortunately, too many technicians don’t attend. If their company owners will not pay for it or if it is not completed by 5 p.m., they are not interested. Another problem is techs claim more than 20 years in the trade and know it all. We have had classes booked for a set hour with maybe 20 committed to attend, but when the time arrives, with luck, we have five on time and two or three stragglers late!

Licensing in Canada needs to change to accommodate more training. Hours should count and the knowledgeable TSA’s that provide this

YOUR INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY PARTNER: MINIMIZE RISK TO YOUR SCHEDULE AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Victaulic works with your business from design through construction to ensure your project runs as efficiently as possible.

• Estimating • 3D Modeling for multiple platforms (Revit, CADmep, etc.)

• BIM Coordination Packages can help to reduce man-hours, calendar days and unexpected costs

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.

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

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

victauliccps.com • 905.884.7444

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

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

21

Viega MegaPress® System for Black Iron Pipe

With Viega MegaPress, installerss can n ma ake secure black iron pipe connectio ons in n lesss than seven seconds with no hea avy eq quip pment or cutting oils. The Viega Smart Conn nect® feature helps installers identify unpresssed d connections easily during pressu ure tessting g.

The first carbon steel press fittin ng appro oved d for both water and gas applicatiions, Viega MegaPress helps save time and d labo or on the job site.

Viega MegaPress • Approved for more application ns tha an any other black iron press systtems • Flameless press technology redu uces installation time up to 60% • Provides consistent connections with no manual tightening • Patented Viega Smart Connect feature helps installers identify unpressed connections

www.viega.ca | 1-800-976-9819

Viega MegaPress system The only carbon steel press fitting for water and gas The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems

Q Tools & Instruments

Saving time and money Having the right tools makes the job so much easier It would be fair to say that the plumbing and HVAC/R world has seen a revolution in tools over the past 20 years. Tradesmen and women can choose from a much wider variety of tools for every application, some of them very specialized. Power tools are transitioning from corded to cordless and many hand tools are also being replaced by electric versions. All of these things save time and money on the job site. And, of particular concern to an aging skilled workforce, many of them also save wear and tear on the body.

Following are just a few of the new tools that tradesmen might want to consider:

Charge multiple tools, devices

Drain cleaning in tight spaces Many times clogged drains can be cleared without hauling a larger cable machine. The compact Power-Vee drain machine from General Pipe Cleaners (www.drainbrain.com) is designed to quickly clear small drains.

And with automatic feed just like a larger machine, it is easy to use. It works on drains from 1-1/4-to three inches and up to 50 feet long. It uses ¼ or 3/8” cables that can be changed without tools. An optional stand turns the machine into a countertop or floor machine.

One dramatic change on the job site in the past 20 years is the use of electronics – computers, phones and sophisticated cordless tools. And having a lot of devices and tools often means carrying multiple chargers. DeWalt’s (www. dewalt.com) new 12V/20V MAX jobsite charging station allows contractors to charge their 12 and 20 volt DeWalt MAX lithium ion tool batteries, and also charge their phones and tablet computers, thanks to two built-in USB ports. And yet the charger is small enough to carry and store with their other jobsite tools and equipment.

Versatile pipe grooving Grooved pipe is nothing new; in fact it has been around since the First World War. However, skilled worker shortages, tight construction schedules and other issues are making mechanical joining systems more and more common on ICI projects. MAG Tool (www.magtool. com) offers a number of roll grooving machines. The Pace Model 2021 allows the operator to groove a wide range of pipe diameters with the push of a

Please see ‘Reducing’ on page 25

Looks like it belongs in your home-

not in an RV! Adding a bathroom is made

f ea attur tur tu ure re ess: s

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

easy when no gravity lines are convenient! The quiet and

Safe, removable access cover for easy service.

(System is de-energized when cover removed.)

powerful Ascent II gives you

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

the freedom to pump up to 25'

High efficiency toilet is ADA compliant.

vertically and 150' horizontally

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

in a high-quality attractive toilet.

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

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

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libertypumps.com Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2014 All rights reserve ed.

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1.28 GPF

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

23

READY WHEN YOU ARE.

© 2014 Masco Canada Limited

We’re committed to providing innovative solutions that can help you get the job done.

That’s why Delta allows you to order and install a variety of electronic faucet roughs and trims separately. Our preassembled roughs are pre-plumbed and factory-tested to ensure quality and help save you installation time and hassle. And the trims can be ordered when you’re ready for them – no more worrying about storing or misplacing them during the project.

For more information, visit deltacommercialfaucets.com or specselect.com.

Pre-Plumbed Control Box Sensor, controller, power supply and solenoid shown are sold separately as part of trim kits.

590T1150

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Committed to Quality, Driven by Innovation

This commitment to quality parts manufactured to the highest standards in tolerance and finish, has earned us our reputation for excellence.

Exceptionally durable, reliable products that are built for the long run.

For more information, visit www.brasscraft.com.

WATER SUPPLIES

| BRASS FITTINGS | GAS/WATER HEATER CONNECTORS | TOILET REPAIR | SHOWERS

© 2014 BrassCraft Manufacturing

Every product we make is quality checked to exacting standards.

Q Tools & Instruments

Reducing the pain ROPOWER 50R

Continued from page 23 button. Six easily interchangeable top and bottom rollers allow the operator to quickly change pipe diameters. The machine’s hydraulic system is adjustable to provide the correct pressure for the size and type of pipe being grooved, with a maximum pressure of 16,000 psi.

The machine is shipped fully assembled with four through six-inch top and bottom rollers.

· 1/2 to 2” capacity pipe threader · Auto-open · Auto-oil die head · 2 sets of ball detent dies, cutter and reamer Order # 63005

shears. The M18 Lithium Ion shear reduces wrist strain and offers better cutting control with an in-line design that allows the user to push the cuts through from behind. A 360-degree rotating head allows quick adjustment to cut at any angle. The 18-gauge single cut shear is ideal for HVAC applications. The company also offers double cut shears in 18-gauge and 14gauge models.

Pressure switch tester/manometer Elsewhere in this issue Bob Bettles and Brian Guttormson stress the importance of having the right instruments in the truck when responding to a no-heat call.

This Fieldpiece (www.fieldpiece.com) dual port manometer and pressure switch tester would be a useful addition to the toolbox. It measures gas and static pressure and also accurately tests pressure switches by simulating a draft with an internal pump. It measures gas pressure up to 60” water column (WC) with a resolution of 0.1” WC, along with both positive and negative pressure, which is used for measurement on vacuum control lines. The unit will take differential pressure readings and display the difference between P1 and P2 at all times. Four different measurement scales can be used: inches of water column, millimeters of water column, mBar, and PSI. “The tech also only needs to carry one pressure switch because the SMDN6 calibrates adjustable pressure switches to furnace specifications,” reported Russ Harju, product manager.

Reduce hand strain For HVAC techs still using hand shears, there is an easier way. Milwaukee Tools (www.milwaukeetool.com) recently introduced three new 18-volt electric

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$2,595*

ROPRESS COMPACT

$1,995*

· 6 ton pressing tool · 18V Li-ion battery, 15 minute charge time · Lightweight @ 6-1/2 lbs · Copper jaws 1/2”, 3/4”, 1”

Order # 16002

ROFROST CO2

· Self-contained · CO2 collar freeze kit · Capacity to 2” copper · 2” steel pipe

$595*

Order # 065030

VIPER

$1,595*

· Solder in tight spots · Improve solder joint quality · Reduce liability · 110 VAC ( foot switch included )

Flexible drill bits Fishing control wires through walls in a retrofit can be a real pain. Really long flexible drill bits from Ideal Industries (www.idealindustries.com) can make it a little easier. Available in lengths up to 72”, they have holes in the tip and shank to allow the technician to drill the hole and then use the drill to fish the wire through the wall. Formed from special alloy steel, the drill tips are tough enough to chew through nails, steel plates, sheet metal, masonry and wood structures. Four different tips are available.

Order #10557X

*Prices in effect December 17, 2014 Tax and freight extra.

1.800.661.9983 www.magtool.com

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

25

Q Refrigeration

The solenoid valve in this picture has a manual lift stem that should be used to ensure that this section of pipe is not isolated from the rest of the system during evacuation.

Effective

EVACUATION

It can be difficult and sometimes isn’t done at all – let’s fix that!

By Greg Scrivener Pressure Temperature [°F] 212 125 101 84 72 63 52 39 29 15 1 -12 -21 -28 -33 -40 -50

Micron 762000 100000 50000 30000 20000 15000 10000 6000 4000 2000 1000 500 300 200 150 100 50

inHG 30.00 3.94 1.97 1.18 0.79 0.59 0.39 0.24 0.16 0.08 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00

Table 1: The vapour pressure of water shown at different temperatures.

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pisa 14.73 1.93 0.97 0.58 0.39 0.29 0.19 0.12 0.08 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

kPa 101.59 13.33 6.67 4.00 2.67 2.00 1.33 0.80 0.53 0.27 0.13 0.07 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01

he pipe is installed, pressure tested and leak checked. It’s now time to put the refrigerant in, right? Wrong. We’ve forgotten the evacuation – one of the most important parts of installing and servicing refrigeration systems. Throughout my travels I continue to be surprised by how this common practice is not actually so common. Here’s hoping we can change that!

T

collects on metals and rubbers throughout the piping system when it’s exposed to ambient air or otherwise contaminated. The only way we can evaporate the water and remove the vapour is to reduce the pressure in the system to lower than the vapour pressure of the water. Just like refrigerants, water evaporates at different temperatures depending on its pressure, so if we lower the pressure enough it will evaporate.

Table 1 shows the vapour pressure of water at different temperatures.

Looking at Table 1, we can see that water evaporates at 20,000 microns at room temperature, so how low do we need to go?

The reason

The evacuation setup

A properly executed system evacuation accomplishes two things. It removes the air and other non-condensable gases from the system and it removes the water contained in system components.

Removing non-condensable gases is important because they typically end up collecting in the condenser, causing a higher than normal condensing pressure. A small amount of non-condensable gases in the system will degrade the performance and capacity of the system; a large amount can cause the system to become inoperable. Both situations are common.

Water in the refrigeration system causes two problems. It can freeze places of the system that are cold enough (think metering device orifice) and it reacts with the refrigerant to create acids that can have a serious long-term effect on the motor windings and other metal components.

Removing the moisture is a much more difficult task. Water vapour is present in the air and moisture

Vacuum pumps come in many shapes and sizes, but a good quality pump is not difficult to find. Generally, a 3 CFM pump is sufficient for most air conditioning and refrigeration service applications. If you are doing larger installations, you will certainly want to investigate larger pumps.

However, it is often easier and more efficient to use multiple smaller pumps instead of one large one.

Smaller pumps can be connected at different parts of the system and thereby decrease the total pressure drop required to remove the evaporated moisture. Two 3 CFM pumps connected on opposite sides of the system will pull a vacuum faster than one 6 CFM pump.

Vacuum gauges are not created equal and there are massive differences between the different models. My advice on this front is to resort to the old adage – “you get what you pay for.” I have never been satisfied with inexpensive vacuum gauges and I’ve tried most of them. Some of them function so poorly that they are hardly useable at all. Spend the money for a good

Please see ‘right’ on page 29

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

27

Q Refrigeration

The right tools, the right steps Continued from page 27 vacuum gauge – you won’t regret it.

It is best to connect the vacuum pump to as many connections as possible. With a standard gauge set this means both high and low side hoses should be used. If you have another access port available and a gauge set with a separate vacuum port, you can sometimes use the yellow charging hose too. The goal is to reduce the pressure drop as much as possible.

Sometimes the biggest factor in evacuating many systems is the use of Schrader valves. The effective area through a Schrader valve core is extremely small. To do any significant evacuation, the core should to be removed.

The difficulty of evacuating a system increases with the complexity of the system. You need to be certain that all areas of piping are open and communicate with the vacuum pump. In systems with dozens of control valves and check valves this can be challenging. This is another reason it is often better to have multiple small vacuum pumps.

The evacuation Remember, it is not enough to go a little bit lower than the vapour pressure of the moisture because this will not generate a low enough pressure at the pump to overcome pressure drop in the piping. A very good rule of thumb to follow is to pull a vacuum down to 500 microns. Vacuums lower than 500 microns are generally only required on systems that are very susceptible to problems caused by moisture. Small cascade ultra-low refrigeration systems, for example, require vacuums as low as 50 microns!

I have never been satisfied with inexpensive vacuum gauges and I’ve tried most of them.

A cautionary note: take a good look at Table 1 and see what happens if you are performing an evacuation at low ambient temperatures. Anything colder than -12°F and even a 500 micron vacuum won’t do much.

In cases of cold ambient temperatures, it may be necessary to heat up piping and components in order to remove the moisture properly. Also notice that by pulling a vacuum, the water in the system will fall to

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evaporate somewhere near the vapour pressure that corresponds to the ambient temperature in which you are working.

Step 7: Purge with dry nitrogen. On large systems and on systems that have had any significant moisture contamination, it speeds up the evacuation to purge the piping with dry nitrogen after the vacuum has reached or come close to 500 microns. The purging is a really quick way to get the moisture that you evaporated with the vacuum out of the piping. You should repeat this step as required, but it is often recommended to do this at least twice.

Figure 1: Typical vacuum levels in a system during evacuation for leak and moisture scenarios

Step 8: Drop test: This is done by isolating the system

the equivalent temperature and very likely freeze. This isn’t a problem as the ice will sublimate, but it does take time. Safely heating pipes and components will almost always increase the speed of evacuation. A typical evacuation would include the following steps:

Step 1: Confirm that a pressure test and leak check has been completed. While a vacuum test will often tell you whether you have a leak, a leak at deep vacuums will cause air and contaminants to be sucked into the system.

from the pump and observing the vacuum gauge that’s still connected to the system. You should be able to hold the vacuum under 1000 microns for at least 20 minutes. Some specifications and manufacturers have requirements to maintain under 1000 microns for a lot longer. I have seen specifications calling for a 24hour drop test. If the vacuum doesn’t hold, you will have to determine why and either evacuate longer or fix the problem that’s causing the loss of vacuum. Fig. 1 shows a few different responses you can expect for different situations.

Step 9: Put in a holding charge. Once you have Step 2: Confirm that ambient temperatures are suitable or heat components.

completed the drop test you need to charge the system with the correct refrigerant. If you put in nitrogen, another evacuation would be required to remove it.

Step 3: Confirm pump operation. Connect your vacuum gauge directly to the vacuum pump and confirm that the pump can pull at least 300 microns (It should go to 50 microns). Make sure your gauges don’t leak.

Step 4: Connect pump and vacuum gauge to system.

The vacuum gauge should be connected as far away from the pump as practical so that you can see how deep of vacuum is being pulled in the system without direct influence from the pump.

Step 5: Open all service ports and gauge manifolds and start the pump. The pump will need to be checked frequently and the oil will often need changing after a couple of hours, or any time it becomes “milky”.

Step 6: Monitor the vacuum gauge. The rate that the vacuum is being developed should be fairly rapid at first and then will slow down as moisture starts to

Probably the biggest reason that many evacuations don’t get completed or completed properly is time. I have evacuated systems that required more than a day or two and over 10 oil changes to complete. Other than using proper equipment and procedures, there is not much else you can do. It can be extremely tempting to cut an evacuation short, but when you do you are only cheating the owner out of efficiency and equipment longevity.

Greg Scrivener is president of Cold Dynamics, Meadow Lake, Sask. He is a journeyman refrigeration mechanic, holds RSES CMS designation in commercial refrigeration and is a mechanical engineer in training. He can be reached at greg.scrivener@colddynamics.com

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

29

What One Canadian University Learned About Zuba-Central.

And how this new study can lead to more satisfied customers.

Every HVAC system claims to be energy efficient. But how many of these claims are backed by science? Ours is.

An independent study*conducted by Ryerson University in Toronto proves that Zuba-Central: SAVES ENERGY With a COP ranging from 1.4 to 3.19, Zuba-Central delivers energy savings of up to 60% annually over conventional heating and cooling systems.

OPERATES EFFICIENTLY AT LOW TEMPERATURES Our advanced system design and innovative compressor technology ensures effective and efficient operation in temperatures as low as -30°C. IS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN GEOTHERMAL Zuba-Central delivers similar energy efficiency at a fraction of the installed cost of a geothermal system.

Get the facts for yourself and see why Zuba-Central by Mitsubishi Electric is the proven choice for energy efficiency and cost savings. *Study conducted by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Ryerson University: Performance Assessment of a Variable Capacity Air Source Heat Pump and a Horizontal Loop Coupled Ground Source Heat Pump System

*When installed by an authorized HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) installer. Certain conditions, restrictions and/or limitations apply. See warranty terms and conditions for complete details.

ZubaHome.ca

photo courtesy of TRCA

Q New Product Roundup Navien launches boiler line KD Navien is Korea’s largest boiler company and has become known in North America for its tankless water heaters and combi-boilers.

Late in 2014 the company launched its NHB (Navien Heating Boiler) high efficiency condensing boiler line in North America. It will be offered in four sizes:

the NHB-55, NHB-80, NHB 110 and NHB-150 with turn-down-ratios respectively of 7:1, 10:1, 11:1, and 15:1. Navien’s “advanced burner system” features a dual venturi gas delivery system. The boilers are rated at 95 percent AFUE. Other features include timed hydronic water supply boost, adjustable heating capacity, adjustable anti-cycle timer, freeze protection, adjustable Delta T range, low water cutoff with manual reset, adjustable minimum burner time and adjustable turndown range.

Navien www.navien.com

Energy saving DHW

Easy ice machine service

Rinnai’s Ultra Series condensing water-heating technology is designed to offer greater energy savings for residential applications. The condensing design incorporates two heat exchangers to achieve optimum water-heating value from every cubic foot of natural gas or propane.

A down-fired ceramic burner allows condensation to drain from the bottom of the heat exchanger, protecting the primary heat exchanger and burner, as well as maintaining excellent performance over time.

These units achieve an energy factor (EF) rating of up to .96, reports the manufacturer.

Rinnai www.rinnai.us

The Danfoss universal TU ice machine kit pairs the company’s TU thermostatic expansion valve with Danfoss ice machine expertise.

Designed to help save time and money, the kit includes an exchangeable orifice TU valve (type TUA) that can replace any OEM specific TX valve, a selection of orifice sizes covering ice machines ranging from 75 to 2300 pounds of ice, elbow connections, bulb strap and insulation tape.

Danfoss www.choose.danfoss.com

www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Simplified commercial controls Johnson Controls has introduced its Simplicity Smart Equipment (SE) controls on its York commercial packaged and split systems. Soon to be standard on all three to 40-ton packaged units, the updated controls are designed to make equipment easier to install, operate and service and provide information that ensures a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is performing to specifications. A built-in LCD display and navigation joystick provide quick access to menus displaying unit status, options, current function, supply, return and outdoor temperatures, fault codes and other information. An optional wireless mobile access portal (MAP) or hardwired networking capabilities allow several users to access one or many units using any device with Wi-Fi capability and a web browser.

Johnson Controls/York Div. www.yorkhvacdealer.com.

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Training

Applied research centre opens Toronto college facility will focus on the construction industry

By Bruce Nagy from a tiny Pickering, Ont. company that is developing efficient low-voltage electric boiler technology to home automation development by IT giant Cisco. Current projects also include the study of lowercost small wind turbines, new formulations for concrete and glass, and new retrofit insulation that preserves both interior space and exterior brick on older homes.

Well equipped labs

T

A building information modeling lab is a key part of the new centre. he new Green Building Centre at George Brown College in Toronto is designed to provide applied research for the construction industry. Geared towards the Canadian construction, engineering and IT sectors, its focus is green construction and sustainable building practices.

“It’s all about collaboration,” said Nancy Sherman, dean of the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies.

She explains that eight years ago the school identified a gap in the usual approach of universities to research. “Universities didn’t seem to be helping enough to take companies as close as possible to product commercialization.” It was a perfect opportunity for George Brown to move beyond theory in one of its unique and strong areas, construction; and to increase collaboration with innovative companies on what is being very deliberately termed ‘applied research.’

More than $13 million has been invested in four floors of high-tech facilities to accommodate an intense level of collaboration between students, professors and private companies, big and small. The centre will support development of some 160 projects over the next five years ranging

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Companies can also take advantage of an advanced prototyping lab featuring 3D printers, laser and water jet cutters. Building materials and building sciences labs include ‘testing huts’ on the centre’s roof (and another at the new Harbourfront Campus).

They also include humidity and temperature chambers and ovens; a building automation lab; and a building information modeling lab.

The latter facility allows engineers, faculty and students to work together on building designs, projecting them on three huge screens in a big, high tech workshop-style classroom. They can brainstorm them as a group, modifying the computer designs in

There is already a waiting list of company’s that want to participate, reports facility director Rolf Priesnitz, here in the high rise glass testing lab.

real time during the sessions. The software permits an unprecedented level of intelligent and practical architecture modeling, because data relating to real-world site conditions can be factored in, heading off expensive construction miscues.

The centre will support development of some 160 projects over the next five years…

The centre also provides offices, meeting rooms, internet facilities and so on that make private sector people feel at home during research projects.

Companies waiting to get in There there is already a waiting list of companies that want to conduct research in the new facility, reports Rolf Priesnitz, director of the new centre.

Sherman says that applied research is critical in the era of climate change, as industry grapples with significant challenges in remaking the world’s new and existing buildings in a much more energy efficient manner, and in record time.

She also notes that the benefits of applied research for corporate partners extend beyond the life of research projects.

During the research they are able to identify students that they would like to hire, to continue projects they’ve already started together, who can then help take products to commercialization. In this contemporary collaboration model, everybody wins.

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

November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

33

top performer

Industry-leading Genetron® Performax™ LT refrigerant is the clear leader in its field.

If your bottom line is a better bottom line, no other supermarket refrigerant comes close.

From keeping fresh food fresher longer to energy savings to eco-friendly performance, the list of reasons to choose Genetron ® Performax™ LT over R-438A or R-407A refrigerants goes on and on. Genetron Performax LT offers industry-leading capacity, industry-leading efficiency and low GWP values versus other popular supermarket refrigerants. This saves money in new installations and in R-22 retrofit projects. Plus, a mass flow that identically matches R-22, eliminates expensive expansion valve changes and adjustments in retrofit applications while maintaining superheat performance which protects costly compressors. So go with the gold standard. Go with Genetron Performax LT. Maximize Performance with Performax LT.

Brenntag Canada Inc. Exclusive distributor of Genetron® refrigerants in Canada Ontario & Western Canada: Tel. No. (416) 243-9615 Fax: (416) 243-9731 Quebec & Maritime Provinces: Tel. No. (514) 636-9230 Fax: (514) 636-8229 To learn more, call 800-631-8138 or visit www.genetronperformaxlt.com. © 2010 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

Q People & Places

The Pressures You Need

Wolseley Distribution Centre wins green award Wolseley Canada’s 300,000 sq. ft. Distribution Centre in Milton, Ont. has won the 2014 Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Canada National Earth Award in the Light Industrial Building category.

Staff follow environmental best practices such as using only green cleaning products to wash warehouse floors, monitoring pollutants in the air, separating and recycling all plastic and cardboard for reuse, installing energy efficient lighting and conserving water.

While the award is primarily for green practices, the building itself incorporates a number of green technologies including: • Five GPM aerators installed in all faucets • Water conserving toilets throughout • T5 lighting with motion detection • LED lighting on all docks – internal • LED lighting outside/surrounding entire building

The

Companies

Staff at the Wolseley Distribution Centre in Milton, Ont. played a key role in winning the award.

• High efficiency HVAC with programmable thermostats Wolseley received the award in partnership with the building’s landlord, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP.

NOW LE AB AVAILNADA IN CA

Ont. to serve the Ontario market.

NEXT Supply, Vaughan, Ont., will open a new branch at 30 Mid Dominion Acres in Scarborough, Ont. on Feb. 2. This is the seventh location for the company. Danial Shah has been named branch manager.

Danial Shah Novo Water Group Inc., Kitchener, Ont., has acquired the WaterGroup Companies from Culligan International Company Inc.

The

People The Napoleon Group of Companies, Barrie, Ont., celebrated the opening of their new 270,000 sq. ft. logistics centre on Oct. 9 with numerous dignitaries in attendance. Even Napoleon himself showed up!

Wolseley Industrial Canada Inc., Burlington, Ont., has acquired the Goodman Industrial PVF business.

Established in Esterhazy, Sask. in 1970, Goodman is a wholesale distributor of industrial materials, primarily serving the potash industry in Saskatchewan. Goodman president and CEO, Darrell Tochor will retire. Michelle Shire continues as sales manager for the new Wolseley Industrial location.

Wolseley, Burlington, Ont., has opened a new plumbing

and HVAC/R wholesale branch at 1290 Mill Street in downtown Montreal. Staff, from left, are Daniel Durivage, branch supervisor Hélène Thériault, Yves Belleville and Richard Larouche. Wolseley is also planning new branches in Burlington and Markham, Ont. Aquatherm, Airdrie, Alta., has partnered with B&B Trade Distribution Centre, London, Ont., to distribute the company’s polypropylene pipe systems. Earlier this year, Aquatherm opened a new warehouse in Vaughan,

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Ontario Building Officials Association awards chairman, Matt Farrell, left, presents Mike Speziale, code specialist with IPEX Inc., Mississauga, Ont. with a special award recognizing his years of dedicated service to the organization. Speziale, who is retiring, has worked with contractors, plumbers, inspectors, and engineers for more than 30 years. In the mid 1980s, he helped introduce a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) drain, waste, and vent system that was the first ‘combustible’ piping capable of meeting the flame-spread rating required for ‘noncombustible’ construction.

Barry Raycroft, Bardon Supplies Ltd., Belleville, Ont. has been elected chairman of the HRAI Wholesalers Division, replacing Denis Fraser who was moved to another industry. Bruce Passmore, McKeough Supply, Brant ford, Ont., has been elected secretary treasurer.

ECCO Manufacturing, Langley, B.C. announces the appointment of Peeter Vesik as product engineer.

The BCIT graduate will be responsible Peeter for the development of ECCO-duct and Vesik will represent ECCO on technical and code issues.

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When he reduced costs by 13% with a new RTU, he wasn’t just saving money.

He was setting a precedent.

Once your clients start seeing the benefits of our incentives for upgrading to high efficiency HVAC systems, they will want to look into making other areas of their building like refrigeration and building automation systems more efficient too. When they do, they’ll be joining companies like Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart and Sears who are already enjoying the energy savings that our programs deliver.

Take a look at their stories and our incentives at

saveonenergy.ca/plumbing-hvac

Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Subject to change without notice.

OM Official Mark of the Ontario Power Authority.

Q Coming Events

2015 CIPH show schedule announced

The Viega chopper, built on the television show American Chopper, was a huge hit at MCEE 2013.

Events

Calendar

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) has announced its show schedule for 2015.

Quebec’s major show for the mechanical industry will take place at Place Bonaventure in Montreal April 22-23. The MCEE show (Mecanex/Climatex/ Expolectiq/Eclairage), which occurs every second year, typically features about 400 exhibitors from across North America displaying the latest technology in plumbing, heating, hydronic heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, water treatment, kitchen and bath, pipe, valves and fittings, fire prevention, tools, software, electrical and lighting.

There are also technical seminars organized by

CIPH and the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ).

Roadshows return CIPH also runs a series of smaller shows across Canada every second year. The CIPHEX Roadshow series brings mechanical shows to cities that don’t typically host a major event. Two new venues have been added for 2015 – Burnaby, B.C. on Oct. 15 and Brandon, Man. on Oct. 28. As well, the event will return to Edmonton on Oct. 20, Regina on Oct. 22 and St. John’s, Nfld. on Nov. 18.

Further information on any of the above events is available at www.ciph.com.

DEC. 8-9: Solar Canada, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Toronto. Call 1-866-522-6742 or visit www. solarcanadaconference.ca.

JAN. 26-28: AHR Expo, McCormick Place, Chicago. Visit www.ahrexpo. com or call (203) 221-9232 for details.

MARCH 11: World Plumbing Day, worldwide.

Visit www.worldplumbingday.org. For Canadian activities, visit www.ciph.com and www.mcac.ca.

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AHR Expo ..................................................................... 37 Bradford White ............................................................. 15 Brant Radiant ................................................................ 19 Bristol Sinks .................................................................. 14 Delta Faucet.................................................................. 24 Dettson......................................................................... 17 DeWalt ......................................................................... 18 Fieldpiece...................................................................... 35 Ford .............................................................................. 39 Franke Commercial Systems ............................................ 8 Fujitsu ........................................................................... 28 General Pipe Cleaners ................................................... 10 Hilmor .......................................................................... 26 Honeywell/Genetron Div. ............................................. 34 IBC Boilers ...................................................................... 4 IPEX ................................................................................ 6 Liberty Pumps ............................................................... 23 MAG Tool ..................................................................... 25 Mitsubishi Electric ......................................................... 30 Mobilio ........................................................................... 5 Napoleon ...................................................................... 20 Navien ............................................................................ 9 Ontario Power Authority ............................................. 36* P&HVAC ..................................................................... 36+ RIDGID.......................................................................... 40 Saniflo .......................................................................... 32 Taco ............................................................................... 2 Victaulic ........................................................................ 21 Viega ............................................................................ 22 Viessmann .................................................................... 11 Zoeller .......................................................................... 31

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November/December 2014 – Plumbing & HVAC

37

Q Shop Management Make sure you have access to a proper valuation and that you review it with your accountant. Set up the acquisition to maximize tax advantages. For example, keep the operating company separate from your holding company. Loan the purchase money to your holding company to pay for the operating business; that way dividends can flow to the holding company without attracting tax and that money can then be used to repay your loan to the holding company.

Finding the right business

BU Y ING A BUSINESS Buyer’s market looms as many contractors set to retire

By Ron Coleman

I

n the last three editions of this magazine I explored the issue of selling your business. Now it’s time to look at this from the buyer’s perspective. There will be a lot of businesses coming up for sale in the coming years and it is becoming a buyer’s market. So, as a buyer you will have many choices and you need to make the right one.

Buying the wrong business or paying too much for it will mean the road to success will be very bumpy. Here are some tips to help you in making the right buying decisions. Sellers should also read this article so that they can position themselves to be attractive to the buyer.

The fastest way to grow your business is through an acquisition – an acquisition of either a competitor or a complimentary business. With a larger business, overhead as a percent of sales decreases, giving you a higher pre-tax profit and the broader customer base allows you to sell more planned maintenance and complimentary products. For someone who wants to start their own business, I would also encourage them to buy an existing business. The start-up process takes time and is expensive, there are already too many competitors in the market – one more doesn’t help.

And many existing companies have failed to position themselves for sale; therefore the buying prices are a lot lower than they could be.

Pros and cons In the U.S., public companies in the plumbing and HVAC business are trading at nine times annual earnings.

In Canada, many of the sales of private plumbing and HVAC businesses are trading for between three and five times earnings. This makes them very attractive.

The downside of buying these smaller companies

38

is the impact the owner/manager has on the business.

If he leaves and retires will the customers and the employees stay? Where is the loyalty? Unless the buyer can retain the loyalty, his acquisition is not going to be very successful. Linking that loyalty to the purchase price is essential. Often the seller has to stay on for one or even two years to make the transition successful.

Improving your chances Following are a few guidelines to improve your chance of success: Don’t pay the full amount upfront. Make the seller carry some financing for at least one if not two years.

Make the deferred amount predicated on certain outcomes such as customer, profits and employee retention.

Buying the wrong business or paying too much for it will mean the road to success will be very bumpy.

Do your due diligence to ensure the business has a solid relationship and low customer and employee turnover. Know if you are buying assets or shares.

There is a lot less exposure in buying assets as you don’t take on any liability exposure, but from a practical perspective you will have to honour outstanding warranties. If you are buying shares, ensure you get indemnities against exposures.

Plumbing & HVAC – November/December 2014

As many plumbing and HVAC businesses are relatively small they are not likely available through a business broker. Your best bet for finding out about these businesses is through your network. Talk to suppliers and to your associations. They usually know who is getting ready to retire and whether or not they have a succession plan. Look around at your competitors and complimentary businesses and spend some time seeing who might be interested. Another approach is to post your interest on LinkedIn. Your accountant may also have clients that are looking to retire. Would any of those businesses be of interest to you?

When buying a business do so with the intent of selling it. That’s likely what you will do with it eventually. Ask yourself these three questions “Will I own the business or will the business own me?”

“Am I buying a job or buying a business?”

“What can I do to improve profitability?”

Be clear on these concepts from day one.

Critical factors Here is a list of seven critical factors that every successful business manager should know: • What are the most profitable products or services?

• Who are the most profitable customers?

• What are the expense drivers for those customers?

• How is the cash flow controlled?

• What are the critical success factors (CSFs) for the business?

• How to identify measure and monitor the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the CSFs. • How to use an operating plan as a management tool.

In a survey of Canadian HVAC businesses I do each year for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Canada (HRAI) 25 percent of the contractors make significant profits. These well-run companies show that it is possible to make lots of money in this industry. At the other end of the scale, 25 percent do poorly. This shows how easy it is to fall into the abyss.

Be proactive, have a plan, execute it and surround yourself with successful people both inside and outside your industry. Join peer groups; get involved with your association and other business groups. Follow these guidelines and your opportunities for success will increase dramatically.

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

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