October 2016 by Plumbing and HVAC

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

ic Hydronng Heati Issue

Multiple boiler piping Using primary/secondary design to make it work

INSIDE Q HVAC/R industry gathers in Calgary Q Door-knocker bill threatens contractors Q Construction heat furnace ban delayed Q Selling to the millennial generation OCTOBER 2016

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Q Contents

Hydronic Heating Issue Departments Hot Seat ............................... 5 The effective communication riddle

Industry News ................... 7 Year of change for HVAC industry

People & Places ................ 71 NTI acquired by Italian manufacturer

Shop Management .......... 75 Working with millennials

Coming Events ................. 78 All-trades show returns

Products & Technologies Hot Water Heating ......................24 Heating ........................................41 Refrigeration ...............................49 Pipes, Valves & Fittings ...............57 Faucets & Fixtures .......................65

Net-zero homes

Low HVAC load requires new approach

Features

Tools & Instruments ....................66

Pumping and recovering heat

Environmental demands driving heat pump market

Cover: Ricky Lowe, left, and Justin Dedrick of F.W. Behler, a mechanical contractor in York, Pennsylvania, install snowmelt piping for an emergency department access at York Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Common Ground,

Fall furnace maintenance

Manheim, Penn.)

A little love for the “box in the basement”

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Temporary HVAC

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Q Hot Seat

October 2016 Volume 26, Number 7 ISSN 1919-0395

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

Effective communication Today every business has all kinds of ways to communicate with its customers, suppliers and other key people. Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out which way to go, particularly with the internet/social media ‘industry’ constantly bombarding everyone with the idea that digital is the way of the future and all established forms of communication are going to go the way of the proverbial dodo bird. One needs to keep in mind, however, that all that is just marketing as the companies involved in that sector work to become ever more profitable. Despite all the recent technological advances that have brought us Internet, e-mail, social media, etc., nothing beats face-to-face communication and a phone call can also be a good option. But if you can’t be in front of the customer, or you are prospecting for new customers, how do you do it? In a report elsewhere in this issue, the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada reported at their annual conference that e-mail hasn’t proven effective for communicating with members. That’s not surprising. We are all inundated with e-mails every day. Unless it’s from someone we know, we are unlikely to open it. And even if it is, it’s too easy to think ‘I’ll look at that later’ and then forget all about it. We’re busy. That’s not to say that e-mail is a bad thing, but it’s just another form of communication. In my mind it has always been a secondary form of communication. You may start with a telephone conversation and then e-mail

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the details. Now that the person knows what it’s about, they’re looking out for it. So if “going digital” isn’t working out, what does a business do? My advice is always to focus on the things that have worked in the past. I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that you want to reach the people you can actually serve. If your shop is in, say, Medicine Hat, Alta., broadcasting your message to the entire world on social media probably isn’t going to help. If things like flyers, direct mail, newspaper and/or radio ads have worked in the past, you abandon those things at your peril. You will likely be turning your back on a large group of prospective customers who are not going to follow you or any other contractor on social media. I think the bottom line is to stick with what works and try new things, including digital communication, but don’t do anything too drastic. The companies and organizations that have abandoned traditional forms of communication to ‘go digital’ have found that suddenly their message is just not getting out. Good communication is critical and, like many things, the easiest or least expensive route is seldom the best.

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

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Q Industry News

From left, Warren Heeley, David Weishuhn, Rick Ellul and Bruce Passmore, along with chair Peter Steffes, answered members’ questions during the Town Hall session.

Year of change for

HRAI Calgary hosts HVAC/R industry By Simon Blake It’s been a year of change for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and the industry, delegates heard at the group’s 48th Annual Conference, held in Calgary Aug. 24-26. In refrigerants, for example, things are moving like never before, noted HRAI president Warren Heeley. “Things are really shifting quickly to flammable refrigerants, CO2, ammonia, etc. to meet pending low GWP (global warming potential) regulations for refrigerants.” As equipment manufacturers move towards low GWP alternatives, trade training is just not keeping up, he added. With the very high pressures that some of these new refrigerants operate at, “you have to have people who understand what they are dealing with. The training needed for working with

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low GWP refrigerants is going to have to be significantly updated.” Part of the problem in working through many of these issues is what appears to be a lack of communication between government building code officials and environmental ministries. “They just don’t seem to be talking.” So while there may be an environmental schedule for improved efficiencies or refrigerant changes, “it’s going to come to a dead stop if the codes don’t change,” he added. “A national strategy is needed. That’s the message we are trying to get across to the federal government and provinces.”

Setting priorities One of HRAI’s key strategic priorities is to expand its membership across Canada and across all mechanical industry sectors,

delegates heard. This has resulted in changes to some long-term relationships with organizations whose members historically joined HRAI as a group, such as the Ontario Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ORAC), the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ) and the Corporation des entrerprises de traitement de l’air du froid (CETAF), also in Quebec. HRAI has decided that these members would be better served by joining the association directly, reported HRAI Contractors Division chair (chairman) David Weishuhn. “It’s a short-term loss of members in exchange for the long-term acquisition of more engaged members,” he added. Contractor John Bosanac, Bosanac Heating & Electric, Hamilton, Ont. expressed concern that drawing ICI contractors could bring unions into HRAI. “If they’re in, I’m out. In the small contractor world, they are hell to deal with.” Heeley noted that there are more non-union than union ICI contractors in Ontario and it is not within HRAI’s mandate to involve itself in union issues. The new regional services initiative includes hiring full time staff in various regions to increase HRAI’s image and presence. HRAI will run a pilot project in Alberta or B.C. and expand to other provinces if the results justify it. Another priority for the group is to improve communication with members. “We’ve found that e-mail is becoming an ineffective way to communicate with our members,” said Heeley, noting that HRAI will have to look at alternatives including print for getting critical information out. Advocacy continues to be a major priority. Please see ‘Inspectors’ on page 9

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Industry News

Inspectors misinterpret venting rules Continued from page 7

HRAI will dedicate more time to lobbying provincial governments – as well as federal – and more time working with politicians in addition to bureaucrats.

Training program upgrade HRAI receives about 25 percent of its revenue from technical training. It is curPeter Steffes, left, passed the HRAI rently examining its training chair’s gavel to Rick Ellul. materials, scope of programs and delivery methods to find improvements. And it recently moved to a new building with a state-ofthe-art training centre. There will also be more online training where it makes sense. Environmental responsibility is another key concern. HRAI currently operates three stewardship programs through its Environmental Services division: Refrigerant Management Canada, the Thermostat Recovery Program for mercury thermostats, and the British Columbia Stewardship Plan. The latter is an ongoing struggle as B.C. bureaucrats don’t seem to understand the difference between industry products and consumer products, noted Heeley. The final major priority is career development. HRAI is looking at ways to implement clear and measurable paths for attracting people to the industry. “It’s easy to throw money at this,” noted Heeley, We will soon but pointless if the industry can’t measure the results. see cold

Door knockers

Heat pump advances There were many excellent speakers during the three-day conference. One that really caught the attention of delegates was Jeremy Sager, HVAC project manager at the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) CanmetENERGY test labs in Ottawa. Please see ‘NRCan’ on page 11

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A major concern for members at HRAI Contractors Division that can compete with annual meeting was proposed gas systems anti-door knocker legislation in Ontario – Bill 193 – which at similar cost. looked like it might easily sail through the legislature. It would have banned contractors from signing a contract with a customer in their home. Bill 193 was a private members bill by Liberal MPP Yvan Baker remarked Martin Luymes, HRAI director of programs and relations. However, as it turned out, the Ontario Liberal government prorogued the legislature on Sept. 8 and the bill died with it, but then Baker reintroduced it as Bill 14 when the legislature resumed. (Please see our article on page 14.) A second major issue for contractors was

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that some building inspectors are wrongly demanding that intake air vent piping be the same ULC S636 pipe required for combustion venting, unless the manufacturer’s instructions clearly state otherwise. An Edmonton contractor reported 14 failed inspections in one week. Weishuhn suggested submitting a “docket” to the CSA B149 gas code committee to have the code clarify what types of vent piping can be used for air intakes. However, that wouldn’t occur until the 2020 code cycle; manufacturers could help by clarifying this in their instructions as the code requires installation as per those instructions.

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October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Industry News

NRCan labs test heat pumps Continued from page 9

Its research is showing that air-to-air heat pumps are making significant strides and may soon challenge natural gas heating systems in the residential market. “We will soon see cold climate heat pumps that can compete with gas systems at similar cost,” said Sager. At the same time, more and more builders are creating net zero energy homes – homes that consume no more energy than they create – he reported, so the HVAC load is being reduced significantly. The Canmet labs – there are test facilities in Ottawa, Quebec and Devon, Alta. – are about to embark on a joint test project with B.C. Hydro, Hydro Quebec and CSA that will test air source heat pumps down to -30C. He offered one technical tip – a 70 percent reduction in defrost energy use was achieved

depending on how the dip-switch was set. And he had a criticism too. “Builders are constantly asking for information on zoning. There is often a disconnect between the building designer and the mechanical designer, where the mechanical designer really didn’t understand the concept,” he said.

New partnership HRAI signed a memorandum of understanding with the Geothermal Exchange Organization, “the voice of the geothermal heat pump industry in the United States,” headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. The goal is to co-operate in providing services to members involved in geothermal heating and cooling and “to help prepare the industry to respond pro-actively to the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to a ‘low carbon economy.’”

New executive elected HRAI members elected a new board of directors. Rick Ellul of Belimo Aircontrols, Mississauga, Ont. was elected chair. Peter Steffes, Ideal Heating and Cooling Ltd., Windsor, Ont. moves into the past chair’s role. Bruce Passmore, Emco Corp., London, Ont. was elected vice chair and chair of the Wholesalers Division. John Bonus, Wolseley HVACR, Burlington, Ont. is wholesalers vice chair. David Weishuhn, Blue Flame Heating and Air Conditioning, Toronto, was elected secretary/treasurer and chair of the Contractor’s Division. Robert Flipse, Gordon Latham Ltd, Vancouver, is contractors vice chair. Dave McPherson, Rheem Canada, Brampton, Ont., was elected chair of the Manufacturers Division. Warren Heeley remains president. The next HRAI Annual Conference will take place Aug. 16-18, 2017 at the Quebec Hilton in Quebec City. For more information, please visit www.hrai.ca.

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October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Industry News

Builders will have one more winter to use furnaces for construction heat An agreement by furnace manufacturers to prohibit the use of home heating furnaces for construction heat in residential projects has been postponed to allow homebuilders time to adapt. Initially planned for implementation Sept. 1, the change will now take place May 1, 2017, reports the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

Homebuilders raised concerns about the need to circulate air through the home once the home is insulated and sealed to prevent mold from forming. Manufacturers have long complained about the damage caused by drywall dust and other construction debris and the resulting warranty claims on furnaces used during construction. They want an end to the practice. Because building codes require furnaces to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, manufacturers have agreed to standard wording in their instructions to prohibit the use of furnaces for construction heat, which effectively bans the practice. Homebuilders are not happy, expressing concern that this would increase their costs and throw a wrench into their planning processes. On Sept. 20 HRAI officials met with the Canadian Home Builders Association and the Ontario Home Builders Association to deal with some of these issues. The groups are working to come up with a

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concrete definition of when the construction process is deemed substantially complete in advance of occupancy. Homebuilders raised concerns about the need to circulate air through the home once the home is insulated and sealed to prevent mold from forming. This requires that the HVAC

system be operating, often well in advance of occupancy. The three associations agreed to strike a small joint-subcommittee of builders, manufacturers and contractors to come to an agreement on when the furnace can be activated. HRAI also agreed to prepare a more detailed description of the specific effects of construction debris on system performance to help homebuilders better understand the problem.

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October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Industry News

Ont. door-knocker bill revived Would void contracts signed in a home By Simon Blake If an Ontario member of the provincial parliament has his way, any homeowner that finds themselves without heat late at night in the middle of winter will just have to freeze until they can get to a “retail operation” to sign a work order for the repairs or replacement. No longer, under Ontario Bill 14 introduced by MPP Yvan Baker, will they be able to simply call the contractor’s 24-hour number and have a technician come over and make the repairs because any work order signed under such circumstances would be void under the law.

In proposing this legislation, Baker is in effect putting our industry out of work.

a handful of companies out selling door to door,” he added. Bill 14 is the second version of the legislation, which Baker previously introduced as private members Bill 193 and which HRAI, along with the Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA), was already battling. Together, they met with Baker twice. They thought they caught a break when the Ontario government prorogued the Ontario Legislature on Sept. 9 and the bill died. But Baker didn’t waste any time before reintroducing it as Bill 14, which has already passed first reading.

Previous legislation working, says industry The industry is questioning Baker’s motivation after the government made amendments to Bill 55, the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, that came into effect April 1, 2015 and which seem to be working. The reports of fraudulent sales by door-knockers have dropped and one company, Ontario Energy Group, is facing 142 charges of fraud under the Consumer Protection Act, noted Luymes. “Why not just let Bill 55 do its work and tweak

it if necessary?” Luymes told HRAI contractors assembled for the HRAI Contractors Division annual meeting in Calgary last August that he’s not optimistic that Baker will change his viewpoint. It doesn’t help that the bill enjoys all-party support, he added. As a result of that all-party support, it is likely that the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services will take up the issue as a matter of legislation or regulation, said Kevin Wong, executive director of the Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA), in a press release. While the door-knockers have long been a concern for the industry, it’s now becoming apparent that their behavior has stained the industry as a whole in the eyes of the public and politicians. “Every MPP has an anecdote about someone who has been duped… They characterize this (fraud) as a defining characteristic of our industry,” remarked Luymes. “Solutions are needed but this bill, as currently written, is definitely not the solution. Baker did not respond to a request for an interview prior to press time.

Q Letters “In proposing this legislation, Baker is in effect putting our industry out of work,” remarked Martin Luymes, director of programs and relations for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada. Bill 14, Door-to-Door Sales Prohibition Act 2016, goes far beyond simply outlawing door-to-door sales. It makes any contract signed in the home void, regardless of whether the contractor has been invited into the home. It would require the contractor to have a retail location where work orders could be signed. “You’re asking 4,000 businesses to just go out and start a retail location,” noted Luymes. “It creates an enormous inconvenience for consumers just to solve the problem of

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

Small wholesalers offer specialized service Dear Editor: As the manager of a small pump wholesale distributor, I readily agree with Ron Coleman’s article “Working with suppliers, building relationships for mutual benefit” (May/June 2016) but beg to differ with the rebuttal by your reader in his letter “Wholesaler relationships fading” (September 2016). Perhaps some of the larger wholesalers have lost sight of the reasons that contractors use them in search of providing the lowest

price, but a small wholesaler that specializes in a certain type(s) of products is still a valuable resource. Give them a try, you may find the missing ingredients such as product knowledge, product selection and assistance in selecting a product that will do the job. Add the fact that a small wholesaler will usually “go the extra mile” to help a customer out and you may find a winning formula. As a bonus, usually the value-added services provided more than make up for an occasional higher price. Brad Hallam The Pump House (D. Rudderham & Associates) Richmond Hill, Ont.

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Q Industry News

Deschênes Group acquires Ideal Supply Canada’s largest privately owned wholesaler just became bigger. On Sept. 12 Montrealbased Deschênes Group Inc. announced the acquisition of Ideal Supply Company Ltd., a southwestern Ontario wholesale distributor to the electrical, industrial and automotive industries, headquartered in Listowel, Ont. The acquisition marks a new direction for the family-owned Deschênes Group in that Ideal Supply has a substantial presence in the automotive wholesale business and is affiliated with NAPA Auto Parts. “The auto parts industry, that Ideal Supply serve so well, will continue to be an integral part of our future success,” said Martin Deschênes president and CEO of Deschênes Group. With the purchase, Deschênes Group will

now operate nine companies across Canada, each managed independently. The name Ideal Supply will be retained and its headquarters and distribution centre will continue to be in Listowel. The management team will also remain intact as does the franchise affiliation with NAPA. Today’s distribution trends favour larger, integrated and more diverse companies. For Deschênes Group, the acquisition of Ideal Supply broadens the product and service offerings, enlarges the service area and strengthens the buying power of the company. Ultimately these factors are of significant importance in helping customers and suppliers achieve greater success, explained Deschênes.

“We are very proud to be able to welcome the forces of Ideal Supply into our group of companies” he said. “The entrepreneurial and customer culture at Ideal Supply fit perfectly with what Group Deschênes is recognized for. With the people of Ideal, we look forward to continue increasing our footprint in electrical supplies in Canada.” Founded in 1940, Deschênes Group is now the largest Canadian-owned distributor of plumbing supplies in the country and is also active in the waterworks, HVAC and electrical supplies segments. The company has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the past seven years. Deschênes Group is a member of the Affiliated Distributors, a North American buying group, through its Canadian Plumbing & He at ing Division and Canadian Electrical Division. Ideal Supply will maintain its affiliation in the Electrical Division.

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This photo shows the heat pump, ducting and drain water heat recovery in one of the Guelph homes.

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

It’s different now. Ten years ago in 2006 the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC) created the Equilibrium initiative for homebuilders, asking them to build the most energy efficient sustainable homes they could. It provided cash to 12 successful bidders who each built a house or two with green features. They all tried different things. The CMHC measured energy savings and so on. The builders learned about green buildings, but they weren’t very close to net-zero, or to commercializing better production homes. Canadians were hit with the global financial crisis a couple years later. We weren’t buying anything we didn’t have to buy. Fast forward to 2016. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has recruited five major builders in five different climate regions: Mattamy in Calgary, Provident in Halifax, Voyer in Montreal, Minto in Ottawa and Reid Heritage Homes in Guelph, Ontario. It has held several stakeholder meetings, bringing together experts in sustainable homebuilding: architects, consultants, engineers from across Canada and the U.S. and from the five builders involved. They have collectively defined the ideal net-zero production home and leading technologies. They have acquired a key sponsor: Owens

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Right-sizing the mechanicals is critical in net-zero construction, says Jennifer Weatherston and Andy Oding.

Corning, the developer of new building envelope technologies, including some of the thermal bridge prevention concepts and passive house principles. The builders have started building net-zero production houses. This year they opened them to the public. Plumbing & HVAC visited the Guelph and Ottawa projects.

How it works The definition of a net-zero house is that it generates as much energy as it uses. The most sensible priority is to minimize energy use first, then add appropriate mechanical equipment and energy-generating technology. The net-zero detached homes in Ottawa (2400 sq. ft.) and Guelph (2000 sq. ft.) are very similar in design. They have triple pane windows, LED lighting and a very effective insulation system; which results in about 1.0 air change per hour. One key insulation difference is that two inches of rigid board is added to the exterior walls and beneath the slab to ensure that any thermal bridges are now enclosed within the envelope. The builders still install the usual insulation bats between the studs; plus extra rigid insulation inside the basement. Total insulating values in the Guelph homes are about R60 for the attic, R38 for the main floor

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and second floor, and R33 for the basement. They also use Van EE heat recovery ventilators and Rheem hybrid heat pump water heaters that collect heat energy in the mechanical room and use it to pre-warm domestic hot water. “With 1.0 air change per hour we only need 22,000 Btu’s to heat the space. A key issue is to right-size the mechanicals,” said consultant Andy Oding, a senior building science

Fig. 1: A net-zero home uses about one third the energy of a modern home built in accordance with the National Building Code. (Source: NRCan)

Please see ‘Substantial’ on page 21

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Building Green Rebecca Hagen displays the solar photovoltaic inverter in Ottawa.

Substantial operating savings Continued from page 19

associate for Building Knowledge Canada Inc. of Cambridge, Ontario. Mitsubishi air-to-air heat pumps are used for primary heating and cooling (20-21 SEER); but in Guelph they added a 30,000 Btu/h gas furnace as a backup in four of the five they built. This provided a feeling of security for potential buyers and helped Reid sell all four pretty quickly. Heat is distributed through a low/mid velocity air distribution system using 2.5” round flex duct. The small heat pumps run continuously and there is little or no modulating needed. “There is also very little very little moisture in these tight houses,” remarked Oding. “So you never really get to dehumidification mode.”

The gas furnace kicks in at -15ºC and yet does not compromise the net-zero performance of the house because it’s rarely needed with a highly efficient envelope.

Homeowner savings Oding produces a chart (Fig. 1) that shows how a home constructed according to National Building Code (NBC) requirements uses about 100 Gigajoules (GJ) of energy each year, while these net-zero-ready homes use less than 35 GJ. The reduced electricity load is generated by 32 solar panels (8.5 kw) on the roof, bringing the home’s energy use to zero or less.

With 1.0 air change per hour we only need 22,000 Btu’s to heat the space.

innovation. She said the extra cost of the netzero features is about $55,000, making the mortgage interest on the upgrade about half this amount. So homeowners are ahead on cash flow from day one. In addition, there is every reason to believe the resale price of the net-zero home will be higher than other homes. Numerous U.S., British, Canadian and Australian studies confirm higher resale values, higher rental rates, higher occupancy rates, lower operating costs and lower capitalization rates for green homes and buildings.

Challenges

A hybrid heat pump water heater in the Guelph homes serves DHW needs.

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Not only is the total energy use decreased by two-thirds, but heating, cooling and hot water, as a share of the home’s total, drop to about a third of the energy used. They represent about 75 percent in an NBC home. Instead, electrical outlet load jumps from 25 percent to 67.5 of energy used. Today Canadians use more computers, devices, televisions, appliances and so on. A family living in a net-zero house could carefully manage its energy behavior and save significantly. Just by buying a net-zero house in Guelph, the new owners are saving more than $3,200 each year on utilities compared to an EnergyStar home, reported Jennifer Weatherston, Reid director of estimating and

It all sounds wonderful but there have been, of course, lessons learned. “The biggest challenge is getting the air tightness to where it needs to be,” said Rebecca Hagen, a mechanical engineer and project manager with Minto Homes in Ottawa. She explains that one of Minto’s net-zero homes has four sets of patio doors, which has caused concern, but early actual energy numbers are matching the engineer’s modeling. Four of the net-zero homes in Ottawa are townhome size. When planning for solar you need to convince the local power company that you need a 200-amp service. “This is easier for a detached house than the Please see ‘production’ on page 23

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Building Green

The production home challenge Continued from page 21

townhomes, but we eventually succeeded.” Making a home solar ready can be complicated. “You need trusses that are sized for the weight of panels and snow that collects on them. To minimize solar gain we changed the rooflines from gables with four sides to two sides,” said Hagen. The mechanical room has to be designed to accommodate an inverter and the possibility of a future home battery. A conduit has to run from the mechanical room to the attic for the panels. “These may sound like small things, but in the production house environment you have to consider how they affect costs and building schedules.”

Looking to the future It sounds like production builders are getting serious. And they need to be. Building codes

10 or 15 tons,” said Oding. He and a handful of colleagues were green builders years ago and have become building consultants with a passion for saving energy. “We’re almost giddy knowing what’s coming in the building codes,” he added. Governments everywhere have been talking about net-zero for all new construction by 2030. That’s only 13 or 14 years away. It’s different now. The technologies, priorities and costs are well known. Computer modeling is highly reliable. The HVAC system can be right-sized, and it’s going to be smaller. Are you ready?

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

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Q Hot Water Heating

Using a primary/secondary layout to make it work By Roy Collver My focus in this article is mostly on some of the do’s and don’ts of primary/secondary (P/S) pumping layout in multiple boiler plants. However, as I go along, we will look at interesting things you can do with P/S piping on the system side. Magazine articles read best when under a thousand words, so keeping in mind “a picture is worth a thousand words” – I’ve made lots of pictures BOILER SECONDARY PUMP INJECTION TO SYSTEM PRIMARY LOOP Hydraulic isolation using closely-spaced tees SECONDARY LOOP SENSOR - The Boiler Cascade Each boiler only “sees” its own supply temperature

(Staging) Control needs to “see” the common,

BOILER

Each boiler is supplied from the system return and receives the same inlet temperature - the coolest water in the system Fig. 1

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

RETURN FROM HEATING SYSTEM

BOILER

SUPPLY TO HEATING SYSTEM

blended system supply temperature BOILER

to keep the word-count down. By far, the best way to organize multiple condensing boilers plants is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Both drawings show the same concept with a slightly different “accent” as it were. The use of a hydraulic separator changes things up some, but the boilers and their staging / cascade controls will “see” pretty much the same thing. Hydraulic separators – low loss headers (LLH) to some – tend to simplify piping and reduce errors (LLH manufacturers also claim many other advantages). Do some homework and read up on these devices. Each boiler’s inlet receives return water from the system at its coolest as it comes back from the system to be re-heated – ideal to help condensing boilers operate most efficiently. Some of the illustrations may appear to some readers as a bit “over the top”, but I have had personal experience with every one of these applications and they all fit perfectly in the appropriate systems. Additionally, professional engineers that I have worked with designed all the examples illustrated. Each system design worked very well and with maximum efficiency.

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BOILER SECONDARY PUMP INJECTION TO SYSTEM PRIMARY LOOP Hydraulic isolation using Low Loss Header BOILER

BOILER

RETURN FROM HEATING SYSTEM

Each boiler pump is under control of its own boiler - if the boiler isn’t needed, the pump is also shut down to save electricity - boiler loop flow varies with boiler staging

SUPPLY TO HEATING SYSTEM

Larger system pumps should be controlled with variable speed drives

HYDRAULIC SEPARATOR

Fig. 2

BOILER

SECONDARY LOOP SENSOR

RETURN FROM HEATING SYSTEM

BOILER

SUPPLY TO HEATING SYSTEM

12 x BOILER SECONDARY PUMP INJECTION TO SYSTEM LOOP System split into four secondary pumped zones - no primary pump required

How many boilers?

BOILER

12 x 399,000 Btuh Input boilers @ 95% efficiency will net 4,550,000 Btuh Output in condensing mode

Fig. 3

Secondary system pumps can each be controlled with individual variable speed drive

BOILER SECONDARY PUMP INJECTION TO SYSTEM PRIMARY LOOP Direct series connections - CAUTION! - Not normally recommended BOILER

BOILER

SECONDARY LOOP SENSOR

Pay attention to details The example in Fig.4 is a bit of an outlier. I first saw this application many years ago as promoted by a cast-iron boiler manufacturer for installations using their smaller Please see ‘Higher’ on page 27

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Additive Temperature Rise does not favour high temperature systems or condensing boilers

Fig. 4

Confirm acceptability of this application with boiler manufacturer - some boiler staging controls may not work properly with this piping arrangement

SUPPLY TO HEATING SYSTEM

BOILER

RETURN FROM HEATING SYSTEM

How far can we take the multiple boiler primary/secondary concept before it gets to be over the top? The drawing in Fig. 3 shows an example of many systems I have been involved with. The designers used eight to 12 boilers to provide heat in larger buildings. They also used secondary pumps to split up the heating system loads into manageable chunks. In every case, the installed cost was close to or less than it would have been using larger but fewer commercial boilers. The game-changer here from days past is the availability of controls that can operate this many boilers and the decreasing cost and improved reliability of small commercial boilers and circulating pumps. With the added redundancy these systems offer, expect to see this approach become more prevalent.

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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BOILER SECONDARY LOAD DIVERSION HYBRID SYSTEM Heating zoned with secondary pumps, specialty loads can divert as priority

Secondary priority devices can be diverted with individual boilers as priority loads using simple relay switching

MAKE-UP AIR HEATER

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PRIMARY BUILDING LOOP/w SECONDARY PUMPED DEVICES WSHPs heat or cool the loop - Boilers or Cooling Tower respond as needed

BOILER

HEAT PUMP

Fig. 6

BOILER & SYSTEM REVERSE RETURN ONE PUMP SYSTEM All System Components must be balanced to flow specifications BOILER

BOILER

SECONDARY LOOP SENSOR

Boiler minimum flow requirements (if specified) must be maintained when in heating mode

Please see ‘Heat’ on page 28 Fig. 7

Variable speed operation of pumps is required to reduce electrical consumption and bypass requirements when loads are reduced

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

SUPPLY TO HEATING SYSTEM

I was totally against this piping method for condensing boilers for obvious reasons, but then a talented mechanical engineer I know came up with the way to make this work and still have all of the boilers condense. How? You provide lots and lots of primary system flow and keep the system temperatures cool. It’s perfect for geothermal heat pump systems where you might need lots of Btu’s but not a whole lot of delta-T. If this explanation is too brief – drop me a line and I will explain in more detail. One issue might be the lack of capability in the

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BOILER

COOLING TOWER HEAT PUMP

The game-changer here from days past is the availability of controls that can operate this many boilers and the decreasing cost and improved reliability of small commercial boilers and circulating pumps.

SUPPLY TO HEATING SYSTEM

Remaining heating boilers will continue to operate from cascade control based on secondary loop sensor reading

BOILER

FRESH AIR

Continued from page 25

commercial modular boilers. This type of in-line arrangement greatly simplifies piping – but it can be a disaster it you don’t pay attention to the details. Boiler inlet water temperature gets progressively hotter as you go down the line. In higher temperature systems, the downstream boilers can short-cycle on their high limit settings.

BOILER

RETURN FROM HEATING SYSTEM

Higher flow for cooler system

BOILER

RETURN FROM HEATING SYSTEM

BOILER

HEAT PUMP

Q Hot Water Heating

Heat pump hydronics Continued from page 27

These two Viessmann boilers are piped in a primary/secondary configuration with a factory pre-fab header system and mounting rack.

software of your boiler and cascade control. This application requires engineering skill, coordination with the boiler manufacturer and a good start-up technician. Fig. 5 shows another very cool wrinkle using P/S piping. I first saw a variation of this in a drawing sent to me from a New Jersey boiler rep. years ago. They used relays to switch pumps to make a dedicated DHW boiler available for heat in extreme weather conditions. I reversed the concept to be able to divert boilers from a heating system – providing priority heat to various auxiliary loads. I was so proud of myself for inventing this, but my patent visions died when I found

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out that many others had “invented” this concept as well – back to work. Again, this is only a brief description – drop me a line if you want more details.

Heat pump systems The application in Fig. 6 is used in the commercial world. Water source to air heat pumps in every zone heat or cool their spaces as required by their zone thermostats. When heating – they extract heat from (cool) the main loop. If they are cooling – they dump heat back into the loop. Best case? The sunny side of the building provides heat to the shady side and the boilers and cooling tower take the day off. Amazing advances in waterto-water and air-to-water heat pumps are happening right now. Expect to see more of this in residential applications down the road. And here we are – looking at an “old school” hydronic system in Fig. 7. One pump can do everything. Guess what? There is absolutely nothing wrong with this application in many

buildings. P/S piping is not the be-all, endall, but when you factor in all of the cost and maintenance factors, you start to see a different picture. Systems like this usually require parallel redundant pumps (as shown here) along with all of the associated valves, controls and gear. They also require extensive use of metered balancing valves on just about every component, AND a person who can test, adjust and balance said valves according to the engineer’s specifications. Also, this stuff is all special order. You really have to do the math and examine the ongoing requirements for maintenance to make the best choices for your clients. In my experience, P/S piping often comes out on top. Roy Collver is an author and consultant on hydronic heating based in Qualicum Beach, B.C. He can be reached at hoth2o@shaw.ca

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Q Hot Water Heating

Regardless of the piping material, oversizing the pump can result in system failure.

HOT WATER

recirculation Pump and piping considerations for effective operation By Bill Hooper Domestic hot water return or recirculation (DHWR) lines continue to be designed as a best practice in commercial applications. Over the last few years they have become more popular in residential applications as well. Adding a return line to the domestic hot water system creates a closed loop path that allows the water to circulate back to the water heating source to keep the lines warm when fixtures and other loads are not in use. DHWR piping provides hot water to the various loads in the system very quickly upon demand, even if the hot water has not

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been required for a long period of time. It’s like the system is placed on “idle”, waiting to accelerate into action with system water pressure behind it. While all hot water taps / loads are closed, the loop is pressurized / equalized to the system water pressure and therefore a pump is needed to move the water (creating a difference in pressure) from the loads and back to the heat source to keep it on its “idle” temperature – ready to spring into use. This recirculation concept has many Please see ‘System’ on page 33

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Hot Water Heating

System on ‘idle’ when not in use Continued from page 31

benefits, primarily less water energy consumed overall. Less water down the drain while waiting for warm water to arrive is less waste, and in some cases (where drains are metered) can save money. That is why it makes for a design “best practice” and there are guidelines that help with good design. The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) has a procedure in their design manual on domestic water systems that shows how to calculate required DHW recirculation flow rates based on BTU losses of these “closed” loops.

Sizing considerations Important sizing considerations are sometimes set aside in lieu of rules of thumb that could be inaccurate. I mention this because I have spent a great deal of time in the pump world, where many times I would simply send a quote for the bronze pump that appeared on the schedule where (so I believed) all the work and thought of the selection was complete. Admittedly, I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about DHWR pump sizing – yet now I am starting to see the end results of oversized pumps on DHWR lines in all types of tubing materials. Sized correctly, a recirculation pump needs to keep the recirculated water at the design temperature, using the smallest possible circulator. Keep in mind: If we undersize the pump, recirculated hot water will not stay warm enough. Too little flow would

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not allow the water to maintain its temperature since the heat losses in the line would exceed the replenishment rate of heat; or cause an inability to reheat the water fast enough. Since these pumps need to be constructed of non-ferrous materials (bronze and stainless steel are common), too large a pump can be very expensive in comparison to a smaller unit that is more applicable. Larger motor sizes also play a role in cost if single-phase power is the only available feed.

This recirculation concept has many benefits, primarily less water energy consumed overall. Too much flow (high velocity) has the potential for much more sinister repercussions to the system that are often hidden from us until there is a failure – especially if the chlorine content of the system is higher than needed. Keep in mind that these lines are insulated and inspections after the installation would not happen often, if at all.

Adding a smart pump Smart Pumps have the ability to sense temperature, adding to overall system efficiency in reduced motor

Adding a smart pump will help maximize system efficiency. power consumed to circulate the water and reduced controls cost since temperature sensing controls are integrated. The right programming and sizing with smart pumps can truly optimize a DHWR system. Based on the importance of these sizing/selection issues, I believe that every technician and designer needs to be keenly aware of what the oversizing issues are and what needs to be done about them if they are re-piping a failed system – or upsizing a smaller pump to the right model for that matter. It makes good sense to be somewhat aware of the pump/piping network combination for early warning signs of oversized pumps; where the inconvenience of an undersized pump will surface in complaints without potential system damage. Let’s make it a goal to take into account the combination of the pump being integrated with the piping network on systems we are asked to design and install! Please see ‘Maintain’ on page 35

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Hot Water Heating

Maintain design temperature with smallest practical circulator Continued from page 33

the water, but experience tells us that most mechanical failures are random - we can only control the primary operational environment - not where they show up as failures. The tables in Fig. 1 (copper systems) and

Fig. 2 (PEX systems) give some guidance on DHWR systems with regard to how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. For existing systems, Please see ‘Oversizing’ on page 36

Fig. 1: Type L copper piping in DHW recirculation applications. Copper Type-L for DHW Recirculation Piping

Flow @ 3 fps (Maximum)**

Friction Loss / 100 ‘

Typical Pump Sizes for 100 ft. of pipe, with system balancing

Nominal Dia.

½”

Up to 2.15 GPM

9.28’ + fittings / balancing

Inside Dia.

0.545”

Series 100B, S-25B, 225SSU, SSF-22, UPS-15-58S, 007SF5, Star 21BZ

Nominal Dia.

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5.87’ + fittings / balancing

Inside Dia.

0.785”

Series 100B, S-25B, SSF-22, UPS-15-58S, 007SF5, 225SSU, Star 21BZ

The piping network Now that we have covered the pump issues around flow, we can involve the piping network in the equation. We use piping all the time to get water from one location to another, but we need to be aware that domestic hot water is fresh (with entrained oxygen) and does not go through an air separator while circulating. The combination of relatively hot water, the presence of chlorine, and entrained air can have a scouring effect that is amplified at high velocity. Ends and elbows take the brunt of the punishment from changes in direction of

Comments: Velocity is not always the deciding factor for flow rate, as pressure drop also comes into play. Always ensure the pump has the right flow and head performance. The above value is for 100 ft. of piping, so if the run is longer, more head to overcome friction is required. A means of balancing is highly recommended. Chlorine concentration should also be considered. ** Maximum Velocity as per CDA Publication A4015-02/16: Copper Tube Handbook, Page 14 shows a recommended range of 2-3 FPS for DHW Recirculation velocity.

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October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Hot Water Heating Fig. 2: PEX piping in DHW recirculation systems. PEX Tubing for DHW Recirculation Piping

Flow @ 2 fps (Maximum)

Friction Loss / 100 ‘

Typical Pump Sizes for 100 ft. of pipe, with system balancing

Nominal Dia.

½“

Up to 1.10 GPM

4.53’ + fittings balancing

SSF-9, UPS-15-10BU, 005SF5, 225SSU, Star 21BZ

Inside Dia.

0.475”

Nominal Dia.

¾“

Up to 2.20 GPM

2.94’ + fittings / balancing

SSF-9, UPS-15-10BU, 005SF5, 225SSU, Star 21BZ

Inside Dia.

0.671”

Comments: Due to the 2 fps velocity restriction, the flowrate comparing size for size with copper will be less. The flow values should always be compared to the required flow rate to keep the lines warm (BTU Loss method). The above value is for 100 ft. of piping, so if the run is longer, more head to overcome friction is required: always ensure the pump has the right flow and head performance. A means of balancing is highly recommended. Chlorine concentration should also be considered.

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Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

Oversizing can cause damage Continued from page 35

does the pump seem too large? For systems being designed, does the system on the plans seem to be over/under-sized? Further to these piping fact charts, another chart could be developed using pressure drops at various flow rates per 100 feet in 1/2” line, 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”, etc. This chart could show how certain pump sizes fit to serve as a good beginning reference point for installers and trouble-shooters. More on that sometime soon!

Sizing summary We can summarize DHW recirculation system sizing as follows: • Btu loss sizing would be considered a preferred method as the rationale behind recirculation is to offset the Btu/h losses in the loop. More flow is not necessarily better. • In the real world, the best practice application for existing piping networks with missing information can be a difficult and time consuming venture – and could require additional engineering support. • For identified trouble locations, use circuitbalancing valves and/or augment the use of balancers with “smart” replacement line sizing to equalize pressure drops in loops to limit velocities. • Make sure Btu’s are accounted for. PEX tubing will hold less water volume than

copper for the same size and that will to come into the equation for Btu losses in this type of system • There are many pitfalls in using larger pumps than required as increased velocity to the system – and initial cost of the pump – are factors to consider. It is best to apply the pump after system water volumes, furthest fixture lengths/pressure drops, and anticipated Btu losses are analyzed. Pumps that continually operate close to shut-off head tend to experience more bearing thrust, which may affect life span. I believe it is better to consider asking more questions about a system like this and get it verified then to install it and have problems later. Leaking systems can cause a lot of expensive damage that could be avoided with good design and foresight. Bill Hooper is a certified engineering technologist with many years experience in hydronic heating. He is a former chairman of the Canadian Hydronics Council, was involved in creating the CSA B214 Hydronic Heating Code and has worked with ASHRAE. Today Bill is Atlantic Region manager for Uponor Ltd. He can be reached at bill.hooper@uponor.com.

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Q Ventilation Radon mitigation system An effective and affordable way to reduce radon levels in homes using side-wall venting is now available from Tjernlund Products. The Radon VACTM consists of a plug-in fan, exterior hood and installerpurchased PVC pipe. A recent Health Canada study showed that a side wall terminated radon mitigation system saves 57 percent in labor and 14 percent in material costs compared to a roof terminated system while yielding similar radon reduction levels, reports the manufacturer. Tjernlund Â&#x2039; www.tjernlund.com

Auto purge and cleaning The new design of the Desert Springs AutoFlush from Ontor, the automatic purge/cleaning system for its Rotary Disc humidifier, uses a proven gravity-fed approach but with a miniature motorized ball valve to improve operation because they are more robust than pumps or solenoids, reports the manufacturer. The AutoFlush system provides a scheduled purge/rinse cycle to remove mineral accumulation and assures that fresh water is always available for humidification. Ontor Limited Â&#x2039; www.ontor.com

Rough-in box The RoughinBox from Marketair is designed for expediting the rough-in of linesets, condensate hoses and electrical/communication cabling for wall-mounted minisplit and VRF evaporator installations. It reduces rough-in time by creating a central point with dedicated ports at which linesets, condensate hoses and cables can safely and easily terminate. There are two models: the 14.5 x 10-inch (370 x 254mm) RBX1-CD-NC bottom drain version for high wall installations; and the 14.5 x 7-inch (370 x 178-mm) side drain version for restricted spaces. Marketair Â&#x2039; www.marketair.com

Self-cleaning hood system The new Model GWAE self-cleaning auto scrubber exhaust hood system from Greenheck cleans both sides of the filters in place along with the inside of the exhaust plenum. This eliminates the need for daily removal and cleaning, reducing operating costs and increasing worker safety. It is designed for heavy grease producing appliances such as char broilers, woks, fryers and griddles and in facilities with long duct runs and/or hours of operation. Greenheck Â&#x2039; www.greenheck.com

Chilled beam smart pump The Neuton chilled beam pump module from Semco is designed to reduce chilled beam installation and operating costs. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;plug-and-playâ&#x20AC;? device provides proactive condensation control for active chilled beams.Â It is a factory-built and pre-tested package complete with its own powered integrated direct digital controller, chilled and hot water connections, valves, variable-speed electronically commutated (EC) motorÂ pumps, smart sensors and other unique features. Semco Â&#x2039; www.semcohvac.com

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Q Heating Multi-zone hydronic controls A new system control package (NSC) of intelligent modules from Bosch Thermotechnology controls single or multiple zone hydronic systems for increased comfort and energy savings. It is similar to other multi-zone control systems for installation, wiring and set-up purposes, using plug and play wiring terminals. However, it can also have two-way communication from the boiler to the NSC’s Comfort Room Controller (CRC100) and Comfort Zone Manager (CZM100) modules. Indoor feedback/load compensation operation increases

HAV steam air valves Matco-Norca has announced heating air vent (HAV) Steam Air Valves in various patterns

efficiency and comfort. Load compensation targets supply water temperature, similar to outdoor reset functions, allowing the boiler to fire to a lower supply water temperature to satisfy demand, increasing energy savings while reducing complexity and OA Reset curve set-up. Bosch Thermotechnology www. boschheatingandcooling.com

and sizes. Designed for use with hydronic radiators and steam boiler systems, HAV steam valves control the release of steam in radiators and properly balance the system so that individual radiators produce heat appropriate for the space being heated. Constructed of brass with chrome plating, they come in angle, straight and adjustable options and various sizes: 1/8” (angle, straight and adjustable), 1/4” straight, and 3/4” x 1/2” straight. Maximum operating pressure is six psi. Matco-Norca www.matco-norca.com

Twostage IR heater Roberts-Gordon recently reintroduced the GordonRay DF twostage, unitar y low-intensity infrared heater. Due to the ability to fire at two distinct rates, it provides energy efficient heat that can effectively adjust to sudden high heat-loss conditions or economically maintain steady comfort levels. A two-stage thermostat uses an algorithm to control the heater’s output based on load conditions. Roberts Gordon www.robertsgordon.com

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Outdoor air system The York Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) from Johnson Controls is designed to deliver 100 percent clean, dehumidified outside air in all weather and climate conditions. It offers precise control through modulating heating and cooling capacities. An advanced control system is intuitive, user friendly and designed to be integrated with building automation systems. A direct drive plenum fan is at the heart of the York DOAS and an energy recovery module pre-conditions fresh air by using energy from the exhaust air. York Div./Johnson Controls www.johnsoncontrols.com/be

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Toe heaters Designed for applications where it would be too expensive to run ductwork or hydronic piping to supply additional heat, Berko QTS electric toe space heaters from Marley Engineered Products are designed to fit in tight spaces such as stairways, utility rooms, checkout counters, etc. Available in four models, they are 14-1/8” wide and 3-5/8” high. Each unit is equipped with an automatic over temperature protector and thermal fuse that guards against overheating. Marley www.marleymep.com

The new online Submittal Builder tool from Viega allows users to easily and accurately create professional, customized project submittals for ViegaPEX and radiant systems. Users double click on the desired documents, or drag and drop them into the “Selected Documents” column. These documents include product instructions and tech data sheets for Viega ProRadiant and Viega PureFlow water systems. Users can fill out fields, including customizable customer and project information that will appear on the cover page. It also includes a “prepared by” section that retains user information for ease of creating future submittals. Viega www.viega.us

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Heating

Fall furnace

MAINTENANCE A little love for the “box in the basement” By Bob Bettles and Brian Guttormson

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

There’s a reason why these need to be cleaned every year!

he weak link in our industry has and always will be the annual maintenance to the HVAC system that toils away in the basement unnoticed and ignored! We are continually reminding our customer base of the basic annual service call required for warranty coverage to be honoured. Every product has printed warranty documents left with the equipment.

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Likewise, condensate traps can accumulate debris. Most seem to be used more for kneepads on the basement floors! Within these documents is a warranty page that very clearly states that in order to maintain coverage the system must be serviced annually. Also buried in this warranty page is the requirement to register the equipment within a minimal period, usually 60 days. Without this registration, the 10-year warranty coverage will revert to one or five years, depending on the manufacturer.

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Little enthusiasm In the homeowner’s mind, coordinating the annual maintenance of the HVAC system is an inconvenience and a waste of their time. However, watch this same customer bitch and whine if the equipment fails. It’s interesting to compare furnace duty cycles to the customer’s commuter wheels. The car is a major expense. The vehicles are replaced on average maybe every five years. This typical car at $40,000 or more upfront loses $8,000 to $10,000 in the first hour off the dealer’s lot as depreciation. In a week this unit may operate for four hours of commuting (5 x 4 = 20 hours per week) the weekends may see two hours per day for shopping etc. Two hours x 2= 4 +20 = 24 hours of operation over seven days or 288 hours for the year! Our same furnace over the same week in winter will possibly have as much as seven

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Please see ‘Thorough’ page 45

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October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Heating

place. Reinstall and confirm wiring is secure and in place with nothing rubbing or trapped. Remove the burner sections and scrub elements and or ribbons. Clean out each burner and realign the burner and runner bar. Using a small brush and, with the help of a light, scrub and clean the interior of the heat exchanger entries by each cell, vacuum out further and inspect for soot and possible cracks or flaws. Inspect and clean pilot assemblies if one is present. Inspect and service the flame sensor with a non-abrasive cloth (like a Scotch pad cloth). We switched to the Scotch bright pads due to the lack of dollar bills! One step further for the caring service tech would be to inspect and vacuum out supply register grills and return grills and also to replace batteries in the thermostat if applicable.

Sometimes remedial work is needed on venting. A few hangers are needed here.

Thorough cleaning required Continued from page 43

days x 12 hours or 84 hours x 12 months = 1008 hours. Over the life of the average commuter car, which is the better deal? Annual maintenance of high efficiency furnaces may be a flat rate dust and clean (D&C), or HVAC companies may sell plans designed around time and materials used, or even an ongoing parts and labour program with a yearly diagnostic check to make sure the customer’s heating system is working safely and efficiently. It’s important to explain to customers the work to be performed during the servicing of their furnace and also to document for purposes of possible warranty claims now or in the future.

What to clean Sweep out and vacuum the interior of the furnace, making sure both the top heating section cabinetry and the tight corners in

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the blower section are well attended to, along with the reachable interior ductwork, paying more attention to the return drop and boot. Remove the blower section and clean

We are continually reminding our customer base of the basic annual service call required for warranty coverage to be honoured. behind, at the rear of the return cabinet and the blower housing. Dust and remove dirt from the blower motor vents, also the interior housing and the blower wheel, inspect for balance and that the wheel weights are still in

Condensing furnaces On condensing furnaces, remove the drain trap assembly and check for debris, rusty metal remnants or partials. This can show early heat exchanger issues, possible short cycles or improper temperature rise. Adjustments to the temperature rise will stop any condensing within the end of the primary heat exchanger assembly. Also, check anticipation cycles per hour. On condensing furnaces, always adjust the cycle rate to the longest cycle possible. Each thermostat manufacturer will have a different designation of this adjustment from clipping a jumper, to selecting hot water/high efficient or even a simple SL or slow. If pulleys are present with a belt drive, remove and change out the belt to a new one (not a used one from the truck). Inspect the pulley for extreme wear and replace it if a groove has formed on the pulley’s interior surface. Replace the furnace filter and sell filters to the homeowner to ensure they have the right type and right number on hand to do filter change-outs until the next service. Check the Please see ‘Check’ page 47

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Heating

Sometimes the gas line needs to be re-routed, like when it is attached to the ductwork in violation of code.

Check installation for leaks, code compliance Continued from page 45

static drop across this new filter and confirm the drop of the new filter is no greater than 0.15” WC. Some “high efficient” filters have been found at 0.4” WC. The furnace system, in most cases, should show a total ESP of about 0.5”WC.

and hoses. Replace the neutralizer or add limestone rocks to the neutralizer housing. (Install a system if not present. Check local plumbing code for requirements within your area; you may be surprised and enlightened.) Check to see if supply grill and adjustments

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.

Venting requirements Inspect and confirm combustion air requirements meet fuel code and installation manuals. If supplied by a direct vent option with a second installed pipe, check that the pathway is clean and clear. Inspection is necessary on the exhaust vent piping of high efficiency products. Check each glued joint for leaks and irregularity and confirm vent piping has proper hangers, spacing and grade (minimum ¼”/ft.). For mid efficient equipment venting, check and confirm vent joints are sealed and no corrosion is present. On a masonry chimney, verify with your mirror a clear path to the top through the cleanout door. Inspect for cracks and leaks on drains

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

are needed and balance dampers due to the end of air conditioning season. If missed, this will affect your final setup temperature rise at the end of your service. Confirm with a meter the incoming voltages and amp draw to the furnace. Also, inspect the breaker circuit for wrong add-ons by others piggybacked onto the furnace circuit. Note that some newer furnaces now require larger breakers and an increased wire size in larger products; confirm with the installing manual. Confirm transformer low voltage onto the board to show neutral is present. Note that if you are only getting 17-18 volts on a 24-volt system, the neutral is not present. As the service procedure is coming to the end, check and tighten up all electrical connections and be aware of burnt contacts. As the system goes back together, lubricate all moving parts as required, check and test all safety’s for proper operation, confirm pressure switches, if present, are in working order. Check for possible gas leaks; dial testing is highly recommended. Finally, check and recalibrate the temperature rise and, although not a requirement in all areas, we strongly recommend doing a combustion analyzer test.

This installer just plain failed to read the venting instructions.

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

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Q Refrigeration

This ammonia heat pump provides heat reclaim in a Vancouver Island arena.

D PUMPING and RECOVERING HEAT Environmental demands and new technologies driving heat pumps By Greg Scrivener

epending on where you live in the country you will be more or less familiar with heat pumps. In cold Prairie climates, heat pumps are relatively uncommon and air-source heat pumps are rare indeed. Contrarily, on the west coast, many buildings are heated and cooled with air source heat pumps. Likewise, depending on the energy legislation, utility rebates and funding programs in your area, you will be more or less familiar with the wide variety of heat recovery methods in use. Let’s talk a little about pumping heat and heat recovery. The first thing to address is heat recovery. Environmental legislation and client demands are driving an increase in heat recovery projects throughout the country. There are Please see ‘Determining’ page 51

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October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Refrigeration

Determining the feasibility Continued from page 49

many opportunities in today’s buildings and industrial facilities for heat recovery and it’s a safe bet that if you can think of something, someone is probably trying it somewhere. We waste a lot of energy rejecting heat to the environment and then using electricity and/ or burning fossil fuels to replace it. Refrigeration and air conditioning systems are a fairly obvious example. Other examples included exhaust fans, sanitary sewer drains, air compressors, etc. Once you move into industrial facilities the opportunities multiply as there are often heat recovery opportunities off of processes like pasteurization in a dairy, for example. So why have we not really done a thorough job of heat recovery historically? The answer is two-fold.

Is it worth the effort? First, energy was (and still is in many places) cheap. It’s hard to justify capital spending on projects with fairly long pay-backs. Second, we usually have a thermodynamics problem. The challenge that we face is that the temperature of wasted energy is usually low and we need a temperature difference in order to move heat. Think about your water heater – what temperature do you have it set for? It’s probably somewhere around 130°F. So in order to provide energy at a level that is useful to provide hot water it needs to be higher than that. Additionally, the higher the temperature difference is, the less it costs for heat

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This state-of-the-art CO2 heat pump system is installed in a dairy.

exchangers and other system components. The challenge is then to find heat to recover that is hot enough to put somewhere else. It turns out that quite often this is really difficult and occasionally not even possible.

These types of projects can also get a bit of a bad reputation because sales people and energy engineers can be fairly ‘optimistic’ with the estimated savings and paybacks. As an example, let’s look at recovering heat from a small 20-ton water-cooled air conditioning chiller operating at 85°F condensing and 40°F evaporating. By making

a few other assumptions, we can determine how much heat is available to recover and it turns out that this system would be rejecting about 314,500 Btu/h of heat into the cooling water. This seems like a lot of heat – it’s a pretty decent sized boiler. So what’s the problem? The refrigerant would be leaving the compressor at about 175°F and this fact will occasionally convince someone that we do indeed have enough of a temperature difference to heat the water. Unfortunately, a relatively small amount of energy is available at the higher temperature. The vast majority (over 75 percent) of the energy transfer takes place while the refrigerant is condensing. Just like boiling water boils continually at 212°F – in our system the refrigerant is condensing at only 85°F. This means our cooling water has to be colder, usually by at least 5°F. If we take this knowledge back to our calculator we can figure out what kind of Please see ‘Higher’ page 53

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Refrigeration

Higher temperatures offer opportunities Continued from page 51

heat transfer we could accomplish. With an inlet water temperature of 70°F we could heat about 60 GPM of water from 70°F to 80°F. This isn’t very warm, but if we make the water any warmer it will have a detrimental impact on the capacity of the chiller. We now have about 314 MBH of energy that we’ve removed from our building and it’s sitting only just a bit above room temperature. There are some preheat options available for domestic water and ventilation air, but often it’s determined to be not worth the effort.

High temperature heat pumping This is where high temperature heat pumping can become an option worth considering. Improvements in both engineering and materials have made a number of compressors

a lot more robust when operating at higher temperatures. So let’s see what this could look like. What if we connected the evaporator side of a heat recovery heat pump to our cooling water and used a refrigeration system to reject the heat at a more useful 130°F? First we need to decide how much heat we want to recover… let’s try all of it. We have 60 GPM of water entering at 80F and we need to send it back to the main chiller at 70°F. If we remove all of the energy with a low approach chiller evaporating at 65°F and condensing at 130°, we end up with a 26-ton heat recovery heat pump and we can add 460MBH of heat to the water! That’s a big deal. We could heat 15GPM of water from an inlet temperature of 60°F to 120°F for domestic or wash down use. We could use the higher temperature water to heat air or

water for a heating system. We have a lot more options now that the heat recovery is operating at a higher temperature. The problem you probably realized, though, is that we just bought a 26-ton chiller!! So is it worth it? The answer of course is, it depends. The new 26-ton chiller would be consuming about 26 kW of electricity at full load. For us to get the same amount of energy from an electric boiler we would need a 135kW boiler. Once you work out the capital cost comparison, I think you’d find the heat pump an obvious choice compared to the electric boiler. It’s a bit trickier comparing the heat pump operation to a natural gas boiler because of the fact the utility costs are not related. Table 1 makes the comparison using a couple of current generic utility costs. Please see ‘Different’ on page 54

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October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Refrigeration Energy Consumption (1hr)

Utility Cost

Operating Cost

Heat Pump

26 kW

$0.135/kWh

$3.51

Different options available

Electric Boiler

135 kW

$0.135/kWh

$18.23

Continued from page 53

Gas Boiler (85% efficient)

541,200 Btu

$5.00/GJ

$2.85

Table 1: Approximate utility cost comparison for heat pumping and boiler options for our example

Table 1 is not representative of all options and it’s a fairly rough approximation even for our example because of all the assumptions that were made. We could have just as easily made an example in which the heat pump would have had better operating cost than natural gas. That said, it’s only purpose is to illustrate a point that there are options available for high temperature heat pumping that are worth considering and in many cases the operating costs are competitive with natural gas. The main challenge lies in determining when simple heat recovery or advance styles of heat recovery are worth doing. They often require a lot of analysis and calculations to justify and usually these calculations and analysis aren’t easy or free. These types of projects can also get a bit of a bad reputation because sales people and energy engineers can be fairly ‘optimistic’ with the estimated savings and paybacks. I have heard from a number of clients over the last couple of years that they have been fairly discouraged with the results of heat recovery projects. That’s not to say don’t do them, but be honest with calculations and estimated savings. We haven’t even touched on the fact that there are refrigerants that are much better for high temperature heat pumping than others and there are a number of situations where heat pumping makes a ton of sense. It is a technology worth keeping in mind. 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

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

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Q Pipes, Valves & Fittings

Hmm … perhaps the plumber just had extra fittings he wanted to use up.

From workers of lead to plastic pipe engineers By Mark P. Evans Some things are hard to part with because of their sentimental value. Their worth can’t be measured in monetary terms but are deeply meaningful and hold a special place in the heart. These are a few of the words I used in a failed attempt to keep boxes of treasures (old crap) I’ve had in my storage shed for years from being thrown out. I did manage to hang on to my father’s

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lead working tools from back in the day though. I used the story of his molten metal mishap to keep them around at least until the next round of downsizing takes place. According to his report, Ol’ Pops was roughing in the cast iron DWV in a house when his hand was bumped in the middle of a “hot pour”. As he was ladling the scalding Please see ‘Today’s’ on page 59

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Pipes, Valves & Fittings

to the stuff used to slide concrete or transite piping together as â&#x20AC;&#x153;monkey shitâ&#x20AC;?! I guess â&#x20AC;&#x153;plumberâ&#x20AC;? is okay. Besides, there are too many different materials and connection methods in use today to settle on just one to describe our occupation. If you looked hard enough you could find some old places that still use threaded steel, clay tile or even bituminous fiber for drain, waste and venting systems all these years later!

Our scribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father used this tool back when lead was the joining medium of choice.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DWV materials Continued from page 57

Safe DWV systems In some cases, we even use glass pipe when the hydraulic load may be corrosive, but most of the time we use petroleum-based products to satisfy the DWV requirements in modern construction. However, the Please see â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Planningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on page 60

liquid lead into place, it splashed across his hand and immediately fused with his gold wedding ring, causing severe injury. I swear I could feel that pain then and still do now. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t face those kinds of hazards but I did get ABS glue in my eye once and that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fun.

SAY GOODBYE TO PVC/CPVC FOR VENTING POLYPROPYLENE GAS VENTING SYSTEM

Workers of lead Plumb ers us e d to â&#x20AC;&#x153;wipeâ&#x20AC;? molten lead Planning the onto brass furrels to location of the DWV make pipe connections. were â&#x20AC;&#x153;workers of within the walls shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t They leadâ&#x20AC;?, so handling this always depend on the most material was a normal part of their daily roueconomical route. tine. Cast iron pipe is still used in DWV systems but it is connected with mechanical joint couplings instead of hub and spigot style. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s durable and quiet, but labour intensive and time consuming to install. We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worked lead in the trade for some time now so the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;plumberâ&#x20AC;? doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really apply anymore. If the trade were to be named today, what would we call it? Maybe â&#x20AC;&#x153;workers of glueâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;workers of plasticâ&#x20AC;? because we use miles of that kind of piping. My tin-whacking buddy suggested â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pied Pipersâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;Ś I suggested he â&#x20AC;&#x153;pipe downâ&#x20AC;?. If we were to re-name our trade, would the name be based on the material used to build the DWV systems? I hope not, because we refer

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Q Pipes, Valves & Fittings

Planning the layout Continued from page 59

qualities that make plastic piping desirable also make it vulnerable. It’s lightweight and easy to work with, which means it’s weak and pierce-able compared to the surrounding building materials. As tough and durable as some plastic pipe materials are, they are no match for the framework of the building or the heavy equipment we use in construction. Extra care must be taken to protect these materials throughout the building process and forever after. It doesn’t take a whole lot of force to nudge a partially bedded pipe out of alignment or put a hole in it. Building codes help keep the piping safe in all the logical, foreseeable ways but internal systems lay just beyond a thin layer of drywall and it’s really easy to drive a screw right through that drywall and into

The building moves; the stack will crack.

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

You never know what you’ll find behind the drywall. a pipe. Steel protection plates stop intrusion at the top and bottom plates as well as any horizontal runs through the studding, but the pipe is exposed for most of its length otherwise. Planning the location of the DWV within the walls shouldn’t always depend on the most economical route. Sometimes the choice of location should be made with a mind to future decorative appointments, which may threaten the safety of the plumbing… and the plumber! Never was this lesson made so clear as the time I was asked to install a sink for a customer that collected antiques. I enjoyed the atmosphere until I began work on the drain that stuck out of the wall. Just then, a huge wood framed mirror crashed down on my head, smashing to pieces all around me. It

took me a while to figure out that the owner had hung that gigantic mirror on the wall with only one screw, right in the center of the vanity space and right into the ABS vent pipe serving that future sink. As soon as I moved the pipe, the mirror fell. The code dictates which materials and connection methods we may use for the DWV systems but...

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

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Q Pipes, Valves & Fittings

High efficiency pumping The new Little Giant 6EC Series and 10EC Series pumps from Franklin Electric are designed to provide lower current draw, higher energy efficiency, and improved performance in sump,

dewatering, water transfer and light effluent applications. They feature cast iron covers and a polypropylene base that includes a stainless plate. Additional models are now available with a durable cast iron base that provides increased intake area, reduced intake velocities and reduced clogging potential. The 1/3 hp 6EC Series consumes only 5.0 amps while producing 53 gpm at five feet of head. The 1/2 hp 10EC Series full-load rating is only 6.5 amps and produces 67 gpm at five feet of head. Franklin Electric www.littlegiant.com

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Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

Victaulic launches Revit toolbar update Victaulic has launched a toolbar update for Revit 2017 that is designed to increase fabrication efficiency by leveraging product efficiencies and lean fabrication principles. The update allows users to create construction documentation within Revit using fabrication parts. It features an intuitive, user-friendly interface that simplifies training and usage for both new and experienced Revit users. It comes preloaded with more than 100 Victaulic product families and a template designed to allow users to route with Victaulic, as well as other manufacturers and joining technologies. Victaulic www.victaulicsoftware.com

Point of use The Taco 5121 Mixing Valve is a compact, lead-free domestic water thermostatic valve designed to deliver stable, mixed water temperatures for faucets or any point-of-use installation wherever an ASSE 1070 safety valve is required. The 3/8-inch valve is an addition to the existing 5120 Series mixing valve product line, which also includes 1/2, 3/4 and one-inch sizes. There are two versions – one with a T and elbow, and one without. Maximum flow is 5.8 GPM. Hot supply temperature range is 120180˚F, cold supply range is 39-85°F, and the outlet temperature range – set at the factory for 110˚F – is 95-118˚F. Taco www.taco-hvac.com

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Our new 6EC and 10EC Series sump and effluent pumps are built on the shoulders of 75 years of pure grit and determination. These rugged and efficient workhorses feature cast iron covers and bases*, upper and lower ball bearings, and larger intakes to reduce clogs... all while pumping up to 67 gpm.

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Q Faucets & Fixtures Spring pull-down faucet

Compact kitchen faucet

The new Align pre-rinse kitchen faucet is the first spring type faucet from Moen. The industrial-inspired design is aimed at the residential market with the required extended reach and flexibility for the gourmet kitchen. It includes a number of innovations including Moen’s Power Clean spray technology that provides 50 percent more spray power versus a conventional pull-down faucet. The Spot Resist finish resists fingerprints and water spots while the Duralast ceramic disc cartridge provides smooth reliable operation. The installation is quick and easy with the company’s intuitive Duralock quick-connect system. It uses a proprietary, push-button connector to install the faucet without tools. Moen Canada www.moen.ca

As more and more people move into compact urban spaces, they seek smaller scale kitchen and bath products. Danze is addressing this trend with the contemporary Parma Café kitchen faucet design. It measures 44.45 mm (1-3/4”) in diameter with a spout diameter at 22 mm (7/8”). Easy reliable retraction is achieved with the company’s Snap-N-Lock weight system that provides easier, more flexible installation and is coupled with docking that ensures the head will comfortably snap into place after every use. Construction is solid brass with a ceramic disc valve for durability. The faucet operates at 6.62 liters of water per minute (1.75 gpm) and is available in chrome and stainless steel finishes. Danze www.danze.com

Timepiece inspired Water efficiency upgrade Pfister is upgrading select versions of current faucet families with high efficiency models. In fact, the plumber won’t notice any change because the new faucets, which use 20 percent less water than previous models, are being rolled out as existing stocks of the current version are sold. Pfister families such as Ashfield and Kenzo are available in the upgraded high efficiency models. Pfister www.pfisterfaucets.com

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The new single-hole Time lavatory faucet from Aquabrass is designed to evoke the dial of a timepiece. The user rotates the lever to four o’clock to release a sheet of cold water, to eight o’clock for hot water and six o’clock to shut off the water. Shut off the aerated flow at 6 o’clock. Made in Italy, the standard finish is chrome with eight custom finishes available as an extra-cost option. These are brushed nickel, white, black, purple, blue, green, orange or red. Aquabrass www.aquabrass.com

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Tools & Instruments Scott Donnelly, right, explains the mobile boiler room’s operation to visiting contractors.

Temporary HVAC Mobile boiler rooms ease construction, retrofit projects By Simon Blake

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

It’s a struggle to change out mechanical room components in industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) retrofit projects when the operation of the building cannot be disrupted. The Atlantic Canada division of Wolseley, a national plumbing and HVAC/R wholesaler, decided to come up with a solution. Staff built a trailer-mounted “mobile boiler room” that can be tied into a building’s mechanical and control systems while equipment is changed out. It also provides construction heat. Wolseley has found a steady demand since Scott Donnelly, CET, sales area manager for Atlantic Canada, developed the first one million Btu/h version in 2008. In 2015, Donnelly developed an improved version with two 850,000 Btu/h Lochinvar boilers, Armstrong pumps and heat exchangers for 1.7-million Btu/h of heating and DHW. The latest version, built this year, also has two 850,000 Btu/h boilers with a 7-/2

horsepower pump that can move 200 gallons per minute and two one million Btu/h heat exchangers, reported Donnelly. It was displayed in the parking lot of the MEET Show May 18-19 in Moncton. This allows Wolseley to offer one million, two million or three million Btu/h in auxiliary heat. Two trailers can be combined to provide up to 3.4 million Btu/h. For domestic hot water, a glycol loop provides heat to the heat exchangers. They can tie into the building system or into indirect tanks supplied either by Wolseley, the contractor or building owner, reported Donnelly. The trailers can be parked as far as 200 feet from the building and operate either direct or as a primary/secondary loop system. The trailer ties into the building’s control system. It is also connected back to Wolseley by Wi-Fi so that if a fault code occurs, staff know right away and can usually make any

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required adjustments without going to the site, explained Donnelly.

Over 30 projects The mobile boiler rooms have been used in over 30 major projects, including the conversion of a 200-unit seniors building from electric heat to natural gas and doing a boiler change-out at a 232-room four-star hotel without affecting the guests during construction. In another case, one trailer provided DHW for a truck stop for almost 90 days while the existing boiler room was converted. A recent project included bringing emergency heat to a church in Amhurst, N.S. Two old sectional boilers suffered catastrophic failure just before Christmas – the busiest time of year. It took just 45 minutes to tie the trailer-mounted boiler plant into the church system. The auxiliary boilers kept the church running through the Christmas season until new boilers could be installed.

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During the recent winter construction of a 12-storey Halifax building, one trailer provided construction heat through the winter. As each floor was added, four hydronic air handlers were placed for a total of 48 by the time the building reached its full height. The hydronic air handlers have a number of advantages over propane “salamanders,” remarked Donnelly. They don’t produce fumes and humidity, improving worker comfort and avoiding moisture-related problems with drywall and paint. Setup is usually quick. Wolseley staff bring the trailer to the site complete with all hoses and fittings. They tie into the electrical and gas and get the unit running. The trailers, based out of Halifax and Moncton, are used all over three Atlantic provinces. Wolseley Atlantic is also looking at putting a trailer in Newfoundland, reported Donnelly. For more information, he can be reached at 506-853-8024.

The inside of the trailer is organized for easy efficient use.

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Tools & Instruments Advanced system troubleshooting Today’s industrial machinery is more reliable and efficient, but can also be more difficult to troubleshoot because of the complexities of advanced systems. The new Fluke ScopeMeter 120B industrial handheld oscilloscope is designed to address these challenges. Its Connect-and-View technology recognizes signal patterns and automatically sets up the scope’s triggering, amplitude, and time base, eliminating the typical trial-and-error setup process. Once the waveform is captured, the new ‘IntellaSet’ intelligent measurement detection automatically selects key measurements based on the acquired waveform type and displays the most relevant measurement values (for example, Vrms and Hz for a line voltage signal, or Vpeakpeak and Hz for a square wave), helping technicians easily identify and characterize potential signal faults. Fluke www.fluke.com

Quick-change drums The Speedrooter XL from General Pipe Cleaners is designed to clear tough clogs in three to 10-inch lines and up to 200 feet. It has now been updated with quickly interchangeable drums to swap cable sizes or add lengths. The user simply loosens three knobs and removes the drum. This unit can use ½”, 5/8” and ¾” cables. Other features include variable speed cable feed and easy loading thanks to built-in stair-climbers and a frame designed for maximum leverage. General Pipe Cleaners www.drainbrain.com

Carbide recip saw blades New carbide-tipped Sawzall reciprocating saw blades from Milwaukee are designed to cut twice as fast and last 30 times as

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Wolseley launches Android app A new Wolseley Express app for Android was developed to simplify Wolseley Express account management and expedite the ordering process. Free and available at the Google Play store, it allows customers to manage their account from their smartphone. It grants account holders full access to view Wolseley Canada’s inventory of more than 100,000 products, allows them to check inventory availability, and to locate and contact their local branch with the built-in GPS function. Orders can be placed by adding items to the shopping cart and customers who maintain an in-house inventory can use the built-in barcode scanner to set up their facility with custom barcodes to easily scan and replenish items. A history of previously ordered products can be retrieved and the “My Lists” feature lets customers build go-to lists of frequently ordered items. Wolseley Express www.wolseleyexpress.com

Digital vacuum micron gauge

long as a conventional blade, reports the manufacturer. Features include the company’s Nail Guard tooth design to prevent nails from fracturing the blade’s teeth upon impact and an aggressive 5 tpi design to deliver fast cuts. The company’s Fang Tip design bites into the wood on first contact, preventing the blade from skating along the surface. A pair of unique, fang-like teeth and an extra-large gullet deliver the fastest plunge cut available in the industry, says the manufacturer. Milwaukee Tool www.milwaukeetool.com

The new Testo 552 Digital Vacuum Micron Gauge is designed to make the diagnosis of air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump systems faster, easier, and more accurate. It provides precise and reliable vacuum measurements with a resolution of one micron and displays the saturation temperature of H2O to ensure full and proper evacuation. The illuminated back display has a visual alarm for evacuation pressure. It includes a Bluetooth link to a smart phone or device to provide powerful analysis and reporting. The Testo 552 also uses the free Testo Smart Probes App, which allows the technician to remotely read measurements from one to six Testo Smart Probes. Testo www.testo.com

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q People & Places

Air Heat Supplies partners with Allied Air

Former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion helped Ian Rasmussen open the new training centre.

Air Heat Supplies, Mississauga, Ont. has announced that it has taken on the Allied Air/Armstrong brands of heating and cooling equipment. On Sept. 14 the company brought about 400 contractors and friends from around Southern Ontario to its facility in Mississauga, Ont. to celebrate the occasion with a pig roast and barbecue. It’s a significant move for the company, reported Ian Rasmussen, vice president sales and marketing, adding that he expects to double the company’s HVAC business with the change. “I am so excited about where we are going.” Alain Boudreau, district sales

NTI acquired by Italian manufacturer On Sept. 12 NY Thermal Inc. (NTI) announced that it had been acquired by Italian heating manufacturer Ariston Thermo. Based in Saint John, New Brunswick, NTI manufactures high efficiency boilers and water heaters. Ariston Thermo is based in Milan, Italy and, with the purchase of controlling interest in NTI, enters the North American market with the goal of strengthening its place in the global heating, water heating, and energy efficiency industry. “The goal of Ariston Thermo is to continue its growing path,” stated Paolo Merloni, Ariston executive chairman. “The expertise and the positioning of NTI – as well as the quality of its management and of its people – make the company a true benchmark for the market in Canada and the USA and allow us to enter the North American market and develop important projects common to the whole group. All this being consistent with our strategic prospects of increasingly becoming leading players in the field of high‐efficiency solutions and renewable energy systems.” NTI has been manufacturing in Canada

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since 1967. “We are very excited with the new opportunity to advance our brand; to be the top provider of condensing boilers and high‐ efficiency equipment in North America,” said NTI president and CEO Kevin Dennison.

The

People B é l a n g e r - U p t , SaintLaurent, Que., has welcomed Harry Kandilas as its general manager. Kandilas was previously general manager for American Standard Harry Brands, Mississauga, Ont. Kandilas Mercedes Benz C a n a d a , Toronto, has appointed Nicolette Lambrechts to the role of vice-president of Mercedes-Benz Vans, effective Jan. 1. Since 2014, L a m b r e c ht s h a s b e e n managing director of the Vans Division at MercedesNicolette Benz South Africa. Uponor, Apple Valley, Lambrechts

manager, Eastern Ontario, for Allied Air, agreed. “We didn’t realize (at first) how big this was going to be.” The company’s training centre was completely revamped to accommodate the change. Air Heat previously distributed American Standard HVAC equipment. Longtime Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion cut the ribbon to open the revamped training centre – and imparted a few words of wisdom: “We’ve got to be positive about the economy. We can’t sit back and say ‘Things are bad.’ It’s companies like yours that make it work.”

“Ariston will bring world‐class manufacturing technologies and significant purchasing power to propel NTI into the future. I can assure our customers that all our management and ownership are all remaining in place and we will continue to offer world‐class service and support.”

Minnesota, has named Dena Mayne as vice president of offerings/marketing for Uponor North America. She was previously vice president Dena Mayne of marketing for Ecolab

The

Companies Tubex Technology Machinery Inc., Montreal, has been appointed to represent Burr OAK Tool Inc., Sturgis, Michigan. Burr OAK designs customized production machinery for the heat transfer and tube processing industries. The Fluke Corporation, Everett, Washington, has acquired e M a i n t Enterprises, Dublin, Ireland, a global leader in computerized maintenance management software (CMMS).

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q People & Places

Viega starts production at expanded plant

The new facility marks Viega’s first foray into the manufacturing of carbon steel fittings in North America. Pipe and fittings manufacturer Viega has started producing its MegaPress and MegaPressG carbon steel press fittings at newly expanded manufacturing facility in

McPherson, Kansas. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the company broke ground for the 80,000-squarefoot addition in November, 2014. The new

Master Group acquires Ont. distributor The Master Group, Boucherville, Que., has acquired the Ontario distribution operations of Johnson Controls Unitary Products Group (York) with branches in Oakville and Markham, Ont. The two branches began operating under the Master Group banner Oct. 3. The acquisition boosts the number of Master Group branches in Southern Ontario to nine. “The completion of this transaction advances our strategic efforts in propelling The Master Group forward to the leading position in Canada in the whole HVAC-R industry,” said Louis St-Laurent, Master Group president. “As a result of this acquisition, our customers and partners will have access to an extraordinary portfolio of HVAC-R product lines and services including York and Source 1 products in all nine Southwestern Ontario

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locations,” commented Greg Gamble, Master Group regional vice-president for Central Canada. “The Oakville distribution centre will continue to serve Ontario contractors and dealers with the complete York commercial

Viega metals manufacturing facility cold forms 1/2- to 2-inch press by press and straight elbow MegaPress and MegaPressG fittings. “MegaPress use continues to grow in the U.S. market and by manufacturing it here, we can more effectively and efficiently deliver MegaPress product solutions to our distributors and customers across the country,” said Dave Garlow, Viega president and CEO. Under full production, the new facility is capable of manufacturing three million MegaPress fittings per year. In addition, Viega assembles 250 different MegaPress fitting configurations, nearly every MegaPress product option available, at its metals production facility and is able to assemble 1.5 million fittings annually. Viega owns and operates five strategically located manufacturing and distribution centers around the United States. Each facility is ISO 2008:9001 certified and operates with a comprehensive, state-of-the-art quality management system, officials report.

Johnson Controls employees have transferred to Master Group. Contact information for the Oakville and Markham locations remains the same. A new 24/7 emergency service will be made available at the following numbers: Markham 647-227-6852 Oakville 905-464-8831

The Oakville distribution centre will continue to serve Ontario contractors and dealers with the complete York commercial rooftop offering. rooftop offering as well as serving as the Ontario distribution hub for York and Guardian residential products. In addition, a significant investment in inventory has been made in Source 1 service parts to support the York / JCI brands in the all Master Ontario network.”

Master Group has been in operation for over 60 years and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2010. It now employs over 650 people in 29 branches, four sales offices and four distribution centres from Ontario to the Maritimes.

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Shop Management

Working with

millennials

A different approach to buying services will require new marketing methods By Ken McLauchlin

The Internet is loaded with a lot of great information on how marketing is evolving, but you may be wondering how it specifically applies to your business. Do modern tactics work in a world where phone book ads have been the default advertising? If you’re in the plumbing or HVAC business, you’re one of the businesses that will be impacted the most by some of the changes. Gone are the days of simply putting an ad in the phonebook, or waiting for traditional word-of-mouth to take hold.

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Millennials are as old as 35 this year – which means they’re well into their first or second home. This is your target market and they’ll only become a larger part of your client base as time goes on. They don’t use phonebooks, they research choices heavily before deciding, and their network of friends all lives online with them. Here are four major areas in which the future of marketing will impact your business: Please see ‘Becoming’ on page 77

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

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Q Shop Management

Becoming the go-to expert Continued from page 75

convenient than giving them a direct line to your business when they need your services.

Reviews are important Online reviews matter to the next generation. Even if a friend actually recommends a business by word of mouth, if they go online and see you only have one or two-star reviews, they’ll steer clear. You’ll want to make sure that you have reviews and that they’re positive. Poor reviews will hurt you today. In the future, it will be catastrophic. This generation also isn’t afraid to speak out about bad experiences. They’ll post stories on Facebook, share videos on YouTube and leave nasty Google and Yelp reviews. Good customer service is vital if you want to succeed. Bad experiences will be shared and your business will suffer.

Millennials are as old as 35 this year – which means they’re well into their first or second home. Your marketing efforts should include reaching out to customers online to make sure they’re satisfied. You’ll want to answer negative reviews as they happen and see if you can rectify the situation.

Search engines will be even more important Social media is still very important for communication, but future contact will be directly from search engines. As people search for businesses, your reviews and contact info will all be prominently displayed. ‘Click to communicate’ will be the norm and, in the plumbing and HVAC world, people may even skip your website entirely. It’s hard to believe that search engines can be even more prominent than they are today, but they’ll become even more pervasive in our daily lives. Sites like Google will provide customers with more options to contact the business directly and you’ll want to make sure you’re responding in a reasonable time when they do. They already post all your business details in a search – address, phone number, and even your store hours if you’ve claimed your Google ‘My Business’ page. (You should do this right now if you haven’t). Search engines are continuously looking to drive convenience for their users and nothing is more

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Social media will drive leads Social media platforms are really just in their infancy when it comes to marketing. We’re just now seeing how advertising will be implemented. Websites like Facebook are becoming a strong player in the pay-per-click market and really starting to refine their lead generation capabilities. As Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram all refine the targeting processes, social media will become even more powerful at driving leads directly to HVAC and plumbing businesses. Social media is already more cost effective at delivering leads than traditional advertising and it’s only going to grow as you’re able to narrow your target to very specific individuals that will use your product or service.

Education based marketing Content marketing is growing due to its phenomenal return on investment. Education based marketing is easily the number one way to convert a potential customer into a sale. Publishing expert articles and videos will position you as the expert. It builds trust with the customer. You may think that posting tips on how to solve problems eliminates the need to call you, but the opposite is true. Most people just want to know what’s wrong so they can call the right person. Customers will research problems and issues and if you’re the one that’s providing advice on how to fix it, you’ve just become a trusted resource for them. Your goal is to become the go-to company when informing customers on how to fix the problems in their home and commercial locations. The future is bright for marketing your HVAC and plumbing companies. You can do so much more than just get your name out there. Take advantage of these tools and prepare for the future. You’ll be far ahead of your competitors that are still overpaying for traditional marketing methods. 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.

October 2016 – Plumbing & HVAC

Q Coming Events

All-trades show returns Buildings Show will highlight new technologies as construction goes high-tech Canada’s largest all-trades construction show will return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The Buildings Show, which includes Construct Canada, will provide attendees with new insights on how construction technologies are evolving through about 1,600 manufacturer exhibits and an extensive seminar program that covers all aspects of construction. “The industry has seen significant changes in the last little while across the built environment – net-zero, building automation, higher performance,” remarked George Przybylowski, vice president of real estate/construction at Informa Exhibitions, which organizes the show. “Our show facilitates opportunities to turn these new challenges into new opportunities, whether from expert problem solvers and leaders to innovative new products for every professional at every stage of their career.” The Buildings Show is made up of six events – Construct Canada, PM Expo, World of Concrete Pavilion, Homebuilder & Renovator Expo, IIDEX Canada and the Real Estate Forum.

Events

Calendar NOV. 2-3: CIPHEX West Trade Show, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver. Call Elizabeth McCullough at 1-800-639-2474 or visit www.ciphexwest.ca.

NOV. 14-17: Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada 75th National Conference, Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Call (613) 232-0492 or visit www.mcac.ca.

Plumbing & HVAC – October 2016

Navien’s Matthew Cuno talks tankless at last year’s Buildings Show. Most of these will take place in the South Building, with IIDEX, the interior design and architecture conference, taking place in the North Building. There are over 350 seminars and demonstrations and over 500 speakers in the educational portion. A full list along with registration and other information can be found on the Buildings Show website (www. thebuildingsshow.com).

NOV. 30-DEC. 2: Construct Canada (The Buildings Show), Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, South Building. Visit www. constructcanada.com or call 416-512-0203.

JAN. 28-FEB. 1: ASHRAE Winter Conference, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Visit www. ashrae.org or call 1-404-636-8400. JAN. 30-FEB.1: AHR Expo, Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit www.ahrexpo.com or call 1-203221-9232.

INDEX to ADVERTISERS AHR Expo ........................................... 68 Air Heat* ............................................ 56 Allied Air............................................. 31 Bibby Ste. Croix ............................ 37, 63 Bosch.................................................. 70 Bradford White ..................................... 8 Brant Radiant ...................................... 39 CaleffiHydronic Systems ....................... 2 Camus Hydronics Ltd. ......................... 43 Canada Post ....................................... 74 Cash Acme ......................................... 58 Chrysler .............................................. 22 CIPHEX West ...................................... 76 Coldmax ............................................. 62 Daikin ................................................. 55 Danfoss .............................................. 61 EcoKing .............................................. 11 Fieldpiece............................................ 36 Flir Systems ......................................... 52 Flocor ................................................. 79 Ford .................................................... 15 Franklin Electric ................................... 64 Fujitsu ................................................... 6 General Pipe Cleaners ......................... 12 Giant Inc. ............................................ 65 Holdrite .............................................. 53 Honeywell Refrigerants ....................... 50 IBC Boilers ............................................ 4 IPEX .................................................... 28 John Wood ......................................... 44 Liberty Pumps ..................................... 26 Little Giant Pumps............................... 64 Lochinvar ............................................ 20 Milwaukee Tool Co. ............................ 30 Mitsubishi Electric ............................... 34 Napoleon ............................................ 47 Navien ................................................ 17 Noritz ................................................. 29 NTI...................................................... 38 P&HVAC + .......................................... 56 Ratech Electronics ................................. 9 RedZone ............................................. 32 Rhomar Water .................................... 16 RIDGID................................................ 80 Riobel ................................................. 67 Selkirk................................................. 59 Stelpro ................................................ 54 Taco .................................................... 72 Uponor ............................................... 48 Victaulic .............................................. 13 Viega .................................................. 40 Viessmann .......................................... 10 Zoeller Pumps ..................................... 23 * Ontario only + outside Ontario

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