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The EV market is being fast populated by models that appeal to consumers, and businesses in particular.
Howard Elmer
The mechanical systems won’t necessarily change but project planning will become more interactive. Jonathon Harp
Goodman has launched the GSX/ZV9 air conditioner or heat pump with 22.5 SEER2 and 8.2 HSPF performance driven by inverter technology. This allows lower operating noise, greater efficiency and prevents temperature swings compared to non-inverter single and two-stage units. The models feature diagnostic indicator lights, seven-segment LED display, fault-code storage, coil/ambient temperature sensors, high/low pressure switches, and a suction pressure transducer when in cooling mode.
38GEOTHERMAL
Missing piece of the puzzle
Deep earth geothermal energy offers green solution Carolyn Cooper
48ROAD WARRIOR
Elijah Sommers: On the job learning Carolyn Cooper
54HEAT PUMPS
Full house at inaugural symposium Kerry Turner
72JOBSITE JARGON
Test your knowledge of heat pump terminology for a chance to win
88EMBRACING THE PAST
Levine Bros. Plumbing celebrates 100 years of business with 100 acts of gratitude
Giving back becomes focus of anniversary Carolyn Cooper
90SHOW REPORT
Staying ahead of the curve
MCEE 2023 a hit with exhibitors and attendees Kerry Turner
104HUMAN RESOURCES
Distinguish your company from the competition by including unique and creative incentives
Sue Sodek
94HYDRONICS
Identify the reasons behind the “boiler killer” Ray Wohlfarth
98BOOSTER PUMPS
A guide to sizing and selecting a domestic water pressure booster system
Tom Stephan
28 HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC
Delivering on the promise of heat pumps
Gord Cooke
The importance of sizing to meet heating and cooling needs.
34 HYDRONICS
The cooling is on – is that enough?
Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr
Never bypass the critical first step, which is an accurate load calculation for the project.
56 REFRIGERATION
How to diagnose reciprocating compressor problems and failures
Phil Boudreau
Knowing how to evaluate the evidence inside the compressor is an important step to finding the ultimate cause for the issue.
82 PLUMBING
What do you need to get the job done?
Fred Bretzke
10 “must haves” for your tool kit.
116 MARKETING
The importance of building a community profile
Doug MacMillan
Five ways to focus your brand.
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May/June 2023 Issue
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The hunt was on once the decision was made to produce a print and digital retrospective to commemorate the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating’s (CIPH) 90th anniversary. With the cooperation of CIPH staff and industry stakeholders, we have created a timeline illustrating many of the organization’s accomplishments, including training, tradeshows, government relations and much more. I say many because there were far more than we have been able to include, but we believe we have captured the essence of a vibrant and important organization.
Look for this logo — you will see it in many of the ads in this issue. These companies have been supporting CIPH and its initiatives over the years.
The Retrospective looks at CIPH’s rich history, the challenges it has faced, and how it has adapted and thrived over the last nine decades. Much of the content focuses on CIPH’s role and the positive impact it has had on its members, the industry, and the health of Canadians. The takeaway after researching CIPH’s past is the importance of collaboration, amongst members, other organizations and government. As Jack Keon, CIPH 1999/2000 president said to me, “The amount of people that you meet, government, manufacturers, competitors and suppliers is amazing.”
Keon was on the selection committee that promoted Ralph Suppa when Ed Hardison retired. “We did a darn good job. Ralph was the catalyst to take the organization forward.”
After 35 years with the organization Suppa’s pending retirement has many of us wondering who will be his successor, what background will they have, and what does this mean for CIPH? Suppa is reassuring and confident the strategies and plans that are in place will keep the organization’s momentum going.
He shared his hopes for the future of CIPH in an interview (pg. 70). “CIPH has solid and meaningful strategic plans that are developed every three years by the board with member input. As we all continue to navigate our 90th anniversary journey and beyond, sharp focus and excellent execution are the key to continuing to provide value to our members, as well as best leveraging the time and talent of our national and regional boards and our committees.”
I would like to express my appreciation for the assistance I received on this worthwhile project. I learned a great deal – who knew that at some point someone thought paper pipe would be a good idea. This is just one example of why we need someone to mind the store.
Mike Dennis, CIPH president 2004/2005 noted (pg. 68) that a lot of hard work goes into codes and standards. “We take working plumbing for granted; it’s the kind of thing that if it doesn’t work people will know about it but because it does work, they don’t know about it. There’s been a lot of heavy lifting to get us to that point.”
We hope you enjoy the Retrospective.
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The Government of Ontario has mandated women-only washrooms on construction sites, and requires employers to ensure female workers have properly fitting personal protection equipment (PPE) such as uniforms, boots and safety harnesses. The amendments to the Construction Projects Regulation are under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and will take affect on July 1, 2023. As well as doubling the number of washrooms on construction sites, the government’s changes will require employers to ensure all washrooms on construction sites be private and enclosed, have adequate lighting, and have hand sanitizer if running water isn’t possible. “Access to a washroom is a basic human dignity and something every worker should have the right to,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Careers in construction offer six-figure salaries with pensions and benefits, and it is an injustice only 10 per cent of positions are filled by women. Everyone has the right to a safe and welcoming workplace.” ontario.ca
CleanBC’s Income Qualified Program offers homeowners enhanced rebates when they make energy-saving upgrades to their homes. BC citizens who live in an eligible home, meet income qualification requirements, and who are customers of BC Hydro, FortisBC, or another municipal utility provider, may be eligible to receive rebates of up to $33,900. Eligible upgrades include ductless mini-split, ductless multi-split and central ducted heat pumps, dual fuel ducted heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps, heat pump hot water heaters and more. Upgrades must be installed by a CleanBC Income Qualified Program contractor. betterhomesbc.ca
The government of Alberta is investing $30.4 million over three years in two programs that support youth working toward careers in the skilled trades and technology industries. CAREERS: The Next Generation, a not-for-profit foundation connecting students with employers to participate in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), received $23.5 million; and Skills Canada Alberta, a not-forprofit organization creating opportunities for youth to build a career in the skilled trades, received $6.9 million for programs over three years. alberta.ca skillsalberta.com careersnextgen.ca
The federal government’s new Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Service and Program is designed to help small- and medium-sized employers (SMEs) hire new first-year apprentices at level 1 in 39 Red Seal trades, while helping apprentices gain work experience. Among the Red Seal trades eligible for support through the program are plumber, gasfitter A and B, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, sheet metal worker, and steamfitter/pipefitter. The program is offered through Employment and Social Development Canada, and offers SMEs $5,000 for each eligible new first-year apprentice hired, and $10,000 if the apprentice is from an equity-deserving group. The program also provides supports to employers to help them hire apprentices. Interested SMEs should contact a provider of Apprenticeship Service supports in their region.
canada.ca
Desco Plumbing and Heating Supply Inc. held its Parade of Products 2023 on May 4 at the Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener, ON. The free event featured 70 vendors showcasing plumbing, HVAC and hydronic products. More than 1,400 attendees enjoyed exclusive show-day specials, as well as a full dinner and giveaways from Desco.
desco.ca
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The Town of Comox, BC and Infrastructure Canada are investing more than $485,000 to modernize the Comox Community Centre, with $376,917 coming from the federal government. The facility will be upgraded to be more energy efficient while lowering its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Upgrades include replacing the gasfired domestic hot water heating systems with electric heat pumps; upgrading lighting with LED technology; and gas-fired rooftop units will be replaced with electric heat pumps. The changes are projected to reduce energy consumption by 30.2 per cent, and GHG emissions by about 25.3 tonnes. The federal investment comes through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. infrastructure.gc.ca
The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $18.3 million for upgrades to 14 community rinks across the province. The upgrades will increase the energy efficiency of the rinks, extend their lifespan, and create more access to sports and recreation, particularly for girls and women. Recipients include St. Francis Xavier University Rink in Antigonish, which will receive $300,000 for an ice plant; and Antigonish Arena, which will receive $160,000 for heating and accessibility upgrades. beta.novascotia.ca
Jobber’s Home Service Economic Report: 2022 Review and 2023 Outlook reveals that the home service sector continues to grow and remain resilient, despite tough economic times. The report notes that the industry is already attracting new entrepreneurs, and technical and trade show enrollments are growing. At the same time, median revenue for service providers has increased, driven by higher invoice values, and is expected to continue in 2023. Supply chain problems also improved significantly during the end of 2022, and into this year. The report features insights and proprietary data aggregated from HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers and more in North America who use Jobber. getjobber.com
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) has recognized Gaylen Anderson, president of Burlington, ON’s Trison Sales Inc., with its Lifetime Service Award. The award commemorates 40 years plus in the plumbing and heating industry. Anderson began his career with Dahl Valve Limited in 1980 and was eventually named vice-president of sales, North America. He established Trison Sales in 2011. The organization also recently recognized William Sheppard with its Lifetime Service Award. Sheppard is technical and customer service manager, for Burlington, ON-based Weil-McLain Canada, and has been with the company for 40 years.
ciph.com
HeatLink’s warehouse in Covington, TN was severely damaged by a tornado at the end of March, and is indefinitely closed. No employees were hurt. The company says it is moving its operations to a new U.S. warehouse, but in the meantime most shipments will come from its Calgary, AB warehouse. Headquartered in Calgary, HeatLink supplies potable water systems, radiant hydronic heating and cooling products, and snow melt systems.
heatlink.com
Eric Ellefsen is the recipient of the 2023 Award for Excellence in Apprenticeship Education from the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA). Ellefsen is a refrigeration and air conditioning instructor at New Brunswick Community College in St. Andrews, NB. The award recognizes apprenticeship educators and training instructors who deliver innovative, and top-quality instructional programming to apprentices in Red Seal Trades. red-seal.ca
Sustainable Buildings Canada (SBC) is now offering workshops for commercial and multi-family new construction buildings air tightness testing program on behalf of Enbridge Gas. The first training session took place in May 2023 in Vaughan, ON. The free training program is for contractors, builders/ developers, energy auditors, and structural engineers, as well as individuals with building envelope or commissioning experience or interest, or a background in building enclosure, energy modelling, and building sustainability. The session includes classroom training on code and green standard requirements, testing methodologies and approaches, and how to test large multi-zone buildings, and a half day of hands-on training using blower doors to demonstrate set up and installation, calibration of multiple blower doors, communications, air sealing requirement procedures and potential mitigation strategies. The next session will be held in September.
sbcanada.org
A new report, Pathway Out of Energy Poverty in Northern Ontario, reveals gaps in energy affordability programs to help low-income people in Northern Ontario who may be struggling to pay energy bills. According to Chantal Walterson, community legal worker at Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic, and Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) steering committee member, “There are so many factors that make us Northerners distinct from other areas; the way we consume energy, the sources of energy that are available to us, the high cost of energy, and the impact high energy costs have on so many individuals and families in different northern communities, including the many remote First Nation communities.”
lowincomeenergy.ca
The City of St. John’s, NL has received an investment of up to $1.7 million in federal funding to support its Corporate Climate Plan, a $6.7-million initiative to improve energy performance in 17 city-owned facilities. The provincial government is contributing more than $1.4 million for the initiative, and the city will contribute approximately $1.1 million. The investments will reduce greenhouse gas emission by moving from oil to electric heating; installing electric heating systems; air sealing building envelopes; and installing automated controls.
canada.ca
Steve Robinson, president of Maple Ridge, BC-based Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Ltd., has received the Business Leader of the Year Award as part of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. The awards, which were presented during an event on March 25, 2023, honoured local businesses. Pitt Meadows Plumbing specializes in plumbing and heating solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional and large-scale residential projects. The company recently hosted an event called Future of Work aimed at introducing the next generation to opportunities in the construction industry. The event included a keynote presentation by Amy Marks, vice president of Enterprise Transformation Practice from Autodesk, on the next 25 years in construction, and a speaker panel featuring Pitt Meadows employees, as well as networking opportunities with sponsoring companies, local colleges, the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC, ICBA and Skilled Trades BC. pittmeadows.net
The federal government has opened registration for its Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA) announced in November 2022, which makes switching to a heat pump less expensive. Eligible homeowners can register through the Greener Homes Initiative to apply for up to $10,000 in funding to replace home heating oil with an electric heat pump. Lowto middle-income families heating with oil may qualify for an upfront payment of up to $10,000 towards a new cold-climate heat pump. natural-resources.canada.ca
Technical Safety
BC is improving its online services, including the addition of a portal for certifications. The changes are part of a multi-year digital transformation project to simplify processes, remove barriers, and make the safety system more accessible. The online portal will initially be for people holding certificates or who plan on applying for certification. Services include booking exams, making online payments, monitoring applications and receiving your certificate earlier. Online services for permits, licences and other products will be available in the future. Technical Safety BC is an independent organization that oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment in BC.
technicalsafetybc.ca
Edmonton, AB-based industry organization Women Building Futures has changed the name of its Journeywoman Start class to Journey to Trades. Journey to Trades is the organization’s flagship program, and includes 17 weeks of classroom and hands-on training in plumbing, mechanicals, welding, carpentry, electrical, and millwright. It is offered in Edmonton and Fort McMurray, AB. Women Building Futures offers programs and support for women to explore careers that pay a living wage, including in the skilled trades.
womenbuildingfutures.ca
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Noble Corporation has named Ara Yazedjian as procurement associate. Yazedjian has been with Noble for more than 10 years, most recently as a buyer.
Metropolitan Pump Co. Limited has hired Ryan Wilkins as regional sales representative, Southwestern Ontario.
Daikin Comfort Technologies North America has promoted Danica Terris (1) to territory sales manager for Vancouver Island, BC and hired Bryan Epstein (2) as territory sales manager for Ottawa, ON. Eric Wiens (3) has been promoted to branch manager of Goodman’s Edmonton, AB location. Wiens has six years of HVAC experience with Daikin, and was most recently commercial sales manager for WCN for Goodman Company Canada, part of Daikin Comfort Technologies North America.
Surrey, BC-based CB Supplies Ltd. has promoted Ken Wilson to USA national OEM manager. Wilson has been with CB Supplies for 17 years, most recently as territory manager and USA sales to OEM customers.
Toronto, ON-based Armstrong Fluid Technology has hired Melany Forsyth (1) as an application engineering specialist. John Doughty (2) has been named director, global sales enablement, based in the UK. Doughty will work with Armstrong sales teams around the globe to drive the sales process in each region.
Cambridge, ON-based NorthStar Industries has hired Vishnu Nauth as national sales manager.
Palser Enterprises names Ted Elliot to the role of industrial sales and business development.
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC-based Stelpro Group has appointed Pierre Huard as its president and CEO.
Mississauga, ON-based Temspec Inc. has hired Andrew Bell as director of sales and marketing.
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The Viessmann Group has announced that it is combining its largest business division, Climate Solutions, with Carrier to create one of the world’s largest climate solutions companies. Viessmann will become a major shareholder in Carrier. Viessmann Climate Solutions’ integrated offering will soon be complemented by Carrier’s electric products and services and sub brands, including heat pumps, battery storage, cooling and ventilation solutions, aftersales services, digital and value-added solutions. In addition, Viessmann Climate Solutions will become a major driver of Carrier's growth strategy in Europe. viessmann.ca carrier.com
Equipco Ltd. is now a manufacturer’s representative for Anesi Gas Heat Pumps across Canada. The Anesi Gas Heat Pumps brand is owned by Johnson City, TN-based Stone Mountain Technologies, Inc. (SMTI), a developer of high-efficiency heat pump technologies using natural refrigerants. Equipco has nine locations across Canada.
anesicomfort.com equipcoltd.com
Toronto, ON-based Amvic Building System is changing its name to Alleguard. The name in part reflects the company’s six diverse brands: Huntington Solutions, Insulation Company of America, Fabricated Packaging Materials, Drew Foam, AMVIC Building System, and Concrete Block Insulating Systems Inc. alleguard.com
Watts officially opened its Fort Worth, TX Watts Works Learning Center on April 12, 2023. The sixth Learning Center location is situated within Watts’ 250,000-sq. ft. manufacturing facility and offers lunch and learns and online training with hundreds of eLearning modules available. The 2,800-sq. ft. pressurized wet lab includes all water-related equipment, from intake to output. It was the purchase of PVI that prompted the search for a larger, more workable site where several product lines could be integrated into one manufacturing facility. Other lines manufactured at the site include BLÜCHER stainless-steel trench and HygienicPro drains, Ames and Watts in-building risers, Lync engineered system solutions, and AERCO boilers and water heaters. watts.com
The Master Group has acquired Valley View, OH-based Refrigeration Sales Corporation (RSC), a distributor of HVAC/R products in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The move represents an expansion of The Master Group’s presence in the U.S. This is the company’s second U.S. acquisition.
master.ca refrigerationsales.net
Cambridge, ON-based Building Knowledge Canada Inc. (BKC) has merged with Building Energy Inc. after several years of collaboration. BKC helps builder clients achieve building performance goals, while Building Energy works with homeowners to find lower-cost energy efficient solutions.
beinc.ca buildingknowledge.ca
Daikin Applied Americas has acquired San Diego, CA-based Alliance Air Products, a producer of custom air-handling equipment. The acquisition adds to the Daikin portfolio of high-efficiency equipment and services for data centre cooling and other custom applications.
allianceairproducts.com daikinapplied.com
Maple Ridge, BC-based Radon Environmental Management Corp. (REM) has announced a partnership with SunRADON to expand the company’s offering of indoor air quality and radon measurement products. Under the agreement REM will distribute Melbourne, FL-based SunRADON’s lüft IAQ monitor in Canada. radoncorp.com sunradon.com
Toronto, ON-based CharTech Solutions, a division of CHAR Technologies Ltd., is partnering with Synagro Technologies, Inc. on a project to demonstrate CharTech’s high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) process to eliminate PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from thermally dried biosolids. The U.S. has announced it will limit PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, and in May 2022 Canada proposed the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 to restrict PFAS. The CharTech process, which heats PFAS at high temperatures without oxygen, destroys the contaminants while generating renewable energy in the form of hydrogen-rich syngas, and biochar for wastewater treatment sites. Baltimore, MD-based Synagro is a provider of biosolid and residual solutions. chartechnologies.com synagro.com
IPEX recently celebrated the grand opening of its new facility in Middletown, PA. The 250,000+-sq. ft. distribution centre features state-of-the-art health and safety practices, and technology such as scanning and material handling equipment. ipexna.com
EMCO Applied has announced a partnership with Systemair. Sweden-based Systemair is a ventilation company with operations in 52 countries. Its Canadian office is headquartered in Tillsonburg, ON. EMCO Applied is part of EMCO Corporation, and is the representative for Daikin Applied in Atlantic Canada. The company specializes in design and sales of variable refrigerant volume (VRV) air conditioning and heating systems. The company has three Atlantic Canada offices in Moncton, NB, Charlottetown, PE and Dartmouth, NS. In other EMCO news, the company has purchased Leadair, a distributor of HVAC, air quality and humidity control products based in Wilfrid-Hamel, QC. The move expands EMCO’s HVAC service to engineering firms and commercial and institutional contractors, and its Applied Atlantic and Innovative Technologies divisions emco.ca
Statistia, in partnership with the Financial Times, recently released The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies 2023. This year’s list ranks 500 North American companies with the strongest revenue growth between 2018 and 2021. Toronto, ON-based Surgically Clean Air ranked 51 on the list with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 138.24 per cent. Calgary, AB's CoolIT Systems ranked 217 on the list, with a CAGR of 53.22 per cent.
surgicallycleanair.com coolitsystems.com
St. Catharines, ON-based Right Time Group of Companies has purchased Guelph, ON’s Oosterveld Heating & Air Conditioning. Oosterveld offers residential heating, cooling, air quality, and hot water services. Right Time has also purchased Port Coquitlam, BC-based Thomson Industries Ltd. Thomson delivers residential heating, cooling, electrical and air quality services. right-time.ca
Westminster, CO-based Trimble, Inc. has acquired St. Louis, MO-based Ryvit, an integrated platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) provider for the construction industry. Ryvit’s integrations will become part of Trimble Construction One, a connected Cloud-based construction management platform. trimble.com ryvit.com
Toronto, ON-based MechCan Inc. has invested in St. Jacobs, ON-based Total Home Energy Systems Inc., which provides installation and HVAC services. This marks MechCan’s fourth investment partnership in Southern Ontario since it was established in January 2022. MechCan provides upfront liquidity, ongoing cash distributions, and long-term alignment to owners of contracting companies.
thesheatingcooling.ca
mechcan.ca
Burlington, ON-based Wolseley Canada opened a 21,000-sq.-ft. store and showroom at 377 Fairall St. in Ajax, ON. Martin Zver is the branch manager. The location carries Wolseley’s full range of plumbing and HVAC products. wolseleyinc.ca
It takes commitment to improve the health and comfort of Canadians; Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing Inc. is proud to share in this commitment and would like to thank the staff and many volunteers who work tirelessly towards this common goal each day Congratulations CIPH on 90 years of "making it happen"
Bill Palamar Chief Executive Officer CIPH - Chair 2016-2017
Paul McDonald National Sales Manager CIPH - Chair 2014-2015
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1 Vincent, M., R.E. Duval, P. Hartemann, and M. Engels-Deutsch et al, Contact killing and antimicrobial properties of copper, Journal of Applied Microbiology, December 27, 2017; 124:1032—1046. Source of graphics: Drs. Grass, Keevil, Rensing, and Soliaz courtesy of the Copper Development Association CuVerro® and CuVerro ShieldTM are registered trademarks of Wieland North America, Inc. and are used with permission.
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SPX Technologies has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase ASPEQ Heating Group, a manufacturer of electrical heating products, from Industrial Growth Partners, a San Francisco-based private equity firm.
ASPEQ will become a part of SPX Technologies’ HVAC Heating platform, within its electrical heating business, along with Marley Engineered Products (MEP). The purchase is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023. ASPEQ provides electrical heating solutions to customers in industrial and commercial markets under the brands INDEECO, Heatrex, AccuTherm, Brasch, Spectrum, BannerDay PipeHeating, BBC, and Solar Products.
spx.com aspeqheating.com
Robinson Supply has announced that after two years of renovations, its showroom in Burnaby, BC is reopening at 7975 Enterprise St. Robinson Supply is a division of B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd., a distributor of plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC and lighting products in Western Canada. The company has locations throughout Western Canada and Northwestern Ontario.
barobinson.com
Noble now has a dedicated HVAC location in Hamilton, ON at its existing branch at 409 Nash Rd. The HVAC location will offer the company’s complete line of HVAC equipment and services. Noble is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023. The company has more than 50 branches. noble.ca
Sinclair Supply Ltd. has opened its first Sinclair Academy training room at the company’s Calgary, AB location. The Edmonton, AB-based company says the training room will feature live equipment and controls to offer a hands-on experience for training and career development within the HVAC/R industry. Sinclair says it will be announcing training sessions in the future. ssl.ca
Toronto, ON-based Visionary Sales Ltd. now represents Ecoer products in Eastern Canada with sales and technical support. Dulles, VA-based Ecoer Inc. produces high-efficiency air conditioning and heating products, including a cold climate heat pump. ecoer.com visionarysales.ca
Bosch Thermotechnology has rebranded as Bosch Home Comfort Group as of April 2023. According to the company the new name marks its goal of making home comfort more sustainable through innovative green technology. The renaming follows the definition of the corporate purpose ‘Make. Home. Comfort. Green.’ a year ago. The company offers heat pumps, air conditioning systems, water heaters, gas furnaces, boilers and more bosch-homecomfort.com
Benn Air Temp Supplies has moved its Brampton, ON headquarters to 268 Rutherford Rd. S, Unit 5A. The location, which celebrated its grand opening in March, distributes heating, cooling and refrigeration parts and equipment for the industrial and residential HVAC/R industry. Benn Air also has a Newmarket, ON branch. bennair.com
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Global investment firm KKR & Co. Inc. has announced it is purchasing CoolIT Systems. CoolIT offers scalable liquid cooling solutions for computer environments. The investment will allow CoolIT to scale to an international level.
coolitsystems.com kkr.com
Imagine H2O has named Kelowna, BC-based RainStick Shower as one of 11 companies joining its Accelerator program for entrepreneurs in the water industry. RainStick Shower is a clean technology company offering a sustainable, Wi-Fi-enabled system to capture, circulate and clean water for energy and water savings. The Accelerator program provides support through industry experts, networking, customers, and investors. Imagine H2O is an organization that helps earlystage water start-ups develop and market their innovations.
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Professional contractors will recognize the importance of proper sizing to realize the full value of heat pump technology. Oddly, the challenge starts with the fact that heat pumps supply both space heating and space cooling and historically heating loads in Canadian homes have been significantly higher than cooling loads.
If you size for the greater of the two loads, then the cooling capacity would be far greater than needed and this can lead to poor humidity control in humid summer months in most parts of Canada. This can be overcome with specific dehumidification technology, but generally it is better to adjust the sizing of the heat pump to avoid humidity issues associated with oversized cooling capacity.
There are three primary factors in determining the appropriate size for both new and existing houses and a number of tools and techniques to assist in the development of a decision matrix. To optimize greenhouse gas emission reductions the goal has to be to provide the highest percentage of heating load with the heat pump without compromising comfort, including humidity control, noise and costs of operation. For many clients, especially at this time of year, the prompt for considering a new HVAC system will be for comfortable and quiet cooling. Whether for a new application or replacement of an existing air conditioner, a client’s focus on cooling performance provides a useful start to heat pump sizing. In new homes there can be an expectation that a comprehensive heat loss and heat gain calculation has been done for the building permit application. Even if it hasn’t been done, house plans and specifications will be available such that a comprehensive calculation using the latest version of the CSA F280-12 (R2021) Standard, Determining the Required Capacity of Residential Space Heating and Cooling Appliances, can be done.
This same methodology could be applied to existing houses with some
Gord Cooke
Heat pump media coverage and a raft of incentives all provide a marketing boost to selling heat pump technology to customers. In the coming months confidently switch your sales efforts away from traditional air conditioners over to heat pumps, or as one insightful contractor suggested, promote them as dual-function air conditioners. I can say with confidence, in 2023 and beyond, stop selling or installing air conditioners. Switch to offering heat pumps, slightly bigger than the cooling load and check the airflow capacity of the supply duct system. Think creatively as to how to minimize fossil fuel appliances as the back-up heating sources. Encourage other energy efficiency upgrades and provide controls that match and optimize the operation of the heat pump heating function. Even if they don’t use the heat pump during the heating season right now, it will be a win-win for everyone as we strive for 40 per cent greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 35 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes. Gord has particular expertise in IAQ and air flow management in houses, and can be contacted at gordc@buildingknowledge.ca.
measurements and assumptions but there are other techniques as well. Given that the federal grant process requires an EnerGuide Energy Evaluation and that process includes some basic load calculations, ask for a copy of the EnerGuide report, which will indicate a design heating and cooling load.
Another option, if there is an existing air conditioner installed, is to use its capacity as a starting point and ask your client how the current system is meeting their comfort expectations.
Technology advancements allow more flexibility in cooling capacity sizing. Oversizing the cooling capacity of a heat pump by 25 per cent in order to provide more heating capacity from the system should be possible, as long as appropriate dehumidification strategies are considered in the final system design and installation.
The maximum size of a heat pump to be retrofitted into existing centrally-ducted systems may be determined by the maximum airflow capacity of the existing supply ductwork. Take simple total static pressure readings across the existing furnace or air handler and measure or estimate the fan flow at the highest fan speed setting.
For over 40 years in Canada the most commonly used total static design pressure across the air handler has been 0.5 in. of water column (w.c.). New furnaces and air handlers are capable of delivering their design airflows at static pressures approaching 0.7-in. w.c. Thus, if the measured static pressure across the duct work of the existing furnace or air handler is less than 0.7-in. w.c. then the higher airflows required of larger capacity heat pumps can be accommodated without major duct modifications.
An even simpler approach, although less accurate, is to recall that the maximum recommended velocity of air in the main plenums of residential systems is 900 feet per minute (FPM) to optimize sound and pressure levels. Therefore, the maximum airflow capacity of the supply ducts can be estimated by measuring the cross-sectional area of the supply trunks near the equipment, before any branch take-offs and multiplying it by 900 FPM. For example, consider an existing T-type supply duct system, where each side of the
main ducts is 8 in. by 14 in. The cross-sectional area of each trunk would be 112 square inches or 0.78 ft2, for a combined area of 1.56 ft. Multiplied by 900 FPM, this would allow for a total airflow capacity of 1,404 cubic feet per minute. This supply duct system could accommodate a heat pump with a nominal capacity of 3.5 tons. I emphasize the supply side ducting because the return air duct side has been traditionally oversized by at least 50 per cent and opening it up to provide for more return air somewhere in a home is much easier than enlarging or adding to the supply side.
The last major consideration for heat pump sizing is how much back-up heat is needed and what are the options for providing that back-up. Since a heat pump provides both space heating and space cooling, and considering the capacity of air source heat pumps change as the outside temperature changes, sizing is more challenging than for a fuel-fired furnace and air conditioner. Ground source heat pumps aren’t as sensitive to outdoor conditions, since the ground temperature is more consistent than air temperatures throughout the year. In all cases though the goal should be to maximize the number of hours of heat pump operation, yet still recognize the back-up heating options.
Let’s look at an existing home. My son bought a very old home with a 10-year-old high efficiency gas furnace and no central air conditioner. The furnace had an output capacity of 76,000 BTU/h. In a heat pump context that would be just over 6 tons (12,000 BTUs per ton). There is no practical way to put 6 tons into an old home with small duct work. A comprehensive cooling load, accounting for the new low E glass he was planning to install would be 22,000 BTU/h. Applying the 125 per cent rule, that suggested a heat pump size of 27,500 or 2.5 tons. Clearly that isn’t enough to heat the house throughout the coldest part of the winter, even with a cold climate heat pump. However, with the window upgrades, converting the vented crawlspace to a conditioned space and doing
air sealing work, the heat loss calculation showed the new peak winter load would be just 54,000 BTU/h or a 4.5ton capacity at winter design temperature. This is still not low enough for a heat pump to practically carry the load. There was a need for at least 26,500 BTUs of back-up heat. With a full electrification goal, that would suggest a 2.5-ton cold climate heat pump to maintain a 27,500 BTU capacity even at design temperatures of -25⁰C and then add the remaining required heat with electrical resistance elements. That would require a capacity of at least 8 kW. Even if my son wanted to do that, the electrical service wasn’t big enough to support that amount of electric resistance heat running with the heat pump. In his case, the relatively new gas furnace provided a convenient, reliable back-up heat. The goal is to run the heat pump as much as possible and then switch to the natural gas furnace when the heat pump can’t meet 100 per cent of the load. It is important to note that in a traditional furnace with an add-on heat pump, the coil for the heat pump is above or after the furnace heat exchanger (as the photo above shows). As a result, the heat pump can’t be operating when the furnace is on. Another back-up heat option employs a true heat pump air handler (like the one on the right) and an add-on back up coil. That coil could be electric resistance heat or, in what is referred to as dual fuel or hybrid heating, a hot water coil fed from a gas boiler or tankless water heater could be used. In these cases, the heat pump can be left to operate down to colder temperatures if it is rated to do so. The back-up coil can be operated simultaneously to provide more comfortable discharge temperatures and better efficiencies.
The use of a dual fuel approach can be optimized with the use of thermostats that are able in real time to look at current electricity and natural gas prices as well as outdoor temperatures (for calculating heat pump time-variant efficiency and capacity) to make hour-by-hour decisions on whether to run the heat pump or the back-up heat.
These same strategies are applicable in new homes. Although the advancements in energy efficiency in most new homes, coupled with rising design day cooling loads associated with ever increasing glazing areas and internal occupancy loads, means that cooling loads are much closer to heating loads. Take for example, a 2,250 sq.ft Net Zero Ready home we recently did calculations for. The design day heating load was just 31,000 BTU/h and the cooling load was 24,000 BTU/h. In this application a 2.5ton cold climate heat pump would only need a couple of kW of electric heat to meet all loads. An alternative would again be to employ a hybrid approach with some hot water back-up and still safely use a more commonly available heat pump even if it can’t operate at the coldest temperatures.
Radon gas is a colourless, odourless gas that occurs naturally from decaying uranium in the soil. Over time, it can seep into a home through cracks and openings in the foundation and, if not adequately vented, potentially pose a serious health hazard.
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Did you know… Exposure to radon gas is a growing concern and is a preventable risk. Check with your building authority to confirm what your local requirements are when it comes to radon gas mitigation.
Asheating and cooling specialists, you and I share a similar goal with our customers. We all wish for a comfortable home or workplace. It falls on our shoulders as designers and installers to meet that goal. In many cold climate areas, an efficient, properly-sized heating and cooling system will meet the needs of the building owners.
As an industry, we have arrived at a point where this is very easily accomplished. We have available to us a huge assortment of heat sources: heat pumps, boilers - both modulating and condensing or traditional non-condensing. We have perhaps hundreds of brands and models of heat sources to choose from. The same goes for heat emitters. Everything from radiant panels, fin tube baseboards, panel radiators and air handlers are available. These options exist for all hydronic system applications.
We also have the same availability in forced air/ducted systems. High-efficiency furnaces are proven and dependable. Air to air heat pumps have a proven track record, also. Electric resistance heaters, baseboards and wall heaters are simple and effective. High velocity, small duct systems are available both for new and retrofit applications. Both hydronic and forced air ducted systems can be zoned for even more comfort adjustability. So, there is no reason every building cannot be heated and cooled to the owners’ needs and wants.
However, never bypass the critical first step, which is an accurate load calculation for the
Higher efficiency systems are possible with geothermal heat pumps, air to water and air to air heat pumps.
“Hot
has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30+ years. A longtime columnist, Bob is involved with training and education at Caleffi North America. You can reach him at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.
project. Don’t be tempted to fire the new product cannon at a project with hopes of a successful system. Do the math or ask for help from the suppliers, reps or manufacturers. It’s important to spend the time to learn more about providing “comfort” systems to your customers. Go beyond just the heating and cooling mindset. There is excellent information worth reading in the Mechanical Business digital archive (mechanicalbusiness.com) on the challenges of and options for air quality, comfort, and heating and cooling systems. Mechanical Business curates the best in industry information in its features and columns, so be sure to check out every page. Also, enroll in a class or online webinars to learn more about options for designing a healthy home and workspace.
did you know we have a team of people dedicated to making your life easier? we offer piping design services to ensure an efficient build from start to finish. our team works with the engineers and designers to uncover any problems you may encounter before you start to build.
I believe there will continue to be a market for building system upgrades as energy prices climb. The same steps apply for sizing and product selection. The replacement and upgrade market seems to stay strong even in down economies, the motivation being to lower the cost to condition our buildings. Always check for government or utility incentive programs for energy upgrade funds.
More and more, we are seeing the need and desire for cooling, even in traditionally cooler northern climates. Perhaps only a week or two of AC is needed, however people seem to be more educated about systems, and they want summer comfort in their homes and workspaces. In this area, we have many of the same options for products and installation. Typical forced air ducted systems are probably the most common installation, and these are able to cover both heating and cooling loads. Higher efficiency systems are possible with geothermal heat pumps, air to water and air to air heat pumps. The industry has seen an influx of mini split systems. These easily retrofittable products allow for both heating and cooling options. They can be a nice upgrade to a building with radiant heat, but without ducting in place. These split systems are available with multiple heads to cover rooms that have different load profiles.
More recently we see hydronic cooling being an option. This is basically chilled water circulating through ceiling panels, or possibly some floor radiant loops. Note that some air movement for dehumidification may still be needed with radiant panel cooling. We often see these systems in commercial buildings. So, do we celebrate mission accomplished? Not so fast. We can adequately and efficiently heat and cool almost any structure. However, there is more to creating a healthy, safe and comfortable system.
One critical component often overlooked or ignored is indoor air quality (IAQ). The COVID years have made this more of a concern as we spent extended periods in our homes. In some cases, the entire family was confined to home spaces during these periods. We became aware that the air inside some of these homes suffered from these lockdowns. A building needs some fresh air exchange to keep the spaces from becoming stagnant and unhealthy. In addition, some filtration is desirable. This became especially noticeable if you were confined with your pets.
More attention should be given to keeping our homes and buildings healthy, as well as warm and comfortable. Canada has standards that apply to air changes per hour (ACH), which are required to keep fresh air in our public buildings. The good news here is there are many products on the market to help meet air quality needs and requirements. We have products that can add or remove humidity. We have a variety of air filtration products from basic filters to electrostatic or ultraviolet.
Energy recovery units exchange some of the exhausted outgoing air with fresh air being brought into the home, to temper that cold outside air. Sizing and balancing this selection of products is important. We don’t want to trade a warm comfortable home space for a drafty space with improper fresh air intake. Leaving a window partially open, for example, may cover the ACH, but make the occupants uncomfortable as a result.
There are many products on the market to help meet air quality needs and requirements in buildings.
Hydronic cooling provides for a quiet, clean option for some of the heat removal.
Lyncar
A19-acre controlled environment agricultural facility planned for Hinton, AB and scheduled to open in 2024 will be the first of its kind in North America to be powered by sustainable deep earth geothermal energy.
The large-scale production facility is being constructed by Freshbay Inc., and will use vertical aeroponic farming technology, greenhouses, and scientific horticulture procedures to grow herbs, strawberries and tropical fruit. During the first year, says Freshbay CEO Vic Reddy, the facility will produce between 12 and 15 million lbs. of strawberries for sale throughout Alberta. Reddy believes using geothermal energy to manage heating, cooling and humidity control in the facility is an important part of producing food in remote areas. “Geothermal is the missing puzzle piece to controlled environment agriculture,” he says. “Geothermal not only allows us to minimize our energy costs, it allows us to map our energy costs for the next decade and beyond. In comparison to solar and wind, geothermal is far superior, as it is available on demand day or night, year after year. There is a higher upfront cost, however the maintenance costs are pennies on the dollar compared to traditional heating, cooling and electrical costs.”
The cost of food production is also significantly less, says Reddy, noting that “as technology improves and geothermal wells can be dug cheaper, facilities won’t have to be the size of our projected 700,000 sq. ft. of production space. I believe we will be the new model for indoor food production.”
Calgary, AB-based Novus Earth Energy Operations Inc. provides turnkey geothermal wells that can be used for electrical, thermal or a combination of both (CHP), and will oversee the drilling, installation, and maintenance of the Hinton wells. The company uses sub-contractors
Vertex Resources for drilling engineering, Full Spectrum Projects for facilities engineering, and Sproule, an engineering company with experience using geothermal to heat greenhouses in the Netherlands.
“Our system is called an Advanced Geothermal System, also known as a
closed-loop,” says Jeff Messner, president and co-founder of Novus Earth. “Conventional geothermal is restricted to specific formation characteristics to make it work, which is why you don’t see it in very many places. What we’ve created is an underground radiator that doesn’t require the same characteristics and can be placed anywhere, granted with differing levels of efficiency and economics.
“The geothermal system connects to a surface heat exchanger and a pump to send the fluid back down to be re-heated,” he explains. “From the heat exchanger it can move on for several other uses. The geothermal requires very little maintenance. Repair and maintenance is mostly required on the heat exchangers and surface pump. This is technology that is used around the world, but currently there are none in Canada.” Messner adds that as well as being a 24/7 energy source with zero carbon emissions (apart from some of the building materials such as steel casing and cement), once geothermal is “being used to replace natural gas, the return on investment is three to four years and has an end asset life at 30+ years. Some geothermal wells have been running for over 100 years.” Novus Earth is currently preparing to drill a non-producing observation well in July, followed by the commercial well this fall, while Reddy says the facility is expected to be completed in May 2024, with production beginning during Q2. Additional projects in BC and Surgeon County, AB to grow lettuce, kale and tropical fruit, are also in the works.
“The potential is huge, especially going into the Territories since they have great geothermal resources at shallow depths,” says Messner. “Deep well geothermal is not new. We just haven’t fully taken advantage of what’s beneath our feet in the same way people around the world have been for generations.”
Strategically located in Sudbury, this new location provides Residential, Refrigeration, Heating, Commercial and Industrial products and solutions to our valued customers in the region. The 23,370 sq ft facility combines a branch, sales office and dedicated training room, all under one roof.
The Gagnon team is relocating to Sudbury and continues to offer the same great products, expertise and more!
For2023 electric trucks and vans are no longer a future proposition. This market is being fast populated by models that appeal to consumers, and businesses in particular. As for the size of this market, consider that General Motors estimates that by 2025, the combined market opportunity for parcel, food delivery and reverse logistics in the U.S. will be over $850 billion. According to the World Economic Forum, demand for urban lastmile delivery is expected to grow by 78 per cent by 2030, leading to a 36 per cent increase in electric delivery vehicles in the world’s top 100 cities.
From a service vehicle standpoint, the rise of electric offers some sharp business opportunities. Electric trucks run all day and charge all night. The electricity cost per kilometer versus gasoline is a fraction of your current fuel expense. Overall maintenance costs are lower (no oil changes, no transmission, no exhaust system, and so on) and with batteries improving all the time, a longer service life cycle is certainly possible.
You may have already heard of some of the other electric vans and trucks, in addition to those mentioned here, from the likes of Rivan, Lordstown motors, Canoo, and of course Tesla. If anything, this just shows off the large wave of product that is still to come. However as of today real purchase options do exist and for many businesses the new electric offerings will be the right choice.
At the recent New York Auto Show, RAM showed off its REV pickup truck. Last of the Detroit three to introduce an electric pickup, it seems the best might have been left to last. In range alone the REV is estimated to offer over 800 km (500 miles) of range with the optional 229-Kwh battery pack. Other targeted performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds, 654 hp and 620 lb.-ft. of torque, up to 6,350 kg (14,000 lb) towing and a maximum payload capacity of 1,225 kg (2,700 lb).
The REV is built on a unique chassis and is powered by dual 250-kilowatt electric drive
modules (EDMs) that combine the motor, gearbox and inverter along with all-wheel drive capability. A 250-kilowatt EDM is positioned on the rear axle available with an electroniclocking rear differential. As for charging, Ram says the new REV is capable of vehicle-tovehicle, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid bi-directional charging. The truck can also send power to a home during a storm, and run the power at the camp or jobsite. An on-board power panel in the bed can provide up to 7.2 kW and an available on-board power panel in the trunk provides up to 3.6 kW.
Ram says the new REV is capable of vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid bi-directional charging.
Ford was first off the mark, it’s Lightning has been on sale since last year. Note that Ford pegged its work level F-150 Lightning (Pro Series) as it’s volume seller at the lowest price-point. Out of the gate they are encouraging fleet sales.
Today, F-150 Lightning’s maximum available payload capacity’s has increased from original targets. Properly equipped F-150 Lightning pickups can now haul an extra 107 kg (235 lb.) for a total 1,014 kg (2,235 lb.) of maximum hauling capability.
With the smaller 98.0-kWh battery, Ford claims a driving range of 370 km (230 miles) per charge. Upgrade to the larger 131.0-kWh pack and it boosts the driving range to 514 km (320 miles). This
extended-range battery pack produces 580 hp. The standard-range battery delivers 452 hp. Both packs are capable of producing 775 lbs.-ft. of torque, more than any other F-150 pickup ever.
Unlike the Ford F-150 Lightning, which shares many of its body panels with its gas-fed counterpart, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV looks almost nothing like the regular Silverado. The all-wheel-drive Silverado EV uses GM’s Ultium electric vehicle components, giving it a manufacturer-estimated 650 km (400 miles) on a full charge. There is also a Silverado EV Work Truck edition.
At the same time GMC has released the Hummer EV, in both SUV and truck body styles. This vehicle is not aimed at the work market – however, it’s also built on the Ultium platform, and much of what the Hummer has could migrate to other GM electric cars/trucks and vans.
Ford says the E-Transit is the only all-electric cargo van available in eight different configurations, including three roof heights and three body lengths, plus cutaway and chassis cab versions. E-Transit can be further customized with the addition of vocational bodies (on chassis cab and cutaway) and equipment such as ladder racks and interior bulkhead and storage solutions.
For customers who already use Transit vans, the company says it has helped ease the transition from gas-powered vans to electric, as the E-Transit offers the same interior cargo dimensions and same mounting points as Ford Transit. So, moving existing racks and shelving from your old Transit to a new E-Transit should be easy.
Ford also offers a range of work-ready accessories such as bulkheads and shelving directly from the factory. Customers can also work with any of the some 300 qualified upfitters around the country. Other built-for-business features on E-Transit include the optional Pro Power Onboard, which provides up to 2.4 Kw of power for customers to transform the vehicle into a mobile generator.
With the smaller 98.0-kWh battery, Ford claims a driving range of 370 km (230 miles) per charge.The E-Transit offers the same interior cargo dimensions and same mounting points as Ford Transit. Silverado EV Work Truck edition.
On the heals of the Ford Transit we have the other big van player, Mercedes, launching its own electric van. The all-new 2024 eSprinter will arrive in Canada in the second half of 2023. This long cargo van comes with a high roof. It is equipped with a battery with a usable capacity of 113-Kwh. The load capacity is 495 cubic feet, while the GVWR is 9,500 lb.
The electric range, according to Mercedes testing, will be up to 400 km (248 miles).
The simulated range based on a city cycle will be up to 500 km (311 miles).
Keeping in mind that many new electric van customers are concerned about range, Mercedes has devised a navigation system that uses “Electric Intelligence.” This program calculates the most accurate range estimates. For example, it shows the current range in real time depending on the current traffic situation and the topography of the route. It also calculates the best possible charging strategy to get to the destination as quickly as possible.
From the middle of this decade, Mercedes-Benz Vans will be implementing the next stage of its electrification strategy with VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture), and from 2025 on, all new models will be all-electric.
A home-grown Canadian success story is taking place in Ingersoll, ON. The CAMI auto plant, which has produced a variety of GM vehicles over the past 40 years, has been re-tooled and relaunched as the home factory of BrightDrop producing the EV600 − an electric light commercial vehicle purposebuilt for the delivery of goods and services. It combines zero-emissions driving with a range of advanced safety and convenience features.
Powered by the Ultium battery system the EV600 has an estimated range of up to 402 km (250 miles) on a full charge. The body of the EV600 is purposely square to offer a usable 600 cubic feet of cargo area. Front sliding pocket doors, wide cabin walkways and a large auto-open cargo bulkhead door all contribute to optimize driver efficiency. It is rated at a GVWR of less than 10,000 lbs.
A full host of leading safety features are included in each van, such as: front and rear park assist; automatic emergency braking; forward collision alert; following distance indicator;
front pedestrian braking; lane keep assist with lane departure warning; IntelliBeam automatic high beams; and HD rear vision camera. Other safety features and alerts are also available including a cargo area security system with motion sensors to help keep cargo secure.
On the heels of the EV 600, which has already been sold to companies such as DHL and FED EX, comes a smaller version of the EV600. The EV410 has more than 400 cubic feet of cargo area and a shorter wheelbase. In fact, the EV410 will fit in a standard parking space. It has all the same safety features and estimated range as its bigger brother. This is important, as it brings the advantages of BrightDrop to a new range of customers beyond package delivery.
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3D printed buildings are constructed by using digital code from a computer directing a moving arm that extrudes typically quick solidifying liquid concrete and layers it into the desired foundation, wall or other form in the building’s design. The layering process builds up the form to the dimensions of the structural part of the building and the spaces to run mechanical and other systems are incorporated into the digital code for the building.
Inpart II of our two-part series on 3D printing of buildings, we will look at the installation of mechanical systems in 3D buildings and how some components of these systems may be changing to better adapt to buildings constructed using 3D. In part I in Mechanical Business March 2023, an expert on 3D buildings said the building industry is ripe for change because there are too many components and process steps in current construction methods. Ian Arthur of Nidus3D felt it was time for a change and 3D printing should be considered as a good alternative for the future.
A skilled construction worker shortage and increasing demand for housing points to the need for new construction methods that increase affordability and foster construction of buildings in shorter timeframes. 3D construction methods offer the opportunity to meet those challenges.
Increasingly, 3D printing is making waves as an alternative construction method worldwide. 3D provides houses and buildings in a timely and cost-efficiency manner. Its attributes include a lower carbon footprint and being more cost efficient as compared to traditional building construction methods. So, what about HVAC and plumbing (mechanical) systems? How will contractors and these systems be impacted by 3D printing processes for buildings? Let’s take a look at mechanical systems and how they are applied to 3D buildings.
The good news is that contractors will not encounter significant changes on the jobsite. Essentially the equipment and parts that make up mechanical systems will not be changing except in cases where technology changes to take advantage of 3D processes. We will look at some examples of this later in this article.
Also, 3D printing construction will not lead to less trades people needed on the jobsite. The typical number of trades people and technicians required on a jobsite should remain status quo. However as one expert describes the impact on trades workers, “The only thing that’s going to be radically different, in my opinion, is that there’s going to be a very interactive planning process that involves all trades on the site prior to fabricating the building.” This interactive process is needed for every aspect of the building design phase. The design (and digital code) for a 3D building that considers every aspect of the building has to be completed with no exceptions before the first layer of concrete is started. This planning process between the trades, architects/designers and code writers is paramount to ensuring successful construction of a 3D building. Answers to questions such as where air ducts will be placed and where pipe chases will be located have to be determined and written into the digital code. This ensures the final electronic path for the 3D printer will be correct. 3D concrete buildings do not give workers the opportunity to correct mistakes by creating “holes in the walls” after the printing process is completed.
Extensive design planning between constructors and trades is not typical in conventional building construction because most systems are installed by the trades after the shell of the building is completed. Unlike other more “flexible” materials such as wood that can be altered after installation, there is no such flexibility in concrete walls and floors after the shell of the 3D building has been completed.
This 3D process will also alter some of the norms of standard construction practices associated with conventional buildings. One example of this is air ducts running from floor to floor in the walls. The digital program for the 3D printer must allow for duct run spaces from the outset of fabrication.
At this point, it appears mechanical systems will not be changing for 3D buildings. However, there is already work on some 3D component options for buildings. Here are some examples (including ultra slim motors on p46):
Industry partners in the U.S., including the University of Maryland and the United States Department of Energy, are designing a 3D printed heat exchanger that is 20 per cent lighter and 20 per cent more energy efficient than current heat exchangers.
This new heat exchanger is targeted at the air conditioning market and uses microscopic layers with 200 micrometre thin walls that can handle very high heat and pressures. As a result, the heat exchanger is lighter, more efficient and can be made from a broader range of materials, including plastics. Heat exchangers have typically been made from metal to optimize conductivity and heat transfer. However, a second factor that affects heat transfer is surface area. According to the University of Maryland, “A design that features 200 micrometre walls and a bigger surface-to-volume ratio may not require the added benefit of conductivity.”
The continuous 3D printing process also creates a solid heat exchanger with no seams and no opportunity for leaks. This means the heat exchanger and HVAC system will last longer. The 3D printed heat exchanger is forecast to be available in the market in the next three or four years.
House being built with a 3D printer, which is seen in the front of the home in Long Island, NY. The roof and windows are built in the traditional manner.
In May 2021, Germany’s first residential 3D printed structure was built with prefabricated “HVAC floors.” According to the project architect Waldemar Korte, “The use of the cooling and heating system in the partially precast element floors, in combination with use of renewable energy, vividly demonstrates the future orientation of the project.”
The floors are factory made and arrived at the jobsite with both heating and cooling registers installed and connections for supply and return lines accessible above the floor slabs. The floor sections then connect together to create “a continuous heating/cooling circuit.”
The prefab floors have also improved the time for construction. In Korte’s words, “The high precision of prefabrication of the floor elements ensured a high-quality fit and considerably less installation time.” The sustainable aspect of this 3D building includes its “end-of-life” design where almost all of the parts of the building are recyclable.
The mechanicals industry will not need to “reinvent the wheel” to accommodate this new construction method. 3D printing is simply creating a new way of looking at building construction. The key for builders and architects is to work with trade contractors on the design and installation of systems well before the 3D printing of the building commences.
As one expert says, “Though the technology offers benefits to the construction industry, it will be a while before 3D buildings are in the mainstream of construction.” However, 3D printing of buildings is coming and contractors need to have it on their radar.
micrometre, also called micron, is a metric unit of measure for length equal to 0.001 mm, or about 0.000039 inch. Its symbol is μm. The micrometre is commonly employed to measure the thickness or diameter of microscopic objects.
When combined with the right digital design tool, printed circuit board technology offers unique benefits to HVAC systems.
ECM PCB Stator Technology is a Boston-based start-up that has combined printed circuit board technology with a software-based electric motor design and optimization software, PrintStator, to create electric machines for HVAC that use less raw materials and have premium performance characteristics.
ECM’s patented PCB Stator replaces the copper windings found in conventional electric machines with an ultra-thin stator. Utilizing a PCB allows for the optimization of copper geometries and winding patterns throughout the stator, delivering superior efficiency at a reduced environmental impact.
ECM’s PrintStator software platform automatically optimizes PCB Stator designs for any application for superior design flexibility. The result: electric motors that are lighter, faster, quieter, and more energy and space efficient. ECM designed motors achieve efficiencies as high as 96 per cent and require up to 70 per cent less raw materials to produce.
ECM PCB stator motors’ performance and size attributes carry significant benefits to many HVAC systems.
ECM has leveraged PCB Stator technology and PrintStator to design more energy and space efficient motors for home and industrial heating, cooling, and air handling systems, maritime applications, and filtration pumps.
ECM is currently collaborating with HVAC companies across the world, using PrintStator to develop turn-key PCB Stator solutions for their products. Later in 2023, ECM anticipates the full global SaaS (software as a service) release of PrintStator. This will enable innovators around the world to design, prototype, and integrate advanced PCB Stator motors.
Whether working directly with ECM engineers or using PrintStator, ECM’s mission is to enable HVAC innovators to design nextgeneration electric motors around their systems instead of designing systems around older motor technology.
Deschenes Group
Name: Elijah Sommers
Company: Roberts Onsite
Job title: Plumbing apprentice
Born in: Waterloo, ON
Live in: Kitchener, ON
“It was definitely crazy. I did not expect it to be that absolutely massive,” laughs Elijah Sommers about his experience at ISH 2023, the international trade show for the HVAC and plumbing industries held in Frankfurt every two years.
Sommers is a plumbing apprentice with UA Local 527 in Southwestern Ontario, and was the silver medal winner at the 2022 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) held in Vancouver, BC last summer. Through his union he was then one of 12 apprentice plumbers from around the world invited to participate in the WPC-IWSH (International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation) Plumbing Champions program to demonstrate the job skills needed by today’s plumbers. Participants were tasked with assembling pre-wall frame systems and internal plumbing during the show, and then installing them in bathrooms at the Eintracht Frankfurt sports club, which is undergoing a retrofit with high-efficiency plumbing solutions.
“The different connections you can make with all the different competitors, it’s really amazing,” says Sommers of his experience with apprentice competitions and ISH. “They were an amazing experience. If anybody ever gets a chance to do them, I would say definitely jump on it. Because no matter how you place, it allows you to meet very interesting people. I still have all the contacts for everyone, even all the other competitors I was against. And from the union side, it’s a really great option if you are able to join the union. They have very much helped me in my career.” Sommers joined the union in 2019 after deciding he wanted to become a plumber. “My father is a plumber and a lot of my family are in the trades, so I always knew I was going to go into a trade,” he says. As an apprentice he’s worked for five different companies, primarily on large industrial sites. “I actually enjoy doing the more industrial side of plumbing, and I like working with hydroponics.”
Sommers has worked on hospitals and food plants, and is currently working for Roberts Onsite at a university residence installing hydronic systems. “So as an apprentice, you’re not stuck doing the same sort of jobs, they’re letting you do different things, because the entire point of an apprenticeship is that you become a better journeyman. They like to make sure that you have a
good grasp of every system you could run into. I much prefer being able to go to different sites, and especially different companies, because every company does different work and they also do the work differently.”
Sommers hopes to write his certificate of qualification and become a journeyman later this year after finishing his last term of school. “After that I’m actually looking at working out of country, maybe in Ireland, because the union in Ireland is connected to our union as well as an Australian one. Sometimes there are jobs that come through in Ireland or Australia, and I think that would be quite interesting to do.”
In the mechanical industry since: 2019
Schools and programs: Homeschooled, G.E.D, Conestoga College
Best advice you’ve ever received: Get a trade. Even if you’re not entirely sure what you want to do with your life you will always have a skillset you can fall back on.
Advice for young people considering entering the trades: Talk to your local union about joining. They offer the training and support to help you through your career.
Service area: Southwestern Ontario
Where would you like to get dispatched to, and why: If I get the chance I would like to work at Bruce Power. I have always been interested in nuclear energy and I think it would be an interesting experience.
Favourite part of the job: You’re always doing something different.
The most useful tool in your toolbox: measure. You can’t make anything if you don’t know the dimensions.
If you were granted one wish: Unlimited clean energy for the world
Favourite band/performer: My Chemical Romance
One place in the world you would like to visit: Rome
Favourite season: Summer
Favourite video game and preferred gaming system: Warcraft 3 on computer
Favourite outdoor activity: Hiking
Hobbies: Travelling
3 albums that you’d take with you to your desert island:
1. The Black Parade –My Chemical Romance Wall – Pink Floyd Idiot – Green Day
Biggest pet peeves: Work gloves and hardhats on the lunch table.
If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?
Muhammad Ali
Finish these sentences:
My rule of thumb is … measure twice cut once.
If I had a million dollars … I would buy a house and then use the rest of the money to travel with my family.
Favourite book: Walden by
Henry David ThoreauFavourite movie: John Wick
Last book you read: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K Dick
If I had a super power it would teleportation.
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On behalf of Mechanical Business, thank you to the CIPH for your dedication and service to the Canadian plumbing and heating industry. With your guidance and support, Canada has developed into a world-leader in providing safe and reliable potable water and domestic heating. Cheers to our collective success as the future unfolds.
R.W. Beckett has launched burners with B100 compliant components. The AF and AFG renewable fuel burners and new GeniSys 7565 advanced burner control are designed to support B100 while offering the same diagnostics as Beckett’s biofuel-ready Tank-To-Flame technology. The burners offer 0.40 to 3 GPH of AC power, while the burner control is a 120 VAC primary safety control for residential and light commercial oil burners used in boiler, furnace, and water heater applications having firing rates less than 20 gph. www.
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IKEA’s Vindstyrka air quality sensor’s display shows particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, humidity, temperature, and total volatile organic compounds. The unit can be used on its own, connected to IKEA’s Dirigera unit to read air quality levels in the Ikea Home smart app, or connected to the Starkvind smart air purifier to automatically adjust fan speed to correlate with the amount of PM2.5 in the air.
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Airthings introduces the Energy Efficiency Toolkit for HVAC, software that helps facility managers and building owners reduce energy waste by providing them with data showing where HVAC systems are being overused. With the help of Airthings’ wireless sensors, the tool can optimize the HVAC schedule, while achieving greater energy efficiency and cutting energy costs. The toolkit is now included in the Airthings Dashboard, which allows users to monitor all areas of their buildings.
www. airthings.com
IPEX has always been a strong proponent when it comes to supporting, engaging, and being involved with our industry associations, and we are extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with CIPH.
Thank you for being a strong advocate to our great industry!
Russ Morgan Vice President, Sales - IPEX Inc.At IPEX, we design and manufacture the largest, most recognized and diverse range of integrated piping products – Everything professionals need to manage the full spectrum of today’s municipal, industrial, commercial and residential challenges.
But what IPEX offers goes far beyond pipes, valves and fittings. Our commitment to excellence means IPEX also
brings accountability, reliability and integrity to each and every project, backed by strong distributor relationships and the industry’s most comprehensive and experienced sales and support network.
It’s what has made IPEX the responsible choice in North America for over fifty years.
More than 600 HVAC professionals headed to The International Centre in Mississauga, ON for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) and the Ontario Geothermal Association (OGA) inaugural Heat Pump Symposium on April 4, 2023.
The agenda included several panels on topics such as government policy, heat pump myths and building the business case for heat pumps. Breakout sessions targeted specific technologies and applications, sales strategies, and installation and service. The importance of training, and the challenges of transitioning to net zero carbon, were recurring themes.
The event also featured industry exhibitors, networking opportunities, and speakers, including: Victor Hyman, executive director of ClimateCare Co-operative Corporation; Doug Tarry, president of Doug Tarry Limited; Chris DesRoches, applied product manager, Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc.; Bryan Flannigan, executive director, Building Decarbonization Alliance; and Martin Forsén, president, the European Heat Pump Association.
Heat pump uptake is no longer rebate dependent according to Raegan Bond of Dunsky Energy + Climate. “It is no longer just the government; we are seeing movement in the financial community with a commitment to net zero. All roads are leading to net zero,” said Bond.
There may be challenges for the industry due to the speedy timeline to
move away from fossil fuels. Hyman noted that with the transition on the technology side comes the need for equipping technicians with the skills and tools to properly design, install and maintain heat pump systems. “Nothing will stop this movement faster than dissatisfied customers,” said Hyman.
It is staggering how quickly heat pump technology, which for years was stymied by misconceptions and a lack of awareness in North America, has taken off in recent months. The HVAC market is undergoing a seed change. Forsén, who was the luncheon speaker, said, “A sure sign of the market
The final panel on the agenda addressed Building the Business Case for Heat Pumps. (L-R) Facilitator Bryan Flannigan, Building Decarbonization Alliance; Chris DesRoches, Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada; Sonny Pirrotta, Panasonic Canada Inc.; Doug Tarry, Doug Tarry Limited; Jim Bolger, Waterloo Energy Products & Mechanical; Peter Messenger, A1 Air Conditioning and Heating; and Tim Weber, Diverso Energy.
Victor Hyman, executive director of ClimateCare Co-operative Corporation, noted the technological transition brings the need to equip technicians with the appropriate skills and tools.
transformation is when it gets mentioned in main stream [media] without any explanation − then you know you have passed the tipping point.”
To meet the demand which follows reaching the “tipping point,” the industry needs a new evidence-informed, collaborative approach that understands the scale of the challenge and the urgent need for action. Closing speaker Flannigan, explained that the Alliance has been established to meet those needs. The cross-sector coalition was formed to “inspire and inform industry and government leadership, and accelerate market transformation.” The Alliance will convene conversations, conduct original research, and identify structural barriers to electrification and work with its partners to overcome them.
hrai.ca ontariogeothermal.ca buildingdecarbonization.ca
Reduces water heating costs up to
Eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant
*Compared to a standard natural gas water heater.
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The integrated heat pump design includes a storage capacity of 120 USG for high hot water demands and optimal performance.
Industry Leading 4.2 COP
When diagnosing compressor-related issues, there are several things to look for, depending on the type of issue(s) being experienced. Knowing how to evaluate the evidence inside the compressor is an important step to finding the ultimate cause for the issue. With this information, the system can be reviewed so any corrections to the operating conditions, operating sequence, etc. can be corrected to prevent a repeat failure.
When the protection module trips, this is usually an indicator of some form of motor overload. If the system pressures exceed the maximum for the compressor, the motor will not have enough power to drive the load. This happens because at higher suction pressures, the refrigerant is more dense and harder to compress.
If the suction pressure cannot be pulled below the maximum for the compressor within two minutes, then this is an indicator that some form of suction pressure regulation is needed. For example, an expansion valve or crankcase pressure regulator (CPR) valve that will limit the suction pressure is often used to accomplish this. High suction pressures result in higher mass flow rates, increased stresses on the compressor, and tends to reduce the viscosity of the compressor lubricant.
An electrical phase imbalance will result in additional current and heat in the motor windings. A failing or failed contactor can result in a singlephasing condition where two of the phases are powered, but one is not. When the compressor is opened for inspection, it will be apparent the compressor was singlephased because two thirds of the winding will appear overheated/burned.
Note that the per cent increase in winding temperature (above normal operating temperature) due to imbalanced phases is equal to 2 X (Voltage imbalance in %)2.
In some cases, the voltage at a site may drop somewhat when an inductive load of a significant size starts up. If the voltage drops below the minimum allowed by the compressor manufacturer, the motor will overheat. This is essentially the same as a motor overload because at low voltage the torque that the motor produces will be less.
Note that if there is a discharge temperature sensor wired in series with the motor winding temperature sensors, it may have been exposed to a high discharge temperature. In this case, the module tripped due to high discharge temperature and not motor overload.
Discharge temp too high
Compressors can run very hot for a few reasons. Although discharge temperature sensors (DTS) do not seem to be used all that much, they are so useful and can prevent a very costly compressor replacement. In fact, I generally recommend installing discharge sensors on all compressors. However, the most important applications where the DTS should be used, are those where auxiliary cooling, such as a head cooling fan, is required. Then if the auxiliary cooling fails, the resistance of the DTS will increase. If the discharge temperature exceeds the maximum allowable for the compressor (i.e., 120⁰C or 250⁰F) then the high resistance of the DTS will cause the protection module to trip, requiring a manual reset. It is not recommended to use a discharge sensing circuit that will automatically reset. This will
just result in the compressor cycling on discharge temperature and the problem may go unnoticed for quite some time.
Some possible reasons for auxiliary cooling failure are a defective control relay or compressor auxiliary side contacts, failed fan motor, broken fan blade, and so on. An excessively high compression ratio will result in high discharge temperature also. It is important to set pressure controls correctly so they will prevent the compressor from operating outside its envelope.
Note that if a system has a few compressors, all the same model, operating at the same suction and discharge pressure, and one operates at a significantly higher discharge temperature than the others, this compressor has one or more internal issues. The issue could be a blown web in a valve plate gasket and/or damaged or broken valves. Another possibility is that the compressor is worn internally (bearings, piston rings, cylinder walls, etc.). In fact, it is a good idea to have a discharge sensor in
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“Although discharge temperature sensors (DTS) do not seem to be used all that much, they are so useful and can prevent a very costly compressor replacement.”
It is sometimes necessary to remove the heads to inspect the reed valves of a reciprocating compressor. This is usually done when the compressor seems to be pumping less or is bypassing discharge gas to the suction when the compressor turns off.
When preparing to inspect the valve plates, it is important to have a set of replacement gaskets on hand. It is never recommended to reuse the existing gaskets. Be sure to close both the suction and discharge lines prior to removing the refrigerant from the compressor. If there is an oil feed line from an oil separator, this should be closed off also. When removing the cylinder head, loosen the head bolts but do not remove them. Using a rubber mallet, tap the head to loosen it. Once the head is loose, the remaining bolts can be removed.
Reed valves will break and/or be damaged when a significant quantity
of liquid refrigerant and/or oil enters the cylinders. Often times, the suction reeds may appear to be buckled. This is generally because the compressor is trying to compress a liquid, which of course, cannot be compressed. The suction reeds may appear to be forced into the suction port. This provides a clear indication the compressor was slugging liquid.
We will continue discussing the reed valves and cylinder bores in the next issue of Mechanical Business.
Reed valves will break and/or be damaged when a significant quantity of liquid refrigerant and/or oil enters the cylinders. Often times, the suction reeds may appear to be buckled.
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TheCanadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) was officially incorporated in Montreal on February 8, 1933. The nine founding members of CIPH recognized the need to lobby the Canadian government to amend the Dominion Housing Act to encourage renovation and housing starts.
Ivan Leger of James Robertson Company was appointed the first president of the Institute. At the first annual general meeting on October 17, 1934, he noted that CIPH “was designed so that it could study the problems of the industry – product, distribution and installation – and set forth a policy as a guidance for the best interests of all. The Institute, while it must out of necessity deal with problems which are related to prices, does not intend to be a pricefixing organization. Its duties are to determine policies, make suggestions and prepare plans which are available for others.”
Leger went on to discuss a report commissioned by CIPH, which was one of the first scientific attempts ever made in this country to get to the root of the problems of industry. That report was widely circulated and generated favourable publicity and increased awareness of the industry. At that same meeting, members approved the wholesaler definition, and manufacturers were advised to form into groups based on classes of commodities and work to find a solution to the problems of their own group. CIPH objectives have expanded and evolved with the times but at its core the Institute continues to promote the responsible growth and prosperity of its membership.
President: Ivan R. Leger (The James Robertson Co. Ltd.)
Vice-presidents: Omer DeSerres (Omer DeSerres Ltée); L.L. Anthes (Anthes Imperial Co. Ltd.); G.C. Crawford (Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co. Ltd. (American Standard))
Directors: Thomas Robertson (Thomas Robertson & Co. Ltd.); E.H. Gurney; C.H. Ivey (Empire Brass Mfg. Co. Ltd. (Emco)); A.M. Hyde; P. Garfinkle; and Fred Armstrong
Today, membership categories include: specialty wholesaler distributor; master distributor; manufacturer; manufacturer’s agent; associate: services; associate: educational institution; and associate: buying group. More than 280 companies are currently members
of CIPH. CIPH wholesalers operate more than 700 warehouses and showrooms across Canada. Total industry sales exceed $7 billion annually. CIPH members employ more than 25,000 people from coast to coast, and the organization is active in nine regions across Canada.
The 1940s brought many challenges to the industry. WWII gripped the nation, which was still reeling from the Great Depression. Women took over labour and trades jobs vacated by soldiers. Seven companies comprised CIPH’s membership. A Standard Plumbing By-Law was published in June 1940 and reprinted (March 1945) and the first National Building Code of Canada (NBC) was published in 1941. Plumbing requirements were included in all editions of the NBC up until 1970 when they were published as a separate code.
1950s Pipeline anecdote
Membership grew in the 1950s as CIPH marked 25 years serving the plumbing and heating industry in Canada.
A wealth of information on the state of the industry is circulated to members when the Pipeline newsletter is launched, including updates on marketing initiatives. Of particular interest was Water on Tap, a film created by CIPH that targeted rural property owners and farmers as they modernized their plumbing. Funds were available through the Farm Improvement Loans Act. The Act allowed the government to provide Canadian farmers with financial capital. The service remains in place until today under successive legislation.
The Pipeline reported that, “Backed up by aggressive and wellplanned selling, Water on Tap, can be a real money maker for contractors, wholesalers and manufacturers alike. It can tell effectively the story of modern plumbing and heating to Canadians
on farms and in rural communities … and develop a new market and increase our industry’s annual dollar sales.
“Having seen the film, farmers across the country will be encouraged to install running water on the farm along with the necessary plumbing and heating facilities … when one farmer installs an automatic running water system, others around him are bound to follow … farmers and their families want to enjoy these labour-saving services but they have to be sold.” Contractors were encouraged to use the film as part of their local sales efforts. CIPH also created a sales circular to assist contractors and advised them to work with their local wholesalers. CIPH later worked with the Farm Improvement Loans Act “people” to promote farm improvement loans. A special farm leaflet, Your Invisible Farmhand, institutional advertising and public relations bulletins were also created.
During the previous decade the number of member firms increased by almost 68 per cent to 281. CIPH continues its focus on marketing as more Canadian households own motor cars than possess central heating; many more have radios rather than bath tubs.
The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) is established in September. Plans are formed for a campaign to promote the advantages of hydronic heating. The manufacturer division identifies the need for more statistical data.
CIPH Atlantic Region is formed on February 8. An attendance record is set at the annual conference, with more than 340 in attendance at Jasper Park Lodge.
CIPH’s Sales Development Program (SDC) goes Canada-wide.
CIPH past president Roger DeSerres (1954-1955), is elected national president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, bringing honour to the plumbing and heating industry.
1969
Fluid Comfort advertising campaign rolls out print ads and logo decals for use by wholesalers and manufacturers. Prairie Region is formed on December 8.
and appropriate representation of the industry in the marketplace were cornerstones of CIPH’s mandate, as were expanding the market and increasing sales. CIPH went from film making to establishing a promotion called Award Home. The promotion was described as being primarily a wholesalers’ program to help them sell more and better products. Training of wholesalers and contractors kicked into high gear in the 1960s with the nationwide launch of the Sales Development Program (SDC). While these programs were deemed successful, operating
methods were thought to be behind the times and were hindering results. It was this thinking which led to the development of four broad regions within CIPH. “In plain words, our country and our industry have become too big for efficient and understanding service to a widespread membership from one central point alone. Distance and variation in local characteristics must be overcome. CIPH Regions supply the answer.”
The formation of a permanent, active Industry Statistics Committee within the framework of the Manufacturers’
The Fluid Comfort logo makes its debut.
The Plumbing Industry Advisory Council holds its first meeting. It was to be the industry voice to discuss standardization and certification problems.
The elected position of president is renamed chair of the board.
Ed Hardison chairs the Canadian Environmental Exposition (CEX).
Hydronic Heating and Accessories Wholesale Distributor membership category is approved by the board.
A creative selling course is launched by CIPH’s personnel development council. The course uses the most modern media, including closed circuit TV for self-analysis.
Chapters formed at the city level in Winnipeg, MB, Calgary, AB and Edmonton, AB on a trial basis.
Division in 1963 would fill a long-standing need of the industry, particularly after StatCan discontinued its Sanitaryware report in the late ‘70s. In the same year an active working group within the framework of the Institute would be dedicated to the “securing of a greater share of the heating market for hydronic heating.” Months of discussion and planning culminated in the formation of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC). It was a busy period and we continue to see the importance of those decisions today. It was in the early ‘70s that the Manufacturers’ Division
The Pipeline, newsletter, which was founded in February 1949, changes from a quarterly to every other month. StatCan discontinues Sanitaryware report and CIPH marketing services committee commits to finding an alternative source of confidential data.
identified the area of codes and standards as a pressing matter and the Plumbing Industry Advisory Council (PIAC) was formed. In keeping with its stepping up efforts to work with allied associations, other industry groups were represented on the Council. PIAC was to ”provide the viewpoint of the industry in the development of policy and programming for standards and certification of plumbing products.” In 2017 PIAC was renamed the Plumbing Mechanical Advisory Council (PMAC) with essentially the same role.
Board of directors unanimously approves a show in Montreal slated for May 16-18, 1983 at the Place Bonaventure.
CIPH launches a new logo replacing the official title with the acronym.
Phillip T. Nance is named CIPH president. Charlottetown, PE hosts 319 people for the ABC.
CIPH celebrates its 50th anniversary.
CIPHEX‘83 debuts in Montreal. Ninety companies signed up for almost 200 booth spaces.
Ed Hardison, former national sales manager of Acriform Engineering Inc., is hired as president and general manager of CIPH. Prior to that he had served on 11 CIPH committees and councils. A long-time director of CIPH, he served as chairman of the board in 1982/83.
What’s in a name? Plenty, according to CHC’s advertising agency in the late 1970s. After agency representatives visited manufacturers and wholesalers of hydronic heating equipment, it was proposed that the name hydronics be changed. The reasoning was that “in Canada a unique meaning has been attached to the word hydro; it has come to mean electricity.”
It was recommended that the name hydronic heating be dropped and the name Fluid Comfort used. A slogan would be used with it: The NOW Way to Heat With Water. Beyond
CEPHRA ‘89 sees the introduction of computerized registration at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.
creating an image, CHC’s executive committee agreed that an advertising program was necessary to convey a message to builders. The approach was to be that hydronic heating was a brand-new product. Print ads would sell a concept, be it cleanliness, compactness or other features of hydronic heating. CHC ads were available to wholesalers and manufacturers. Thirty plus years later CHC would launch the Ultimate Comfort campaign with marketing tools, including a website, bilingual brochure and a poster to sell the benefits of hydronic heating. Whether either of these campaigns were
CIPH co-sponsors biennial MEET Moncton show with ASHRAE and IES and co-founds the Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing.
CIPH and CMMTQ merge shows to create MecanEx in Montreal, QC.
CIPH partners with ASA, PHCC to produce NEX’98 Toronto with a goal of creating an international marketplace of member products and services.
CIPH partners with Habitat for Humanity and has put on a fundraising gala event every two years, run events, and established a donor and certificate program to support the cause.
Brothers Jules and Gerard Houle of J.U. Houle receive CIPH 50 year service awards.
successful remained to be seen but over the years the industry became increasingly concerned that some installations were not up to par. CHC, together with CSA and other stakeholders, began the push for a hydronic installation code. CHC would also take the lead in developing training programs.
Hydronic professionals from the Alberta Hydronics Advisory Council, CIPH Region Hydronics Committees, the Residential Hot Water Heating Association of BC, and key CHC members worked to finalize the code.
CSA Standard B214, Installation Code for Hydronic Heating
In August, Richard Peck reports that a successful meeting was held to create a National Hydronic Heating Code for Canada.
Systems was first published in 2001. Almost 10 years later Canada’s National Building Code’s Standing Committee for Part 9, Housing and Small Buildings, voted in favour of referencing CSA B214, Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems, as an enforceable standard.
As we look to the future, the push to electrification is expected to be good for hydronic system sales. With the collaborative work that has been put in by committed CHC members over the years, the industry will be ready for the opportunity.
CIPH is a founding member of ISH North America with ASA, PHCC and Messe Frankfurt.
Ed Hardison retires. Ralph Suppa is named president and general manager. Inaugural meeting of the Industrial Pipe Valve and Fittings Council is held in Toronto, ON.
Joe Seidner is the first recipient of the Joseph K. Seidner Award. The award recognizes the oustanding commitment of plumbing industry volunteers who dedicate knowledge, time and expertise to developing safer plumbing codes and standards.
As an advocate for the industry CIPH’s reach has been a wide one. From establishing relationships with allied organizations in Canada and the U.S., to regulators and governments at the federal and provincial level, CIPH has made a significant contribution to increasing the profile of the plumbing and heating industry. That has enabled the organization to be a respected resource for the development of codes and standards, regulations and product certifications.
In addition to having close ties with Health Canada, Natural
CSA B214 Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems is referenced under Part 9 of the National Building Code.
CIPHEX takes its trade show on the road with stops in Winnipeg, MB, Regina, SK, Saskatoon, SK, Edmonton, AB and Vancouver, BC.
CIPH and HRAI come together and combine CMX and CIPHEX Ontario to produce CMX*CIPHEX in Toronto on March 23-25, 2006.
Resources Canada and Industry Canada, CIPH keeps in close contact with provincial agencies that adopt and manage plumbing codes to ensure harmony and timely adoption. A key initiative of CIPH has been to work with the Standards Council of Canada to foster the alignment of standards and certification requirements between jurisdictions.
It is CIPH’s Plumbing & Mechanical Advisory Council that represents the industry’s interests within the system. Advocating and educating, harmony of codes and policies, automatic adoption of model codes, regulatory cooperation
Public relations campaign launched to position CIPH as a vital part of Canadians’ daily lives.
Sian Smith of Noble
becomes the first female chair and the youngest in CIPH’s history.
The Young Executive Society (YES) is established for members under the age of 40.
CIPH and MCAC hold the first annual Day on the Hill in Ottawa.
CIPH convenes its first member HR round table. The event brought together HR professionals from member companies to discuss what they were seeing and how the association could support their efforts.
with the U.S., along with enhanced safety through more inspectors and inspections are strategic goals for CIPH. Much of the work goes on behind the scenes but most people in the industry know of the annual Parliamentary Day of Awareness (Day on the Hill) each year in Ottawa. Key executives of CIPH and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) meet with senior officials and parliamentarians to enhance the profile of the industry in government circles and to discuss items of mutual concern. The Canadian plumbing and heating industry is undergoing
a market transformation, which will lead to a sustainable, low carbon economy. To make transformation possible, government and industry need to work together and CIPH is committed to doing so.
Ninety years ago, representatives from seven companies decided that individually theirs was not a position of strength but that together they could have influence and achieve their goals. Today, 283 companies from all sectors of the plumbing and heating industry make up CIPH’s membership and that sphere of influence is steadily widening.
“CIPH helped us become recognized in this great industry. As we grew our business, CIPH gave us national exposure we would never have received otherwise.”
“CIPH is a phenomenal organization. It’s achievements over 90 years have been exceptional.”
Rick Fantham, EMCO Ltd.
“Industry representation, strength, and quantity and quality, embracing national themes and accommodating regional differences. We treasure the many enduring friendships we have made through CIPH.”
2022-2023 Matt Robinson B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd.
2021-2022 B. Hooper Uponor Ltd.
2020-2021 G. Kaufman Wolseley Canada
2019-2020 A. Dyck Barclay Sales Ltd.
2018-2019 A. Taylor Taylor Pipe Supports
2017-2018 J. Senese Groupe Deschênes Inc.
2016-2017 B. Palamar Weil-McLain Canada Sales Inc.
2015-2016 S.Smith Noble Corporation
2014-2015 P. McDonald Bradford White Canada
2013-2014 R. Whitty Bartle & Gibson
2012-2013 J. Hammill Moen Inc.
2011-2012 K. Fullan Flocor
2010-2011 R. Morgan IPEX Inc.
“Absolutely the best industry association of any that we have been members of.”
Mike Dennis, Moen Inc.
“Codes and standards: a lot of hard work goes into that. We take working plumbing for granted, it’s the kind of thing that if it doesn’t work people will know about it but because it does work, they don’t know about it. There’s been a lot of heavy lifting to get us there.”
Russ Morgan IPEX Inc.
“I think of friendships, networking and I think of an essential and important industry coming together as one.”
“To sum it up in one word: I would use the word service.”
2009-2010 M. Deschênes Groupe Deschênes Inc.
2008-2009 C. Sarjeant NCI Marketing Inc.
2007-2008 B. Raycroft Bardon Supplies Ltd.
2006-2007 K. Webster Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc.
2005-2006 R. Elliott McKeough Supply Inc.
2004-2005 M. Dennis Moen Inc.
2003-2004 R. Robinson B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd.
2002-2003 C. de Jong Kindred Industries
2001-2002 R. Fantham EMCO Ltd. Distribution
2000-2001 J.J. Wareham Usines Giant Factories
1999-2000 J.E. Keon Niagara Plumbing Supply Co. Ltd.
1998-1999 F.J. Sullivan Wolverine Tube (Canada) Inc.
1997-1998 W.G. Becker M.P.H. Plumbing Ltd.
1996-1997 R.J. Thompson GSW Inc.
1995-1996 R. McHattie Weil-McLain
1994-1995 P.J. Verheuvel Eddy Group
1993-1994 G.D. Thompson United Westburne
1992-1993 L.H. Kerr Wolverine Tube
1991-1992 A. Malo Nelco Inc.
1990-1991 C. Hagedorn Ancon International
1989-1990 J. Deschênes Deschênes et Fils Ltêe
1988-1989 R.A. Stevens GSW Inc.
1987-1988 G.Y. Demers Westburne
1986-1987 S.J. Pellegrini Victaulic Co. of Canada
1985-1986 G.A. Kelly Crane Canada Inc.
1984-1985 B.T. Currie Waltec Inc.
Bill Palamar, Weil-McLean Canada
“Hardworking, dedicated people with a common goal of improving the health, safety and comfort of Canadians for generations to come.“
Paul McDonald, Bradford White Canada
“Our involvement with governments, regulators, legislators which led to the point we are at now where CIPH is counted on to be an integral part of their decision making.”
“Early in my career a wise colleague suggested I join the membership committee to help me access a high-level view of the plumbing and heating markets, the players, and to get strategic insights into the future of our industry. I am so grateful to have had that experience.”
1983-1984 J.A. Paterson Triangle Plumbing & Heating
1982-1983 E.R. Hardison Moldex Limited
1981-1982 J.L. Thompson Westburne Central Supply
1980-1981 L.A. Furlong Waterline Products Ltd.
1979-1980 J.M. Stevens Pumps & Softeners
1978-1979 G.T. Urquhart Sumner Co. Ltd.
1977-1978 R.S. MacLean EMCO Limited
1976-1977 W.A. Farnell John Wood (GSW Inc.)
1975-1976 J. Alexander Western Supplies
1974-1975 D.J. Hackett Wolverine Div. UOP
1973-1974 L. Cornez Westburne
1972-1973 D.F. O’Neil American-Standard
1971-1972 R.S. Reade Crane Canada Inc.
“What has always impressed me is CIPH’s relentlessness about keeping its finger on the pulse of the industry.”
Joe Senese, Groupe Deschênes
“It would be impossible not to mention how it has contributed to both my business and personal growth. The words people, community and family come to mind. “
Andrew Dyck, Barclay Sales
“CIPH made my career much more fulfilling. I’ve met so many great people along the way.”
1970-1971 P.J. Ivey EMCO Limited
1969-1970 A.G. Fleming Triangle Plumbing
1967-1969 D.F. Cornish Anaconda
1965-1967 W.A. Graham Western Supplies
1964-1965 J.A. Burgess Wallaceburg Brass
1961-1963 C.N. Chapman EMCO Limited
1959-1961 J.S. Corrigan General Steel Wares (GSW Inc.)
1957-1959 D.S. Munro Jamieson Dansereau Ltd.
1955-1957 D.G. Willmot Anthes Imperial Co. Ltd.
1954-1955 R. DeSerres Omer DeSerres Ltée
1952-1954 G.W. Parker Mueller Limited
1951-1952 D.J. Gunn Monarch Brass Co. Ltd.
1950-1951 J.H. McIlroy General Steel Wares (GSW Inc.)
Matt Robinson, Robinson (A Division of B.A. Robinson)
“A couple of things come to mind; the first is our association’s ability to connect membership, and the second is ensuring that we are the voice of the Canadian plumbing and heating industry.”
1949-1950 J.H. Stevens Empire Brass Mfg. Co. (Emco)
1947-1949 J.L. Demers J.L. Demers Limitée
1946-1947 W.C. Hodgson Crane Limited
1944-1946 R.V. Millar Pease Foundry Limited
1943-1944 G.E. Fisher Canadian Brass Mfg. Co.
1940-1943 G.C. Crawford Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co. Ltd. (American Standard)
1939-1940 F.D. MacNaughton Crane Limited
1937-1939 C.H. Ivey Empire Brass Mfg. Co. Ltd (EMCO)
1935-1937 T. Robertson Thomas Robertson & Co. Ltd.
1933-1935 I.R. Leger The James Robertson Co. Ltd.
Bringinggroups of people together to achieve a common goal has been a large part of Ralph Suppa’s roles with CIPH. Ralph has worked closely with industry members, allied North American associations and government to help establish uniformity and harmonization of codes and standards. He has also been instrumental in collaborating with allied associations to establish memorandums of understanding to enhance common North American goals such as training, regulations and codes-related support.
“I began with CIPH in June of 1988 as a program manager reporting to Ed Hardison,” recalls Ralph. When Ed retired in 2002, Ralph was appointed president and general manager.
Throughout his career with CIPH Ralph has managed many key councils and committees. He has also played an important part in combining Canadian tradeshows as they relate to the plumbing, heating, cooling, piping and electrical industries.
With so many accomplishments and experiences behind him, Ralph pauses when asked what three things/events have been most remarkable to him in the last 35 years. He notes that “CSA B214 (hydronics installation and design requirements) referenced in the national model codes, timely adoption of our National Model Codes and the free access to them, and bringing the World Plumbing Conference to Canada with MCA Canada were all pretty significant.”
Ralph is named president and general manager. Ralph attributes much of his success to his wife Susie. “I am nothing without her,” says Ralph.
Ralph announced his intention to retire in 2022 and has plans to spend time with his wife Susie and his two children.
Like many executives in the industry Ralph has faced some challenges. “Decreased family time due to increasingly intense travel and meeting schedules, and the recruitment and retention of teams have been ongoing issues,” says Ralph. Still, his list of rewards is much longer. “Working with a new chair every year is great. The transition to a new leader provides a personal revitalization of what we do. You can’t get stale in my role,” says Ralph. He also notes “the credibility and the trust CIPH has established in Ottawa as a responsible organization.
“Establishing meaningful relationships with our nine CIPH Regions − I believe we do a great job of eliminating the us and them scenarios and reinforcing team concepts,” adds Ralph. He is also very proud of CIPH’s almost 30-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity and helping families move into safe
and affordable homes.
Ralph announced his retirement in 2022 and will leave the organization December 31, 2023. The search has been on for his successor and an announcement is expected in the summer. The association is well prepared for the transition.
“CIPH has solid and meaningful strategic plans that are developed every three years by the board with member input.,” says Ralph. Ralph has formed many relationships within
government and is skilled at bringing people together and achieving consensus; will we see him on an election ballot in the future? “Although this is a part of my job I truly enjoy, I don’t think so but it could change If the right opportunity comes my way. How’s that for not answering your question?” he quips. Ideally, Ralph wants to spend more time with his family. Add in a little bit of world travelling and Ralph will be happy. Well, not quite. “My aspirational goal would be to give back by serving on a charitable, hospital or even a municipal board,” says Ralph. He sends a special shout out and thank you to those of you who design, manufacture, distribute, sell, certify, install, inspect and maintain plumbing and heating systems. “Thank you for playing a vital role to keep us safe. For this I am grateful, thankful, and proud to have served in this wonderful industry. It has truly been a remarkable journey.”
Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by July 12, 2023 and enter for your chance to win a $150 VISA gift card. This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers in Canada. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com.
EXAMPLE:
A) Measures describe heat pump efficiency without real-life fluctuations in season and temperature.
B) Controls the direction of flow of the refrigerant in the heat pump and changes the heat pump from heating to cooling mode or vice versa.
C) This generally contains a heat exchanger coil, the compressor, and the expansion valve.
D) Describes the steady-state cooling efficiency of a heat pump.
E) Ratio between the rate at which the heat pump transfers thermal energy (in kW), and the amount of electrical power required to do the pumping (in kW).
F) Measures designed to give a better estimate of performance over a heating or cooling season, by incorporating “real life” variations in temperatures across the season.
G) Lowers the pressure created by the compressor causing the temperature to drop, and the refrigerant becomes a lowtemperature vapour/liquid mixture.
H) Only seen in ducted installations, it is part of the air distribution network.
I) Measures the cooling efficiency of the heat pump over the entire cooling season and is based on a climate with an average summer temperature of 28°C.
J) A loop, or loops, of tubing where heat transfer between the source/sink and refrigerant takes place. The tubing may have fins to increase the surface area available for heat exchange.
K) A ratio of how much energy the heat pump delivers to the building over the full heating season (in Btu), to the total energy (in watt hours) it uses over the same period.
Goodman has launched the GSX/ZV9 air conditioner or heat pump with 22.5 SEER2 and 8.2 HSPF performance driven by inverter technology. This allows lower operating noise, greater efficiency and prevents temperature swings. The models feature diagnostic indicator lights, seven-segment LED display, fault-code storage, coil/ambient temperature sensors, high/low pressure switches, and a suction pressure transducer when in cooling mode.
www.
goodmanmfg.com
Moovair’s variable speed M42 minisplit heat pump achieves a SEER of 42 and a HSPF of 15. Features include performance in heating mode down to -30⁰C, inverter Quattro technology, double filtration, and 25-stage compressor frequency control. A follow me function displays the room temperature from the remote control. A turbo mode is available in air conditioning and heating modes. www.
moovair.ca
RS-70 (R-453A) from Refrigerant Services is a drop-in R-22 replacement for high, medium and low temperature applications down to -30⁰C evaporation temperature. It offers the same flow rate, similar pressures, and energy efficiency as R-22. No oil change or system modifications are required. The RS-70 offers a GWP of 1765.
www.
rscool.com
Carrier now offers lower global warming potential (GWP) 515B refrigerant in its AquaEdge 19MV oil-free water cooled chiller. The AquaEdge maintains performance in severe operational and weather conditions, and select units offer up to 10 per cent better performance than ASHRAE 90.1 2019 path B at both full and part loads. With a compact footprint, the unit offers low-lift operation, quick restart times and low noise levels.
www.
carrier.com
Reznor introduces the Huracan series of Heat Recycling Destratification Fans. The new line of fans recycle warm air back down into the occupied space, resulting in better air comfort and less space heating run time. The lightweight fans come in four sizes accommodating ceiling heights of 10 to 60 ft., with multi-position hanging brackets and a 0.2 to 1.3 Amp power consumption, and can be controlled with either on/off wall switches or unit-mounted thermostats.
www.
reznorhvac.com
Fujitsu General America, together with Intelligent Mobile Support, introduces the Sales Builder Pro App professional HVAC sales software for contractors. The app offers ductless design tools to streamline the design process, and allows HVAC salespeople to offer customers presentations, product information, and proposals. Other features include integration of payment option programs, and a site survey tool to capture images and data.
fujitsugeneral.com
The XPak Fill for Evapco AXS (Advanced Crossflow Series) cooling towers is made with a new PVC media, a bonded block fill, to provide a range of capacity from 312 to 1,405 nominal tons. The fill is capable of handling water temperatures of up to 120⁰F, with a flame spread rating of less than 25 per ASTM E84. With AXS induceddraft, crossflow cooling towers can withstand seismic and wind load forces. In addition, Evapco’s Velocity Recovery Stack option provides an increase in thermal capacity. www.
The Amana brand S-series splitsystem air conditioners and heat pumps are engineered for traditional ducted applications with heat pump, gas furnace or dual fuel connectivity. Easy to transport and install, requiring just 4-in. of clearance, S-series is suitable for zero-lot-line applications. With high-performing inverter compressors to deliver 17.2 SEER2 and 8.5 HSPF2 performance, features include Blue Fin corrosion coating to help keep the coil clean, a 1,000-hour, saltspray-rated coil, water-shedding drain pan, three humidification levels and a quiet mode. The units are available in 1.5- to five-ton sizes, and are compatible with Amana’s new smart thermostat. www. amana-hac.com
The Maestro Pro Inverter 12 Heat Pump is a high-efficiency air conditioner and heat pump with no outdoor unit. It can be installed from inside a room with no impact on the aesthetics of a building. The unit provides a cooling capacity of up to 11,600 BTU/h, making it suitable for residential and commercial applications, and can be operated either with a handheld remote controller or with the Maestro App. www.
olimpiasplendidusa.com
Nu-Calgon introduces two new UVC-LED disinfecting systems to its indoor air quality line of products: the Scorpion LX15 and Scorpion HX15, which disinfect surfaces on the HVAC evaporator coil and surrounding surfaces, using UVC-LED lights to kill mould, bacteria and viruses. The LX15 for low voltage (18 to 32 VAC) or HX15 for high voltage (110 to 277VAC) installations both offer LED lights with 30,000 hours of run time, and work in conjunction with Nu-Calgon’s iWave and NuShield air ionization systems. www.
nucalgon.com
Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS ceiling fans from Envira-North Systems blanket a large area with constantly moving air to create an expansive comfort zone. As a result, these large ceiling fans can create an evaporative cooling effect of 3⁰C to 4⁰C throughout the facility. Geared and gearless models are available.
www. enviranorth.com
Create a uniform temperature and improve air circulation with Canarm’s HAF horizontal air flow fans. Available in 14-in. to 24-in. sizes, the fans feature a totally enclosed motor (except OSC models which are ODP) and come standard with a bright zinc plated OSHA guard. Fans also come with a 120V grounded cord and plug.
www. canarm.com
Emerson’s SureSwitch
Multi-Volt contactor from White-Rodgers provides five times the standard contactor life, ensuring lower costs by avoiding downtime. The SureSwitch uses a light sensor to indicate arcing. The microprocessor modifies the switch time to minimize the arc and creates an opening and closing algorithm to achieve consistent Zero Cross Switching. SureSwitch contacts show no damage after one million cycles.
www.
climate.emerson.com
The FLIR TG165-X helps you visualize the hot and cold spots that can indi cate electrical faults, mechanical breakdowns, or air and water leaks. The thermal camera features a portable design and sees wires or compo nents clearly. It reads labels with MSX, 80 x 60 image enhancement while ensuring you are targeting the right sec tion for measurement with the bullseye laser.
www. flir.com
For more information call (416) 464-4568 or visit us on the web at forane.arkema.com
Allied Air Enterprises’ single-stage air conditioners under the Armstrong Air and AirEase brands (4SCU16LE) have been re-tested and re-rated to meet new efficiency metrics. The 16 SEER (up to 15.2 SEER2) air conditioners are an entry-level solution. A compressor sound blanket and rubber grommet mounts help provide quieter operation. Features include Omniguard all-aluminum tube and fin coils with a reliable single-stage scroll compressor.
www.
alliedair.com
Daikin’s Aurora inverter-driven heat pump systems deliver cooling capacity at 46⁰C/115⁰F and heating at -15⁰C/5⁰F, while operating in as low as -25⁰C/-13⁰F ambient temperature. The units offer energy efficiency levels of up to 20 SEER2 and 15.9 HSPF2, and allow two, three and four indoor units to connect to a single outdoor unit. The AURORA multi-zone is available in 1.5 to 3 tons with cooling capacity up to 34,400 BTU/h, while the AURORA single zone is available in 0.75 to 2 tons with cooling capacity up to 24,000 BTU/h. www.
daikincomfort.com
Trane’s Comprehensive Chiller-Heater systems feature modular electric heat pumps suitable for large buildings. The preengineered solutions package air-to-water heat pump equipment and controls, and apply technical expertise to deliver an electrified solution. This system works with many existing hydronic airside systems, offering configurations and options to fit a variety of applications.
www.
trane.com
Goodman® brand’s new 20 SEER high-efficiency inverter technology helps keep the room temperature ideal – without the need for expensive, specialized thermostats –making it an ideal solution for your customers who demand more for less. Ask your Goodman brand sales professional about exclusive training and finance programs and visit www.goodmanmfg.com/invertertechnology for more details.
• High-efficiency, smart savings
• Consistent indoor comfort
• Enhanced indoor air quality
• Proven reliability
• Works with any 24V thermostat
Goodman
American Standard's Spectra filtered four-spray hand shower rail system reduces up to 50 per cent of the chlorine in shower water. The filter is easy to change and eliminates the need for an add-on filter. The hand shower features four spray functions, from a drenching rain to a pulsating massage, and is mounted on an adjustable and smooth-gliding holder. This system uses the existing shower valve and plumbing for a quick bathroom update. It is available in polished chrome and brushed nickel finishes. www. americanstandard.ca
The all-metal Kinetic Water Ram from General Pipe Cleaners quickly clears clogged lines with compressed air – simply pump it up, insert it in a drain and snap the trigger. The unit is lightweight, compact and portable, and requires no electrical power or CO2 gas to remove clogs from 1 ¼-in. to four-in. lines, without harming pipes. A toilet attachment is also available to turn the unit into a powerful plunger. www. drainbrain.com
Delta Faucet’s Tetra Bath Collection features subtle curves and a sleek architectural style in several finishes: matte black, chrome, stainless and champagne bronze. The line features a Lumicoat finish to help fixtures stay cleaner by repelling liquids and mineral buildup, and customizable handles for faucets, including the first Delta Faucet T-lever handle. Fixtures in the line include faucets, shower trims, tub fillers, towel bars, hand showers and robe hooks. www. deltafaucet.ca
Just as golfers love their clubs, bikers love their Harleys, and hikers love their gear, plumbers definitely love their tools. Whatever the occasion, it is easy to select a gift for a plumber. When I was on the tools, my tool belt went on every service call with me, it actually made me feel more macho (LOL). However, the key was not the tool belt, it was what was in it. My tool belt was so overcrowded it became ridiculous. Tools were falling out and I wasn’t looking cool anymore. A decision had to be made: what could I do without and what was a must have tool.
There is nothing worse than stripping some plumbing part or having your pliers slip on you. I would have to say that my pump pliers were indeed my best friend, they saved me on many occasions. There is a special place in my heart and tool holster for pliers.
I love asking my fourth-year plumbing/ gas apprentices what their favourites are in today’s new tech trade society. This list of tools is what they came up with.
1. Several apprentices commented on non-slip pliers − some things haven’t changed much.
2. Bandsaw
4. Pro Press
5. Sawzall
6. Multi-bit screwdriver
7. Cell phone
10.
As a former service man I couldn’t agree more with this choice, as these tools are compact and can help you with faucets, pumps, and other tools.
Reciprocating saws and bandsaws (shown here) are becoming more prevalent in the industry, especially cordless models.
Fred Bretzky is a full-time pipe trades instructor with Calgary’s SAIT Polytechnic. He was the 20202021 Innovation of The Year Award Winner: SAIT for digitizing the project-based learning approach apprenticeship training is known for. Fred can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.
RWC/Sharkbite
Who would have thought cell phones would be mentioned as a tool but in today’s tech society cell phones are a very useful tool and are impossible to do without in the service industry. Cell phones are being used for dispatching service calls; sending and receiving texts and emails from customers; tracking plumbers using GPS; and locating roughin measurements. Instead of a rough-in book, we now use cells to Google that information. Other important tasks which can be done on a cell phone include keeping track of material lists on a Notes app; using different apps to size HW tanks, gas lines and plumbing lines; and of course, taking photos of jobs to do and completed. There is no such thing as a shake of a hand anymore, digital proof is now required.
I’ve already written an article on press tools, and yes, I believe they are here to stay. On all my SAIT tours through various commercial and institutional buildings, I have noticed that plumbers are definitely doing quicker repairs with press tools. Our third and fourth years are going to do a public bathroom project using press tools. Reciprocating saws and bandsaws are becoming more prevalent in the industry, especially cordless models, which are handy and efficient. I see bandsaws used quite frequently on ABS underground piping installations.
If you have a loyal, committed apprentice you can perform plumbing miracles. Mind you, you have to train them properly, as you get what you train. A good apprentice has the appropriate tools and/or cut pipe in your hand before you ask for it. If one spends time with a passionate apprentice, you can make good money on jobs as they get paid less during the four years of apprenticeship.
How many times have I been in a tight situation, in-between studs or joists and needed a mini tool? They say you are only as good as your tools, but they should say you are only as good as your mini tools. A similar trade would be that of an auto mechanic. If you want a good laugh watch a mechanic swear and curse working in some claustrophobic engine with no room to turn his wrench. That is the same feeling we get without a mini tool.
I don’t know how many times I cursed while working under a sink trying to remove an old rusty deck faucet. Sometimes out of frustration I would just Sawzall them off. Now, lo and behold, there are cool red plastic cylindrical multifunction sink wrenches that slip over almost any under-sink nut. These are easy to use, and anything that stops a plumber from cursing must be a pretty good tool.
Back in the Wild West (the 1980s), I did a lot of jobs unsafely, however, it was a time of getting jobs done quickly and cheaply. We didn’t think enough about how important safety was and we were very competitive. During this period my pump pliers actually saved my life a few times. In one instance, I was in a muddy excavation dealing with a water service leak under a mobile home.
If that’s not just bad enough, it was winter and freezing out, although it may have been a tad warmer in the unsafe 15-ft. hole. To make things worse I was standing in the backhoe bucket, as it wheeled me around the bottom of this everchanging muddy pit. I’ve climbed ridges and mountains that I felt safer on, however I needed to turn this water service off.
As the bucket lowered me down, I could see mud caving in around me scaring the crap out of me. I would only have one shot at this, and thank goodness I had my trusty pliers to hopefully turn off the bottom of the water service key as the rod was bent. When I saw the base of the rod exposed, I immersed my arm into the cold mud and turned
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that baby a quarter turn to the right and bingo, the water was off. I gave my hoe operator the thumbs up and he pulled me quickly out of that pit of hell.
Now I don’t have to tell you how stupid I was, that’s obvious, but I am glad I had a great set of pliers on me. Fortunately, I would never put myself in that situation again, but I still nicknamed the pliers “my lifesavers.”
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All parts are 100% tested. www.pppinc.net
PPP/Precision Plumbing
For nearly a century, CIPH has played a crucial role in advancing the plumbing and heating industry with their untiring commitment to promote growth and innovation nationally and regionally. As Canada’s leading industry voice, their advocacy, education, and training have contributed considerably to the success of this vital industry as we work toward a more prosperous future fueled by collaboration, partnership and innovation.
On behalf of all of Rheem Canada, congratulations on 90 years of hard work, dedication, and invaluable achievements in support of manufacturers, wholesaler distributors, and all associates in the plumbing, heating, hydronics, industrial PVF, waterworks and water systems industry.
Barbara O’Reilly, Vice President & General Manager, Rheem Canada Ltd
Barbara O’Reilly
“It was my great uncle Arthur along with his father who started the company, and his mother actually went door to door within their community and said, ‘My son is a plumber, and from now on he’s your plumber.’ So, it really was the community that started us off, and that has never left the core of the company,” says Ben Levine, co-owner and president of Levine Bros. Plumbing. “Community involvement really was a value that’s been passed down through the generations.”
When the fourth-generation, familyrun company considered how to best commemorate its 100th anniversary for a year beginning last June, it was only natural for the Lachine, QC-based business to focus on giving back to its employees, customers, and community. Levine and his wife Shari-Ann say it was their 12-year-old daughter who inspired them to achieve 100 acts of gratitude, after she raised $5,400 to benefit Montreal charity Sun Youth. “We thought even though we’re a small company, we can do something, it might not be a huge donation, but it makes a difference.”
Levine Bros. was founded as A. Levine Plumbing in 1922 by Arthur Levine, and by 1933 included his brothers Jack and Isaac. Renamed Levine Bros. Plumbing in 1945, the business continued to grow, eventually acquiring several Montreal plumbing companies, including De Gagne Plumbing in 2011, and Plomberie Chauffage Lachine in 2018. Today the company has 47 employees, including three project managers and 22 plumbers servicing residential, commercial and industrial clients in the greater Montreal area, including several multi-generational customers.
Since the early days the company has been involved in community work, charities, shelters, food banks and sponsorship of refugees, and more recently has worked with the One Drop Foundation and held numerous events to benefit local causes. In 2014 Levine Bros. was recognized with the Israel Bonds King David award for excellence in the community.
In deciding what to do for its 100 acts of gratitude Levine says it had to be “one act at a time separated between the employees, the clients, and community, because all three of those pillars are what got us to where we are today.” That has included smaller things such as washing service trucks for his plumbers, hosting a staff breakfast, and sending flowers to multi-generational customers. Larger acts have included rebuilding a kitchen for a mother with cancer, which allowed her to
By Carolyn Cooperstart a small food business and support her family without handouts; fixing the broken water faucets at the city’s largest homeless shelter; and installing a smart touch faucet for a family so that their daughter, whose degenerative disease was causing her to go blind, could still enjoy baking with her mother.
“People are reaching out to me now still, after speaking to them last June,” says Levine of the reaction customers have had. “They’re asking ‘how can we help you with your 100 acts? What’s left, what’s next?’ It really has had such a beautiful ripple effect.”
After a four-year hiatus, MCEE’s 2023 show was a welcome opportunity for approximately 7,000 visitors and more than 300 exhibitors to gather at the Montreal Convention Centre. Held April 19 and 20, the MCEE Show occupied 65,000 sq. ft. in the venue.
“With its support for new products, its topical seminars, which attracted more than 1,200 people, and the variety of its exhibitors, the MCEE Show reinforces its position as an indispensable event,” said Steve Boulanger, executive director of the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ).
“It was great after a four-year absence that the MCEE tradeshow is still proof our industry members can come together for a common cause and create meaningful partnerships that increase the quality of tradeshows for exhibitors, visitors and for the industry associations,” commented Ralph Suppa, president of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).
“The show provided an excellent forum for visitors and exhibitors to meet, exchange knowledge and to see firsthand, products that are meeting the world’s climate change demand. CIPH, CMMTQ, CMEQ and CETAF combined their resources, talents, and experiences to produce a top-notch tradeshow, which has not gone unnoticed.”
“After the success of this return, we are already working to organize the 2025 edition, which promises new products and technologies to the delight of exhibitors and visitors,” concluded Boulanger. The next edition of MCEE will take place on April 24 and 25, 2025 at the Montreal Convention Centre. ciph.com
In addition to seminars and exhibits, the New Products Showcase attracted a lot of interest from visitors with its 58 products highlighting sustainable development, energy efficiency, and water efficiency. The winners of the New Product Competition were selected by a jury of industry experts. These innovations were cited as an
reason to attend
• Plumbing fixtures and faucets
Winner: Moen – Smart sump pump monitor
• Forced-air heating, cooling and ventilation appliances and components
Winner: RefPlus – Evolution Series CO2 condensing unit
• Hydronic heating, cooling and hot water production appliances and components
Winner: Mitsubishi Electric – QAHV hot water heat pump
• Pipes, backflow preventers, cisterns and accessories
Winner: Ecotime – Oasis rainwater harvesting system
Matco-Norca’s tankless water heater isolation valve kit is now available in three configurations: press, PEX and cold expansion PEX. The brass ball valve kits include a cold valve, hot valve, and pressure relief valve, and each assembly features a full port quarter turn valve design and integral hose end drain valves with purge port.
www.
matco-norca.com
Milwaukee Tool expands its modular pipeline inspection system with the 100-ft. flexible pipeline inspection reel engineered to navigate tight bends and traps in 1 ½ to 4-in. lines. It is powered by the M18 500 GB control hub with One-Key. The unit is portable and includes a carry strap or removable backpack straps. The high-resolution 25 mm 1080p self-levelling HD inspection camera head allows users to capture images and videos or to live stream. www.
milwaukeetool.ca
• Provides super-smooth fitting clean out for tough-to-reach PVC, CPVC and ABS fittings.
• Reduce labor time and materials costs by reusing fittings.
The Verso Rainshower with Magnetix from Moen is an easy to disconnect showerhead using magnetic docking technology for cleaning. Users can remove the showerhead to soak in a cleaning solution and wipe clean, then snap back into place without using tools. The nine-in. spray face fits all standard shower arms. The Infiniti Dial technology offers a customizable shower with limitless spray pressure and coverage options.
www.
moen.ca
The Stiebel Eltron UltraHot Plus and UltraHot Premium instant hot water dispensers deliver near-boiling water at the touch of a tap. Both units are made of high-grade stainless steel for longevity, have a tall thin shape to maximize space, and an energy-efficient design to reduce costs and energy use. The UltraHot Plus for residential use has a 750-W element and dispenses 34 cups per hour of 203⁰F water, while the UltraHot Premium is for residential and light commercial use, has a 1,440-W element, and dispenses 66 cups per hour of 203⁰F water. Both plug into a 120-V outlet.
www.
stiebel-eltron-usa.com
One of the most overlooked issues inside a steam boiler room is water leaking from the steam system. At a recent visit to a brewery, water dripped steadily from the boiler feed tank overflow pipe. In my classes I refer to water leaks as a boiler killer.
In addition to destroying the boiler, water leaks in a steam system can increase operating costs. The leaking water is water that the owner paid to heat and chemically treat. Each gallon or litre of water lost from the system is a gallon or litre that must be replaced. Fresh water contains oxygen and impurities that must be chemically treated and reheated. In addition, the freshwater will attack the metal surfaces and cause leaks or scale buildup. Looking at the tank gauge glass assured me what I thought, the tank was flooded. The normal water level in the tank should be about halfway up the gauge glass. There are several reasons for a flooded boiler feed tank.
Pressure always goes from high to low. This is one of the main tenets of steam boiler service. As shown in Figure 1, the feedwater pump discharge pipe should have a check valve on the outlet to stop water from leaving the boiler and backflowing to the boiler feed tank. Dirt from the system can accumulate inside the check valve, preventing it from closing tight.
This condition usually shows up when the boiler has been off for a while, and the system stabilizes. If the check valve on the boiler feed pump does not seat, water from the boiler could flow into
the tank, flooding it. Water always tries to equalize itself. Chances are the boiler water height is higher than the boiler feed tank. This will cause the boiler water to push back into the tank.
The best way to diagnose this problem is to remove and inspect the check valve. Look for pitting or dirt accumulation inside the check valve. If there is, the check valve should be replaced. Additionally, using two spring-loaded check valves on the discharge piping helps prevent the boiler water from backing into the tank.
Restrictions in the return pipes usually show up about an hour or two after the boiler is started from a cold start. Most boiler feed systems are sized using a 20to 30-minute cycle. When the steam leaves the boiler, the condensate should take about 15 to 20 minutes to return to the tank. If it takes longer the boiler feed tank will run out of water. The internal float valve will open and introduce fresh water to the tank. Once the condensate returns, there is too much water in the system and the tank floods.
This condition is more common on older steam systems, but it can occur on newer systems when the piping was not installed correctly. If it’s an old piping system, use an infrared temperature gun or thermal imaging camera to try to find the blockage. If it’s a new system, look for valves, rises, or restrictions in the return piping.
To diagnose this condition, begin with a cold system and the discharge valve closed on the boiler and the makeup water valve closed on the boiler feed tank. After starting the boiler, watch the pressure gauge. When steam pressure shows on the gauge, slowly open the boiler discharge valve and start a timer.
The hot condensate should return after 15 to 20 minutes. This can be verified by feeling the condensate pipe going into the boiler feed tank. Watch the water level in the boiler feed tank. If the tank runs out of water before the hot condensate returns, this indicates the condensate pipes are restricted, or the tank is undersized. If the system worked fine for a while and is now flooding, the tank is likely large enough, and the problem is with the condensate piping.
The boiler feed tank has an internal float that monitors the water level in the tank. It looks like an old float inside a toilet. If the water level in the tank drops, the float valve will open and introduce fresh water into the tank to raise the water level to the set height. There are a couple of things to check on this.
To diagnose this condition, the first thing to do is to grab the makeup water pipe to the boiler feed tank. If the pipe feels cool, it could mean the fresh water is flowing into the tank. Look at the water level inside the tank. If the water is still feeding even though the water level is high enough, this usually means there is an issue with the float valve.
Check the incoming water pressure to the makeup water float valve. It should be around 20 psi or slightly lower. If the water pressure is higher than 20, the pressure could be high enough to force the float valve open and flood the tank. Try turning the incoming pressure below 20 psi. The makeup water pipe should have a pressure-reducing valve. If the pressure is below 20, the valve itself may be defective and should be replaced.
To check the float, unscrew the float from the rod and visually inspect it. It should be airtight with no accumulation on the float. Shake it to listen for any water
inside the float. You could even place it in a sink filled with water to verify it floats. If the float is intact, the next step is to inspect the feed water valve. Look for scale or dirt inside the valve, which could stop it from closing tightly. If the valve, float, and incoming pressure are correct, look at the previous two causes.
Install a water meter on the makeup water pipe to monitor how much water is being introduced. This helps the water treatment technician when recommending the proper water treatment and also helps you diagnose a leak in the system.
Ray Wohlfarth is president of Fire and Ice Heating and Cooling in Pittsburgh, PA, which specializes in commercial boiler service and sales. He is the author of Lessons Learned in a Boiler Room; Lessons Learned: Connecting New Boilers to Old Pipes; and Lessons Learned: Servicing Boilers. Wohlfarth can be reached at ray@fireiceheat.com.
Avenger
Two pass fully condensing stainless steel boiler & water heater Models ranging from 1,000 MBH up to 4,000 MBH
Turndown of up to 25:1
• Up to 95% thermal efficiencies
Valiant-FT
Fully condensing stainless steel boiler (for floor or wall mount) Models ranging from 80 MBH up to 399 MBH
Turndown of up to 10:1
Up
From hotels to office buildings to retail centres, today’s modern facilities demand water supply systems that deliver constant, reliable water flow and pressure. Booster pump systems have long been a solution to help meet the unique pressure and flow demands required of such multi-story facilities. Today, an array of pumping and control options exist to solve any pumping application, while saving on energy costs and space. Booster systems come prefabricated and skid-mounted, allowing for ease of installation and offering design solutions to meet confining space requirements. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can cut energy bills in half over the life of the system while increasing system life by years.
Evolving technology has given way to modern system controls, including touch-screen panels that allow operators to make quick system adjustments, along with the ability to interface into existing building monitoring systems. “Smart pump technology” also enables booster systems to continually self-diagnose and alert facility managers to any problems.
Booster pumps are supplemental pumps used to increase the pressure of fluid travelling to a building. Booster systems or packages contain one or more pumps and related accessories and controls.
Today’s sophisticated booster systems integrate multiple multi-stage pumps and VFD-controlled motors, along with software that adjusts pump speed and the number of pumps in operation to meet frequently changing system demand. These systems are designed to deliver the minimal pump output necessary to achieve optimal performance − all without direct human involvement.
Make a chart showing the flow, incoming dynamic pressure, pump discharge pressure and total discharge pressure for each job. It would look like this if using a pump with 15 PSI of incoming dynamic pressure.
Every building requires a different size booster pump system depending on the height and footprint of the building. The following factors can help determine what size system is needed:
Determining flow rate or gallons per minute (GPM): The “Fixture Unit” method created by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) determines this figure. This approach assigns a relative value to each fixture or group of fixtures normally encountered. A fixture is any item that uses water, such as a faucet, appliance, hose spigot, water fountain, etc. Once the equivalent Fixture Units are determined, the ASPE table assigns the necessary GPM based on the probability that multiple fixtures will be used at the same time. Varying flow rates occur throughout the day in buildings. For example, peak flow in a multi-family building would usually occur in the morning when people get ready for work at the same time. This same building could have a minimal flow usage in the middle of the night as most people are sleeping. As such, the flow rate of fixtures in the entire building varies greatly. Even though the GPM used in the building would change, each fixture requires constant pressure for proper operation.
TO CIPH ON THEIR 90 TH ANNIVERSARY! CONGRATULATIONS
Calculating Total Dynamic Head (TDH): Every floor in a high-rise building translates into pressure loss from the municipal water supply (static head). Friction losses and vertical losses are also considered here for water to reach higher floors. Booster pump systems are sized to overcome static head and friction losses at a given GPM or flow rate. By combining the static head (vertical distance or lift) and friction head (resistance to flow within various components such as pipes), your TDH required is determined.
As large municipal water mains age, their ability to deliver water pressure to buildings is reduced, which is why most multi-storey buildings need a booster pump system to pressurize water on upper floors. Typically, a pressure of 40 psi at the top of a building is ideal.
Choosing the number of pumps: The number of pumps a booster system requires will depend on the GPM. Selecting more than one pump for a booster system allows the pumps to alternate usage. This extends the life of the pumps and maintains the integrity of the system.
Beyond conventional specs such as flow rate and TDH, there are other considerations that should be taken into account when selecting a water pressure booster system.
Scalability: Selecting a system that offers scalability is essential to seamlessly expand the number of booster pumps after the initial installation in the event of building expansion or water usage increase. Replacing a system that isn’t scalable would incur considerable time and expense. Easy installation, operation and maintenance: Don’t overlook “plug and play” capabilities when selecting a pressure booster system. With the right system, installers should be able to determine how much water is required to be boosted to the desired constant pressure output, and the system arrives packaged ready to set up. Service also factors into system selection: The less you need to service a system, the more the system is working for end users. This is especially important in applications where constant water delivery is critical such as a hospital, school or other essential business. If a system does require maintenance, how difficult is it to access? A system with quick disconnects can ensure maintenance is possible without time-consuming service interruptions.
Asking the right questions can help narrow down a water pressure booster system that will work best for a specific building’s needs. Online selection tools are available that allow engineers and designers to easily size, configure, price and quote systems. These digital tools enable engineers to easily generate bid specs and quotes. They can choose the type of booster package they’re considering, load water flow and head requirements, input voltage and other electrical considerations, and generate a complete system design that includes all supporting documents and details. The end result is a more streamlined selection and sizing process that makes quoting projects faster and easier.
Factors to consider when sizing/ selecting a pressure booster:
• Building type
Building type has a great effect on the load profile
• Plumbing fixture type
Different fixtures have different flow and pressure requirements for proper operation. The engineer/installer should check local plumbing regulations for fixture flow requirements
• Friction losses in piping system and equipment
As flow decreases, the friction loss in the piping system also decreases; this is where a variable speed system can be more beneficial compared to a constant speed pressure booster.
• Minimum suction pressure
The minimum possible suction pressure at the package should be used in determining the boost needed from the pressure booster package. Sometimes, pressure boosters take suction from a tank instead of a municipal main; in that case, consider the lowest tank level.
Scalabilityis
essential to seamlessly expand the number of booster pumps if necessary.Online selection tools are available that allow engineers and designers to size, configure, price and quote systems.
Uponor’s AquaPort is a selfcontained unit that converts a building’s hydronic heating supply to on-demand domestic hot water (DHW) using a double-wall heat exchanger to provide the domestic hot-water (DHW) needs to the units or living space. This solution eliminates centralized DHW and recirculation piping to provide energy and water savings, improved water quality, installation efficiencies, and reduced maintenance.
www.
uponor.com
Bell & Gossett’s Series e-90E Smart Pump is combined with a Xylem Smart Motor for high efficiency in a fully integrated system with pump, motor and variable speed drive. Available in 12 combinations of high RPM e-90 models ranging up to 3 HP, the pumps can be installed in horizontal or vertical piping applications, are rated for 250⁰F and 175 PSI, and can be monitored remotely.
www. bellgossett.com
Torus watertube boilers and water heaters from RBI incorporate HEATNET 3.0 touchscreen cascade control, Tru-Flow fuel/ air coupling system with 10:1 turndown, and capacities to 4,000 MBH. They are suitable for commercial applications. The Torus uses a pressure driven mixing system with no moving parts to provide a maximum of 10:1 turndown, without lowering the CO2 per cent while avoiding ignition lockouts.
www. rbiwaterheaters.com
Resideo Technologies introduces Honeywell Home T10+ Smart Thermostat Kits that offer simultaneous control over humidification, dehumidification and ventilation, as well as heating and cooling. The wireless smart room sensor extends the reach of the thermostat, and automatically adjusts it based on pre-set preferences. Wireless outdoor sensors provide real-time outdoor temperature and humidity readings. Also included are a return and supply air sensor, and floor/ slab sensor. The unit can be controlled with the Resideo Pro app.
resideo.com
The Mikrofill 3 by Stuart Turner is a direct-type pressurized unit available for sealed, low-pressure hot water and chilled water commercial and multi-family residential applications. Designed to be connected directly to a building’s incoming mains/boosted water supply, the unit fills a heating or chilled water system without the use of a pump, while using as little as 10 watts/hr on standby and 30 watts/hr when fully operational.
www.
mikrofill.com
The new Vitocrossal 200, CI2
The new Vitocrossal 200, CI2
Our most popular boiler, the Vitola-biferral, when we joined CIPH in 1984
+ 6 sizes ranging from 399 MBH - 2000 MBH and water content up to 113 USG, for large residential and commercial applications
+ Industry Leading 98% Thermal Efficiency and 97% Combustion Efficiency
+ 6 sizes ranging from 399 MBH - 2000 MBH and water content up to 113 USG, for large residential and commercial applications
+ Industry Leading 98% Thermal Efficiency and 97% Combustion Efficiency
+ High modulation up to industry leading 30:1 turndown ratio
+ High modulation up to industry leading 30:1 turndown ratio
+ Industry’s most advanced active self-calibrating O2 trim technology for reduced maintenance, greater accuracy and combustion efficiency
+ Industry’s most advanced active self-calibrating O2 trim technology for reduced maintenance, greater accuracy and combustion efficiency
+ Small footprint allows easy access through standard doors and side-by-side installation up to 16 cascaded boilers
+ Small footprint allows easy access through standard doors and side-by-side installation up to 16 cascaded boilers
smart heating solutions made easy
smart heating solutions made easy
viessmann.ca
viessmann.ca
Download the ViGuide app today
Download the ViGuide app today
More information
More information
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
- Henry Ford
Is your company losing workers left and right? It’s a problem plaguing most Canadian employers these days. Perhaps at one point in time, the promise of a steady paycheque and a gold watch at 65 was enough to keep people loyal throughout their career; sadly, those days are long over. Now, for employers in challenging markets such as the skilled trades, or for those who wish to attract and retain younger workers, the burning question is not just where can I find them, but what can I do to keep them?
One place many job seekers are turning their focus in this post-pandemic, highly-competitive job market is on the incentives a prospective employer offers. It has become quite common during the early stages of recruitment for prospective hires to ask what sort of benefits will be available should they get the job. And post hire, longerterm employees are looking for more than modest prescription coverage or some new glasses every two years so if that is all you offer, it may be time to broaden your horizons.
If you are a business looking to hire and retain new workers, you can quickly distinguish yourself from the competition by including unique and creative incentives that are valued by your employees. Although often painted in popular media as fickle or difficult, candidates today are just being savvy job seekers who are far less likely to commit to any one company unless they see a clear advantage to doing so. Nowadays, it’s the total package you offer to prospective hires and current employees that can tip the scales in your favour, even when an offer for more money comes along.
Before we proceed, heed this warning: if you pay less than the average for your area, or have bad managers in place, none of the following will make a difference. By a substantial margin, research demonstrates that companies which consistently attract and retain the best workers pay a fair market rate and have good managers in place who are able to communicate clear policies and support their staff. Incentive programs are not a band aid for poor management, but they are an additional weapon to add to your already established arsenal of sound business practices. We’ll assume you have already built a strong company culture. You have developed trust and mutual respect with your workforce. You allow employees to grow and take on new responsibilities, and you leave the door open to suggestions for improvement. And yet, you find you are still struggling to attract and retain good people. In a marketplace of unprecedented competition for new hires, there are small changes you can make that will have big impacts.
Potential workers are looking for new opportunities. You can quickly distinguish yourself from the competition by including unique and creative incentives that are valued by your employees.
RSP contributions – Regardless of the size of your company or workforce, you can set up a retirement savings plan and offer this perk as a way of minimizing your worker’s tax burden, without the long-term hassle of establishing and managing a formal pension plan. Employee and company contributions can be set through a variety of providers; speak to a trusted financial advisor about setting investment goals and boundaries around withdrawals.
Debt repayment – It’s a sobering fact that Canadians carry more debt per household than any other G7 nation. Credit cards, lines of credit or student loan payments are a monthly struggle many of your employees are facing. Some companies are choosing to give their employees a chance to climb out of debt by setting up payroll deduction plans, or offering matching contributions to encourage staff to pay off their loans. Similar in nature to setting up an RSP program, contact a trusted financial advisor for further information and to ensure you’ve covered your bases.
Professional development – Investing in the development of your workforce is always a wise move, and benefits both employee and company. Whether it’s to upgrade their skills for their current role or to prepare them for their next promotion, staff will feel supported and valued when money is invested in their education, which in turn leads to loyalty and longevity. And the cost doesn’t have to be a burden borne strictly by the business. There are federal and provincial government grants available to employers that support professional development.
Equipment upgrades – Employees who are required to supply their own tools or equipment, both those just starting out and those that have been in their roles for some time, will definitely appreciate an upgrade on
the things they use most often. Consider speaking with suppliers and dealers to arrange bulk discounts, or offer an allowance towards common items to allow your people to secure the best quality tools to get the job done. A well-equipped workforce is safer and happier.
Time off – On the grand list of Things Your Employees Want
Most, “paid time off” comes in a close second to making more money. Take a look at your vacation entitlement. Do your people still need to wait for a full five years before they get an additional week off?
More employers are starting new hires with three weeks straight away. Make sure your entitlements are keeping pace with the market in your area, and make sure you are encouraging your staff to actually take the time off (some employers are even making deals with travel agents to encourage employee travel – an expensive but intriguing idea for some).
Flex time – If you have the ability to do so, think about offering stable but non-standard working hours. Of particular importance to working parents and those with challenging home commitments, the flexibility to work outside of standard business hours will always build employee loyalty and put you ahead of the game when it comes to retention. If the past two years have done little else, lock downs and restrictions have demonstrated how much work can be accomplished outside of 9 to 5 and away from traditional workplace settings.
Birthdays off – A (relatively) inexpensive and quick way to inject some fun into your policies and procedure’s manual, offering your employees their birthday as a paid day off (either on or around the actual day) can be an easy way to gain points as a progressive employer who recognizes their staff as more than just another cog in the machine. Put some thought into coverage before putting a policy like this in place – if a day off for each employee isn’t workable, perhaps a paid day on your company anniversary might suit.
WISHING YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS FROM EVERYONE AT
Food – Aim beyond the traditional pizza-party-in-thebreakroom. Take them out, host a potluck or barbecue, or award gift cards for food delivery services when your team is exceeding expectations. Shared meals are an especially good incentive for those employers trying to foster comradery and teamwork. By breaking bread together and providing a shared experience, staff will feel a more valued part of the bigger whole. Remember to be sensitive to holidays, cultural differences and allergies and/or food intolerances – what is a treat for some may be the opposite for others. When in doubt, ask.
Wellness initiatives – Another item that can be done on a modest budget are incentives that aim to improve an employee’s physical or mental health. It can be as small as setting aside a few minutes each work day for stretch or meditation breaks, or as big as contacting a local gym and arranging for a group membership. You can work with your benefit plan provider to negotiate for extended coverage, or invite a representative in to let employees know what supports are already on offer. Given the events of the past few years and the increased focus on mental and physical health, simply sharing the information on their current coverage may be enough to motivate and encourage your staff to stick around.
Before you charge ahead, take the time to think about your current staff and their demographics, which may help point you in the right direction of which ideas to explore. A student loan repayment scheme might not seem worthwhile to an aging workforce, and flex hours might not be a perk if your business already runs on shift work.
Once you’ve got some ideas in mind, talk to your staff. From your top performers on down to the ones with one foot out the door, there are no better judges of what types of incentives that will have value than the people directly impacted. Survey your people formally or informally and have them weigh in.
Make sure you keep tax implications in mind. Depending on your province and the incentive you’re offering, you may be adding to your (or your employee’s) tax burden. Do your research before offering perks that might cost you more than you intend.
And of course, know that no incentive will work if it’s not communicated, achievable and actually valued. Ask your employees if it is something they are interested in, give them the details they need to help you make decisions and you’ll be well on your way to retaining your best players. Regardless of the age of the employee or how long they’ve been with you, when your staff feel appreciated, recognized and valued, they are happier, more productive, and more likely to stick around. What more can you ask for?
Sue Sodek has over 20 years of human resources and consulting experience across a variety of businesses, and currently manages HR for UCEL Inc in Uxbridge, ON. She can be reached at sue.sodek@gmail.com.
CIPH Annual Business Conference
June 18 – 20
St. John’s, NL ciph.com
ASHRAE Annual Conference
June 24 – 28
Tampa, FL ashrae.org
World Refrigeration Day
June 26
Around the world worldrefrigerationday.org
International Heat Transfer Conference
August 14 – 18
Cape Town, South Africa africamassive.co.za
ASHRAE Building Performance Analysis Conference
September 11 – 13 Austin, TX ashrae.org
RE+ 2023
September 11 – 14 Las Vegas, NV re-plus.com
AIM/R Annual Conference
September 12 – 15 Miramar Beach, FL aimr.net
CHES National Conference
September 17 – 19
Winnipeg, MB ches.org
Buildings play a central role in the lives of Canadians. The places where we live, work and gather protect us from harsh winters and stifling summer heat. To ensure buildings are enduring assets that contribute to the health and financial well-being of occupants, Canada needs a plan of action to update the existing building stock, bringing them closer to meeting today’s performance standards. In the 2021 mandate letters to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Canada’s federal government committed to “the development of … [a] model retrofit code [known as the Alterations to Existing Buildings (AEB)] by the end of 2024 that align[s] with [our] national climate objectives.” Similar to the model codes for new buildings, provinces and territories will have up to 24 months to adopt the AEB, placing its earliest implementation around late 2026 or early 2027.
Since the AEB code relies on voluntary triggers, it is likely to emerge as a low-impact solution lacking the urgency needed to cut emissions by 40 to 45 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. On a positive note, the time of renovation offers a route to market for energy efficiency improvements as building owners are already motivated to alter their space.
HRAI Annual Conference
September 17 – 19
Montreal, QC hrai.ca
Greenbuild International Conference & Expo
September 26 – 29
Washington, DC informaconnect.com/greenbuild
BUILDEX Alberta
October 18 – 19
Calgary, AB informaconnect.com/buildex-alberta
CIPHEX West 2023
October 18 – 19
Calgary, AB ciph.ca
By Sharane SimonHowever, by not including triggers outside the conventional purview of building codes, the potential reach is likely to be low and vary from year to year. More importantly, the AEB code does not prescribe a path for whole building performance improvements leading to net zero energy standards or significant greenhouse gas reductions over time.
To achieve country-to-city level climate and equity goals, there has been an increased interest in the use of Mandatory (or Minimum) Building Performance (or Energy) Standards (MBPS or MEPS) worldwide. At its core, MBPS is a regulated standard that establishes targets for buildings at a specified date or trigger point, for example throughout a major renovation, inspection, or building transaction. These performance standards are embedded within a framework of financial assistance, practical support and social safeguards for disadvantaged populations.
Several cities and states in the U.S., Australia and various Member States in the European Union have already adopted performance standards to accelerate their decarbonization plans. These jurisdictions have recognized MBPS as a powerful tool to drive the desired rate and depth of retrofits, while addressing the numerous barriers to increasing the energy and emissions performance of existing buildings. The mandatory nature of these standards provides a backstop, warranting more equitable outcomes and the certainty industry needs to confidently invest, innovate and upskill. MBPS offer Canada the opportunity to develop and implement standards for existing buildings that help combat our climate crisis while enjoying the co-benefits of health, social equity, resilience and local economic development.
Sharane Simon is a research associate with Efficiency Canada. See the full article at efficiencycanada.org.
ProClip USA offers secure car phone mounts in two parts: an exact-fit mounting base made specifically for most car and truck models that snap into the seams of the dashboard, and a device holder designed for smartphones, GPS or other mobile devices such as a tablet. The holders fit cell phones with or without cases, and charge wirelessly without charging cables.
www. proclipusa.com
The Universal Nylon Duck Seat Organizer from Carhartt has pockets and attachments to store tools, parts, and more. Made with rugged Cordura fabric, the organizer is water repellent, and features eight cargo pockets, a pocket with stretch mesh for a water bottle, and a hook to hang a hat or pack for storage. It is available in brown or black, and comes with an adjustable side release buckle and rapid-attach shock cord with hooks for easy installation.
www.
carhartt.com
Neo by Fia is a line of custom-fitted, waterproof neoprene seat covers for trucks made to protect seats while providing comfort and style. The form-fit wraparound design is laminated with a water-resistant poly outer shell, includes ultraviolet protection, and is padded for extra comfort. The seat covers install in minutes with quick-release buckles, and are hand washable. Headrest covers are also included for most applications.
www. gofia.com
Greenworks’ 24V Portable Air Compressor is a cordless tire inflator air pump that can generate up to 160 psi to fill a tire in just minutes, and works on two power sources – a 24 V rechargeable battery or 12 V vehicle power outlet. The unit includes a digital pressure display with automatic shutoff to avoid over-inflation, and a built-in LED light. The unit weighs 1.28 lbs, and comes with 2Ah battery and charger, 12V vehicle power outlet, low pressure hose, and three inflator adaptors.
www.
greenworkstools.ca
The Vevor 12 Volt Refrigerator is designed to fit in a trunk, behind a car seat or in the bed of a truck. It is available in 35-, 45- and 55-L storage sizes, and is equipped with 120/240 V AC and 12/24V DC adaptors. The unit features three battery protection functions, and includes a removable internal basket to separate food, a built-in handle, and cup holders.
www. vevor.ca
Written exclusively for owners, managers and technical decision-makers within the mechanical contracting and engineering sectors, every issue and every web-page delivers what matters to you.
Look
Formany time-starved contractors, marketing activity is dominated by the digital tactics that are necessary in an industry where a new customer is inevitably found during their time of need. If a pipe bursts or the furnace grinds to a halt, we jump online, type what we need, hit enter and look no further than the first page.
To be sure, the Google gatekeeper has service businesses over the proverbial barrel. To not put time and budget into SEO, AdWords and display advertising means not making the first page cut and feeling like the marketing equivalent of how we picked teams in grade eight dodgeball.
Relying too heavily, though, on search and digital marketing may remove an essential and emotional piece of the puzzle: the community. Even in a time of urgency, behavioural psychology suggests that when we choose from the list that pops up on the search engine, we’re more inclined to go with a brand we know over one which is there solely because of well chosen keywords, a higher ad budget, and a sophisticated algorithm.
Building community presence is as old as marketing itself, of course, but its importance fell off the radar a bit as we became more digital and transactional. COVID created an interesting tension between the two: online business and marketing surged through necessity and opportunity, while it also reignited a drive to focus on community building. It’s where we look to feel informed, and that we belong to something. Sure, there are online communities, but our physical community is the more emotional part of the equation. Savvy, locally owned brands can tap into this by building a presence that reinforces the Google results. Yes, it’s more work, but it’s the piece of the puzzle that can make the difference between being picked first or second, and not lingering in last place until all the perceived good players are already on a team.
Here are five ways to focus your brand on building a community presence.
Community media such as magazines, newspapers, local online news sites and especially radio should be on the radar. While they’re experiencing declining ad revenue, they are certainly not dead: they’re go-to resources for community news. As climate change adds environmental emergencies that necessitate hyperlocalized communication, I suspect local media will continue to play a key role. Businesses can provide content, such as preparing your home for winter or cooling equipment options explained
Hosting and supporting festivals and events are a great way to promote local vibrancy as we get back out there and are looking for some home-spun fun. Volunteering, hosting a table, and putting a logo on the poster are often low-cost ways to get in front of large groups of people in a comfortable, casual, and relaxed way and help put a face and personality to the online listing they may see in a time of need.
Corporate social responsibility is an essential commitment for all businesses today. Whether it is tackling homelessness, food insecurity or another one of the issues challenging communities today, every small business can get involved. Cash may be too tight for a big donation, but hosting fundraising events or drives for food or clothing, team volunteering, and using our influence to spread the word about the good work of local charities all reinforce a brand’s position as a caring community member.
Creating experiences people will talk about is a contractor’s most useful tool in the community. That means truly exceptional service experiences – getting there faster than promised, taking time to listen and explain, small gestures like bringing in the bins from the curb, sending handwritten thank you cards with freshly baked cookies. Teams can brainstorm how to be excellent, so they take ownership in making it so.
As we navigate the new reality of AI, algorithms and anonymity, I predict the consumer’s pushback will be to put more attention on the local neighbourhoods and communities where we can make genuine connections that humanize our experiences. The best brands will be in the middle of that
Staying active on social media is a great way to stay connected into community. This involves more than just posting promotions and tips into the universe. Through their social media channels such as Facebook, which often hosts popular community pages, businesses can engage with local groups to provide tips and advice, and celebrate community achievements.
158
Number of collaborative, co-created water science training and education projects created by Water First Education & Training Inc. from 2021 to 2022.
31,952
Hours of training completed in 2022 for the organization’s Drinking Water Internship and Environmental Water Program combined.
103
Percentage the Canadian economy has grown since before the pandemic.
0.3
Per cent real GDP is projected to grow in 2023. That compares to 3.4 per cent growth in 2022, and an expected 1.5 per cent growth in 2024.
830,000
The number of additional people in Canada now working, compared to prepandemic, reflecting a five per cent unemployment rate.
20 billion
Dollar amount the federal government is investing to support building clean electricity and clean growth infrastructure projects.
2 million
2.6
Percentage that worldwide shipments of smart home devices dropped on a year-over-year basis in 2022. The decline is a first for smart devices, reports International Data Corp., and was led by slower shipments of smart TVs.
5
Per cent that shipments of smart thermostats are expected to grow from 2023 to 2027. Smart lighting will grow the most, by an expected 21.5 per cent.
28
Percentage of homes estimated to have three or more smart devices.
180.2
Dollar amount in total prizes the Calgary Stampede gives out annually to its rodeo champs.
50
Number of poutine versions available at this year’s Poutine Feast Ontario, the world’s largest travelling poutine festival.
3,000
Number of artists from around the world who participate in Montreal’s International Jazz Festival every year.
1.4 million
Average number of visitors annually to the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.
Length in feet of the world’s longest lobster roll, prepared in Shediac, NB during the annual Shediac Lobster Festival. Made with bread baked from a single loaf, the roll contained 125 lbs of lobster worth $5,000, eight lettuces and 10 L of mayonnaise.
Series 009 with SentryPlus Alert® Technology
Series 009 and related models now come with an integrated flood sensor. With the purchase of an activation kit, you’ll be able to utilize reliable flood detection with real-time alerts when potential flood conditions are detected in your facility. Flood
24/7
