HYDRONICS Be a cool Wethead

Wethead is a term that has been applied to folks who are involved in hydronics, that is mechanical systems which transfer energy with a fluid− water, for the most part. Since the beginning of time, hydronics has usually been linked to systems providing mainly heat. But in reality, hydronics has many other applications, including cooling via the use of chilled fluids. As time goes on, we evolve and learn more about the environment in which we live. In many places, keeping a space comfortable to work or live in includes the need or desire to both heat and cool the living and working spaces. Taking it a step further, we should be talking about and learning about comfort systems. This would involve maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the year, through efficient heating and cooling while making sure the indoor environment is healthy. To this end we would look at controlling humidity, dust and particles, and odours in the space. This would fall under the banner of indoor air quality (IAQ). All components need to be selected and sized for the appropriate applications. Often, the budget will dictate how far the consumer will go to provide the best IAQ system in a residence. However, when the owners understand the benefits of your product offering in terms of comfort, safety and IAQ, the budget tends to expand. We should talk about and offer our customers “comfort” systems. Under this banner we look at heating, cooling and IAQ, and apply the best arrangement of system components from the hydronic and HVAC worlds. Being in the training side of the industry for the most part now, I encourage all readers to focus in on some of the latest technology and product offerings. If one good thing has come out of the COVID-19 lockdown it is online training offerings. Every brand I know has stepped up their game to make it easy to continue your education. It could be a quick podcast, a webinar or Zoom meeting, or hybrid training which involves multiple screens. The instructor is in front of a live piece of equipment and the student talks them through the repair. With a good GoPro and some lighting it can be an excellent way to get hands-on training − without even getting your hands dirty. Aermec Technology such as air to water Technology such as air to water heat pumps (shown here) and heat pumps (shown here) and good HVAC practice remove good HVAC practice remove perceived challenges to cooling perceived challenges to cooling in a hydronic application. in a hydronic application.

Aermec

Just as we do with a heating system, an appropriate design should be performed both for new or replacement work. The first step would be a heat load/heat gain calculation. On an existing home, a blower door test would help identify areas where infiltration could be adding load. Doing the load calc and infiltration test may point the owner to a few “shell” upgrade opportunities before jumping into equipment sizing and selection. For instance, updating and insulating leaky windows, doors and roofs. The best money spent is addressing and lowering the load. This will not only reduce the upfront cost of the components, but ongoing energy consumption and related costs will be reduced as well. Generally, we deal with cooling loads by blowing chilled air around the space. Ducted forced air systems are the most common application. Small areas may be handled with window shakers, or mini split systems, or in some cases portable AC units. With a forced air method of cooling you

get the added benefit of filtering the air. I suspect one of these methods will continue to be the predominate way we cool spaces. Ducted forced air is a known commodity. A broad selection of brands and sizes are available. The HVAC trade is well established and there are plenty of training opportunities both private and manufacturer sponsored. Always take the time to learn of the features, benefits and applications requirements of the products you propose or sell. If you understand, or your customer does, that the climate is changing − we are seeing hotter and longer summer seasons − then Wetheads are well served to add HVAC components and options to their overall offerings. Be the “cool” guy or girl in your service area. After getting yourself well trained and prepared, offer the latest technologies to service their comfort needs.

We commonly see hydro air systems being installed. These involve an air handling device with a hot water coil inserted into the ducting system. This allows a boiler-based system to supply the heating via the same ducting as the cooling. It brings in a boiler or other hydronic heat source to keep the system “wet.” In some cases, a single contractor installs the hydronic and air side or separate trades may work together to assemble the hydro-air systems. With a cooling coil included you can heat and cool from one metal box. Humidity could be added as well as numerous filtration options in a ducted system. Mini splits entered the market through the HVAC channel. The quick and easy installation also lends itself to the plumbing trade. Assuming your licence allows both, and you have been trained in proper sizing and installation, servicing mini splits is a good service to offer. Mini splits go well with radiant heat systems in many cases.

Another technology worth investigating is a hydronic-based system using the embeded PEX tubing to cover the heating load and all or some of the cooling load. Currently, this is only a niche market opportunity, though a potentially very lucrative one. This may involve using the tube, installed in a slab for example, to circulate chilled water. Ceiling distribution is possible with chilled beams or suspended ceiling grids, which have chilled water circulating through them. In arid climates you may be able to cover the cooling load with just chilled surfaces. The dewpoint needs to be monitored to avoid “sweating” of the surfaces. In such cases there may need to be some additional air circulation and dehumidification. What is most exciting to me is the growing offering of air to water heat pumps (A2WHP). This type of equipment is able to supply fluid that is either warmed or chilled. From one component, Ph oto: P rice Industries Limited powered by electricity, we have the ability to heat and cool, and in some cases, cover some DHW load. This brings or keeps the hydronic contractor at the table. It can also address areas migrating toward fossil fuel regulations.

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30 years. A long-time columnist and trainer, he is manager of training and education with Caleffi North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

Navien introduces its upgraded NFB-H high-output condensing fire tube boilers in two sizes: NFB-175H and NFB200H. Both models include Navien’s patented stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger with a non-metallic condensate drain pan, and form-pressed combustion chamber to resist corrosion. New high-efficiency features include turndown ratios up to 15:1, powered connections for three zone pumps or three zone valves, two-in. venting up to 65 ft. and 3-in. venting up to 150 ft. www. navieninc.com

Rinnai Air Handler (CAH) is a customizable hydronic heating and domestic hot water solution specifically designed for use in colder climates. The integrated, customizable unit features a compact design that fits in most mechanical spaces, and is compatible with multiple air-cooling options. The high-efficiency models are available with or without an external circulator pump, which can be programmed to circulate water one minute every 24 hours. www. rinnai.ca

The staple gun kit from Watts is a professional-grade tool for stapling Onix, RadiantPEX+, RadiantPERT, and RadiantPEX-AL (PAP) in both staple-up and thin slab projects. It comes with staple plates for 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. Onix, and 1/2 in. PEX. www. watts.ca

Manifolds from Precision Plumbing Products are produced in an ISO 9001 Certified production facility. They are ISO 14001 Certified-green and pressure tested and are available with a range of fitting choices and in custom sizes. www. pppinc.net

The 521 Series MixCal from Caleffi is an adjustable thermostatic and pressurebalanced mixing valve used for point of distribution and domestic hot water and radiant hydronic heating systems. It features low-lead brass valve body and fittings, internal anti-scale materials, peroxide-cured EPDM seals, and a maximum working pressure of 200 psi, and meets Canadian plumbing codes. www. caleffi.com

Weil-McLain has rebranded its line of Evergreen boilers as the Evergreen Pro. The new slate-grey colour better positions the products for light commercial grade applications. They are available in 70, 110, 155, 220, 299 and 299 MBH sizes, with up to 95.1 per cent AFUE and 5:1 turndown. Zone stacking allows for up to 24 programmable zones with no extra panel required. www. weil-mclain.ca

All About AC service Maintenance and startup of customers’ air conditioning systems may appear to be a straightforward process for contractors, but consider whether your company is looking at this season in a way that will optimize growth and customer satisfaction. It may be time to review and rethink your AC service process and be sure it’s meeting your company’s objectives. There are three fundamental areas of AC maintenance operations to focus on to maintain a profitable business model and provide value to customers: when and how to start, maintenance check lists and selling service agreements.

There are a number of opinions Th about when to start contacting customers regarding AC service. The opinion with the most history is “home owners are only receptive to AC service when the weather warms up.” This opinion is a fallacy and occurs when a company is not regularly communicating with its customers. It is true that the large majority of homeowners will not have air conditioning on their minds until the warm weather breaks. The only way you are going to put AC service into their minds is to have a regular customer news piece and to start “talking” about it before the cooling season starts. Follow this up with targeted emails and/or mail reminding customers of the need to schedule their AC service before the warm weather arrives. Remember, you need to move customers into your schedule for maintenance and startup in the spring. Your customers will be pleased that they simply have to turn on their AC systems when they need it. AC service and startup is the next important step in your company’s annual plan. Take a hard look at how you are approaching this important season and ensure plans focus on engaging with customers and meeting your company’s growth objectives. Make sure your team understands and is engaged in the objectives and importance of the AC season.

The maintenance work done on customers’ AC systems should be at the forefront of any AC service program. This usually involves a technician “checklist.” There is a range of AC maintenance checklists contractors use in the spring. Many of these lists can be found on contractors’ websites. This is a great idea to enhance a homeowner’s understanding of the maintenance process. Remember to keep the list on your website less technical so customers can easily comprehend it. Most importantly, maintain a comprehensive AC maintenance checklist that is used and clearly understood by technicians as the benchmark for the service to be performed. As a refresher for contractors who use an AC checklist and for those who want to develop or upgrade their lists, here are some key steps contractors have told us should be on the list:

1. Check thermostat for proper operation and location away from heat sources 2. Lubricate motors, blowers, fans, bearings and other moving parts 3. Examine condensate drain pans and drain lines and repair/unclog/replace if necessary 4. Check that air filters have been properly cleaned/ replaced 5. Check the refrigerant charge, ensure system does not have leaks and repair as needed, add refrigerant if necessary 6. Inspect indoor coil, blower and blower motor for wear and proper operation 7. Inspect condenser coil, fan and motor. Clean condenser coil and debris from outdoor unit 8. Inspect electrical system and check for safe operation, including wiring, contactors, capacitors, disconnect box and compressor 9. Check compressor operation including amp and volt draw 10. Run unit and check running operation including temperature change between supply and return air 11. Make sure controls are operating the system properly including safety devices

Another customer-oriented approach is oach is to identify clearly on your website, and e, and in literature provided to customers, any rs, any maintenance issues homeowners can can deal with during the year. These include nclude changing air filters, ensuring condensate densate lines are working, and checking for kinks or kinks in refrigerant lines. This will make the the customer more aware of the annual ual maintenance needs of the system. m.

Contractors should understand the business value of customer service agreements. AC and heating service agreements create ongoing workflow during shoulder seasons, develop customer loyalty and generate sales leads. 1. Grow your service agreement business through your frontline team members, that is the technicians who go into customers’ homes. These employees are the key to a successful service agreement business. Customers view service technicians as “experts” at what they do. If a technician believes in the value of a service agreement, the customer will believe in it too. 2. Train technicians to develop a relationship with the customer each time they are in the home. Technicians should take time to engage the customer in conversation before going to check the equipment. Once the customer is engaged, ask how the air conditioner, furnace, water heater and other accessories have been working and determine if their systems receive at least annual maintenance. In the conversation, explain the importance of HVAC equipment, the comfort it provides for their families, and the need for regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and improve performance. Impress upon them that service agreements can help to minimize future problems and provide them with somewhere to turn when system problems arise. 3. Offer a variety of service agreement plans and payment options that make service agreements more attractive and affordable to customers. Plans should vary between full protection including parts and labour, and protection such as reduced cost of repairs. Regular maintenance and priority service should be common to all plans. Payment options should include one- and two-year payment terms (with a discount for the second year) and monthly credit card payments. 4. Ensure your service maintenance agreement includes reviewing all parts of the system; do not take short cuts (see the maintenance checklist). 5. Indicate the normal cost for service calls and how service agreements could reduce this cost when new and current customers call. Once customers purchase agreements, remember to highlight customer savings each time a home visit is made under the agreement. 6. Stay in regular contact with agreement customers whether by newsletter, scheduling visits or simply calling to see how their system is operating. Have an in-office representative responsible for contacting agreement customers two to three months before their agreement expires, and before the renewal invoice is sent, to reinforce the benefits of the agreement. Continue to follow up on agreement renewals even after the agreement expires. Remember, retaining customers is much easier than finding new ones. 7. Use the power of your website, social media and contact lists to engage customers. Send out eblasts promoting specials on other HVAC services to generate new work. Give customers the ability to schedule service appointments on your website. Use your web site and social media presence to post information on the benefits of service agreements and other services. The driving force behind selling service agreements is your technicians. Make them a part of the process and they will deliver the message directly to customers. mer service up on agreement re retaining customers Use the pow enga oth the webs informat services.

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