HPAC02_2011

MCEE

Keep The

SHOW PREVIEW

Taxman At Bay

About

SUMP PUMPS

GIVE AND TAKE:

Understanding The Refrigerant Transition

FLUID IN, AIR OUT...

The Art Of Purging Solar Collector Circuits

WORK SMARTER

Think Before You Pour: Why You Need To Do Downward Loss Analysis

MARCH 2011 | $5.00

WWW.HPACMAG.COM

KITCHEN PRODUCTS Trends to watch CAPITALIZE ON Circulator Technology

PM 40070230

Distributed by:

www.flirthermography.ca

1-800-430-6754

tents

MARCH 2011

20

76

Pay Now Or PAY Later

Vol. 85 No. 2

The Tax Man Cometh What is the key to avoiding a run in with Canada Revenue Agency over expenses?

BY HANK BULMASH

Under slab insulation and why you should always undertake an analysis of downward losses. BY ROBERT BEAN

24 Paradigm Shift In Technology

he role of circulators in smaller hydronic T systems. BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

Cover Photo iStockphoto

44

DEPARTMENTS

MCEE SHOW PREVIEW A handy guide to the show schedule, speakers, seminars and exhibitors.

4

Upfront

8

Industry News

61 Manufacturer Supplier News

52

73 2011 Calendar Of Events

Sump Pump Savvy There is a great deal of choice – how do you choose the right model for the application? BY JOE EVANS

75 Training 75 The Source

58

Good IAQ: One Amenity Hotels Can't Do Without Air filtration systems tackle host of indoor pollutants. BY LON EDELMAN

64 40 Four Trends To Watch

Kitchen products reflect move to sleek and simple designs.

PRODUCTS 56 HVAC/R

A Balanced Approach

60 Hydronic

An overview of refrigerant challenges and how they are being addressed.

BY JEFF MOE

heatfab

®

SGV/DGV Special Gas Vent The industry leader in Special Gas Vent introduces new alternative alloy SGV/DGV Special Gas Vent Systems.

Available in both Single Wall and Double Wall designs, SGV/DGV features a proprietary stainless steel alloy - 4X3™ that offers superior corrosion resistance at an economical price point. These new systems feature installer-friendly connections and built-in silicone seals, so field applied RTV is not required.

NEW • 3 & 4 inch sizes for • Single Wall and • Listed to UL1738 and 4X3 STAINLESS residential applications Double Wall Systems ULC S-636

TM

STEEL

5030 Corporate Exchange Blvd.

Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Toll Free: 1.800.433.6341

heatfab

®

www.heatfab.com

P.O. Box 526, Depot 1 Hamilton, ON L8L 7X6 Toll Free: 1.888.SELKIRK (735.5475)

< UPFRONT Employee Pool Worth Investigating

HPAC Magazine One Mount Pleasant Rd. Toronto, ON M4Y 2Y5 TEL: 416-764-2000 FAX: 416-764-1746 www.hpacmag.com

While researching labour and staffing issues I came across an interesting web site run by the U.S. Department of Labor. A hiring tool kit (americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit) offered there appeared to be a valuable resource and I was curious as to whether the Canadian government had something similar.

A call to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) revealed that, while there is not one specific initiative like the employer tool kit mentioned above, there are programs at various levels that provide assistance and encouragement for employers to hire veterans. These include: »» VAC’s Career Transition Services (CTS), provided through Right Management (a national contractor), to eligible Canadian Forces (CF) members and veterans to help them prepare, and eventually search for, civilian employment. Right Management also connects employers to veterans via the CTS Job Bank and Talent Profile Bank. »» VAC’s Rehabilitation Program includes a vocational component provided by a national contractor, CanVet. In addition to preparing veterans for their job search, CanVet also conducts employer contact activities to encourage the hiring of veterans. »» As part of the services offered to CF members, Department of National Defence’s (DND) Transition Assistance Program (TAP) actively recruits prospective employers, in both the public and private sectors, to consider providing employment to job-ready CF members.

Veterans Affairs identifies the following qualities and characteristics as those that make CF members valuable employees: transferable competencies and personal attributes; unmatched experience, technological expertise and on-going training; operational capacity; many have experience working in high pressure settings; they are located across the country; they have security clearances; and they often have the flexibility and willingness to relocate.

Aside from Veterans Affairs, there are other organizations out there whose sole purpose is to place veterans in viable employment. Another is hirecanadianmilitary.com, a site not unlike Workpolis or Monster that was created by retired CF individuals to connect their "above the ordinary" skills, leadership and discipline with the right employer.

In this industry we need “above the ordinary” but finding it can sometimes be a challenge. Perhaps this avenue will open up some possibilities for your company. <> Editor

Resources Veterans Affairs Canada veterans.gc.ca CanVet VR Service canvetservices.com For employers looking to hire veterans, the contact for Right Management is: Karine Bergeron, job resources manager, Right Management, tel. 905.766.1961 or e-mail karine.bergeron@right.com.

4

HPAC | MARCH 2011

Editor Kerry Turner (416) 764-1549 kerry.turner@hpacmag.rogers.com ACCOUNT David Skene (416) 764-1590 MANAGER david.skene@hpacmag.rogers.com ACCOUNT John Chiasson (416) 764-1557 MANAGER john.chiasson@hpacmag.rogers.com Sales & Marketing Kim Rossiter (416) 764-1787 Coordinator kim.rossiter@rci.rogers.com Art Director Franca Romano (416) 764-1539 franca.romano@rci.rogers.com Production Manager Ajay Masih (416) 764-3914 ajay.masih@rci.rogers.com Circulation Manager Bibi Khan (416) 764-1450 bibi.khan@rci.rogers.com PUBLISHER Peter Leonard (416) 764-1510 peter.leonard@hpacmag.rogers.com Executive Publisher Tim Dimopoulos Rogers Media Inc. President and CEO Keith Pelley Rogers Publishing Ltd. President and CEO Brian Segal Senior Vice-President Business AND Professional Publishing John Milne SENIOR Vice-Presidents Michael Fox Vice-Presidents Immee Chee Wah, Patrick Renard

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40070230, Registration No. 10815 Return undeliverable items to: Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning, Circulation Dept., 8th Floor – 1 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4Y 2Y5 Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning (established 1923) is published 7 times per year

by Rogers Publishing Limited, a division of Rogers Media Inc. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners.

ISSN: 0017-9418 Contents Copyright © 2011 by Rogers Publishing Limited, may not be reprinted without permission.

Subscriber Services: To subscribe, renew your subscription or to change your address or information… please visit us at rogersb2bmedia.com/hpac.

Subscription Price per year: $40.00 CDN; Outside Canada per year: $80.00 US; Single copy Canada: $5.00 CDN. Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning is published 7 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues.

Mail Preferences: Occasionally we make our subscriber list available to reputable companies whose products or services may be of interest to you. If you do not want your name to be made available please contact us at rogers@cstonecanada.com or update your profile at rogersb2bmedia.com/hpac.

HPAC Magazine receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. HPAC Magazine, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort.

Notice: HPAC Magazine, Rogers Publishing Limited, their staff, officers, directors and shareholders (hence known as the “Publisher”) assume no liability, obligations, or responsibility for claims arising from advertised products. The Publisher also reserves the right to limit liability for editorial errors, omissions and oversights to a printed correction in a subsequent issue. HPAC Magazine’s editorial is written for management level mechanical industry personnel who have documented training in the mechanical fields in which they work. Manufacturers’ printed instructions, datasheets and notices always take precedence to published editorial statements.

Our environmental policy is available at rogerspublishing.ca.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Proud member of:

hpacmag.com

BR AD FOR D WH ITE

PRESENTED BY

MAKE A GREAT WATER HEATER EVEN BETTER! Introducing the Bradford White ICON System™ Accessory Packages. This incredible selection of water heater accessories allows you to offer your customers more hot water for their money, higher efficiency, greater energy savings, leak protection and full 7-day programmability. Build your business by making a great water heater even better!

• • • • • •

Integrated Mixing Device Accessory Module Leak Detection Sensor Rubber Dam Inlet Shut-Off Valve Energy Saving Programmable Control

Accessory packages are compatible with: • Bradford White ICON System • Honeywell WV4460 Control ASK YOUR WHOLESALER FOR DETAILS!

25506_Million_7x4.875_HALF.qxd

BRADFORDWHITE.COM 2/17/11 1:18 PM Page 1

It’s hard to beat a solid track record. As we start our second million, we know success breeds imitators. Other similar valves will hit the market, but they have a lot of catching up to do before they achieve the reliable performance and stellar reputation of The Bradford White ICON System™.

Having the well tested, proven technology of over one million Bradford White ICON System water heaters in the field is a statistic you and your business can depend upon.

If you haven’t tried the ICON system, here’s another reason to make the switch. The Bradford White ICON System remains the only “wholesale only” intelligent gas control valve sold exclusively through plumbing professionals.

Bradford White would like to thank all of you who have embraced this innovative technology and made the ICON System the incredible success it has become.

Built to be the Best™ 866.690.0961 | www.bradfordwhite.com ©2011, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

5

IWORX: THE SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE WAY TO CONTROL YOUR WORLD. iWorx is designed specifically for the light commercial and high-end residential markets, providing sophisticated, yet simple electronic controls.

Now you can easily control all types of HVAC heating, cooling and hydronics, and security. The system is capable of monitoring and controlling both single and multibuilding, multi-site installations.

TA C O

PRESENTED BY

Clients like the simplicity of this Windows-based, firmware-driven platform, managed by either a central touch-screen or remote PC. This instant flexibility means you profit by maximizing your system efficiency anytime - from anywhere. It will also increase dependability with no need to purchase extra service contracts or new software.

And iWorx is ready to run, right out of the box with no new software to buy or learn.

You simply input set points and then start controlling and monitoring on-site or through a web-enabled device. Plus you can make new additions simply and easily through the menu-driven, touch-screen controller. Adding more iWorx controllers is as simple as connecting a USB device to your home or office PC. It’s the perfect web-based system for just about any condominium. And what makes it even better is its ability to heat meter individual units, helping to preserve the building owner’s asset value.

The iWorx building management and monitoring system is designed to be affordable, flexible and scaleable. It just might be the perfect fit to control your world.

Taco Electronic Controls - Simply Brilliant!

Taco’s Electronic Controls feature all the latest advanced technologies - yet are built to be simple and above all, easy to use.

Front-mounted LED lights allow for quicker, easier diagnostics. Inside, the contractorfriendly HVAC nomenclature helps make everything clear. Premium factory sealed relays, low voltage circuits, plus a host of other smart refinements, simply make Taco’s Electronic Controls better. All previous plug-in features are now available on the board.

Easy to install and use, versatile and reliable, Taco Electronic Controls help create comfortable and dependable systems. Components include: Switching Relays, Zone Valve Controls, Priority Zoning Circulators and Hydro Fan Controls.

TACO-HVAC.COM 6

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Cool it!

The LOFlo Mixing Block (LMB) is the latest addition to our LoadMatch® System. It works as a complete injection mixing station, delivering the correct temperature – from low to high or high to low – at the terminal unit without affecting the pipe size.

It’s a convenient way to maintain a typical Delta “T” without increasing pipe sizes.

This new idea lowers both energy consumption plus initial material and installation costs. It also results in precise control of the room temperature. Cool.

The LMB provides only the flow and the temperature of water needed to satisfy the zone load at any given time.

TACO CANADA LTD. 8450 Lawson Road, Milton, ON L9T 0J8 Tel. 905-564-9422 Fax. 905-564-9436 www.floproteam.com

eLearning

Air Eliminators

Hot Water on D’MAND®

Circulators

Electronic Controls

Radiant Mixing Blocks

iSeries Mixing Valves

ProFit Parts

Software

FloPro Tutorials

Industry News

SEE THE LATEST HPAC e-newsletter @ hpacmag.com Bringing Inspectors Up To Speed The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) and the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to train Ontario municipal inspectors and other building officials in inspection processes and building code issues around geothermal heat pump technology, and to partner generally. CGC originally developed its inspector course materials in cooperation with City of Calgary’s Development and Building Approvals office and has consulted on the materials nationally.

“Regulators and policymakers are increasingly dealing with disjointed or inadequate regulations for geothermal, throughout the country,” remarked Ted Kantrowitz, CGC vice president. “Industry meanwhile finds great variation between inspectors, due mostly to varying levels of familiarity and comfort with our industry’s highly innovative, renewable energy technology. This partnership is intended to help strengthen municipal inspectors’ sophistication at the same time it improves the national quality program.”

Working with CGC in 2010, OBOA trained approximately 25 inspectors at its training facility in Barrie, ON. The

instructor then accompanied inspectors on several site visits for practicum exercises. OBOA, using its own facilitators, is currently deploying training for municipal inspectors throughout the province.

CGC's municipal tools, developed by a consortium of municipalities, include: a model inspection procedure, based on existing regulations; a municipal by-law template for regulating geoexchange; and a municipal policymaker guideline, with ranked steps to deal with geothermal systems. oboa.on.ca | geoexchange.ca

Software Tool Aims To Improve Energy-Efficiency NRCan’s CanmetENERGY Research Centre is collaborating with a private sector firm to market Diagnostic Agent For Building Operation (DABO) software, a tool to improve the performance of a building’s heating, ventilation and airconditioning equipment. An increasing number of building operators and engineers are raising the bar for energy efficiency. But while replacing outmoded heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment with modern products is an continued on page 10

The 29th Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA) annual conference – Cleaner Heat 2011, will be held at the White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Marketing keynote Ann Ward will open the speaker sessions on June 21, followed by Marc Raymond, vice president, business development, Spectius Underwriting Solutions Ltd. Raymond served on two committees for the Canadian Standards Association (B-365, Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and B-139, Installation Code for OilBurning Equipment). He also was the first accredited FOSIL (Fuel Oil Storage Inspection Logistics) instructor through COHA. Later in the day delegates will have the option of participating in the inaugural COHA Golf Cup or having a free afternoon to explore the region.

Seanna Callaghan returns to the Oil Heat conference on June 22. She is a partner in Gowlings’ Toronto office, practicing administrative law and commercial litigation, with

8

HPAC | MARCH 2011

an emphasis on regulatory matters, environmental law, product liability and contract disputes. Other highlights of the event include the Delivering The Goods Awards, the annual general meeting and the closing dinner at Jackson-Triggs Winery Estate. symposium.coha.ca More COHA news: The speaker program for the recent Managing and Mitigating Fuel Oil Tank Losses conference in Toronto included COHA president and CEO, Veronica Yu, COHA chairman Russell Noonan, Sylvain Villeneuve of Vilco, Michel Beaulieu of Roth and Mario Bouchard of Granby. spectius.ca

hpacmag.com

Photos: Jackson-Triggs

Oil heat ASSOCIATION Returns To Niagara Region

THE

strong, silent type

Always quiet. Always cool.

Silence is golden—which is why York made the investment to create the QuietDrive™ System. It features a swept wing fan for smooth airflow, a composite base pan to distribute and dampen sound, and an isolated compressor compartment to reduce noise so your customers (and neighbours) enjoy peace and quiet.

Say goodbye to programming hassles.

With the York® Affinity™ Residential Communicating Control, you get the simplicity and elegance of touch screen control. Meanwhile, your system gets the intelligent instructions it needs to make sure each part is contributing to whole home comfort.

FOR DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND GREAT SELLING POTENTIAL, CALL:

1-800-463-2604 OR VISIT US AT: www.yorkupg.com

< INDUSTRY NEWS

COMING SOON continued from page 8

attractive prospect, even the best equipment may waste considerable energy if it is not set up or used properly.

DABO detects and diagnoses system faults in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The software is installed in a building and directly connected to the central operating system so that all the fans, operation panels and other air treatment and distribution components can be remotely controlled and automated.

When it detects a fault, inconsistency or a malfunction, DABO produces an alert that includes a diagnosis and the corrective measures to be taken. “DABO is the equivalent of the most competent and experienced advisor that a building operator would dream of having at his side,” says Daniel Choinière, a technology development officer at NRCan and an expert in the design, operation and management of energy systems for buildings.

DABO’s development began 10 years ago and is part of several CanmetENERGY research projects jointly conducted with the International Energy Agency (IEA). canmetenergy-canmetenergie.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

KBIS TO DRAW TOP KITCHEN AND BATH COMPANIES The 48th annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) will be held April 26-28, 2011, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 500 industry leaders have signed on to exhibit to an anticipated 40,000 kitchen and bath professionals.

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW RETURNS TO VANCOUVER Canadian Geoexchange BC will hold its Fourth Biennial GeoExchange Conference and Trade Show on May 5-6, 2011, at the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser University. The program offers a Technical and an Audience stream for two distinct groups.

FREE, ONLINE DIRECTORY AVAILABLE The Ontario Business Program Guide gives business quick and free access to information on more than 60 government programs for business. It provides information in categories, such as advice and consultation, education and training, energy incentives, financing and tax credits. ontario.ca/businessprograms continued on page 12

• Canadian company in operation since 1985 • Engineered system design in accordance with ESA

PRESENTED BY

… A renewable energy distributor

MATRIX ENERGY

SOLAR PV SOLUTIONS Matrix Energy offers engineered system design and product supply of roof mounted Solar Photovoltaic systems for clean electricity generation. Grid-tie PV systems obtain LEED points, reduce electricity costs (Net Metering) and/or generate revenues over 20 years in the case of MicroFIT/ FIT contracts in Ontario. FIT and non-FIT compliant crystalline solar modules, single and three phase inverters, flush and flat roof mounts, BOS components in stock.

• Product supply, including FIT domestic content compliance • Technical support and training

Toll Free: 1-866-630-5630 x 216 Email: awilkins@matrixenergy.ca www.matrixenergy.ca 10

HPAC | MARCH 2011

MATRIXENERGY.CA HPACMAG.COM

Voice recordings because pen and paper aren’t always handy 320 x 240 resolution because you said bigger is definitely better Rugged design because not every job happens at ground level

Based on you.

Built by Fluke.

The job site is where real life sparks real innovation. And because we start by listening to real-world pros like you, we know how to build real-world tools. Get faster, safer, and smarter.

See the innovations you’ve inspired, www.fluke.com/2innovate Phone 800-363-5853 Where to buy at www.flukecanada.ca Introducing a thousand innovations for a thousand jobs.

Nothing unnecessary. Nothing wasted. Just the best tools, based on you, built by Fluke.

Fluke. ©2010 Fluke Corporation. AD 3852144A

Not just infrared.

Infrared you can use.TM

< Industry News

continued from page 10

Standard due this month Natural Resources Canada’s Heads Up Energy Efficiency Newsletter reports that a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) technical committee, with representatives from government agencies, owners and the design and contracting communities, will release CSA Z320 this month. This is the first edition of the long-awaited national standard on the commissioning of buildings in Canada.

The standard, which will apply to new construction and renovations to existing buildings, will provide a comprehensive process for validating and documenting the optimal performance of a completed building and its systems.

Included in the standard are mechanical, electrical, vertical and horizontal transportation sub-systems, as well as architectural and control systems. oee.nrcan.gc.ca/commercial/technical-info/newsletter.cfm

(ALI) spring online series. Twelve online instructor-led short courses run from late March through early May. Basics of High Performance Building Design, taking place April 27, focuses on the basic application of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, and ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/ IES Standard 189.1-2009, Standard for the Design of HighPerformance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

On May 4, Advanced High Performance Building Design focuses on advanced concepts involved in applying Standards 90.1 and 189.1 to achieve high-performance building design. More emphasis is placed on case studies to move beyond the minimum requirements of these standards. ashrae.org/onlinecourses

Energy Report Available Now High Performance Online Two courses related to high-performance building design are being offered as part of ASHRAE Learning Institute’s

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada has launched its second BOMA BESt Energy continued on page 16

Standards

Application Tools

| Education & Training

Workplace Electrical Safety Affects Everyone.

Electricians aren’t the only ones who need to give due consideration to electrical safety. Mechanical contractors and HVAC installers need to be mindful of the dangers of electric shock and arc flash while working on or around electrical equipment.

CSA Z462 provides important guidance on best practices in complying with provincial regulations for electrical safety, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment when working around electrical hazards.

12

HPAC | MARCH 2011

hpacmag.com

Time to get PUMPED!

PRESENTED BY

SAN I FL O

Gray water pumps (under counter pumps) are a quick, easy-to-install solution for both residential and commercial applications and Saniflo Canada offers the best. For basements or places where additional fixtures are most wanted, Saniflo recommends the SANISWIFT, the next-generation gray water pump.

The SANISWIFT is a powerful unit with a compact design and modern style that makes it stand apart from the competition. This unit can handle multiple fixtures and makes even the most difficult installations quick and easy. Unprecedented performance and features make this pump unmatched in its class.

The SANISWIFT benefits consumers and installers alike, saving both time and money, as the unit comes pre-assembled, is quick and easy to install, includes the check-valve and requires no filters. The unit is quiet, aesthetically pleasing and its small size allows it to fit anywhere you need. The unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three inlets connect easily to a washing machine (indirect), sinks, even a shower, and like all Saniflo products, the SANISWIFT is clean, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free.

For more information, visit www.saniflo.ca or call 1-800-363-5874.

WWW.SANIFLO.CA

The original plumbing solution since 1958

VENT

1-800-363-5874 | www.saniflo.ca

Wet bars

Kitchens

The next generation of gray water pump, pre-assembled and easy to install All-in-one check valves, 3 inlets, pre-assembled Compact smaller than similar products

Laundry rooms

High value one product, one SKU, unlimited applications Sinks HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

13

VIEGA PROPRESS® IS THE SMART CHOICE Viega’s innovative press technology has revolutionized plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems around the world. Introduced in the Americas in 1999, Viega ProPress provides a line of copper fittings that exceeds codes, standards and customer expectations.

V IE GA

PRESENTED BY

Viega ProPress is the fastest, most reliable way to join copper pipe without flame.

Available in the widest variety of configurations and sizes on the market, Viega ProPress is the system of choice for commercial, industrial and residential projects. Designed to be versatile, durable and reliable, Viega ProPress creates a wide range of installation possibilities.

With three different sealing element choices, Viega ProPress can be customized to suit any type of application, whether it is potable water, solar, fire sprinkler, process piping or industrial gases.

Viega ProPress offers the unique Smart Connect® feature that helps installers guarantee that they have pressed all connections. Only true Viega fittings have our patented Smart Connect feature.

As an additional safety benefit, Viega fittings also provide cylindrical pipe guides which help installers ensure that the fitting is correctly inserted on the pipe. Fittings that do not have cylindrical pipe guides risk damage to the sealing element, as well as an insecure connection.

By combining speed with reliability, Viega ProPress helps keep a job on schedule without compromising quality. Installers can make connections in less than seven seconds on sizes 1/2" to 4". Viega fittings are pressed before, after and on top of the sealing element in a single step, which creates a permanent connection that is secure and guaranteed to last.

Viega ProPress copper is the smart choice for any commercial or residential installation, perfectly suited for most applications. Viega ProPress is the total systems solution that can solve any installation problem. Not only does Viega ProPress provide the best copper joining system in the industry, Viega also offers more fitting configurations than any other manufacturer as well as a single tool that can join all Viega fitting connections.

One manufacturer, one tool, one system for all your plumbing, heating or pipe joining projects, Viega ProPress is the smart choice for your installation.

VIEGA.COM 14

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Viega press technology is faster and more reliable than traditional soldering, and we’re willing to prove it. ®

ProPress features and benefits: • Makes a secure connection in four to seven seconds on sizes 1/2" to 4", over 60 percent faster than soldering* • Proven under pressure to provide a consistent, strong, reliable, air/water-tight seal • Eliminates need for tanks, torches, thread cutters, solder and flux.

• Meets the most rigorous testing codes and standards in North America • Allows joining of wet connections, making it the fastest flameless repair solution • 50-year warranty on the connection Check out the amazing prizes you could win at www.ViegaChallenge.com.

Take the Viega ProPress It! Challenge and see why Viega is the global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining. *MCAA labor times for sweat (solder cup) vs. press

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

Contact Viega for more details: 1-800-976-9819

The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems

< INDUSTRY NEWS

continued from page 12

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AWARD GOES TO CANMETENERGY The CoolSolution approach to refrigeration in arenas and supermarkets, which has helped reduce GHG emissions by about 1.6 megatonnes a year, has saved approximately $15 million in annual energy costs and lowered operating costs by an estimated $40,000 to $100,000 per year.

Those achievements have taken the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) CanmetENERGY team from Varennes, QC, to the winners circle. The team received a 2010 Technology Transfer Award from the Federal Partners in Technology Transfer (FPTT) initiative for developing the CoolSolution program.

Through partnerships with owners and managers of institutional and commercial buildings, energy providers, consulting engineers, refrigeration manufacturers and HVAC specialists, the team was successful in deploying energyefficient refrigeration and heating systems at more than 100 supermarkets and 100 rinks across the country. canmetenergy-canmetenergie.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

BECKETT CANADA

and Environmental Report (BBEER). Available online, the report is based on the BOMA BESt (Building Environmental Standards) program for commercial real estate in Canada.

The 2010 BBEER provides an overview of the energy and environmental performance of approximately 300 existing buildings, representing 92.3 million square feet, which were certified between June 2009 and June 2010 based on the BOMA BESt assessment, Levels 2 to 4.

The report’s key findings indicate an increase in BOMA BESt scores showing that the program plays a significant role in improving building performance. The overall energy intensity average for BOMA BESt certified buildings is 31.85 equivalent kilowatt hour per square foot per year (ekWh/sq.ft./yr), which is lower than the national average of 36.65 ekWh/sq.ft./yr.

The report also provides values by building size, age and region and identifies the percentage of buildings that have implemented retrofits, incorporated energy and water efficient features, and have strong environmental management practices and policies in place. bomabest.com

PRESENTED BY

em Probled.

Solv • Save money and energy • Reduce inventory

With one quick installation, you can cut your boiler customer’s fuel costs by 20%!

Beckett’s AquaSmartTM advanced control for residential and light commercial boiler systems features a backlit digital display for easy programming, and system history memory storage for help with diagnostics and troubleshooting.

When paired with the Beckett HeatManagerTM, the AquaSmartTM provides up to 20% fuel consumption savings.

• Reduce service call-backs

R.W. Beckett Canada Ltd. • www.beckettcanada.ca

BECKETTCANADA.CA 16

HPAC | MARCH 2011

5:%B$GB$TXD6PDUWB4XDUWHUB6%B�LQGG

HPACMAG.COM ��������

RIDE FOR HABITAT RETURNS The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada have announced that the second annual “Ride for Habitat” will take place on August 21, 2011. Co-sponsored

by CIPH and HRAI, the motorcycle ride will raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Canada. For more information call 416-695-0447.

STANDARD COULD RESULT IN 20 PER CENT SAVINGS The voluntary ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard outlines a systematic approach to achieving continual improvement in energy performance for all types and sizes of organizations.

“Industries that implement and maintain an EnMS can achieve energy savings between 10 and 20 per cent in the first five years. Industry adoption, however, will depend on the ease of integration into a company’s culture, as well as enabling supports such as information sharing and training,” said Michael Burke, director, industrial programs divi-

sion at NRCan’s Office of Energy Efficiency. ISO 50001 is expected to be published in the third quarter of 2011. iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1399

ACQUISITIONS TZP Capital Partners, a private equity fund, has completed its acquisition of The Dwyer Group, Inc., a franchising company of trades service brands, including Mr. Rooter. The Dwyer Group’s executive team will remain in place and the company name will not change. dwyergroup.com Bogar-Paterson Ltd. of Oakville, ON has acquired the HVAC Hamilton division of TESC Contracting Company Ltd., a multi-disciplinary contracting company offering integrated, single-source construction services to industrial, institutional and commercial clients for over 30 years. Bogar-Paterson Ltd. is an HVAC contractor providing services to the commercial, industrial and marine business sectors. bogar-paterson.com <>

Access Panels Inc. introduces the SNAP FIT Access Panel.

Designed to cover pipes and valves behind walls in residential and commercial applications. The panels feature: White Texture Finish - Powder coated for a sleek and durable finish Corrosion Resistant - Ideal for plumbing applications Quick and Easy Installation - Snaps securely in place Sizes - From 6x6 to 18x18 Insert side with single flap into wall opening.

Push down.

Push forward to snap panel into place.

Call today to find out how you can get 10% off your first order!

Tel: (905) 760-1212 HPACMAG.COM

Toll Free 1-855-760-1212

www.accesspanels.ca MARCH 2011 | HPAC

17

ZUBA-CENTRAL LOW-AMBIENT HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

MIT S U B IS H I E L E CTRI C

PRESENTED BY

Mitsubishi Electric’s Zuba-Central is an ENERGY STAR-rated forced-air heat pump designed specifically for the Canadian market. Unlike traditional heat pumps which cannot operate when the outdoor temperature gets below 0°C, Zuba-Central offers 100% heating capacity at -15°C. Even when outdoor temperatures go down to -30°C, Zuba-Central can still function at peak efficiency with 75% capacity.

Designed for Canada The secret behind such high-heating performance, even under extremely low outdoor temperatures, is our exclusive Hyper-Heat Inverter (H2i) technology. The H2i technology overcomes the shortfall of compressors overheating in cold temperatures for trying to maintain a stable discharge pressure. This gives Zuba-Central the power to maintain a high-heating capacity and achieve higher performances without being affected by the cold.

Powerful Savings The Zuba-Central heat pump system can cut annual home heating and cooling costs by as much as 60% while slashing carbon emissions. Comparing heat pumps’ energy efficiency to other means of heating, even the most efficient gas furnaces only have COP of 0.95 and electric furnaces are 1.0.

Not to mention the propane and oil furnaces that go further down on the list.

Zuba-Central’s COP ranges from 1.4 to 3.19, depending on the outside temperature, and it actually gets more efficient as temperatures increase!

In an estimated calculation for a typical 2,500 sq. ft. home in Vancouver, it would cost up to $2,967 for heating with electricity annually. Yet with Zuba-Central, the annual heating cost would be as low as $904, saving over $2000 a year! Although actual savings may vary depending on application and rates from different energy providers, the savings are significant.

Quiet, Compact, and User-Friendly: It’s called Mitsubishi Electric Quality Zuba-Central’s outdoor unit runs as low as 52dB(A).

With the outdoor unit measuring only 13 inches deep, you can have it installed virtually anywhere alongside the exterior wall without taking up much real estate. In addition, Zuba-Central now features a new touchscreen thermostat which ensures smoother installations and provides the homeowner with seamless state-ofthe-art controllability.

It is our commitment to innovation, technology and service – we stand behind every product that bears the Mitsubishi Electric name.

ZUBAHOME.CA 18

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

* Figures provided without inducing obligation or liability and vary depending on application and energy provider. For an accurate account of savings, obtain an energy audit by a qualified professional.

Unparalleled performance in canadian Winters.

Zuba-Central low-ambient heat pumps heat even at -30˚C and beyond. built For Canadians

Zuba-Central fits into new or existing ductwork to provide whole-home, year-round comfort.

save up to

60%

Save up to 60% on annual home heating and cooling costs.*

To learn more visit

ZubaHome.ca

Provides excellent heating performance even when ambient temperatures reach -30°C and beyond.

An effective geothermal alternative at a fraction of the equipment cost.

< BUILDING PERFORMANCE

Pay Now Or PAY Later Modeling downward heat losses – a last opportunity before a lost opportunity. BY ROBERT BEAN

A

found in Canada and provisioned for RSI increases where water levels are present within five metres (16.4 ft) of the slab base layer. However, such an international benchmark won’t reduce the domestic risk created with the latest edition of the National Building Code.

It references CSA B214-07 Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems, which does not require manufactured insulation; rather it allows an equivalency based on the soil conductivity between the underside of the slab and top of the water table. This means that in jurisdictions enforcing the CSA B214, manufactured insulation will not be required if it can be shown that the soil provides a, “thermal resistance value equivalent to an RSI 0.9 m2•K/W (R5 h•ft2•°F/ Figure 1 Sample hourly FEA screen shots for transient foundation heat flows from a yearly simulation.

Btu) between the concrete and the highest point of the water table.”

So I ask: Where exactly is the highest point of the water table in the presence of degrees of moisture saturation, which in some cases can radically fluctuate in all three dimensions?

Furthermore, such a prescriptive clause 20

HPAC | MARCH 2011

hpacmag.com

Photo iStockphoto

s many readers know, one of my pet peeves lies with under slab insulation, particularly as it relates to heated slabs. I, like a dog with a bone, will not let it go because slabs are permanent elements of the enclosure and are frequently placed without a thorough analysis of downward losses. In the case of residential buildings, the absence of such a review can forever penalize homeowners with operating costs of an unknown magnitude (see Note).

In an ISO document currently being developed by global experts in radiant heating and cooling, there is to be a minimum requirement of RSI 2.0 m2•K/W (R value ≈ 12 h•ft2•°F/Btu) for heated slabs typical of climates

Figure 2 Sample FEA screen shots (on grade-left; below grade-right) in a side-by-side steady state comparison between an uninsulated (right) and insulated heated slab (left) for a specific set of conditions.

On Grade

presumes the contractor responsible for the insulation decision has extensive historical knowledge of the geotechnical conditions and has the skills to ascertain if the subsoil meets the requirements of the code. Demonstrating this knowledge and skill is not defined by the code. One does not have to be a professional architect or engineer to sign off on something with the potential for unintended consequences.

To be clear, I am a big fan of the CSA B214 and reference it frequently, but having trained thousands of contractors, engineers and architects, I can say with certainty that only a few of those working in the residential sector will have a thorough understanding of what lurks five metres (16.4 ft) below the slab. I also know from experience that, driven by value engineering, what is stated as a minimum in code becomes maximum in practice.

It has been said before but bears repeating -- the principles of heat and mass transfer through the enclosure apply to all six sides of the building. It remains a mystery

NOTE: Two recent cases: one in Ontario, Canada and another in New Mexico, U.S. dealing with uninsulated heated slabs having underperforming systems with excessively high and unsustainable fuel bills. In both cases the above grade enclosures exceeded local building code standards.

Both homeowners purchased radiant systems because of their claimed energy efficiency. Message – in the absence of enclosure efficiency even efficient HVAC systems look like mutts.

BELOW Grade

to this author as to why there are minimum insulation requirements enforced for walls and roofs but under slab insulation in residential buildings remains at the discretion of “others” (exceptions to jurisdictions enforcing to the contrary).

At polar extremes and of equal interest for commercial buildings, is the requirement in the Model National Energy Code for full insulation under all heated slabs in all climate zones. This applies regardless of whether a thorough analysis can show full interior insulation as unnecessary, particularly in large high performance buildings where fluid temperatures can be within 8C (15F) of space temperatures. For the record, this is not just a Canadian issue; there is little consistency on the North American continent between national, state and provincial codes when it comes to specifying under slab insulation.

To bring some understanding to the topic, the following are the key influences for analyzing downward heat loss: 1. Soil characteristics including soil type, moisture content and density below and adjacent to slabs and transient characteristics of the “water table” including short- and long-term patterns.

2. Temperatures above and below grade; temperature desired for space conditions; temperatures in heating pipes, a function of the slab conductivity, surface flux, tube spacing and flooring characteristics.

This includes tube patterns, i.e. warmest fluid versus coolest fluid in relation to edge. continued on page 22

hpacmag.com

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

21

< B UILDING PERFORMANCE

continued from page 21

“ ...driven by value engineering, what is stated as a minimum in code becomes maximum in practice. ” 3. Slab characteristics including flooring R values, thickness, conductivity and elevation in relation to grade and enclosure performance above and adjacent to the heated slab, including effects from solar gains.

4. Aspect ratio of building, that being either the width to length ratio or area to perimeter ratio, that is rectangular buildings versus square buildings.

One residential slab on and below grade heat loss tool incorporating some of the items above is BASECALC, a finite-element (FEA) calculations tool offered at no cost by Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY. Though the use of FEA for residential design is limited to a few enthusiasts, BASECALC has a friendly front end which makes it easy to use by everyone.

For a bit more flexibility, including the incorporation of heating pipes, one has to step into proprietary FEA programs. These can model steady state and transient conditions (Figure 1 and 2) using various combinations of foundations, radiant designs and soil conditions, but even these can become difficult to set up for unknown geologies, including non-homogenous soil conditions.

Due to the uncertainty between simple and complex analysis under steady state and transient conditions, I am of the opinion in the absence of professional involvement, that all residential slabs should be insulated with a minimum R-8 type 2, 3 or 4 EPS/XPS insulation.

With large square commercial buildings, say a 100,000 ft2 shopping centre on top of a well-drained rise formed primarily with layers of dry sandier soils and less than 10 per cent chance of flood waters ever approachSteam and Hot Water ing five metres (16.4 ft.) under the “Flexible Tube” Boilers slab, there is little energy benefit from insulating under the entire slab interior. However, move that same • Exclusive “Flexible Water structure (or a small residential slab Tube” design for that matter) next to a well known • Full non-prorated 25 Year flood plain, turn that square into a Warranty protection against long narrow rectangular building and thermal shock you will have a completely different • High efficiency performance project to evaluate.

• Simplified maintenance

• 15 to 300 lbs. working pressure • 6 to 600 HP • Oil, Gas, Dual Fuel, Electric

Get the whole story now at bryanboilers.com

Originators of the “Flexible Water Tube” design

Bryan Steam LLC • Leaders Since 1916 783 N. Chili Ave., Peru, IN 46970 / Phone: 765-473-6651 / Fax: 765-473-3074 E-Mail: inquiry@bryansteam.com / www.bryanboilers.com

Resources: 1. canmetenergy-canmetenergie.nrcanrncan.gc.ca/eng/software_tools/ basecalc.html 2. Neymark, J., Judkoff, R., BeausoleilMorrison, I., Ben-Nakhi, A., Crowley, M., Deru, M., Henninger, R., Ribberink, H., Thornton, J., Wijsman, A., Witte, M., IEA BESTEST In-Depth Diagnostic Cases for Ground Coupled Heat Transfer Related To Slab-On-Grade Construction, Eleventh International IBPSA Conference, Glasgow, Scotland, July 27-30, 2009 3. Beausoleil-Morrison, I., Paige Kemery,B., Analysis of Basement

Commercial/Industrial Steam and Hot Water Boilers, Boiler Room Accessories 22

HPAC | MARCH 2011

hpacmag.com

Robert Bean, R.E.T., P.L. (Eng.), is a registered practitioner in building construction engineering technology (ASET) and a professional licensee in mechanical engineering (APEGGA). He has over 30 years experience in the construction industry specializing in energy and indoor environmental quality. Bean is an author and lecturer for professional development programs addressing building science, thermal comfort quality, indoor air quality and radiant based HVAC systems.

Insulation Alternatives, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, April 30, 2009 4. Chuangchid, P., Krarti, M., Foundation heat loss from heated concrete slabon-grade floors, Joint Center for Energy Management (JCEM), CEAE Department, University of Colorado.

5. CAN/ULC-S701-05 Standard for Thermal Insulation, Polystyrene, Boards and Pipe Covering.

6. Hutcheon, N.B., Handegord, G.O.P., Building Science for a Cold Climate, National Research Council Canada, 1995

HPACMAG.COM

PRESENTED BY

Interestingly, building owners who have properly insulated slabs never call me crying over excessive fuel bills. Unless you have figured out a way to insulate underneath a slab "later" or have powers greater than Mother Nature for controlling soil conductivities, insulate your slabs or hire a building science professional to evaluate your project.

You may or may not need full insulation but when it comes to concrete and insulation you get one chance – as they say in retail – all sales are final. <>

HG SPEC

HG FLOW REGULATORS Water is becoming more precious than ever.

It’s an essential resource for all types of living forms on earth. In order to help homeowners and industries to save this valuable resource, HG Spec presents its flow regulators.

Not only can they help save water, but also energy and money, as many areas and industries must comply with taxes on water.

HG Flow regulators will keep a constant water flow rate within variations of 15%. HG Flow regulators have applications in a lot of domains, such as general household use (electronic faucet, tankless water heater, water softener, etc.), industrial use (distributing machine, geothermal system, etc.) and even irrigation.

HGSPEC.COM

FLOW REGULATORS

It helps you save water, money, and energy

Available in many flow rates, for a wide variety of applications HG Spec inc. | T. 450.434.3384 | www.hgspec.com MARCH 2011 | HPAC

23

< pumps

P Δ

Paradigm Shift In Technology

The basics of “Delta P” pumping in small hydronic systems. BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

U

ntil recently, circulators used in smaller hydronic heating systems have undergone relatively minor changes. The vast majority of these circulators are cast-iron, wet-rotor, inline circulators with PSC (permanent split capacitor) motors, and two-bolt flanges.

Over the last three decades, the motor size and amount of metal used in these circulators have slightly decreased as a result of value engineering.

Most have also transitioned from single- to three-speed motors, which allows the installer to better match the circulator’s characteristic curve to that of the system. Finally, many of them now come with an internal check valve that eliminates the need for an external flow check valve. I

would categorize these changes as evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Circulator manufacturers have done a good job in creating a relatively low cost product that gets installed in a hot, wet, potentially corrosive environment, where it is expected to last at least 20 years, with zero maintenance. Can you think of another mechanical or electrical device in your house that could meet this same standard?

The competitive nature of the market has resulted in small circulators becoming commodities. As such, no single manufacturer offers a competitively-priced product that is vastly superior in terms of technology, lifespan, or energy efficiency. Although I may have ruffled a few feathers with that last sentence, it is not a put down, just my observation.

The fact that just about all these small circulators come with the same 6-3/8" face-to-face dimension between their two-bolt flanges, and are thus easily interchangeable, confirms their commodity status.

An exploded view of a small ECM powered circulator.

24

HPAC | MARCH 2011

About three years ago, a new type of small circulator appeared in the North American market. It was equipped with an ECM (electronically commutated motor), along with on-board electronics and intelligence to automatically regulate motor speed in response to operating conditions.

Since then, additional circulators with similar characteristics have entered the North American market. By my count, there are now four manufacturers offering variable speed circulators with ECM motors in North America. Others are sure to follow. hpacmag.com

Image: courtesy Grundfos

THE NEW KIDS IN TOWN

Although the current offerings differ as to how motor speed is controlled, as well as their “user interface,” they all represent a paradigm shift to a new level of technology. This article discusses the basics of how the majority of these “smart” circulators work and how they can be applied.

ECM motor technology is based on a permanent magnet rotor in which very strong rare earth (neodymium) magnets are sealed into the rotor assembly. There are no windings

than PSC motors. This greatly reduces the possibility of a “stuck rotor” condition after prolonged shut down periods.

Although variable speed circulators can be used for applications, such as boiler anti-condensation control and injection mixing, this article focuses on their use as heating (or cooling) distribution circulators. As such, they are ideal in systems using valve-based zoning. Such a system could use electrically operated zone valves, thermostatic radiator

“A properly controlled variable speed circulator can alleviate this undesirable increase in differential pressure.” within the rotor and no brushes between the rotor and stationary part of the motor.

The operating concept of an ECM motor is straightforward. A microprocessor and associated solid-state switching circuitry control electrical current flow through the stator pole. This causes the magnetic polarity of each pole to change from north to south and vice versa, or remain off.

The combined attraction and repulsion forces generated between the permanent magnet rotor and poles create a torque that causes the rotor to spin. The faster the stator poles change polarity, the faster the rotor spins.

Electronically commutated motors are ideal when accurate speed control is needed. They are also significantly more efficient at converting electrical energy into mechanical energy compared to the permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors used in most current wet rotor circulators. ECMs also create approximately four times greater starting torque Figure 1 Relationship between the circulator pump curve and head loss curve.

pump curve for fixed speed circulator

15

3 zones operating 4 zones operating

5 0

2

4 6 8 flow rate (gpm)

desirable decrease in flow rate

10

12

4

H

6

10

0

8

design operating point

D 144

20

2

P=

head added / loss (feet)

undesirable increase in differential pressure

0

valves, or even a combination of the two.

Assume the system is operating at design conditions, with all zone valves open. Figure 1 shows the relationship between the circulator’s pump curve (shown in red), and the system’s head loss curve (shown in grey). Their intersection represents hydraulic equilibrium, where the circulator imparts head energy to the water at exactly the same rate that the piping system dissipates head energy from the water through friction. This intersection is called the design operating point of the system.

If one or more of the zone valves closes, either fully or partially, the system’s head loss curve immediately becomes steeper, as shown by the blue curve in Figure 1.

If a fixed speed circulator is used and no differential pressure bypass valve is installed, the operating point moves up the pump curve until it settles at the new operating point (shown in yellow).

The movement of the operating point can be broken into two components: A move to the left and a move upward.

The movement to the left is desirable because it represents a reduction in flow through the system. This is an intended consequence of closing, or partially closing a zone valve.

The upward movement indicates an increase in differential pressure between the supply and return headers. This is undesirable because it causes flow in other operating zone circuits to increase and there is no need for this. In some systems the increased flow can even cause flow noise or erosion of metal pipe.

CRUISE CONTROL FOR DELTA P A properly controlled variable speed circulator can alleviate this undesirable increase in differential pressure. When set in constant delta P mode, the variable speed circulator continued on page 28

hpacmag.com

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

25

Meet Tomorrow’s Energy Challenges with the “Efficiency Plus” Program from Viessmann

V IE S S M A NN

PRESENTED BY

Limited natural gas and oil reserves and the dangerous effects of climate change are two of the biggest challenges we face today. With the heating sector accounting for approximately 40% of our daily energy consumption, it is time to rethink the way in which we consume energy.

The “Efficiency Plus” Concept Finding ways to conserve and substitute fossil fuels wherever possible is key to a sustainable energy policy – and the basis of our “Efficiency Plus” program. An integrated energy concept that promotes the reduced consumption of fossil fuels and the sensible substitution with renewable energies, the “Efficiency Plus” program offers leading-edge heating solutions across different fuel types and for all applications and budgets. With “Efficiency Plus” every home and business can now play an active role in reducing fuel consumption and protecting our tomorrow.

“Efficiency Plus” at Work At our headquarters in Allendorf, Germany, this sustainability concept has been implemented to showcase what businesses, municipalities and households can do today to lower energy bills and protect the environment of tomorrow with technology that is already on the market. A fully-integrated state-of-the-art energy centre – featuring combined heat/ power units, condensing technology, wood-fired boiler technology and solar thermal and power systems – delivers heat, air conditioning and power to the entire site. Combined with lean manufacturing practices, the “Efficiency Plus” project has reduced oil, gas and power consumption at our site by 40% and cut CO2 emissions by a third.

The “Efficiency Plus” For You With our “Efficiency Plus” program of future-proof high-efficiency fossil fuel condensing, complete solar thermal and advanced biomass heating solutions, you are uniquely positioned to meet tomorrow’s energy challenges. Whether as a single-energy or integrated multi-energy system, our products are designed to generate maximum energy savings and performance for all your projects – no matter what the application or budget.

Boiler room at the energy centre at Viessmann Head Office in Germany. State-of-the-art combined heat / power units, condensing technology, biomass boilers and solar systems.

Efficiency Plus VIESSMANN.CA 26

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

< PUMPS

continued from page 25

acts like a cruise control for differential pressure. If the differential pressure across the headers attempts to go up, the circulator senses this attempt and automatically reduces speed to cancel it out and to maintain the same differential

Figure 3 Hydraulic separation provided by low head loss boiler or closely spaced tees. zone circuits

majority of total head loss ! occurs within branch circuits! rather than common piping

Figure 2 Maintaining constant differential pressure.

zone ! valves

20

constant differential pressure control

15 10

6

2

4 zones on

0

2

4 6 8 flow rate (gpm)

10

12

0

pressure. This process is depicted in Figure 2. It takes only a few seconds for the electronics in the variable speed circulator to detect a departure from its set delta P and respond with a speed change to cancel out the attempted change.

This detection and speed correction is all done without need of any external sensors. If additional zones open or close, the same compensation procedure repeats itself.

The constant delta P mode is ideal in systems where the majority of the head loss occurs within the individual zone circuits and thus only a small portion of the heat loss occurs through the headers and heat source. A cast iron boiler with generously sized headers supplying multiple zone circuits from the headers is a good example. Another is a system with generously sized headers that are connected to a heat source through a pair of closely spaced tees or a hydraulic separator. Examples of this piping are shown in Figure 3.

Some small ECM-based circulators can also be set to operate in proportional differential pressure mode. This mode is intended for use with systems configured as twopipe direct return or two-pipe reverse return. An example of the latter is shown in Figure 4.

In both two-pipe configurations, a significant portion of the system’s total head loss occurs in the supply and return mains. Proportional differential pressure control better compensates for this effect relative to constant differential pressure control. It reduces differential pressure HPAC | MARCH 2011

low head loss! heat source

majority of total head loss ! occurs within branch circuits! rather than common piping

zone circuits

high head loss! heat source

zone ! valves constant ∆P! circulator

low head loss headers! and common piping

Figure 4 Piping well suited to proportional differential pressure control.

ECM circulator! set for proportional! delta P supply main

branch

3 zones on

system head loss curves

28

low head loss headers! and common piping

4

5 0

8

⎛ D ⎞ ∆P = ∆H ⎜ ⎝ 144 ⎟⎠

head added / loss (feet)

pump curves decreasing circulator speed

zone valve heat emitter

balancing valve

return main

HPACMAG.COM

Figure 5 Proportional differential pressure control.

pump curves decreasing circulator speed system head loss curves 3

4 zones on

ICING ON THE CAKE head @ design

1/2 head @ design

head added / loss (feet)

1 2

flow rate (gpm)

PRESENTED BY

HYDRONIC PARTS GROUP

with reduced flow rate as shown in Figure 5. The goal is to minimize differential pressure variations across any given crossover regardless of which, or how many crossovers, are

PEERLESS BOILER PRODUCTS The Peerless® PUREFIRE® Series Stainless Steel Condensing boilers are available from 50 to 399mbh inputs with efficiency up to 97.3% (750 & 1000mbh avail. June 2011) natural & LP Gas use.

The PUREFIRE incorporates features such as; ASME Stainless Steel heat exchanger, high quality stainless steel modulating burner, front mounted LCD controls capable of cascading of up to 16 boilers, DHW Priority, conveniently located CPVC venting / intake connections, built in condensate neutralizer, easy access electrical & control connections,120v service outlet, wall mount kits and more.

For more information call: 877-633-0334

HYDRONICPARTSGROUP.COM HPACMAG.COM

active at a given time.

Both constant differential pressure control, and proportional differential pressure control eliminate the need for differential pressure bypass valves in the system. The savings associated with not having to install such a valve significantly reduces the incrementally higher cost of ECMbased circulators, especially in smaller systems.

Besides differential pressure control, ECM-based variable speed circulators can significantly reduce electrical energy use relative to that of standard PSC circulators. Each time the operating point moves left, down or both, the input wattage to the circulator’s motor decreases. The exact savings depends on the system and how many hours of partial flow the system experiences.

Partial flow results from a combination of moderating weather, zone temperature setback and internal heat HPGSales_HPAC

1:56 continued PM Page on 1 page 32

11/24/2010

Peerless Boilers ®

®

Leading manufacturer of ENERGY STAR approved heating equipment; undisputed world leader of 90%+ efficient boilers.

Visit our locations and ask about the Peerless product line!

TORONTO Ph.: 416-233-4222

HAMILTON Ph.: 905-523-7294

LONDON Ph.: 519-649-1908

OTTAWA Ph.: 613-526-4537

www.hydronicpartsgroup.com

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

29

ŏ Climate Control™ Zoning System Offers Wireless Control of Radiant Zones for Faster Installation, Greater Comfort Control The Climate Co˘ntrol™ Zoning System uses the latest wireless

The wireless thermostats offer battery

technology for complete radiant control in every room of

status indication - running on two

a home or building — offering users a system that is more

standard AAA batteries - and are

convenient to control and requires less time for contractors to

available in a white or silver finish.

set up and install.

For flexible placement and integration with interior décor, the thermostats can mount on a wall or sit on a stand on tables or shelves.

remodels, the Zoning System installs

UPONOR

PRESENTED BY

An ideal solution for retrofits and easily and is intuitive to set up.

It offers competitive savings, beating installation costs once one base unit controls three or more zones or even on a traditional five zone install on hardware alone – not to mention additional labour savings. Offering significantly less wiring from remote to actuator location – relocation of thermostats is also made easy.

The Zoning System includes a radio-controlled base unit, an interface module and wireless thermostats. The base unit uses a special FCC-approved radio protocol to ensure consistent signal quality. Connecting up to 12 wireless thermostats, the unit can also accommodate and control up to 14 thermal actuators. Additional base units are also able to link together for larger installations.

The interface module can control up to three base units, offering remote monitoring of setpoints and room

User- and contractor-friendly, Uponor’s Climate Co˘ntrol™

temperatures with the ability to set adjustment limits for the

Zoning System offers dependability, convenience and the

thermostats. Able to assign a

ultimate in comfort control.

room name to each thermostat and speed troubleshooting by displaying status issues, the device also has an exercising feature for valves and pumps, automatic

Formerly Wirsbo

summer and winter settings and night setbacks for thermostats.

UPONOR.CA 30

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Sébastien Pion, Technical Sales Representative

Simply Efficient At Uponor, we believe in helping our customers achieve their vision. Whether through our products or people, we will go above and beyond to meet our customers’ needs. Just ask Jacques De Grâce, a visionary Engineer who was faced with a significant and challenging project. When Jacques and his firm, Pageau Morel, needed the right products and expertise to meet their needs, they contacted Sebastien Pion, Uponor's Technical Sales Representative. Together they crafted a solution that exceeded his customer’s expectations.

That’s because at Uponor, we offer Simply More.

Uponor EP Manifold www.uponor.ca

< pumps

continued from page 29

incrementally higher installed cost of these circulators in a very short time. The “payback” is likely to be under five years. From the standpoint of monthly cash flow, where electrical savings are compared to financing cost of the more expensive circulator, the cash flow is likely to be positive from the very first month.

Figure 6 Percentage of full design flow.

% of design flow rate

100 1 year =8760 hours

75% design flow

80

60

50% design flow

HERE TO STAY

40

20

0

1080 ! hours

350! hours 0

1000

2000

3000

4000

hours/yr flow is at or above stated % of design flow

gains. Figure 6 indicates the number of hours per year that flow is at or above a specific percentage of full design flow in a typical Northern European climate. For the system represented, the flow rate was at or above 50 per cent of full design flow for about 1,080 hours per heating season and at or above 75 per cent flow for about 350 hours per heating season.

Considering that the heating season represented consists of about 3,600 hours, this implies that flow is at or above 75 per cent of full design flow less than 10 per cent of the year. That is a good incentive to optimize circulator performance for partial load conditions.

When this type of load pattern is the driver behind variable speed circulators operating on differential pressure control, electrical usage over a typical heating season is reduced to 60 to 80 per cent of that required by a fixed speed circulator with the same design flow and head characteristics. In many cases these savings will return the

The North American hydronics industry is just beginning to understand and apply ECM-based variable speed circulators. Like other innovative hydronic components, broad acceptance will take time as word spreads about successful applications and favourable economic returns.

As the North American market is introduced to these products, European standards for even higher efficiency circulators have been established and are set to take effect by 2016. With time and demand, this technology could make it to our market. That demand will grow as people, such as those reading this article, see what this technology can do for them and their customers.

If you have not tried one of the currently available ECMbased circulators in a smaller hydronic system application I encourage you to do so. I have heard back from quite a few hydronic professionals who have and the feedback is very encouraging. <> John Siegenthaler, P.E. is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating. The third edition of this book is now available (see p.60). Visit his website hydronicpros.com for reference information and software to assist in hydronic system design.

Siegenthaler can be reached at siggy@dreamscape.com.

Radiant Heating and Potable Systems HeatWeave® Electric Floor Warming

SubRay® Subfloor Radiant System

Infrared image of a radiant heated home

Learn more at www.wattscanada.ca or call 1-800-268-4045

32

HPAC | MARCH 2011

hpacmag.com

Dare to compare against NTI’s TrinityLx, which delivers consistent and even heating while reducing operating costs. Industry-leading technology that enables efficiencies of up to 97% AFUE and modulation rates of up to 8:1 are hidden in a compact, high-quality cabinet with clearcoat finish.

N TI

PRESENTED BY

NEW TRINITYLX GAS BOILER OR WATER HEATER

The TrinityLx features a state-of-the art 5.7" colour touchscreen display powered by an unmatched level of software features to deliver optimum customization and controllability.

NEW! The TrinityLx 200 and Lx400 are the only certified boilers that can be used as either a boiler or potable instantaneous hot water heater. And now, with the new 500 and 700 models available, NTI’s (NY Thermal) gas boiler or water heater is a premier player in the Canadian HVAC market.

For more information on the TrinityLx or NTI’s full range of indoor heating and water heating options, visit nythermal.com.

NTI_Ad_HPAC_TrinityLx_HP_JBH_Feb0111.pdf

HPACMAG.COM

NYTHERMAL.COM 1 11-02-01 2:22 PM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

33

GE OS MA RT E NE RG Y

PRESENTED BY

PRovIDInG thE moSt CoSt EFFECtIvE, EnERGy EFFICIEnt & EnvIRonmEntALLy RESPonSIBLE GEothERmAL hEAtInG & CooLInG PRoDuCtS.

Two-Stage Forced Air Heating & Cooling

Quad Function Two-Stage Forced Air Heating & Cooling PLUS Hydronic Heating • Earth Friendly R410a Refrigerant

• Earth Friendly R410a Refrigerant

• Microprocessor Control & Comfort Alert Monitor

• Microprocessor Control & Comfort Alert Monitor

• Optional Desuperheater

• Optional Desuperheater

• Copeland Scroll UltraTech™ Compressor

• Copeland Scroll UltraTech™ Compressor

• ECM2 Variable Speed Fan Motor

• ECM2 Variable Speed Fan Motor

• On Demand Hot Water

Polyethylene Pipe: The Green Choice for Geo Installs

Single-Stage Hydronic Heating & Cooling • Earth Friendly R410a Refrigerant • Microprocessor Control

• Geothermal’s Highest Pressure Rating • Lowest Pressure Drop

• Copeland Scroll Compressor

• UV Protected

• Optional Desuperheater

• Flexible & Light Weight • Optimum Heat Transfer The Most Advanced Indoor Air Cleaner

• Easily installed with any HVAC system • Energy efficient, Affordable, Maintenance-free • Eliminates airborn irritants down to less than 0.001 Microns

• 5 times the cleaning power of typical UV lamps • Titanium dioxide filter gives 20 times the reactive surface area of typical PCO catalysts

866.310.6690 GEoSmARt EnERGy.Com GEOSMARTENERGY.COM 34

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

G e o t h e r m a l

h e a t i n G

&

C o o l i n G

The Most Experienced and Respected Name in Geothermal At GeoSmart Energy our passion is geo – and it shows. The GeoSmart Energy brand has quickly earned a reputation as the most respected name in the geothermal industry. That’s because we have channeled over two centuries of combined geothermal experience into a line of premium geothermal systems that offer your customers the most cost effective, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to deliver worry-free, year-round indoor comfort.

Our company’s formula for success is deeply rooted in our belief that we’re not just offering a geothermal product, but rather a ‘complete system’ that is supported by a customer-first mentality, a comprehensive education and training program, a savvy and knowledgeable network of dealers, and a highly trained team of installers.

That’s why every dealer and contractor who sells and installs GeoSmart Energy products receives practical training in geothermal system design, installation and service through our state-of-the-art GeoSmart Energy Academy. Our instructors are some of Canada’s leading geothermal specialists and include GeoSmart Energy CEO Stan Marco, recipient of the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition’s prestigious 2009 Prize for National Leadership.

If you’re an experienced HVAC dealer seeking to add green solutions to your product line, find out for yourself that there is no smarter way to build, sell and install geothermal systems than the GeoSmart Energy Way. And, if you’re considering utilizing geothermal in your next project, please contact us to see how we can help.

We are proud of our Dealers. Just a few of our Geothermal Specialists from across Canada, that have helped us become Canada’s most experienced and respected name in geothermal.

866.310.6690 GEoSmARt EnERGy.Com

Find/Follow/Watch us on:

C A S H A C ME & S HA RK B I TE

PRESENTED BY

SharkBite® Connection System – Lightning Fast. Won’t Let Go. Make your own risers – use 1/4" (3/8" OD) SharkBite® PEX tubing with SharkBite® chrome fittings and stops for supply-to-fixture connections.

The SharkBite® Connection System now includes a complete range of ¼" (⅜" OD) push-fit fittings and chrome plated stops. Connecting supply lines to fixtures and appliances using these new SharkBite products brings the speed and convenience of push-fit connections to the final phase of your plumbing jobs. Regular and chrome plated fittings are now available, including the newest ½" x ¼" (⅜" OD) SharkBite stop valves. Stops in ½"x ⅜" or ¼" compression sizes are also available. With these new SharkBite push-fittings, stop valves and 5' lengths or 50' coils of ¼" (⅜" OD) PEX tubing it’s easy to make risers the exact length needed for connecting fixtures and appliances. No more problems with flexible lines that are too long or too short. Cut. Push. Done. It’s easy with SharkBite.

Heatguard® Thermostatic Mixing Valves – A Smart Way to Meet Code The Heatguard® 110-D and 115-D deliver water at a maximum of 120°F (49°C) throughout the system and yield safer hot water from all outlets while aiding in preventing the growth of Legionella bacteria in the water heater. With robust, low complexity construction, every valve is tested for performance prior to shipping. Unique adjuster tool minimizes unauthorized tampering with valve setting. The 110-D is available from ½" to 1" sizes, with the 115-D available from ¾" to 1 ¼" for larger domestic or standard commercial applications. Both valves are available in a variety of connection configurations, including SharkBite® push-fit connectors for easy installation.

Temperature range of 95-120°F. The Heatguard® 110-D and 115-D are certified to ASSE 1017 and CSA B125.3 and listed

by ASSE and IAPMO.

SharkBite® Flexible Water Heater Connectors These stainless steel braided connectors make fast work of water heater hot and cold supply line hook-up.

The ability to rotate the SharkBite® connector after it is pushed onto the pipe and the flexibility of the braided hose allow connections in tight spaces and without additional fittings. Available in ½" and ¾" sizes in 12", 15", 18" and 24" lengths (24" available with or without Ball Valves). SharkBite® push-fit fittings have been design certified and listed to ASSE 1061/NSF 61 and they meet UPC, IPC and Canadian Plumbing Code requirements.

CASHACME.CA OR SHARKBITEPRO.COM 36

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

EVOLVE AND DOMINATE.

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN.

In just 6 years, SharkBite ® push-fit fittings have evolved from our first 1/2" coupling into a best-selling full line that keeps on growing. We’ve climbed to 580 species that make up the industry’s only Total Rough-In Solution.™ Including 1/4" to 1"

push-fit fittings and PEX tubing, and a wide range of valves with integral SharkBite connectors. As for sharks – they’re trailing us with 440 species. And they had a 415 million year head start.

877-700-4242 • sharkbitepro.com

THE LATEST PLUMBING TECHNOLOGIES

D E LTA ® FA U CE T

PRESENTED BY

Technology is ever-evolving and helps to make our lives easier and more efficient, but because the changes are so rapid, keeping up-to-date on the latest evolutions in plumbing can be challenging. Delta Faucet has developed several exclusive industry-leading technologies, all of which ensure our products meet the needs of our customers and help you stand out from the competition. Here we break down everything you need to know about the latest technologies in the plumbing industry so you can provide your clients with the information and products to best suit their needs.

Touch2O® Technology Spending time in the kitchen has become more efficient with Delta’s Touch2O Technology, which lets you start and stop the flow of water with a tap anywhere on the faucet body. With Touch2O Technology, food preparation has become seamless and clean up is quick and easy. It also helps prevent the spread of bacteria and can save water and energy.

A built-in shut off ensures the water flow turns off automatically, making this new technology hassle-free. Touch2O Technology is available on several Delta kitchen and bar faucets, ensuring there is a style and configuration to suit all your customers’ needs.

Proximity™ Sensing Technology Proximity is Delta’s unique sensing technology which forms a 4" field around the body of the faucet. Once the user’s hand enters the field, the faucet is turned on. When the user removes their hands from the water stream, the faucet turns off within 2 seconds. Designed to self-calibrate once it has been installed, Proximity saves time by ensuring installation is quick and easy. The surface mount control box makes it easy to access the controls for routine facility maintenance, ensuring you can spend time on more pressing items.

H2Optics™ Suitable for commercial and institutional applications, Delta’s H2Optics hands free technology is one of the most advanced sensing technologies in the industry today for electronic faucets and flush valves. With the ability to accurately sense the user’s distance, regardless of external factors such as light reflection, clothing colour and textures or dryness of one’s skin, H2Optics provides consistent, dependable results. Delta now provides both faucets and flush valves with H2Optics technology, so you can have the peace of mind that comes with working with just one supplier. Developed by Delta Faucet, this innovative technology was designed and produced in North America.

DELTAFAUCET.CA 38

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

© 2009 Masco Corporation of Indiana

THIS IS 0ne very reSponSIve fauceT.

Proximity™ Sensing Technology is the next generation in responsive hands-free functionality that contributes to water efficiency. This revolutionary technology transforms the entire faucet into a sensor, automatically responding when approached. There are no optics or infrared to maintain. all backed by the industry’s best 5-year limited warranty. another way that Delta is more than just a faucet. deltafaucet.ca/commercial/proximity

< KITCHEN SHOWCASE

4

Elkay Gourmet line sink and faucet with soap dispenser. elkaycanada.com

trends to watch

A recent National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) survey suggests that there will be some changes in the direction that kitchen styles will take this year across Canada and the U.S. The prevailing trends include: a rise in popularity of the Shaker (plain, simple, utilitarian as seen in many faucet designs) and Cottage (farm house and apron-front sinks are popular, although undercounter trough sinks and freestanding porcelain sinks also work well) styles. Garbage disposals and trash compactors have seen an upswing, which reflects increased attention to trash generated in the kitchen. In terms of finishes, satin nickel kitchen faucets rose from 41 per cent to 63 per cent, while the per cent who specified a brushed nickel faucet fell from 61 per cent to 48 per cent. Bronze and oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome, polished nickel and stainless steel remain popular. nkba.org

Background image: Elate 2.2 gpm pullout faucet and Wheatland cast iron offset double-basin sink from Kohler. kohler.ca

40

HPAC | MARCH 2011

Blanco Performa U2 Silgranit sink in Truffle with Culina semi-pro faucet. blancocanada.com

Grohe's K7 semi-pro model has a streamlined toggle switch for alternating between wide spray and regular flow. grohe.ca

The Salus Outdoor Kitchen Sink from Stone Forest is carved from blocks of black granite.

The straight-sided sink can be built into various outdoor living cabinetry configurations. stoneforest.com

Moen Brantford bar-prep faucet in oil rubbed bronze finish. moen.ca

The Tommy collection from Delta includes a high arc kitchen faucet with a fresh, resourceful design. A recent survey conducted by Delta Faucet and Angus Reid, revealed that 30 per cent of Canadian homeowners identified their kitchen style as contemporary. deltafaucet.com

Single bowl wall mount traditionally styled sink from American Standard. americanstandard.ca

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

41

ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF THE WORLD'S MOST ADVANCED LINE OF FOOD WASTE DISPOSERS The Evolution Series® disposers feature MultiGrind® and SoundSeal® technologies that address the two most common homeowner requests: 1. Grind more food waste without clogging 2. Quiet operation

What is SoundSeal® Technology?

A combination of advanced insulation and anti-vibration components.

Evolution models with SoundSeal Technology perform 40-60% quieter than standard disposers.* •

40% quieter means you can hold a conversation with elevated voices in the same room.

•

60% quieter means you can hold a conversation with normal voices in the same room

IN S IN K E R ATOR

PRESENTED BY

What is MultiGrind®?

Two-stage technology quickly grinds food waste significantly better than any previous disposer.

Three-stage technology allows you to grind almost any food waste. It also includes a Jam-Sensor® circuit that virtually eliminates jams.

• celery • potato peels • corncobs • rib bones • other problem foods

Disposers can play an important role in solving the food waste management challenge.

Food waste disposers can be an environmentally responsible alternative to transporting food waste to landfills.

And, they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At capable wastewater treatment plants, food waste can be recycled to produce methane that can be used as a renewable source of power for the plant. Additionally, certain wastewater treatment plants can process food waste into biosolids to be used as fertilizer. (Check the plant in your area.)

*Results may vary depending on test conditions. Claims are based on average sone values over a sampling period using the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) test load.

INSINKERATOR.CA 42

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Takes grinding to unheard of levels.

Presenting The Evolution Series.

TM

Simply put, the Evolution Series food waste disposers are the best we have ever created. Enhanced with MultiGrind™ technology, they quickly eliminate almost any food waste, from rib bones to artichoke peels.

While innovative SoundSeal™ technology can reduce noise by up to 60%.

For more information contact your local plumbing wholesaler or visit www.insinkerator.ca.

*

© 2010 InSinkErator, InSinkErator® is a division of Emerson Electric Co. All rights reserved. *The mounting collar configuration is a trademark of Emerson Electric Co.

Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire saf refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water hea cal, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronic Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, V ment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigerati & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air c & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbin fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment sys systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordo Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrum water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixture Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, K Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety

MECANEX/CLIMATEX/ÉLECTRICITÉ/ÉCLAIRAGE (MCEE) trade show and conference is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors involved in sales, design, specification and installation in four sectors. Produced by the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (CMEQ), and the Corporation des entreprises en traitement de l'air et du froid (CETAF), MCEE is an amalgamation of four previous shows.

More than 325 exhibitors from across North America will display a range of plumbing, heating, hydronics, ventilation, electrical, lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment; electrical equipment; water treatment systems; tools; alarm systems; kitchen and bath fixtures; fire prevention systems; PVF; and software.

With the exception of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) sessions, the seminar program, developed by the associations behind MCEE, will be presented in French.

For more information, contact: Elizabeth McCullough, MCEE show manager, CIPH, tel. 416-695-0447, or e-mail e.mccullough@ciph.com.

Seminars and exhibits are free to those who register before April 15th. Registration at the door is $20.

SEMINAR SCHEDULE CMMTQ & CIPH SEMINARS – ROOM 9 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 1:00 p.m. What's New In Chapter III – Building Code (Plumbing) Plus: Current Code Requirement Updates Speakers: Éric Gagnier, building systems technician, technical advisor to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, service delivery support branch.

Yves Duchesne, ing., Direction de la normalisation et qualification à la Régie du Bâtiment du Québec.

3:00 p.m. Solar Thermal Technology Demystified Speaker: Martin Zanbaka, vice-president, DisTech inc. – div. Thermo Z THURSDAY, APRIL 21 1:00 p.m. L'adresse Symphonique - New Concert Hall Of The OSM – Challenges And Innovations Speaker: Yves St-Georges, ing., p.m.P, division transport, infrastructures et bâtiment, SNC-Lavalin inc.

3:00 p.m. Hydro Québec's Global Energy Efficiency Plan Speaker: Daniel Bazinet, Chef – approche commerciale efficacité énergétique, Direction-Efficacité énergétique ASHRAE SEMINARS – ROOM 3 These sessions will be presented in English WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 2:00 p.m. ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2009, Standard For The Design Of High Performance Green Buildings Speaker: ASHRAE presidential member Kent Peterson, the past chair of SS PC 189.1 This one-hour video presentation is followed by a question and answer period.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 1:00 p.m. Ground Source Heat Pump Systems – Putting The Earth To Work For You Moderators: Lynn G. Bellenger, ASHRAE president, Jeff Spitler, Kirk Mescher, Mick Schwedler and Don Rheem A live, international webcast presented by ASHRAE and ASHRAEMontreal. This session is for anyone interested in high-performance green building, including architects, engineers, contractors and owners. The session includes presentations, a roundtable discussion and a question and answer period.

CETAF SEMINARS – ROOM 7 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 1:00 p.m. Humidification Speaker: David Wong, ing., Neptronic Inc. A discussion of the reasons to humidify and humidification options and their applications. Problems related to water hardness will also be addressed.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 1:00 p.m. Contractor Obligations With Respect To Certain Products Susceptible To Earthquakes In Quebec Speaker: Mark Capriotti, PE, vice president, Flex-Hose This presentation will address earthquake-resistant equipment, devices, conduits and building joints, particularly as they relate to ventilation and refrigeration.

44

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Photo iStockphoto

3:00 p.m. Taking The Mystery Out Of R22 Transition Refrigerants Speaker: Michel Lecompte, technical director, The Master Group L.P. In the current refrigeration and air conditioning market, many new refrigerants are available for equipment that runs on R22 refrigerant.

This presentation provides information about transition refrigerants for the various refrigeration system applications.

fety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrica ating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plum cs (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatmen Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & co ion equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Ins conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtu ng, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security syste stems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire s on wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot wate mentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hyd es, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Ligh Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrig

April 20-21, 2011 Place Bonaventure Montréal, Québec mcee.ca

and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning

3:00 p.m. The BACnet International Protocol Speaker: Patrick F. Lemire, B.Eng., product director, Neptronic and member of the BACnet International Marketing Committee What is the BACNET protocol? What partnerships exist among the various HVAC contractors?

CMEQ/IES MONTREAL/EFC QUEBEC SEMINARS – ROOM 5 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 1:00 p.m. Overview Of Modifications To The Quebec Building Code, Chapter V – Electricity Speaker: Jean Thérer, jr. ing., technical advisor, CMEQ

6:00 p.m. How To Control Voltage Drops Speaker: Jean Thérer, jr. ing., technical advisor, CMMTQ THURSDAY, APRIL 21 1:00 p.m. Integrated Construction For A Successful Integrated Design Building Project Speaker: Ronald Gagnon, Concept-R Inc. and president of ASHRAE Montreal 2:00 p.m. Shedding Light On LED Efficiency Speaker: Samira Hélène Sammoun, ing., Hydro-Québec

2:00 p.m. Characteristics Of LEDs And Their Use In Lighting Devices Speaker: Christel Blot, ing., president, Laboratoires Spectralux

What Not To Do With LEDs Speaker: Bruno Villeneuve, ing., Hydro Westmount

A World Of Its Own, LEDS Suppliers Speaker: Daniel Hawry, regional director of sales, Future Lighting Solutions

3:30 p.m. The Quality Of The Electrical Network And Savings Speaker: Thanh Nguyen, ing., Network Product Quality Specialist, Nettan Solutions Inc.

4:00 p.m. Electrical Installations In Farm Buildings Speaker: Michel Bonneau, technical advisor, CMEQ 5:00 p.m. Update Of Lighting Control Strategies And Technologies For Energy Efficiency Speaker: Robert Leduc, sales supervisor, Eastern Canada, Lutron

SEE MCEE EXHIBITORS LIST, p.48

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

PRESENTED BY

BOSHART INDUSTRIES

NEW FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS Boshart introduces its new Flexible Couplings which are moulded from specially formulated elastomeric PVC that meets the requirements for ASTM C564 for durability and long-term performance. They are easy to install, and have an excellent dimensional flexibility and tolerance range ensuring leak proof seals.

These couplings allow two dissimilar pipe materials and/or sizes to be connected quickly and easily in utility.

Their durable PVC construction allows the couplings to flex with normal earth movement.

BOSHART.COM HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

45

T H E R MO M FG .

PRESENTED BY

GIVING YOUR INSTALL "THE THERMO ADVANTAGE"

Since 1992, THERMO Manufacturing has distinguished itself by consistently producing an innovative line of time and labour saving products for the HVAC Industry. In addition to Thermo-Pan®, the company has created an entire family of products to make installations easier and more professional-looking for the contractor. All Thermo products are designed to be simple, cost saving, and functional... hence... the THERMO ADVANTAGE. Thermo Manufacturing offers you an impressive line-up of products, to make your next project installation a snap.

THERMO-PAN® -

An innovative high-quality “No Noise” sheet metal alternative for constructing return air ducts.

Significantly reduces duct noises, labour and requires no shop fabrication. Cost-effective and easy to install, and with airspace creates an R-5 Value.

THERMO-BUTTON-LOK™ -

WORLD'S BEST HANGER STRAP Hanger has 1" adjustment button holes.

For 2" x 8" Joist, material locks to 1" roofing nail (button) when pulled down. For 7/16" particle board, material locks to #8 sheet metal screw (button) when pulled down. 2" HDPE Duct Board Hanger supports 50lb per strap. Easy cut with Sears HandiCuts, or sheet metal snips.

THERMO SNAP CLAMPS™ -

THERMO-CONNECTORS™ -

RETURN AIR GRILLE DRY WALL FRAMES Custom sizes of precision moulded frames! 3 custom styles to suit your needs. Frames come in three styles Standard, Windowed and Filtered.

Precision Moulded Polypropylene. Safety Edged.

All sides and ends. Place grill over frames and screw into precision moulded frame holes on finished drywall.

UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKETS Give the quality, professional look to your job with just half the labour. Thermo-Snap Clamps are the low-cost solution to all your pipe mounting jobs.

Pre-mounted brackets provide an easy one man installation job that is literally a snap! Multi-use, adjustable Snap Clamp: Micro, Mini, Residential, Commercial, Industrial. Made From Recycled Products.

THERMO-THIMBLE™ -

PROFESSIONAL WAY TO RUN LINE SETS! It's the professional way to run your pipe and wire projects. The ThermoThimble™ provides an air tight outside wall penetration by using high-density foam gaskets to keep out air, insects and other pests. It allows you to run electrical, plumbing, and A/C line sets through outside walls while stopping snagging and creating a permanent, air-tight seal through walls, while leaving no ugly holes to patch.

THERMO MANUFACTURING INC.

3709 Columbus Road, NE, Canton, OH 44705 Phone 888-678-3709. FAX 888-678-8711

THERMOPAN.COM 46

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbi EXHIBITORS ARE ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Pipes,*AS AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIMECable & cordon wire, Water treatment sy FireHIGHLIGHTED safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Controls & Instrumentation, water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cord Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrum Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes

2011 Exhibitors List* A A. O. Smith WPC................................... 339 A.M.T.S................................................ 137 Acudor Acorn....................................... 436 Acuity........................................... 275,277 Aermac................................................ 327 Aggreko............................................... 554 AIC Heat Exchangers.......................... 1014 Airco/Quémar/DenBec (Almacorp)......... 541 Airtechni....................................... 654,743 Airvector.............................................. 445 Allied Engineering................................. 720 Allpriser . ............................................ 146 American Standard Brands.................... 127 Amtrol ................................................ 302 Anvil Int’l ............................................ 935 Apollo Valves ........................................ 13 Aquadis Intl - Bain Depot ................... 3040 Aquanar............................................... 880 Aquatherm......................................... 3008 Arani................................................... 271 Armstrong Limited ............................... 400 ASHRAE – Montreal ........................... 1019 Atmosphère ........................................ 107 Axiom Industries.................................. 716 B BBP Energies....................................... 542 BCO Québec........................................ 734 Beacon-Morris (Mestek)........................ 718 Beel Technologies.............................. 3016 Belanger UPT....................................... 506 Belimo Air Controls............................... 741 Bibby-Ste-Croix..................................... 807 Bitzer.................................................. 917 Blanco................................................. 918 Bock Water Heaters.............................. 986 Boréale Énergie Renouvelable.... 1036,1040 Boshart Industries................................ 236 Boulons Plus..................................... 3014 Bow Plumbing Group............................ 241 Brac Systems.................................... 3012 Bradford White-Canada......................... 509 Brenelle Enterprises............................. 206 Bureau des Soumissions Déposées du Québec (BSDQ).......................... 740 Burke Manufacture de Systèmes à eau... 117 Burnham............................................. 316 C Câble Alcan/Desdowd.......................... 351 Camatec . ........................................... 843 Cdn. Copper & Brass Dev. Assoc........... 751 Canadian GeoExchange Coalition.......... 803 Canadian Hydronics Council.................. 141 CIPH................................................... 140 Canadian Water Quality Association....... 143 Can-Aqua International.......................... 337 Canlyte................................................ 167 Canplas Industries............................... 717 Capteurs GR........................................ 613 Carburation Express............................. 890 Cash Acme Canada.............................. 512 Cheminee Lining.................................. 643 Cheminée Securité............................... 327 Chevrier Instruments............................ 836 CM3 Energies...................................... 472 Comac Corporation/Contact Delage....... 159 Commission de la construction............... 900 48

HPAC | MARCH 2011

Conbraco Industries............................. 413 Connectall......................................... 3032 Constructo........................................... 980 Contrac............................................. 1015 Contrôles R.D.M................................... 719 Conval Quebec................................... 3010 Convectair........................................... 151 Convexpert.......................................... 851 CETAF.................................................. 646 CMEQ . ............................................... 867 CMMTQ............................................... 605 Creatherm........................................... 787 CSA International................................. 558 CV....................................................... 916 D Dahl Brothers...................................... 233 Dale Parizeau Morris Mackenzie............ 617 Danfoss............................................ 1069 Dave Vallières et Associés............. 204,205 Day-Brite.............................................. 574 De Dietrich.......................................... 847 Dectron International............................ 827 Deflect-o Air Distribution Products.......... 986 DEL Equipement.................................. 975 Delta Products..................................... 972 Deluxair............................................... 533 Deschênes & Fils................................. 707 Dettson (Division of Ouellet).................. 555 Dimplex North America......................... 250 Direct Energy....................................... 156 Dist. Jean-Pierre Paquette................... 3048 Distech............................................... 327 Distribution Maxi Vent........................... 860 Diversitech Corporation........................ 816 Dobbin Sales..................................... 1012 Don Park LP......................................... 536 Douglas Lighting Controls..................... 570 Drain Expert......................................... 121 Dubo l'expertnseil................................ 758 Dynacom Technologies......................... 152 DynAir, div. Carlisle Canada................. 1032 E E.S. Gallagher Sales............................. 854 Easy Heat............................................ 659 Eclairage Cyclone................................. 480 Ecole de Technologie Gaziere.............. 3050 ECR International - Olsen Division.......... 927 EFC-Canada, section Montréal............... 455 EGS/Desdowd..................................... 468 Electrical Line Magazine..................... 1070 Electromega........................................ 381 Emco Corporation................................. 761 Emergence Securite, Ventilation div....... 940 Empyre Profab...................................... 504 Enersol................................................ 991 Enertrak.............................................. 645 Envira-North System............................. 887 Enviroair Industries............................... 633 Environment Canada............................ 641 Erico Canada....................................... 441 Express Radiant................................... 714 F Fantech............................................... 640 Feralux................................................ 470 Fonds de formation de l'industrie de la construction........................... 904

Flexco................................................. 618 Flexcon Industries................................ 203 Flir Systems......................................... 144 Flocor.................................................. 101 Fluke Electronics.................................. 456 Formadrain.......................................... 121 Franke Kindred..................................... 513 Franklin Electric.................................... 801 Franklin Empire.................................... 460 Fraternité Inter-Provinciale des Ouvriers en Électricité (FIPOE).......... 871 Fulton Companies (The)........................ 806 G G. MitchellLimited................................ 500 G.F. Thompson..................................... 317 Les Produits Énergétiques GAL.............. 551 GE Lighting.......................................... 467 General Cable/Contact Delage.............. 155 General Wire Spring.............................. 444 Génératrice Drummond......................... 261 Genrep................................................ 458 Geo Air Industries.............................. 3046 GeoSmart Energy............................... 1016 Global Unitech Imports....................... 1044 Globe Union......................................... 757 GMOBILE45......................................... 756 Goodman............................................. 945 Great Lakes Copper.............................. 805 Gree Canada...................................... 3008 Grundfos............................................. 407 GSW Water Heating.............................. 412 GT Globe Industries.............................. 200 H HCW Systems.................................... 1029 H.E. Williams/Hi-Tech........................... 374 Hansa-Medic........................................ 518 Hardy Filtration..................................... 243 Heatlink Group..................................... 405 Hebdraulique..................................... 3000 Heritage Casting & Ironworks (HCI)........ 370 HG Spec.............................................. 102 Hilti..................................................... 218 Honeywell............................................ 850 HPAC MAGAZINE.................................. 435 Hubbell........................................ 360,366 Hydro Quebec...................................... 767 Hydronic Systems................................ 316 I Ideal Industries/Les Systemes Tuyaux Royal/Contact Delage........... 161 IES Montreal........................................ 380 IGE+XAO Amerique du Nord . ................ 967 Imperial Manufacturing Group .............. 844 InSinkErator ........................................ 313 Inventex ............................................. 461 IPEX Electrique . .................................. 661 IPEX ................................................... 406 ITW Construction Products ................... 759 J,K J. P. Sylvain.......................................... 319 Jaga Canada Climate Systems.............. 327 Jenkins.............................................. 1020 Jess-Don Dunford................................. 986 Jess Cie.............................................. 832

continued on page 50 hpacmag.com

WAT C O M A N U FA C T U R I N G

PRESENTED BY

INTRODUCING THE WATCO INNOVATOR® CABLE BATH WASTE SYSTEM: FULLY REPAIRABLE FROM INSIDE THE TUB When you are installing a high end tub, make sure to ask for the new Watco Innovator® Cable System. The Watco Innovator® Cable is fully testable right out of the box so any leaks in the piping don’t get sealed up in the wall.

Rarely does a Watco bath waste system need repair. But if it ever should, you’ll never have to cut through thousands of dollars of custom tile or install an unsightly access panel.

The Watco Innovator® Cable was created to specifically complement the finest baths. It operates smoothly and reliably.

It drains flawlessly in today’s deeper tubs and offers a flow rate that exceeds all other cable drains. It will not self close under the weight of the water when draining. A flexible/pivoting stopper is standard, it prevents damage to both you and the stopper if accidentally stepped on. It is available with flexible tubing (Watco Innovator CableFlex pictured) and standard PVC and ABS full and half kits. And, with Watco QuickTrim®, you can change to one of nine special finishes in minutes without removing the strainer body.

WATCOMFG.COM

Join The Green Scene

New WatcoFlex Bath Waste ...installs faster/easier TM

Special patent pending PVC flexible tubing. Eliminates four field joints.

Innovator overflow parts assemble by hand. No screws. Approved by IAPMO. It’s green. You’ll get used to seeing it.

Just ask your wholesaler

WATCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY

1220 South Powell Road, Independence, MO 64057-2724 Phone 816-796-3900 • FAX 816-796-0875 A Division of WCM Industries, Inc.

HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

49

tion, Fire safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatm safety and security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment syste security systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R systems, Kitchen and bath fixtures, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumb Booth Pipes, Number Kitchen and bath fixtures, Pipes, Controls & Instrumentation, Cable & cordon wire, Water treatment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heati

Company Name

John L. Schultz........................................................................ 105 Jonas Software ..................................................................... 1073 Kidde ..................................................................................... 157 L L.G. Énergie ............................................................................ 619 L.H. Dottie .............................................................................. 361 L.S. Bilodeau .......................................................................... 960 Le Group Créatech .................................................................. 785 Le Groupe Master ................................................................... 727 Le materiel industriel ............................................................... 745 Leco ....................................................................................... 376 LED Roadway Lighting .............................................................. 481 Lenox ..................................................................................... 440 Leonard Valve ......................................................................... 341 Les Bétons Centrifugés ........................................................... 383 Les Distributions DVC .............................................................. 941 Les Électroniques Viconics....................................................... 540 Les Entreprises C. Levesque .................................................... 790 Les Entreprises Gaevan ........................................................... 881 Les entreprises Roland Lajoie .................................................. 520 Les Fourgons Rive-Sud............................................................. 255 Les Industries Fibrobec............................................................ 450 Les industries Granby SEC ....................................................... 532 Les Industries Intercept ........................................................... 240 Les instrument MTP ................................................................ 459 Les Systèmes Tuyaux Royal ...................................................... 705 Les Technologies Intelli Vida .................................................... 254 Les Tuyaux Logard ................................................................... 338 Les Ventes Mectra ................................................................ 3004 Leviton ................................................................................... 267 Liberty Pumps ......................................................................... 307

NEW LOOK

+

NEW PRODUCTS

+

NEW NAME

We’ve always been good ... but now we’re GREAT!

Formerly Wolverine Tube (Canada) Inc.

www.glcopper.com 1.800.265.9271 50

PROUDLY CANADIAN

Litepro.................................................................................... 471 Lithonia Lighting ...................................................................... 275 Locations Park Avenue............................................................. 884 Loue – Froid ............................................................................ 901 Lou-Tec Industriel .................................................................... 245 Lumen .................................................................................... 771 Luminergie.............................................................................. 367 Luminex Structure de Trafic ...................................................... 373 Luminis .................................................................................. 483 Lutron/Contact Delage ............................................................ 173 Lyncar Products....................................................................... 113 M M.A. Baulne .......................................................................... 1046 M.A. Stewart & Sons ............................................................... 516 Mansfield Plumbing Products ................................................... 418 Manuflow ................................................................................ 840 Masco Canada Limited - Plumbing Group .................................. 419 Mechanical Business........................................................ 119,601 Mercedes Benz ...................................................................... 985 Mersen/Desdowd ................................................................... 355 Métal Action ........................................................................... 244 Metal Pole-Lite ........................................................................ 281 Metlane-Metlantech ................................................................. 837 Mifab Manufacturing ................................................................ 238 Milwaukee Electric Tool ............................................................ 207 Mircom SI ............................................................................... 663 Mirolin Industries .................................................................... 333 Mission Rubber ..................................................................... 1022 Moen ..................................................................................... 133 Moteurs Électriques Laval ........................................................ 657 Mueller – see Flocor Multicam ................................................................................ 990 N NAD Klima ............................................................................ 1035 National Refrigeration & Air Conditioning -- Keeprite ................... 733 Navien America ..................................................................... 1067 NCI Marketing ......................................................................... 214 Neptronic................................................................................ 834 Newmac ................................................................................. 304 Nissan ................................................................................... 951 Noble ..................................................................................... 813 Norcan ................................................................................... 875 Northol ................................................................................... 942 Notifier ................................................................................... 451 Novanni Stainless ............................................................ 343,416 O Oakville Stamping & Bending ................................................... 342 Oasis ..................................................................................... 918 Oatey Canada Supply Chain Services. ....................................... 918 OekoFEN/LGI Solutions ........................................................ 1090 Oeticker.................................................................................. 404 Osram Sylvania ....................................................................... 181 Ouellet Canada ....................................................................... 550 Outil Pac ................................................................................. 627 P Pacific Range Hood................................................................ 1021 Panasonic............................................................................... 656 Panduit Canada....................................................................... 357 Pare Feu Pro/Fire Barrier Pro .................................................... 145 Paul Maranda.......................................................................... 713 Peerless Electric Co. Ltd. ......................................................... 359 Pentair Canada ....................................................................... 237 Philips Éclairage ...................................................................... 475 Philips Lumec ......................................................................... 266 Plumbing & HVAC .................................................................... 136 PMF Inc – Materiaux de Plomberie ............................................ 201 HPACMAG.COM

HPAC | MARCH 2011

GreatLakesCopper.indd 1

1/13/11 4:10:13 PM

ment systems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation ems, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safe R, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and sec bing, Heating, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security sys ing, Electrical, Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Lighting, Valves & Fittings, Hydronics (modern hot water heating), Ventilation, Fire safety and security systems, Kitc

Powrmatic ........................................... 221 Preston Phipps.................................... 132 Priority Wire & Cable/Cooper Wiring ..... 556 Pro Kontrol ......................................... 545 Produits Chimiques Magnus ................. 839 Produits Neptune ................................ 981 Prolon ................................................ 545 PSD Axces .......................................... 958 Q,R Quattro ............................................... 572 Quote Express .................................... 982 RAB Design/Desdowd ......................... 466 Refplus............................................... 833 Regie du batiment du Quebec ............ 1017 Régulvar ............................................. 856 Reversomatic ...................................... 755 Rheem Canada/Ltée ........................... 527 Rial Électrique ..................................... 887 Richporter – Research in Lighting ......... 874 Ridgid................................................. 817 Riello ................................................. 944 Robinetterie Jalo ................................. 603 Rodwick .............................................. 721 Rosenberg Fans ................................ 1063 Roth Industries ................................... 612 S Saniflo................................................ 345 Schneider – Juno................................. 375 Sensor Switch ..................................... 277 Services Energetiques R.L. .................. 845

SIE, div. de Contrôles Laurentide .......... 701 Siver Star Montreal ........................... 1066 Sinus ............................................... 1061 Sioux Chief ......................................... 340 Slant/Fin Ltd/Ltée .............................. 100 SNOC (2010) ...................................... 566 Soler & Palau ...................................... 781 Southwire ........................................... 560 Spartan Peripheral Devices .................. 737 Standard Products............................... 274 Stanex................................................ 891 Stanley Black & Decker........................ 239 Stanpro .............................................. 276 Steinel ............................................... 457 Stelpro Design .................................... 251 Sumner Manufacturing....................... 1023 Systemair ........................................... 544 Système HCW systems ...................... 1029 Systèmes Action-Air ............................. 439

Trilex .................................................. 800 TTI Climatisation Chauffage (2005)..... 1042

U-Z ULT/Contact Delage ............................ 171 Uponor ............................................... 906 Uptown Ltee ....................................... 818 Urbex Innovations................................ 580 Urecon ............................................ 1051 Usines Giant Factories ......................... 217 Vanguard Tuyaux & Raccords ................ 401 Ventes Electra ..................................... 371 Ventes Techniques Nimatec ................. 234 Venture Lighting Canada ...................... 270 Victaulic ............................................. 312 Viega.................................................. 321 Viessmann Manufacturing Company ..... 227 Visioneering Corp. ............................... 175 Vistaqua ............................................. 918 WaterGroup....................................... 3036 T WaterSaver Faucet............................... 517 Tacel Ltee ........................................... 283 Watt Stopper ....................................... 372 Taco (Canada) ..................................... 300 Watts Industries .................................. 427 Technologie Demtroys .......................... 538 Weil-Mclain Canada ............................. 301 Tecnico Chauffage ............................... 859 Wheeler-Rex ........................................ 442 tekmar Control Systems ...................... 305 Wika Instruments ................................ 915 Thermadyne ........................................ 208 Wilo ................................................... 213 Thermo 2000...................................... 621 Wolseley Groupe CVAC/R ..................... 932 Thermofin ........................................... 841 Woodford Manufacturing ..................... 700 Thomas & Betts .................................. 750 WWG Totaline ...................................... 519 Topring ............................................... 886 Zurn Industries.................................... 332 ZIL Paired Perform-qtr page_Layout 1 3/3/11 12:47 PM Page 1 Triangle Tube ....................................... 316

HYDRO GENERATOR FLUSH VALVE DELIVERS RENEWABLE ENERGY, FLUSH AFTER FLUSH

PRESENTED BY

ZURN

Zurn HydroVantage™ Series Flush Valve Zurn Engineered Water Solutions™, an innovator and manufacturer of commercial plumbing products, announces the HydroVantage™ sustainable hydro generator flush valve.

Features and Benefits • • • • • •

Self-Generating Power 10+ Years Battery Life Environmental Trending Technology™ 4.0 Sensor Technology™ Low Life Cycle Cost and more...

HYDROVANTAGE.ZURN.COM HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

51

< plumbing

Sump Pump Savvy There are many models of sump pumps on offer and although it may seem to be overkill, it really is not. It takes that many to meet a variety of applications efficiently and cost effectively. By Joe Evans

CLEAR OR Grey WATER PUMPS Often referred to as effluent pumps, clear or grey water sump pumps are designed to pump water that is free of trash, sewage, and other large solids. For most models the solids handling capability ranges from Ÿ" to ž". Flow rates range from 10 to 100 GPM and normal pumping heads (vertical pumping height) range from 12' to 30'.

Special high head models can produce heads of 70' or more.

Most effluent pumps employ oil filled motors. Oil transfers heat from the motor to the pump case and also lubricates the bearings and mechanical seal. Motors are rated for either intermittent or continuous duty. Intermittent duty pumps are the most common and are found in many elevator and rainwater sumps. They are designed for an average duty cycle of 20 min. per hour.

Although they can run for longer periods, their life will be shortened. Continuous duty pumps can run 24 hours per day as long as they are located in a sump where incoming water can flow over the motor. These pumps are often found in water features or ponds where 24-hour circulation is required.

They are also used for pool draining and other extended dewatering applications.

52

HPAC | MARCH 2011

Special high temperature models are available for laundry and boiler sumps.

Water lubricated motors are also available and are often used in water features where aquatic life could be harmed by a leaking oil filled motor.

SOLIDS HANDLING PUMPS The typical small solids handling sump pump is designed to pass a 2" spherical solid. They are used for domestic sewage and other applications where trash and debris might be present in the water. Flow rates range from 40 to 200 GPM and normal pumping heads range from 12' to 35' although special high head models can produce heads of 50' or more.

Almost all use oil filled motors and are rated as intermittent or continuous duty. The same duty cycle that applies to effluent pumps also applies to solids pumps. Continuous duty models are often used in water feature applications where relatively large flows are required.

The major difference in small solids handling pumps is the impeller design employed. The two types are recessed (vortex) and semi enclosed (two port).

Two port impellers allow the solids to pass through the impeller and offer the best efficiency, flow, and head for a given horsepower. Since solids must pass through the impeller, occasional clogging can occur.

Recessed impellers use a vortex action to pass solids through the pump without touching the impeller. This reduces clogging; however, performance will be lower than an equivalent two-port impeller pump. <> Joe Evans, Ph.D., who is a trainer with PumpTech, Inc., hosts a popular educational web site pumped101.com. hpacmag.com

Photo Liberty Pumps

S

ump pumps can be broken down into two major categories -- clear or grey water pumps and solids handling pumps. Within these two broad categories, they are further differentiated by: the type of impeller employed, the design of the motor and the expected duty cycle. We could probably find four or five models that could satisfy 90 per cent of the most common applications, but their cost could be several times the cost of a correctlysized and selected pump.

When you purchase a Little Giant GP Series grinder pump from Franklin Electric, you’re getting an industry-proven product, trusted by professionals.

With a unique patented cutter assembly, the GP Series shreds materials efficiently and effectively with more than 400,000 cuts per minute and easily achieves high-head applications with maximum heads greater than 130 feet.

Little Giant brand pumps from Franklin Electric will always be there, providing superior performance in the field.

www.franklin-electric.com/lg

PRO380-SERIES

LIB E RT Y P UM P S

PRESENTED BY

Short, fat and squatty are a few words that have been used to describe the new Pro380 sewage package from Liberty Pumps. The first “shallow” sewage system to feature QuickTree® technology.

While most residential sewage basins are 30" tall, Liberty set-out to design a shallow basin that still offered large holding capacity for longer pump cycles. The longer cycles translate into improved pump and switch life. The result was a 24" deep by 24" wide rotationally moulded polyethylene basin that boasts a whopping 41 gallon total capacity.

Although only 24" tall, the increased diameter of the PRO380 provides over 25% more capacity than traditional 18" x 30" basins.

Ever dig a hole? Digging wider is usually much easier than digging deeper. That’s the concept behind the PRO380 shallow design. This is especially helpful in difficult soil conditions such as bedrock which is prevalent in some areas of the country.

As part of the new PRO-Series, Liberty introduced QuickTree® technology. A mounting system for the floats that allows easy access for servicing. The floats are mounted to a stainless steel tree (or rod) that is located underneath a separate access cover. With the QuickTree® mounting system, float switches can be accessed without removing the pump, main cover and piping. Replacement or cleaning of floats can now be accomplished in minutes outside of the basin by simply removing the access cover and pulling the QuickTree® out of the system. Both pump activation and alarm floats are mounted to the QuickTree®.

Other PRO380 features include moulded torque-stops for locating and securing the pump, heavy-duty rubber gaskets moulded to the covers for improved sealing, a clear disposable construction cover to protect the system during rough-in and masonry work; and complete pre-assembly from the factory.

The PRO380 series is available in a wide range of horsepower and voltages, both in 2" and 3" discharge; and new “XL” 10' stack test models have been added with UPC approval.

For more information on the PRO-Series or other innovative products from Liberty, visit their website at www.libertypumps.com or call the factory at 1-800-543-2550.

LIBERTYPUMPS.COM 54

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Liberty pumps offers 6 different series of sump pumps to meet your specific pumping needs. All feature energy efficient motor designs that minimize energy consumption.

For the absolute best in basement groundwater protection look no further than Liberty Pumps!

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

280-Series 450-Series

S30-Series

240-Series

250-Series Copyright Š Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2010 All rights reserved.

230-Series

One of Americas fastest growing,

GALVANIZED LOW PROFILE AIRTIGHT DUCT TAKE OFF

PRODUCTS HVAC

PRESENTED BY

D ON PA RK

Don Park’s airtight, easy install, round duct take off available in various gauges of galvanized steel.

With or without damper.

Take offs are cut into the plenum or rectangular duct and are used to begin pipe trunkline or branchline runs.

Side, Top or Bottom Mount.

Features and Benefits: -⅛" thick adhesive gasket on a circular perimeter flange to seal to the duct and special 3M pressure sensitive tape to seal the collar overlap.

-Total height is under 3 ½" -Damper is positioned low in the collar to allow it to be positioned so air can be deflected into the takeoff.

-Has a balanced damper assembly.

-Collar is riveted together and then is crimped and beaded.

-Designed so the hole in the duct does not have to be perfect.

-Flange has 4 prepunched screw holes to screw to duct face.

DONPARK.COM 56

HPAC | MARCH 2011

The Reznor Z Series hybrid ventilation unit integrates an energy recovery wheel into a The Today’s Oilheat Guide to Fuel Storage-

dedicated heat pump system for ventilation

Best Practices for Installation & Maintenance

and temperature control. The Z Series is

of Fuel Oil Storage Tanks is available to mem-

designed to recover more than 80 per cent

bers and nonmembers of the Canadian Oil

of the exhaust air energy year-round. In cool-

Heat Association. The manual is designed to

ing mode the energy efficiency ratio (EER) is

provide accurate and authoritative informa-

greater than 17. In heating mode the coef-

tion on the installation of above ground fuel

ficient of performance (COP) is greater than

oil storage tanks that will be installed in ac-

10. RezSpec.com/Z.62/

cordance with the B139-09 edition of the national code in Canada. It addresses tanks to a maximum capacity of 550 gallons or 2500 L. oilheat.ca

Johnson Controls Building Efficiency’s Affin-

The HemiPleat NoOval replacement filter from

ity 16 SEER split system single-stage heat

Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control is designed

pump is compatible with the York Affinity

with an oval to round configuration to fit into

communicating control. The heat pump can

down flow-style dust collectors that use oval

also be used with a standard thermostat.

filters. It features Nano fibre media and an

Available in two- to five-ton capacities, the

open-pleat design for greater media utiliza-

Affinity features 2.5-ton and 3.5-ton mod-

tion. The media comes in moisture-resistant

els. The heat pump also features a moulded

(standard) or fire retardant versions, both

composite bulkhead to isolate the compres-

with 99.99 per cent efficiency on 0.5 micron

sor from the rest of the unit to reduce sound

particles or larger (MERV 14/15). All models

and vibration. A stamped coil guard protects

replace 26"-long oval filters and are available

the coil from debris and other large damaging

to fit straight-style or triangular-style yokes.

material. yorkhvacdealer.com

farrapc.com/products/hemipleat/nooval

HPACMAG.COM

Bacharach Inc. has released the Comfort Chek 500, a lightweight handheld CO2 air quality monitor equipped with a stable IR sensor that measures and displays 0-5,000 ppm, in addition to temperature and relative humidity sensors. It features a run time of up to 24 hours, datalogging of up to 26,000 data points and a USB output for remote data download. MyBacharach.com

We’ve got what it takes to make top quality pipe, duct and fittings.

AireShare ventilators from Tjernlund Products circulate heated or cooled air from fireplaces, stoves, electric baseboards, split system ductless A/C and window A/C units to adjacent rooms. Available for horizontal air flow and vertical air flow, the ventilators feature a low profile, whisper-quiet intake blower and unobtrusive grilles. Room-to-room models are available for plug in and hard wired installation. The level-to-level model moves air through a sleeve that adjusts to floor joist/truss thicknesses from 8 ¾" to 16 ½". tjernlund.com

SRP’s Premier VS-VH high efficiency radiant heating system is designed to offer thermal efficiencies of up to 94 per cent. It complements the Premier VS with smaller in-series burners to offer layout flexibility. Designs can be custom engineered with long or short, condensing or noncondensing system options. The optional Accu-Rate modulating control enables communication with energy management systems and independent zone or system modulation between 60

www.donpark.com 1-800-561-3842

and 100 per cent. superiorradiant.com

HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

57

< HVAC

Good IAQ: One Amenity Hotels Can’t Do Without Respiratory illness, allergies and asthma -most hotel operators would consider these ailments to be unwanted guests. But hoteliers who do not pay close attention to their HVAC air filtration system may be placing these disorders on their room service menu.

By Lon Edelman

POOR IAQ AND ITS EFFECTS So what is in this “polluted” indoor air? Smoke, fumes, dust, bacteria and other contaminants – many of them a fraction of the size of a grain of sand. And, the average person breathes in about 16,000 quarts of air each day with about 70,000 of these visible and invisible particles entering the respiratory system.

It is no wonder that: »» More than three million Canadians have a serious respiratory disease. »» About 2.7 million Canadians have asthma. »» Between 4,000 and 8,000 Canadians can die of influenza and its complications annually.

58

HPAC | MARCH 2011

»» Up to one-quarter of Canadians suffer from “hay fever”type allergies.

Poor IAQ is more than bad for one’s health; it is also bad for business. Review the following statistics and consider the potential effects of poor IAQ on hotel employees: »» Roughly 15 per cent of the Canadian population has some form of sensitivity to environmental factors significant enough to affect their lifestyle. »» Asthma sufferers in Canada face 1.1 to 1.8 million restricted activity days every year. »» It is estimated that Canadians spend more than $600 million each year to treat asthma conditions. »» Almost 6.5 per cent of total health care costs in Canada are related to respiratory disease (not including lung cancer). This accounts for nearly $5.7 billion in direct costs and $6.72 billion for indirect expenses. »» Productivity losses due to premature death and disability as a result of bronchitis, emphysema and asthma cost the Canadian economy $2.1 billion a year. »» Employee absenteeism costs Canadian businesses about 2.6 per cent of their total payroll. hpacmag.com

Photo Kimberly-Clark Filtration

I

t is estimated that indoor air is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air – a statistic that becomes more shocking when you consider that Canadians spend about 90 per cent of their time indoors. In fact, about one in four Canadians report that they or someone in their household have experienced health problems linked to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Unfortunately, poor IAQ is prevalent in commercial and institutional buildings, such as hotels. The World Health Organization estimates that onethird of all new and remodeled buildings have unhealthy air and more than 20 per cent of the existing building stock in Europe and North America may be characterized as “sick.”

HOTEL GUESTS SPEAK OUT Just as important as healthy, productive employees are satisfied guests. But some hotel guests find room for improvement at the inn.

More than two-thirds of frequent travelers polled in a 2005 U.S. survey said they are concerned about air quality in hotel rooms. They identified odors (68 per cent of respondents) and “stuffiness” (59 per cent of respondents) as being the most frequently encountered IAQ problems.

Sixty per cent of the travelers surveyed said they have experienced a range of problems such as poor sleep, runny or stuffy nose, dry nose, sneezing, headache, cough and sore throat as a result of staying in a hotel room with poor IAQ. The issue of bad hotel room IAQ was such a concern that 42 per cent of the survey respondents actually complained to hotel management about air quality conditions inside their hotel rooms.

AIR FILTRATION IS KEY Ideally, airborne contaminants should be eliminated or significantly reduced by a hotel’s HVAC system. While many Canadian jurisdictions do not have specific legislation that deals with indoor air quality issues, there are a number of things hotel operators can do to improve their IAQ – from periodic monitoring of IAQ conditions and checking HVAC systems for mould and other contaminants, to the simple act of upgrading their air filters.

In fact, effective air filtration provides the primary defense against indoor particulate pollutants and helps minimize exposure to particles that can be present in bad indoor air.

Fortunately, with today’s higher standards in air filtration, it is possible to produce cleaner, purer air and reduce IAQ problems.

Contractors with hotel operator customers wishing to improve IAQ have a choice of many new filter designs that provide high particulate filtration efficiency. Upgrading the air filtration system from flat fibreglass to pleated filters with a minimum MERV 8 performance is a good first step in an effort to improve IAQ. Based on ASHRAE Standard 52.2, a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is assigned to filters depending on the filter’s efficiency in three different particle size ranges. A MERV of 5 is least efficient, while a MERV of 16 is most efficient. hpacmag.com

The ASHRAE 52.2 test provides the efficiency of the filter over three particle size ranges: E1 (very fine particles in the 0.3 to 1.0 micrometer range), E2 (fine particles in the 1.0 to 3.0 micrometer range) and E3 (coarse particles in the 3.0 to 10.0 micrometer range). The E1, E2 and E3 efficiencies represent the true measure of filter performance and give users a more complete picture of what the filter will actually do.

When evaluating results of the ASHRAE 52.2 test, HVAC engineers would be wise to review the Fractional Particle Size vs. Particle Diameter Curve that is included with the test report. The curve will provide the efficiency of the filter for the specific particle size of interest. Keep in mind, for example, that lung-damaging dust can be as small as 0.5 micrometers while some bacteria can be as small as 0.3 micrometers. This means that high E1 and E2 efficiencies are critical to providing for good IAQ. Unfortunately, many pleated filters today have very low E1 and E2 efficiencies. Manufacturers of these filters try to divert attention away from poor E1 and E2 performance by instead focusing on MERV and the non-standard “MERV-A” test, which subjects filters in the test to extreme particle loads of very fine particles – many times what the filter would be exposed to over its lifetime.

To avoid confusion between the optional MERV A results and the filter’s E1, E2, and E3 Fine Particle Efficiencies, ask to see ASHRAE 52.2 test reports as well as an energy cost analysis of the filters under consideration.

BENEFITS TO HOTEL OPERATORS In addition to improved IAQ, there are other benefits of upgrading a hotel’s HVAC air filtration system including potentially reduced HVAC energy consumption by choosing filters with low resistance to airflow and reduced operating costs, which can be achieved by using longer-life pleated filters. Upgrading filters in the hotel central HVAC system also can help quality for LEED credits and other green building milestones.

From an employee health and productivity standpoint, studies have shown that improving the indoor environment can lead to as much as a 20 per cent improvement in worker productivity. In addition, more than half of the travelers polled in the survey mentioned above said they would become loyal customers of hotels that provided advanced in-room air filtration to minimize allergens, dust and odours.

And those numbers are nothing to sneeze at. <> Lon Edelman, CAFS, is an expert in air filtration standards and technology.

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

59

PRODUCTS HYDRONICS

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation has introduced

ProPEX

installation

tools

with ProPEX

auto-rotating expansion

The Deco Space column radiator line from

heads. Suited for

Jaga offers a wide selection of models, includ-

one-handed use, the M12 and M18 ProPEX

ing freestanding options. Offered in heights

expansion tools are designed to speed up

from 120 cm to 300 cm, the radiators may

the installation of Uponor ProPEX fittings.

be fitted to the wall, floor or ceiling, or per-

Compatible with over 25 tools on their re-

pendicular to the wall. Versatile connection

spective battery platforms, the tools are built

options simplify placement and installation.

with all-metal gears and an integrated metal

Accessories, such as towel rails and hat-

frame. milwaukeetool.com

racks are available. jaga-canada.com

The Tribute compact, low footprint, vertical tubeless steam boiler from Fulton is avail-

Armstrong’s Astro 2 Circulator is intended for circu-

able in a variety of trim options, completely

lating water or ethylene glycol solutions in closed

customized and configured to meet custom-

hydronic or solar heating systems. It is designed

ers’ job-specific needs. It has the capabil-

with no mechanical seals or couplers to replace

ity to operate at sub nine ppm NOx with an

and no lubrication is required. The Astro 2 series

advanced boiler control system and features

is available in three material constructions for res-

a fibre mesh burner, variable-speed fan and

idential, small industrial and commercial installa-

integrated gas train. Low emissions combus-

tions. Choose from cast iron or lead free bronze

tion is achieved with only four-inch incoming

or stainless steel models for solar and domestic

gas pressure. fulton.com

applications. armstrongpumps.com

The 3rd edition of the textbook Modern Hydronic Heating by John Siegenthaler is available now. The full colour, 744-page edition

includes

information

on

up-to-date geothermal

heat pumps, solar thermal systems, thermal accumulators, variable speed pumping, hydraulic separation, web-enabled controls, Btu metering and system balancing. From simple applications to multi-load/ multi-temperature systems, learn how to use the newest and most Taco’s e-smart tag now identifies its most resource-saving technology and

appropriate hydronic heating methods and hardware to create

gives installers a way to quickly find the most energy-efficient products.

systems that deliver the ultimate in heating comfort, reliability and

E-smart product lines include Taco’s family of solar pumping products

energy efficiency. Engineering-level design information is trans-

and technology with its variable speed solar pumps, all-in-one pumping

formed into practical tools that can be used by technical students

stations and controls. taco-hvac.com

and heating professionals alike. hydronicpros.com/whatsnew

60

HPAC | MARCH 2011

hpacmag.com

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS

MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS • WHOLESALERS • ASSOCIATIONS

HRAI Scrutinizes Consumer Product Safety Act Bill C-36, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), was passed by the Senate on December 14, 2010. The act will replace Part 1 of the Hazardous Products Act and introduces a new regulatory regime.

It will give the federal government the power to order recalls of unsafe products, notes the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI).

HRAI is reviewing how this new act will impact the industry and will communicate protocols businesses will need to abide by. These include definitions, reporting timelines, advertising practices, search and seizure provisions, documentation requirements, and the handling of confidential business information. Health Canada and key stakeholders will finalize the policies and guidelines in the coming months.

For more information, e-mail Caroline Czajko at cczajko@hrai.ca or visit: hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/legislation/acts-lois/ccpsa-lcspc/qa-qr-eng.php

Peter Love, ESAC president.

Powerhouses Promote Building Performance An organization formed by several energy services companies is specializing in performance-based solutions for energy retrofits. The founding members of the Energy Services Association of Canada (ESAC) are: Ainsworth, Ameresco, Direct Energy, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, MCW Custom Energy Solutions, Siemens and Trane. The first president of the continued on page 62

(905) 660-3460

marfabmetal.com Access Doors and much more...

With 40 years of manufacturing experience, Marfab offers precision metal fabrication and a continually expanding line of sheet metal products.

Along with manufacturing parts for leading H.V.A.C. equipment manufacturers in North America, Marfab also makes a variety of custom, made-to-order products used in plumbing and mechanical installations.

Some products include: Drywall Extension Sleeves Shearwall Extension Sleeves Ceiling/HRV Access Panels Pipe Shields Saddles Fire Hose Cabinets Grilles

Find out more! Call or visit our website today!

Mention this ad and get 10% off your first order. New Customers Only. Minimum order $500.00.

Marfab ad.indd 1

HPACMAG.COM

3/11/11 9:23:23 AM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

61

< MSN

continued from page 61

association is Peter Love, Ontario's former Chief Energy Conservation Officer.

ESAC has been formed "to actively promote government policies and regulatory support for greater use of guaranteed performance based solutions to upgrade Canada's aging infrastructure. The organization has prepared 27 case studies of performance based energy solutions across Canada and says that together its members are responsible for more than 90 per cent of the $450-million energy performance business. energyservicesassociation.ca

In other REHAU news, the company has established a strategic alliance with Avenir Software Inc. to develop the LoopCAD PRO 2011 and LoopCAD 2011 non-graphical design software. The software will be specifically engineered for designing REHAU radiant heating and snow and ice melting systems. The company has also established a strategic alliance with Climate Automation Systems (CAS) to market its web-enabled Smart Controls System. na.rehau.com/construction | avenir-software.com | climateautomationsystems.com

PMI Rebrand Reflects Global Vision Focus On Sustainable Building Design REHAU has created a new construction services department, which will deliver services including design engineering, channel management and professional training.

“The REHAU construction services department is focused on assisting our customers as they navigate an ever-changing construction industry, especially in relation to sustainable building systems,” said Bill Johansen, director of construction services.

PMI has been the acronym for the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute for 35 years but with a recent rebranding the organization is now known as Plumbing Manufacturers International. According to the organization, the updated name maintains its identity and recognition factor while reflecting the association's and its members' worldwide involvement and outreach.

In keeping with this global leadership role, PMI also refreshed its brand identity, website and other marketing communications, which will be introduced throughout the year and culminate with its presence at Greenbuild 2011 International Conference and Expo, October 4-7, in Toronto. pmihome.org

Double The Celebration For B.A. Robinson In addition to celebrating its 75th year of business in Western Canada, B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd. is now also an official member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Platinum Club. Membership is restricted to the elite corps of organizations who have been Best Managed Companies In addition to the B.A. for six consecutive years Robinson win, the industry had or more. a good showing in the 2010 Sponsored by Deloitte, awards program. Deschênes CIBC Commercial Banking, Group (for the second year), Calco Environmental Group, the National Post and Dessau Inc., Imperial Air Queen’s School of BusiTechnologies and The Master ness, the Canada’s 50 Group were among the 50 Best Managed Companies Best Managed Companies. canadas50best.com/en/ program recognizes orgaPages/Home.aspx nizations setting the highest standards of business Did you Know? performance.

The 2010 Best Managed The Platinum Club Winners generated $11.5 billion in combined revenue of the Best Managed and employ over 52,000 Companies program is people in Canada. reserved for companies

NOTE:

62

HPAC | MArCH 2011

hpacmag.com

who have qualified as Best Managed for the preceding six years, and in their seventh year join this exclusive group.

"Over the past seven years, we have seen some significant swings in the economy and changes in business environment in Canada. During this time B. A. Robinson has made people and customers its highest priorities, has focused on operational excellence and innovation, and has achieved consistent and strong performance, all of which continue to support the company’s status as an industry leader,” said Richard Soenen, partner in Deloitte's Private Company Services Group and Manitoba Region program lead for the 50 Best Managed Companies Program. barobinson.com

85% Facial coverage Better protection 20% than other eye/facewashes

Mergers & Acquisitions Master Expands Ontario Holdings The Master Group has acquired three branches of Ontario distributor Eastern Refrigeration Supply Co. Ltd. Two of the locations are in the Greater Toronto Area and the third is in Hamilton.

“After 60 years of operations in Eastern Canada, this expansion in the Toronto and Hamilton markets allows us to take an important step in line with our growth plans into new regional markets and prepares the way for a national platform,” notes Michel Ringuet, CEO, The Master Group. mastergroup.ca

Solar Collector Manufacturer On The Block The EnerWorks board of directors has signed an agreement-in-principle to sell 100 per cent of EnerWorks' shares to Proterra Solar, based in Woodstock, ON. EnerWorks Inc. is a provider of flat plate technology.

Proterra Solar is a distributor and consultant for evacuated tube solar thermal systems. enerworks.com | proterrasolar.com

Distribution News >> E.S. Gallagher Sales Ltd. (esg) has named Savard and Associates as its new representative for Western Canada.

Rene Savard brings over 35 years of experience in the Plumbing and HVAC-R industry to the esg team. esgallagher.com

>> Master recently signed an exclusive distribution agreement with the ventilation products manufacturer Ruskin for all of its territory, from Eastern Ontario (Kingston and Ottawa area) to the Atlantic Provinces. master.ca | ruskin.com <> hpacmag.com

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

63

< Refrigerants

A Balanced Approach The challenge of selecting the right refrigerants to preserve the environment and deliver value to customers. BY Jeff Moe

T

he HVAC/R industry is facing a major challenge in addressing the phase-out of nearly all current commercially-viable refrigerants over the next few decades. The need to transition is acknowledged and supported by the equipment industry, but the transition must address both environmental stewardship and customer value. Developing a refrigerant solution is a complex problem that must consider ozone depletion potential (ODP), global warming potential (GWP), energy efficiency, safety, system cost and application fit.

THE SEARCH FOR A BETTER REFRIGERANT

One of the constant themes throughout the history of the HVAC/R industry is the search for a better refrigerant. In the early years the primary focus was simply on finding a refrigerant that would provide effective cooling. Many of the early refrigerants such as sulfur dioxide, methyl chloride and ammonia are toxic or flammable. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants were introduced in the 1930s as safe alternatives to the dangers of the chemicals used before them.

Figure 1 Timeline of refrigerant usage

CFCs came to dominate first refrigeration and later HVACR because of their safety and efficiency.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were added later as additional application refinement was added to the overall portfolio of solutions. Then in the 1970s scientists discovered that CFCs, and to a lesser extent HCFCs, were contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.

In 1987, the Montreal Protocol went into effect and started with a 50 per cent phase out of CFCs, and then later moved to a 100 per cent phase out of CFCs. In addition, HCFCs were added to the list of chemicals controlled under the Montreal Protocol and phase-out dates were established. Because of their low ODP, the phase-out dates for HCFCs were set at 30 or more years into the future.

The HVACR industry replaced CFCs with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which have a much lower impact on the ozone layer than CFCs and also with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which have zero ODP. However, later concerns arose that many of the chemicals that were being phased in because of their favorable ODP contributed to global warming. The Kyoto Protocol, created in 1997, addressed the issue of global climate change. Kyoto set reduction targets for greenhouse gases, including HFCs, in developed countries. As a result, HFCs are now under pressure for a phase down consideration.

Figure 1 provides a summary of the major legislative actions involving refrigerants in the developed and developing countries, including both the Montreal and Kyoto protocols. The dates on the chart are for the United States and Canada while dates in other countries vary.

Even though the CFCs and HCFCs are global warming gases, they are not covered under the Kyoto Protocol due to their separate coverage under the Montreal Protocol. Likewise HFCs that continued on page 66

64

HPAC | MARCH 2011

hpacmag.com

Graphic Ingersoll Rand

LEGISLATION INVOLVING REFRIGERANTS

SAVING energy makes sense —business sense.

You’re always looking for new ways to control your operating costs. Energy use is no exception. Your local electric utility has a range of energy-efficient solutions tailored to your business. Small businesses can access incentives to upgrade their lighting. Commercial, agricultural and industrial operations Your local electric utility can tap into funding for lighting, process and equipment upgrades, as well as offers incentives for: for energy audits and shifting energy usage away from peak demand times.

Find out more by contacting your local electric utility or visit saveonenergy.ca/business

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

Cleaner Ontario is an Official Mark of the Province of Ontario protected under Canadian trademark law. Used under license.

Official Marks of the Ontario Power Authority.

OM

• Shifting energy use • Equipment upgrades • Energy audits

< Refrigerants

continued from page 64

from HVAC equipment is now 20 to 600 times lower compared with the older CFC chiller designs. These reduced leaks rates now bring the direct percentage of global warming impact to under five per cent of the total global warming impact for the application.

The other 95 per cent (or more) of the environmental impact comes from the generation of power used by the HVAC system. Today, 70 per cent1 of this power is being generated by the burning of fossil fuels that are also producing greenhouse gases. When you consider both the direct and indirect impact of refrigerants on the environment, then fluorocarbons, because of their high energy efficiency, can be the most environmentally-responsible refrigerant available today for many applications.

Best practices in design and servicing can keep refrigerCONSIDER THE WHOLE PICTURE ant leaks to minimal levels. In fact, a Trane study conducted When considering the environmental impact of a refrigeras long ago as 1997 determined the annualized total loss ant, it is important to look at both the direct impact of rate for every single R-123 chiller that the company had leakage of refrigerant into the atmosphere, and the indirect under service contract at the time. The study included all impact, resulting from the generation of energy used by leaks, whether from accidental discharge, servicing or northe HVAC equipment. Both direct and indirect environmenmal operation. It showed that of 3,547,612 lbs. of charge tal impacts are important but it is critical to understand the in 2,768 R-123 chillers studied, only 16,229 pounds per relative importance of the two. The direct environmental year of charge was lost, less than 0.4575 per cent. impact of an HVAC system is dependent on the rate of leakIt is important to note that operating pressure can also age into the environment. Leakage rates can vary among impact how likely a leak is to occur and how much refrigerdifferent HVAC products but good design and servicing can ant will escape during a leak. In addition, innovative techkeep leakage to a minimum. nologies can be employed to minimize the refrigerant charge for a given amount of refrigeration or cooling Figure 2 A holistic view of the environmental impact of current refrigerants. capacity, with the per cent charge reduction directly ODP GWP COP (at typical chiller conditions) (R-11=1.0) (CO2=1.0) (000s) reducing refrigerant emissions over the life of the 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 equipment by the same amount. So, use of low presCFC-11 sure technology with reduced refrigerant charge levels CFC-12 HCFC-22 can result in nearly an order of magnitude reduction HCFC-123 in lifetime emissions.

HFC-134a

have no ODP are not covered under the Montreal Protocol today but they are covered under the Kyoto Protocol because of their GWP. Fortunately, the Montreal and Kyoto protocols have set out dates to ensure long-term availability. Even when production of a refrigerant stops, recycled, recovered and stockpiled supplies can continue to be used without restriction. For example, production of CFCs ended in 1996 but stocks of these refrigerants are still readily available. The price of R-12 rose considerably after new production was banned in 1996 because of taxation and heavy automotive use but the price has dropped more recently as automotive segment demand has declined.

HFC-410A HFC-32

some flammability

HFC-245fa HFO-1234yf

some flammability

R-290 (propane)

flammability

R-600a (isobutane)

flammability

R-744 (CO2) R-717 (ammonia)

flammability & toxicity lower

efficiency

higher

Years ago, when chillers used CFCs and service practices were less concerned with minimizing emissions, leak rates were 2-1/2 to 10 times what we are seeing today.

Combining this with the significant global warming potential difference between CFCs and HFCs (eight times lower) and HCFCs (60 times lower), the direct environmental impact 66

HPAC | MARCH 2011

EVALUATING NATURAL REFRIGERANTS

The importance of considering the indirect environmental impact extends to evaluating natural refrigerants. For example, refrigerants such as CO2, hydrocarbons and ammonia have zero ODP and a very low GWP but they present other concerns. CO2 has potential as a low temperature refrigerant in refrigeration applications but it has a very low efficiency in HVAC applications â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than 20 per cent below the efficiency of R-22 and R410A, due to operation above the critical point of CO2 in these applications. continued on page 68 hpacmag.com

M A D O K M A N U FA C T U R I N G

PRESENTED BY

MADOK MANUFACTURING MOVES TO NEW LOCATION Madok Manufacturing Limited, located in Brantford, Ontario, is a manufacturer of custom designed copper tube/aluminum plate-fin heat transfer (heating/cooling) coils and the Canadian licensee for Heresite® Protective Coatings, Inc. EXPANDING — TO SERVE YOU BETTER We have relocated into a larger manufacturing facility, allowing us to significantly expand our heating/cooling coil product offering.

NEW AND REPLACEMENT COILS Heat transfer coils available from Madok include: • Fluid (Heating/Cooling) Coils • Steam Coils • Evaporator Coils • Condenser/Heat Reclaim Coils CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS Heresite prolongs the life of heating/cooling coils, air/fume handling equipment, fans/blowers and other metal components which must be installed in corrosive atmospheres (including salt water).

For more information contact us at: Tel: (519) 756-5760 Fax: (519) 756-5768 e-mail: mail@madok.com

MADOK.COM

Right Sizing Your clients’ coil needs come in all shapes and sizes... they have to be precise and on time. Madok’s full range of coils have you covered. For heating coils, cooling coils, evaporator coils, condensor coils and more – for new construction and replacement coil applications, call Madok and tell them you want to be right sized!

Visit our new website today.

HPACMAG.COM Madok.indd 1

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

67

3/9/11 1:57:13 PM

< Refrigerants

continued from page 66

To get the same cooling tonnage today's equipment would therefore consume more than 20 per cent additional energy with carbon dioxide as it would with fluorocarbons.

It is clear that switching from fluorocarbons to CO2 to reduce the direct environmental impact, which constitutes less than five per cent of the total, while significantly increasing the indirect impact, which makes up 95 per cent of the total, would not be a good tradeoff.

Hydrocarbons can be used in stationary air conditioning applications but they present safety issues in application, service and recovery since they are highly flammable.

Ammonia has potential for low temperature and process chiller applications but its flammability and high toxicity limit its use.

REFRIGERANT SELECTION

The public and policymakers should consider all aspects of the environmental impact of refrigerant alternatives for the future including ODP, GWP, energy efficiency and atmo-

spheric life. There is no perfect refrigerant and, barring breakthroughs, one will not be available for the foreseeable future so every refrigerant choice is an effort in compromise. We need to utilize a balanced approach in selecting refrigerants and not focus on one or two factors to the exclusion of others.

A more thorough review of the available chemicals will help to understand the impacts of these compromises.

Figure 2 above compares the ODP, GWP and energy efficiency of today's commercial refrigerants and potential future refrigerants. While there are no perfect refrigerants, the chart shows that of the refrigerants available today, R123 strikes a good balance between ODP and GWP. The use of one other fluorocarbon on this chart that also combines good ODP and GWP, R-32, is limited because of its flammability.

The equipment industry is under tremendous pressure to move to a new generation of refrigerants with low ODP and low GWP. Refrigerant producers are working on developing new refrigerants with negligible ODP, very low GWP, high energy efficiency and high levels of safety. Equipment manufacturers are analyzing new refrigerants based on their energy efficiency, safety and emissions.

Everyone would like to use a refrigerant that will be available forever and never phased out but there are no commercially viable refrigerants like that today. Focusing on maintaining a balance between achieving the lowest possible refrigerant emissions, along with the best possible energy efficiency, is the key to being both environmentally and economically responsible. Lastly, achieving this balance in a cost effective manner is critical in order to make these new designs affordable for the end user. <> Jeff Moe is director, global policy and advocacy for the Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability at Ingersoll Rand.

1 U.S. Energy Information Administration

68

HPAC | MARCH 2011

hpacmag.com

< Solar

Simplifying Purging Getting fluid into and air out of closed loop solar thermal systems. BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

NOTE:

Figure 1 Closed-loop solar thermal system. air vent! w/ shut off valve

y ra la

r

co

lle

ct

or

ar

isolation! ball valve

anti-scald tempering valve cold water hot water

pressure &! temperature! relief! valve electric! heating! element

air! separator

purging! group

continued on page 70

All antifreeze solutions used in solar thermal systems should be tested for pH and reserve alkalinity on an annual basis. Use the fluid manufacturer’s guidelines to determine if the fluid needs additional buffering.

float-type! air vent

so

T

he vast majority of contemporary solar thermal systems fit into the broader category of hydronic systems. They just happen to use solar collectors rather than a boiler as their heat source. As such, the same physics that govern air collection and removal in conventional hydronic systems remain in effect in solar thermal systems. Much of the hardware used for these purposes is also very similar.

Figure 1 shows a typical closed-loop solar thermal system of domestic water heating. An antifreeze solution circulates between the collector array and the heat exchanger within the storage tank.

All closed loop solar subsystems require a “purging group” consisting of a fluid inlet valve, a fluid outlet valve and a third valve in between. The third valve can be either a ball valve or a check valve. Figure 2 shows a closeup of both options.

In some systems, the three valves that make up the purging group are installed as individual components. In others, these valves are part of a preassembled solar circulation station.

Of the two options shown in Figure 2, the one using the check valve provides for both purging and prevention of reverse thermosyphon flow when the storage tank is warmer than the collectors. If a ball valve is used in this position, a separate check valve must be provided elsewhere in the

solar storage tank! w/ electric element hose

expansion! tank submersible! fill pump! shown 5 gallon bucket

hpacmag.com

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

69

< SOLAR

continued from page 69

Figure 2 Purging group options.

are any inline valves, such as pump circuit to prevent thermosyphoning. If a isolation flanges, turn them on and off ball valve is used between the fluid inlet quickly to disturb the flow a bit and posand outlet valves, it must be closed durfluid! fluid! outlet! inlet! sibly break loose some additional air ing the filling and purging process. The valve valve that might be hiding in a sheltered locacheck valve does not require any adjusttion in the circuit. ment during filling and purging. The check!

Next, close the fluid outlet valve and pressure created by the entering fluid valve allow the purging pump to increase the is sufficient to hold the disc or flapper static pressure in the circuit. The extent of the check valve in its closed position of pressurization depends on the purgduring purging. fluid! fluid! ing pump used. This pressurization will Fluid is pumped into the circuit through outlet! inlet! valve valve likely only take a few seconds. When the fluid inlet valve. The fluid travels there is no further increase in system around the solar collection circuit and pressure, as observed on the system’s eventually exits through the fluid outlet pressure gauge, close the fluid inlet valve and turn off the valve. A hose routes the exiting flow back to the container purging pump. from which fluid is being transferred into the system.

If the piping circuit is not at or slightly above the required For effective purging, the fluid should move through the pressure, additional fluid can be added using a positive discircuit at a flow velocity no less than two feet per second. placement hand pump.

At this speed the fluid can push most of the bulk air volume The final pressurization of the circuit should be based on in the piping in the downstream direction. Eventually, this the manufacturer’s recommendation. Some manufacturers air is ejected through the fluid outlet valve and carried back prefer higher static pressures to help protect the fluid from to the fluid container through a hose. That hose should be vapour flash at elevated temperatures. held in a position that prevent air bubbles from being “jetted” to the bottom of the container where they could be drawn back into the fluid supply hose or pump.

PATIENCE PLEASE Several different types of pumps have been used to fill At this point, most of the “bulk air” will have been removed solar subsystems. They range from small submersible from the circuit. However, molecules of oxygen, nitrogen pumps, to “drill pumps.” and the other gases that constitute air remain dissolved When purging begins, the fluid level in the container will with the cool fluid that has just been added to the system. drop quickly and only air will be exiting the fluid outlet valve.

This dissolved air needs to be “cooked” out of the fluid Within a few seconds this condition gives way to as it passes through heated a combination of air and liquid “spitting” out the collectors. discharge hose. As additional air is entrained and A float-type air vent located returned to the container, the exiting stream tranat the very top of the system sitions to what appears to be an air free stream is the best way to capture of liquid. this air. My preference is to At this point, allow the purging process to conuse a vent with a ½" size piptinue for at least a couple more minutes. If there ing connection, rather than the typical 1/8" or ¼" size vents often found in other hydronic systems. The larger piping size is more effective Positive in capturing air bubbles. displacement This vent sits above a verhand pump. tically-oriented ball valve at the very top of the circuit, as Drill pump. seen in Figure 1. The valve 70

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Photos: Bob Rohr

ball! valve

should remain open for several days during which the system is operating and air bubbles are likely being formed within the collectors. After this time, the ball valve should be closed to protect the vent from potentially high stagnation temperatures. The ball valve should be specifically rated for solar applications, or otherwise rated to withstand service temperatures of at least 350F. Many solar subsystem circuits also contain an air separating device, either as a separate component, or built into the solar circulation station. This device works to continually collect and purge any remaining air. It is normal to see a slight drop in pressure when the system is deareating itself within the first few days of operation.

Annual service checks on the system should include verification of system pressure. When necessary, system pressure can be boosted using a hand pump and a short length of hose. Loosely connect the free end of the hose to the fluid inlet valve. Pump some fluid through the hose and let it leak out of the loose connection. This helps to dis-

place air in the hose and hose connection. Tighten the connection, open the fluid inlet valve, and pump in fluid while watching the pressure gauge. When the desired pressure is reached, close the fluid inlet valve and disconnect the hose. Put a written tag on the fluid inlet valve indicating the date at which fluid was added, the type of fluid added and the final pressure gauge reading.

There you have it: Simple and effective ways to get fluid into and air out of a solar collector circuit. A properly deareated collector circuit will operate with very little detectable noise and provide good heat transfer for many years. <> John Siegenthaler, P.E. is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating. The third edition of this book is now available (see p.60). For reference information and software to assist in hydronic system design, visit hydronicpros.com. Siegenthaler can be reached at siggy@dreamscape.com.

PRESENTED BY

MATRIX ENERGY

FLAT ROOF AIR HEATING Solar pre-heating of fresh air make-up systems exploits a building’s south facing wall to generate substantial energy savings and valuable LEED points.

Where a transpired, wall-mounted collector isn’t practical, the modular MatrixAir™ Delta system offers a flat roof system that concentrates the sun’s heat directly into air handling units, substantially reducing heating load. MatrixAir™ Delta array can be installed in various configurations for unlimited fresh air heating requirements.

MATRIXENERGY.CA

HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

71

Free regIstratIon $20 value

MCEE

MÉCANEX/CLIMATEX/EXPOLECTRIQ/ÉCLAIRAGE

EAStErN CANAdA’S largest plumbINg, HVACr, HydroNIC, ElECtrICAl ANd lIgHtINg Expo.

aprIl 20 & 21, 2011 plACE boNAVENturE • moNtréAl • QuébEC

www.mcee.ca It’s lIke the bIggest show room you’ve ever seen!

• Stocked with thousands of products • Staffed by North America’s most knowledgeable sales and technical representatives • Information-packed seminars

produCEd by:

IN CoopErAtIoN wItH:

Calendar 2011

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ hpacmag.com

CaGBC National Symposium April 13-14

MCEE April 20-21

KBIS April 26-28

This year the Canada Green Building Council will hold its National Symposium at the Allstream Centre in Toronto, ON. cagbc.org

Eastern Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mechanical and electrical trade show (see p.44) will be held at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, QC. mcee.ca

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. kbis.com

RSES Canada AGM May 6-7

Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology May 10-13

IEA Heat Pump Conference May 16-19

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) will hold its annual meeting in Moncton, NB, at the Ramada Plaza Crystal Palace and Convention Centre. For more information tel. 905-842-9199.

Hosted by the Manitoba Building Envelop Council, the 13th Conference On Building Science and Technology will be held at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg. becwinnipeg2011.com

The 10th International Energy Agency (IEA) Heat Pump Conference will be held at Chinzan-so in Tokyo, Japan. hpc2011.org

RETScreen 2011 June 20-22

Oilheat 2011 June 21-22

ABC 2011 June 26-29

The RETScreen Annual Conference & Training Institute will be held at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, ON. retscreen.net

The Canadian Oil Heat Association will hold its symposium at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa in Niagara on the Lake, ON. coha.ca

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating is heading to the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC for its annual meeting. ciph.com

Intersolar North America July 12-14

HRAI 43rd Annual Meeting August 25-27

The premier platform for the solar industry in North America will be held at the Moscone Center in San Franciso, CA. intersolar.us

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada will meet at the White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa in Niagara on the Lake, ON. hrai.ca

Geothermal Power Investment Workshop September 14

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo October 5-7

RSES Annual Conference November 2-5

Thousands of building professionals will come together at Greenbuild in Toronto, ON. greenbuildexpo.org

The 74th RSES Annual Conference and HVACR Technology Expo will be held at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, VA. rses.org

The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) will hold the Toronto, ON, Geothermal Power Investment Workshop and Networking Reception. cangea.ca

CanGEA Geothermal Power Forum and Networking Event November 9 The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) invites geothermal developers, investors, energy companies and policy makers to explore advances and opportunities in the industry at this Calgary, AB event. cangea.ca

Construct Canada November 30-December 2

Solar Canada December 5-6

Construct Canada will be held in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. constructcanada.com The National GreenBuilding Conference will be held in the same venue, November 30-December 1. nationalgreenbuildingexpo.com

The Canadian Solar Industries Association will hold its 2011 conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building. cansia.ca

hpacmag.com

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

73

WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES

PRESENTED BY

135 YEARS OF PLUMBING INNOVATION OneFlow Scale Control System. For years building owners, property managers, and facility engineers have fought the battle against scale and its destructive effects. Now there is a better solution that is environmentally friendly and virtually maintenance-free: OneFlow from Watts. OneFlow prevents scale by transforming dissolved hardness minerals into harmless, inactive, microscopic crystal particles which flow freely through the system without adhering to pipes, fixtures, valves or heating elements.

OneFlow is not a water softener; it is a scale control technology designed to protect complete plumbing systems or individual components from the negative effects of water hardness. OneFlow uses “green” technology requiring no backwashing, no salt, and no electricity. OneFlow models are available in cartridge and tank style housings for commercial applications on both cold and hot water lines. Systems are available in many connection sizes to meet flow rates from 0.5 to 450 gpm or more. visit thescalesolution.com

BLÜCHER: A new system of stainless drains. Includes pipes, channels and accessories that provide high quality drainage solutions for customers within the housing, commercial and industrial markets.

BLÜCHER    

offers drainage systems for all applications ranging from single-family bathrooms to large industrial facilities provides drainage solutions for bathrooms, utility rooms, and basements, in single, as well as multi-storey housing units provides drainage solutions for hospitals, schools,restaurants, and fitness centres, all while ensuring a classic and aesthetic design specializes in drainage solutions for large industrial facilities, food industries, and pharmaceutical industries, all of which benefit from the hygienic solutions and sustainability that stainless steel drainage products offer

Stainless Steel pipe, fittings, and drains by Blücher, are high in quality, low in weight, high in strength, environmentally friendly, fire resistant to 800°C, and require a minimum of maintenance after installation. visit blucherdrains.ca

WATTSCANADA.CA 74

HPAC | MARCH 2011

HPACMAG.COM

Training

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA CMCEF National Seminar Program The Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation program includes: commissioning, dispatcher training, change out and project management. cmcef.org

Hydronics Training Information on the Canadian Hydronics Council two-day Introduction to Hydronic Heating Installations course is available at ultimatecomfort.ca or tel. 416-695-0447.

COHA Boiler and Efficiency Training The Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA) is offering burner and efficiency training courtesy of R.W. Beckett Canada Ltd. with trainer Steve Lamoureux. Visit coha.ca or tel. 905-946-0264.

LEED Canada Training Sign up for one of the Canada Green Building Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (CaGBC) LEED workshops at cagbc.org or tel. 613-241-1184.

THE SOURCE

Advertisers in this issue

Access Panels Inc........................(905) 760-1212..................... accesspanels.ca.......................................... page 61 Adrian Steel.................................(800) 677-2726..................... adriansteel.com........................................... page 68 Beckett Canada...........................(800) 665-6972..................... beckettcanada.ca......................................... page 16 Boshart........................................(800) 561-3164..................... boshart.com................................................ page 45 Bradford White-Canada.................(866) 690-0961..................... bradfordwhite.com.......................................... page 5 Bradley Corp................................(800) 272-3539..................... bradleycorp.com........................................... page 63 Bryan Steam LLC..........................(765) 473-6651..................... bryanboilers.com.......................................... page 22 Cash Acme...................................(877) 700-4242..................... sharkbitepro.com......................................... page 36 CSA.............................................(800) 463-6727..................... csa.ca......................................................... page 12 Delta Faucet Canada....................(800) 567-3300..................... deltafaucet.ca/commercial/proximity............. page 38 Don Park......................................(800) 561-3842..................... donpark.com................................................ page 56 Flir...............................................(800) 430-6754..................... extech.com/br200......................................... page 2 Fluke...........................................(800) 363-5853..................... fluke.com/2innovate..................................... page 11 Franklin Electric...........................(260) 824-2900..................... franklin-electric.com/lg................................. page 53 GeoSmart Energy.........................(866) 310-6690..................... geosmartenergy.com.................................... page 34 Great Lakes Copper......................(800) 265-9271..................... glcopper.com................................................ page 50 HG Spec.......................................(450) 434-3384..................... hgspec.com................................................. page 23 Hood Chemical.............................(800) 567-9791..................... hoodchemical.com....................................... page 62 Hydronic Parts Group....................(877) 633-0334..................... hydronicpartsgroup.com................................ page 29 InSinkErator.................................(800) 558-5700..................... insinkerator.ca.............................................. page 42 Liberty Pumps..............................(800) 543-2550..................... libertypumps.com......................................... page 54 Madok.........................................(519) 756-5760..................... madok.com.................................................. page 67 Marfab Metal Products.................(905) 660-3460..................... marfabmetal.com......................................... page 17 Matrix Energy...............................(866) 630-5630..................... matrixenergy.ca...................................... page 10, 71 MCEE...................................................................................... mcee.ca...................................................... page 72 Mitsubishi Electric.......................(905) 475-7728..................... zubahome.ca............................................... page 18 NTI..............................................(506) 432-1130..................... nythermal.com............................................. page 33 Ontario Power Authority................(800) 797-9604..................... powerauthority.on.ca..................................... page 65 Saniflo.........................................(800) 363-5874..................... saniflo.ca..................................................... page 13 Selkirk Corp.................................(888) 735-5175..................... selkirkcorp.com.............................................. page 3 Taco Canada................................(905) 564-9422..................... taco-hvac.com............................................... page 6 Thermo Mfg..................................(888) 678-3709..................... thermopan.com............................................ page 46 Uponor.........................................(888) 994-7726..................... uponor.ca..................................................... page 30 Viega LLC.....................................(800) 976-9819..................... viega.com.................................................... page 14 Viessmann Mfg............................(800) 505-1223..................... viessmann.ca............................................... page 26 Watco Mfg...................................(816) 796-3900..................... watcomfg.com.............................................. page 49 Watts Canada..............................(888) 208-8927..................... wattscanada.ca.................................. page 32,74,80 Woodford Mfg...............................(800) 621-6032..................... woodfordmfg.com......................................... page 78 York.............................................(800) 463-2604..................... yorkupg.com.................................................. page 9 Zurn.............................................(905) 405-8272..................... zurn.com..................................................... page 51 hpacmag.com

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

75

< Finance

Keep your business and yourself in the clear on expense issues.

BY HANK BULMASH

T

here are typically two ways that companies and their shareholders get into trouble with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) over expense issues. The first results from expenses that are not fully documented. The second results from expenditures that can be categorized as benefiting employees, shareholders or their relatives.

Undocumented expenses often arise when casual labour is used. This is a problem for restaurants, contractors or any business where casual help is paid from general funds and names, social insurance numbers and addresses are not obtained and tax remittances are not made.

Similar problems can also arise when payments are made to offshore individuals or entities and proper documentation is not collected. It is bad enough that a business can be denied a deduction due to improper record keeping, but there are much worse outcomes that shareholders might be subject to.

Imagine this scenario. You need an improved work-in-process and billing system. You find a company that will design the program for you for much less than you expected to pay.

You learn that a programmer in Ukraine will do the work and he will only accept payment in cash in Canadian dollars (banking is very primitive in Ukraine and this is not an unusual provision there). To protect yourself, you negotiate a deal that allows you to make payment when the program is installed and working to your satisfaction. Finally everything works, the programmer demands payment in cash and you pay him $30,000, as agreed by contract.

Two years later, CRA reviews your books and denies the deduction for $30,000. CRA claims you have no proof that 76

HPAC | MARCH 2011

the amount the company paid actually went towards buying the software. You have a contract and a receipt, but CRA says that is not enough. They want the programmer's photo ID and his social insurance number in Ukraine. They want to notify the Ukrainian government that this fellow earned $30,000 in Canada.

You now have no way of obtaining the information and your accountant tells you to accept the reassessment. It is not worth fighting. That increases your company taxes by about $5,000. Not good. But CRA is not finished. They claim that you appropriated the company funds yourself and charge you tax on the $30,000. Prospective bill: $14,000.

They suggest they may impose penalties and interest that will add about $8,000 to those charges – now you are up to $22,000 personally and $5,000 in the corporation. The tax on the $30,000 you spent legitimately is now nearly equal to the cost of the software you bought. Ouch!

This is not a fantasy. As outsourcing to offshore suppliers has grown, CRA’s position on offshore payments has hardened. Its fear is that domestic companies will have the opportunity to shift significant funds outside the Canadian tax zone if it does not insist in a very high level of documentation – higher than that required of a Canadian supplier.

This can be a major source of trouble, but it is not the only one. The more common issue is expenditures that CRA feels result in taxable benefits to employees, shareholders or their relatives. This can lead to denied deductions to the company and a taxable benefit inclusion to an individual.

Basically, an expenditure is deductible as long as it is a reasonable amount and is laid out to earn income. For the most part that is not a problem as long as payments are made to arms length suppliers for things that do not benefit employees and shareholders. But what happens when people associated with your firm can get personal benefits? And what does CRA mean by personal benefits?

Basically CRA defines personal benefits as anything that enriches employees, shareholders, or their relatives.

Typical benefits are: cash and loans, cars and free parking, club memberships, gifts, entertainment and meals, travel, counseling, insurance and education. hpacmag.com

Photo iStockphoto

The Taxman Cometh

Tax rules relating to cars are well known and they provide an excellent insight into tax issues related to benefits. If a company makes a car available to an employee, the employee will have to pay tax on the value of the benefit, which is computed by formula. The word “available” is important here. It means that if the employee has access to a vehicle, he is treated as though he received a benefit whether or not he actually used the car for personal use.

This sounds unfair and, in certain instances, it is.

CRA’s position is nonetheless understandable. The rule evolved to avoid a “he said, she said” scenario where CRA wanted to tax the auto benefit and the employee insisted the car was not actually used personally. Similar availabil-

eight weeks, about two months operating expenses will be denied to the corporation. Then, CRA will compute the benefit conferred on the family for the property use.

So, doing nothing does not work. What should you do?

The best course of action is for the corporation to determine what period it can deduct expenses for (based on whether or not shareholders have used the property and whether or not they paid fair rent). Then determine the amount of the taxable benefit (again based on usage and whether or not rent was paid). Do not ask CRA what amount the benefit is.

There are several ways to determine the amount of the benefit. By doing it yourself, you can avoid the onerous con-

“If there are no additional costs, why should there be a benefit? This is the “no harm, no foul” theory of income tax, which does not apply in Canada.” ity rules cover other benefits as well, such as club memberships and parking spaces.

The biggest risk to a company and its shareholders is to have expenses denied to the company and the value added to the shareholder’s income. If you take money from your company and you pay tax on it, the value can be charged to the company as a remuneration expense. You will pay tax on the receipt but since the company receives a deduction, there is no double taxation and no penalty. A much worse situation can occur where a shareholder receives what is a benefit in CRA’s eyes, but the corporation has treated the expenditure as a normal expense and not a benefit to the shareholder.

For example, let’s say your company does business in Vancouver. Hotels are expensive there and prices are increasing, so your company buys a condo for business use. The cost of owning the condo is not much more than the hotel bills your company used to pay. When the condo is vacant, you and your family use it occasionally when vacationing in BC. When this occurs many taxpayers do not reflect the condo use as a taxable benefit. Their argument: it costs the corporation nothing for the shareholders to use an otherwise vacant property. If there are no additional costs, why should there be a benefit? This is the “no harm, no foul” theory of income tax, which does not apply in Canada. The personal use of a corporation's assets by a shareholder will result in a taxable benefit whether or not it costs the corporation anything to provide the benefit.

In this situation, CRA’s will first deny the company a prorata share of expenses. If the family used the condo for hpacmag.com

sequences of having CRA base its benefit value on “availability” and expected return on investment rather than market rental rates, which are often lower. CRA can base its determination on a number of alternatives since the courts have been split as to: whether the benefit should reflect the cost of the asset or its fair market value; on market rents or return on investment; and on whether the benefit should be based on actual usage or “availability.” Given a chance, CRA is likely to pick the most expensive choice.

In general, the best scenario is to pay the corporation the market value rent for the time you use the property and allow other employees or the public to use the property at the same rate. That lets the corporation deduct 100 per cent of its operating expenses. It also provides a strong, defensible market value position and avoids tax charges for availability.

The key to avoiding problems with expense deductions is clarity. Obtain full documentation for all service providers, particularly those located offshore. Work hard to compute reasonable values for benefit determinations when benefits are conferred on shareholders, employees and their relatives.

Be aware of changes in the law -- review the CRA publication dealing with benefits annually. This is an area where things do change and you should stay current in order to protect yourself. The downside is very expensive. <> Hank Bulmash, CA, MBA, is senior partner with Bulmash Cullemore Chartered Accountants and is president of its consultant subsidiary BusinessLab Inc. E-mail Hank at hbulmash@ bulmashcullemore.com.

MARCH 2011 | HPAC

77

wo odford WOODFORD MAmanufacturing N U FA C T U R IN G

PRESENTED BY

PRESENTED BY

show & tell

l

HigH-Quality HIGH-QUALITY NortH americaN made NORTH AMERICAN MADE For 79 years, Woodford Manufacturing Co. has For 79 years, Woodford Manufacturing Co. been supplying the plumbing industry with the has been supplying the plumbing industry highest-quality North American made products. with the highest-quality North American Our wide range of well-built wall faucets and hymade products. Our wide range of well-built drants are not the reason to donot business with wall faucets andonly hydrants are the only Woodford. products can be repaired reason toAlldoWoodford business with Woodford.

All in the field regardless age.

Woodford products of can be Individual repaired parts in theor repair kits are readily as we understand field regardless of available age. Individual parts or how important it isreadily to keepavailable projects onas schedule or repair kits are we understand how important it is to keep projects have repairs made quickly. onWoodford schedule or have repairs made quickly. repair kits also make it easy to execute in-line repairs and reduce the chance for Woodford repair kits to also make it easy unnecessary damage surrounding surfaces to execute in-line repairs and reduce the and structures. Take a look at our family of wall, chance for unnecessary damage to surroof and yard hydrants, as well as our many faucet rounding surfaces and structures. Take a products that are all proudly made to the highest look at our family of wall, roof and yard standards. hydrants, as well as our many faucet

products that are all proudly made to the Freezeless roof Hydrant model rHy1 or highest standards.

rHy2: The Woodford RHY1 provides water availability for window cleaning Freezeless Roofwashing, Hydrant Modelcondenser RHY1 or RHY2: The Woodford RHY1 provides water coils, cooling towers and other types of roof equipavailability for window washing, cleaning ment. The valve body of the hydrant is drilled and condenser coils, cooling towers tapped with an 1/8-inch drain hole, and whichother must types of roof equipment.

The valve bodyinbe piped to a drain location. Product features of the hydrant is drilled and tapped with an clude: ⅛-inch drain hole, which must be piped to • Mounting system to make proper and sea drain location. Product features include: cure installation to any roof.

• Mounting system to make proper and • secure Available with (RHY1) or without installation to any roof. (RHY2) backflow protection on nozzle.

• Available with (RHY1) or without • (RHY2) All repairs can be made from the of the backflow protection ontop nozzle. without removing hydrant.

Parts • Allunit repairs can be made from the topare available. ofreadily the unit without removing hydrant.

Parts are readily available.

Freezeless Hot and cold Wall Faucet

Freezeless Hot andThe Cold Wall Faucet model 22/V22/22cc: Woodford Model 22, Model 22/V22/22CC: The Woodford Model with an improved design, has been upgraded 22, with an improved design, has been with aluminum powder-coated oval handles upgraded with aluminum powder-coated standard and with the patented pressureoval handles standard and with the relief valve operating rods. The 22 series patented pressure relief valve operating provides year-round hot and cold water service rods. The 22 series provides year-round hot regardless of outside temperature.

Separate hot and cold water service regardless of outside and cold inlet tubes and operating handles temperature.

Separate hot and cold inletallow for and manually operated water temperature tubes operating handles allow for mancontrol. ually operated water temperature control.

Available in three models: • Model 22 Horizontal Mount – Rough Available in three models: Brass.

• Model 22 Horizontal Mount – Rough • Model 22V Vertical Mount – Rough Brass.

Brass (for end wall installation).

• Model 22V Close VerticalCoupled Mount – Rough Brass • Model 22CC – Rough (for end Brass (for wall useinstallation). in nonfreeze areas; • fits Model Close Coupled – Rough Brass within22CC 2-inch x 4-inch wall). (for useuses in nonfreeze areas; fits within Suggested include residential 2-inch x 4-inch structures where hotwall). and cold water service is required year-round; ideal for filling kids Suggested uses include residential structures wading pools, washing dogs or cars with where hot and cold water service is required yearwarm hotfor water. round;orideal filling kids wading pools, washing dogs or cars with warm or hot water.

Features: Features: • Faucet drains automatically when • Faucet drains automatically when hose is hose is removed. removed.

• Permanent stainless-steel seat • eliminates Permanent stainless-steel seat eliminates possible pitting of seat possible pitting seat orthe wirefaucet draw and alor wire draw andofallows lows the faucet to be repaired regardless to be repaired regardless of age. of age.

• EPDM packing prevents leaking.

EPDM packing prevents leaking.

• • Loose Tee Key (optional).

•

Loose Tee Key (optional).

Optional: RepairKit Kitisisavailable availableat Optional: An An RKPT RKPT Repair atadditional additional cost to convert the hot side to cost to convert the hot side handle handle to a “Push to Turn.”

This will reduceto a "Push to Turn." This will reduce the potential the potential to unintentionally turn on the unintentionally turn on the hot water. hot water.

New product feature:

New product feature: An internal resetting pressure-relief valve • An• internal resetting pressure-relief prevents the faucet casing tubes tubes from valve prevents the faucet casing burstingininfreezing freezing conditions, conditions, even if a from bursting is unintentionally left on.left on. even if hose a hose is unintentionally

www.woodfordmfg.com 72 78

HPAC | March 2010 HPAC | MARCH 2011

WOODFORDMFG.COM

hpacMag.coM HPACMAG.COM

Think of it as a 50-storey hose.

Get a convenient and reliable rooftop water source when you specify the Woodford RHY2-MS roof hydrant.

Engineered for quality and durability, the Woodford RHY2-MS is perfect for washing down cooling towers, cleaning condenser coils or providing water for window washers and other types of roof equipment.

The hydrant support allows for installation flexibility, while its unique mounting system secures above and below the roof deck, providing exceptional strength and security. It also comes with a 2-degree shim for pitch adjustment. Featuring ASSE 1052 backflow prevention and Woodford’s freezeless technology, the RHY2-MS makes getting water on the roof easier than ever before.

For more information, visit WoodfordMfg.com.

The choice of professionals.

Safety Isn't Just Skin Deep...

Corrosion Resistant Check Valve Construction

Single Access Cover

TM

Top Mounted Straight Tube Check Stainless Steel Retainer Body

Patented Linkage Design

Stainless Steel Piston and Stem Investment Cast Stainless Steel Body

Torsion Spring Design

Uniquely Contoured Check Valve Opening

Stainless Steel Relief Valve Cover Screws

Slotted Pivot Point

Replaceable Check Disc Rubber

Specify Superior Backflow Protection from Watts When it comes to protecting the health and safety of people, why choose anything but the best ?

The Watts SilverEagleTM Series backflow assemblies incorporate the latest design features to protect against contamination at health hazard cross-connections. The SilverEagle series is the most compact, the lightest and offers the most flexibility of any backflow assembly in the industry. Specify the valve with safety at its core! For additional information and to view the latest SilverEagle approvals, visit our website at www.wattscanada.ca or call 1-888-208-8927.